The Ultimate Guide to Summer of Sport Beer Selection

Summer is here, and with it comes a packed calendar of sporting events—from football tournaments to cricket tests, tennis grand slams, and Olympic games. Whether you're hosting a viewing party at home, heading to a friend's barbecue, or enjoying a match at the pub, choosing the right beer can elevate the entire experience. But with so many craft beer options available, how do you pick the perfect brew for game day?

In this guide, we break down the best beer styles for summer sport, highlighting key factors like refreshment, sessionability, and flavor intensity. We'll also spotlight some standout options from BrewDog's Summer of Sport collection, including the crisp Lost Lager 440ml and the bold Apocalypse IPA, to help you build the ultimate sports beer selection.

Why Beer Choice Matters for Game Day

The right beer can enhance the excitement of a close match, keep you refreshed through extra time, and complement the snacks on your table. For summer sport, you want beers that are easy-drinking, not too heavy, and preferably low in alcohol so you can enjoy a few without losing focus on the action. Session IPAs, light lagers, and fruited sours are excellent choices because they offer flavor without overwhelming the palate.

Temperature also plays a role. On a hot day, a cold lager or a crisp pilsner hits the spot far better than a high-ABV stout. Carbonation level matters too—bubbly beers cleanse the palate between bites of salty snacks, making them ideal companions for game day food like wings, nachos, and burgers. By selecting a variety of styles, you can cater to different tastes among your guests and keep the party going from kickoff to final whistle.

• Look for sessionable beers with ABV under 5% for longer drinking sessions.
• Choose styles that pair well with common game day foods: IPAs with spicy wings, lagers with burgers, and sours with lighter snacks.
• Consider offering a mix of cans and bottles for easy handling and quick chilling.

Top Beer Styles for Summer Sport

When the sun is blazing and the match is tense, reach for a classic lager. Crisp, clean, and highly refreshing, lagers like Lost Lager 440ml are the ultimate summer sport beer. They have a light body and subtle malt sweetness that won't weigh you down, plus a moderate bitterness that cuts through rich foods. This style is a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both craft enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

If you prefer a bit more hop character, a session IPA is a fantastic alternative. These beers pack the aromatic punch of an IPA but with lower alcohol, so you can enjoy several during a long match. For those who want something truly bold, a full-strength IPA like Apocalypse IPA delivers intense citrus and pine flavors that stand up to spicy game day snacks. And don't forget about fruited sours or radlers—they're perfect for a hot afternoon, offering tartness and fruit sweetness that feel like a refreshing break from the norm.

• Lagers: Lost Lager 440ml is a go-to for its clean finish and sessionability.
• Session IPAs: Look for balanced bitterness and bright citrus notes.
• Fruited sours: Ideal for a hot day, with a tart, refreshing profile.

Building the Perfect Summer of Sport Beer Selection

A great sports beer selection offers variety without overwhelming. Start with a core of two or three sessionable options, then add one or two bolder choices for those who want something special. For example, you could include Lost Lager 440ml as your go-to lager, a fruited sour like Wonderland Pina Colada for a tropical twist, and a robust IPA like Apocalypse IPA for hop lovers. This mix ensures there's something for every palate.

Consider the event duration. For a single match, you might only need a few cans per person, but for a day-long tournament, plan for more. Cans are convenient for outdoor gatherings and easier to recycle than bottles. Also, think about glassware—while drinking from the can is fine, pouring into a glass releases aromas and enhances the experience. If you're gifting a sports fan, a curated pack like the Dads Craft Beer Gift Pack makes a thoughtful present that introduces them to new flavors.

• Include at least one lager, one IPA, and one fruit-forward option.
• Cans are portable and chill faster than bottles—perfect for picnics and barbecues.
• For a longer event, aim for 3-4 beers per person over several hours.

Pairing Beer with Game Day Snacks

The right beer and food pairing can turn a good game day into a great one. Classic combinations include pairing a crisp lager with salty pretzels and mustard, or a hoppy IPA with spicy chicken wings—the bitterness cuts through the heat and fat. For lighter fare like veggie platters or fruit, a fruited sour or a radler is a natural match, complementing the fresh flavors without overpowering them.

If you're serving burgers, a malty amber ale or a robust IPA stands up to the beef and cheese. For pizza, a pilsner or a session IPA works beautifully, cleansing the palate between slices. And don't forget dessert—if you're ending the day with something sweet, a small pour of a stout or a barrel-aged beer can be a delightful finish, though these are best reserved for after the final whistle.

• Lagers pair well with salty snacks like chips, pretzels, and nuts.
• IPAs complement spicy, fatty, or grilled foods.
• Fruited sours are excellent with fruit-based desserts or light appetizers.

Tips for Hosting a Summer Sport Beer Tasting

Turn your next game day into a mini beer tasting event. Invite friends to bring their favorite craft beer from the Summer of Sport collection, and set up a blind tasting to see which one pairs best with each snack. Use tasting sheets to rate aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. This adds an interactive element to the viewing party and helps everyone discover new favorites.

Keep beers cold in a cooler or ice bucket, and provide small tasting glasses (4-6 oz) so guests can sample multiple styles without getting too full. Encourage discussion about the flavors and how they change as the beer warms. You might be surprised at how a beer like Lost Lager 440ml reveals subtle notes after a few minutes in the glass. For a fun twist, award a "best in show" to the beer that gets the most votes at the end of the match.

• Use small glasses to allow multiple samples.
• Provide water and palate cleansers like plain crackers between tastings.
• Print simple tasting sheets with categories: appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, overall impression.

Whether you're cheering for your team from the couch or the stands, the right beer makes every moment more memorable. This summer, explore the Summer of Sport collection at BrewDog and find your new game day favorite. Start with the refreshing Lost Lager 440ml, then branch out into bold IPAs and fruited sours to keep your palate entertained from the first whistle to the final score.