As Summer lands upon us like a hot, moist towel left in the back seat of your car, it’s time to get back into the quenching swing of Summer brews. In particular, I hope that most of you remember our Summer Irrational–Waterloo! This beer was designed about 4 years ago to be a quintessential Austin patio chugger. The criterion devised back then was drinkability without sacrificing interesting flavor. With that in mind, we thought initially of a Berliner Weisse (a German, 3% abv sour wheat beer). The tartness and light body/alcohol would provide the quenching effect. However, you can’t be quintessentially Austin if you’re trying to be like Berlin. So, we skewed the idea into our own concoction that uses our dry house yeast, sour-mashing techniques for lactic acid, and a healthy dosing of peaches to add subtle-yet-complex flavor and aroma. Thus was born Waterloo. This year, since the beer weighs in at 3.2% abv and is meant to be quaffed, we’ll be serving it in 20oz schooners!

Additionally this Summer, we’ll be releasing a new Rational and Irrational beer–Nemesis and Narcissus. To start with the Irrational offering, Narcissus follows the “Ego Series” (High Esteem, Hubris, Narcissus) to it’s natural conclusion. This beautifully hoppy beer, proudly boasts 30 lbs of Cascade and Centennial hops. Twice dry-hopped with a clean, malty body to help balance the aggressive hops and bitterness (8% abv, 75 IBU). As the pendulum swings to the other end of the beer range, we have Nemesis–brewed entirely with gluten-free ingredients. Using white sorghum, local wildflower honey, and citrusy hop additions, Nemesis allots a fortunate, refreshing drink to those whom unfortunately cannot tolerate glutens.

Finally, I’d like to remind our homebrewers that the 2nd Homebrew Challenge is nearing it’s deadline of July 22nd. This is a great opportunity for those Member-Owners who’d like to get more involved in the Co-op’s brewery. You can see all the rules here.