Deschutes Brewery

6.4% ABV | 60 IBU

What a mouthwatering beer, this one! The next best summer beer. I was strolling past one of my favorite quaint Wicker Park patio bars only to be pleasantly lured in by their $4 Beer of the Month, Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA.

This American-style IPA pours an appealing dark orange color with bright hues and a clean, white head. The aroma awakens your nose before you even raise the glass. Appropriately named, Fresh Squeezed may be the closest some of us get to an incredibly bright scent of orange trees this summer. Like I said, I was strolling by the bar on a beautiful, sunny Chicago day. However, it could have been gloomy and storming outside and this brew would instantly transport you to a brighter, warmer place.

As it reaches your lips, the taste is as fresh as the name…Remember those mandarin orange snackables that your parents used to put in your lunch? Or better yet, Tampico, the carton of orange juice in your high school cafeteria!? It was delicious. Delicious because it was definitely better defined as juice! That is Fresh Squeezed IPA, only better. Fantastic, refreshing, flavor bursting juice! Alcoholic juice, yes, but coming in at 6.4 ABV, I find it still a bit sessionable for your summer outings. I also find hints of lemon and grass traveling across my palate. Excellent flavor that remains light, keeping you wanting more and ready to take another sip.

After an outpouring of love for this brew, Deschutes has recently announced this refreshing 6-pack will now be distributed year round. Cheers y’all!