4th Of July Beers To Have A Refreshing Independence Day

The 4th of July weekend is almost here! And it is time to start getting ready for the weekend’s festivities. For those of you who are planning on having a barbeque, or going away on a camping or beach trip, we got the perfect refreshment for you… a nice cold American beer! With the craft beer market growing, we thought it’d be a great idea to gather up a list of refreshing beers made by American microbreweries. If you are feeling adventurous and want to try something out of the box on this Independence Day weekend, try one of these and support American small businesses. Happy 4th of July y’all!

1. Brooklyn Summer Ale - Brooklyn Brewery

Brooklyn Summer is a crisp, fairly light beer produced every summer by Brooklyn Brewery in Brooklyn, New York. Its body is light enough to drink smoothly, perfect for beating the summer heat. It has a standard ABV of 5 percent, making it a casual beer for a relaxing Fourth of July barbecue. This beer would be paired great with grilled chicken, light sausages and burgers. To see if Brooklyn Summer is on the shelves in your area, follow this link to Brooklyn Brewery's website.

2. Anchor Steam - Anchor Brewing Co.

Anchor Steam is a rich beer brewed year-round by Anchor Brewing Co. in San Francisco, Calif. It has a strong flavor with mild bitterness that fulfills cravings for a darker beer without being overwhelming. It certainly fits the profile of a "classic" beer with a hoppy profile yet goes down easily. It's perfectly paired with steaks and burgers. Its ABV is lower than most beers featured here, hovering at around 4.9 percent. Fortunately, this beer also makes the rounds and tends to be available at locations throughout the country. To track down some for yourself, click here.

3. Harpoon IPA - Harpoon Brewery

Harpoon IPA is a strong-bodied India Pale Ale brewed by Haproon Brewery in Boston Mass. It is a unique brew in that it maintains the robust taste of an IPA without the bitter aftertaste or overwhelming flavor that can be killer on a hot day. This IPA crests just below 6 percent ABV -- 5.9 percent -- making it something to enjoy a little more slowly than other beers on this list. Pair this satisfying IPA with a steak or burger. Find some for yourself here.

4. Summer Solstice - Anderson Valley Brewing Co.

Summer Solstice is a summer cream ale brewed by Anderson Valley Brewing Co. in Boonville, Calif. It's got a smooth caramel flavor that makes this brew lovingly dubbed "cream soda for adults." It has an excellent drinkability and will likely win over the most guests with its inviting flavors. That said, it pairs well with more delicate foods such as grilled chicken, mild sausages and hot dogs. It has an ABV of 5 percent. Find some for yourself here.

5. Fire Rock Pale Ale - Kona Brewing Co.

Fire Rock Pale Ale is an American pale ale brewed by Kona Brewing Co. in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. It's got citrus, floral and hoppy undertones that make it great in hot weather. The flavors all meld uniquely into something that's enjoyable for everyone. It has possibly the lightest flavor on this list, with a surprisingly high ABV for such a mild flavor, topping out at 5.9 percent. This brew pairs delightfully with almost anything from grilled chicken to burgers and fries. Find a pack -- or more -- for yourself here.

6. Pliny the Elder - Russian River Brewing Co.

Pliny the Elder is a legendary imperial India Pale Ale brewed by the illustrious Russian River Brewing Co. in Santa Rosa, Calif. It is best suited for "serious" beer drinkers only. It is wonderfully bodied and flavored, but a casual beer drinker may spit it out on the spot if not prepared for the outstandingly refreshing bite of the hops. This beer also has a whopping ABV of 8 percent, so drink slowly and responsibly! This beer obviously pairs best with red meats, particularly a nice burger or carne asada. Find some for yourself (if you're lucky) here.

7. Fat Tire - New Belgium Brewing

Fat Tire is an amber ale brewed by New Belgium Brewing in Fort Collins, Colo. It is strangely reminiscent of an IPA with its malty-hoppy flavor, but it comes right back with a very nice hint of floral flavors and a smooth aftertaste. This makes it excellent for fans of dark beer who just can't bring themselves to drink something more potent, especially if there's a smoking hot grill to attend to. It has a medium body, best suitable for consumption with food for a comforting 4th of July feast. Its herbal and spice hints are best with carb-heavy foods and snacking, though a juicy burger would be nice! It has a slightly -- very slightly -- above average ABV of 5.2 percent. There is a shocking availability for this wonderful little brew, but if you're not sure where to go, find out here.

8. OREgasmic Ale - Rogue Ales

OREgasmic Ale is an American pale ale brewed in summer by Rogue Ales in Newport, Ore. This beer is good for those who wish to have something along the lines of a Blue Moon, only with much better flavors and brewed by a quality establishment. It beautifully combines a hoppy bite with a sweet orange twang, though one of the bigger complaints is that it can get a tad too sweet. Still, its name -- silly pun notwithstanding -- does not lie as it provides a nice crisp, refreshing flavor. It has an ABV of 6 percent. Find some for yourself here.

9. Gonzo Porter - Flying Dog Brewery

Gonzo Porter is a Baltic porter on a rotating brewing schedule that is brewed by Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick, Maryland. This rich, smooth porter has got everything a porter should have -- a good mixture of spicy, "acidic" flavors, such as coffee and dark chocolate, and hops. It's perhaps best enjoyed at night when the heat has turned down a little, but with such a surprisingly brilliant package of flavors, slipping a few during the day is most definitely worth it. This beer is best not bogged down with food, but rather casually enjoyed. But be careful! This brew has got an ABV of 9.2 percent, a step down from its original 10 percent. The bottle is cleverly adorned with Hunter's famous line: "Good people drink good beer." Drinking a beer like this will certainly make you good people. See if this brew is blessing your area here.