Bring on the heat!  These are some of my favorite Southern beers that will keep you cool this Spring and Summer. Cheers y'all! 5. Endless River: Mother Earth Brewing- Kinston, NC

A clean, crisp beer, Kolsch offers a very slight fruity flavor and aroma. Light body with a little tang- perfect for a river paddle.

4. Watermelon Wheat (coming in May)- Tin Roof Brewing Co- Baton Rouge, LA

I was able to sample this beer at the Natchez Food and Wine Fest last summer and loved it.  Light, refreshing, and screams spring/summer with the hint of watermelon.

3. Citra Rye Pale Ale: Westbrook Brewing Co- Mt. Pleasant, SC

This beer is only available on tap so its a must try if you find it!  It has some crazy tropical fruit flavors and aromatics – think mango, pineapple, and passionfruit. YUM.

2. Lil Hump Spring Ale: Highland Brewing Co.- Asheville, NC

I love this beer because it is flavorful but is designed as a "session" ale so the ABV is lower.  Commercial description: "This American Pale Ale is a refreshing session beer meticulously handcrafted with a unique Highland twist. Brewed with grains from America’s heartland, using Simcoe hops for bittering and dry hopped with Amarillo and Cascade for aromatics, this beer finishes crisp and clean. It is a plate pleasing seasonal experience."

1. Abita Strawberry: Abita Brewing Co.- Convington, LA

Doesn't get more springtime then a strawberry laager!  I love love love this beer.  So light and crisp with a delicious fruity flavor from real Louisiana strawberries. Get it while you can!

Related articles

• Southern Breweries (emsontheroad.com)