Summit Brewing Company claims to be “a more meaningful brew” and has been brewing since 1986. What does that mean? Well, for starters they are one of the most progressively green breweries in the world and have implemented multiple mechanisms to reduce water , energy, and waste consumption. Their focus continues to be on honoring classic brewing techniques and styles while upholding the brewing traditions of the Midwest.

“ I have no balance in my personal life, so I need it in my beer!” – Mark O. Stutrud, Founder and Brewmaster

Location: St. Paul, Minnesota

Type: Production brewery

Available in DC Market: No

Sponsorship

Beer #1: Saga IPA (India Pale Ale, 6.4%)

Beer Advocate: 88 (15 reviews)
Rate Beer: 92 Overall, 81 Style (21 ratings)

Notes: A very new beer, having just debuted in May. From Summit: “A decidedly different hop-forward brew…The beer has pronounced hop flavors and aromas of kiwi, passionfruit, apricot and gooseberry. Clean, assertive bitterness with balancing Pale malt characteristics. We hop it with the rare New Zealand Rakau hop along with Citra, Centennial and Amarillo. Named after the Norse Goddess of Poetry, who was the God Odin’s drinking companion… also, it was quite a saga to pick a name!”

Beer #2: Summer Ale (Golden/blonde ale / 4.9%)

Beer Advocate: 87 (11 reviews)
Rate Beer:  N/A (not enough ratings)

Notes: A very new beer and also one of the lowest ABV beers at SAVOR this year. Clean, crisp, and likely reminiscent of Flying Dog Underdog and Bell’s Oberon. From Summit: “A balanced, highly drinkable session beer for casual and serious beer lovers alike. Clean, mellow bitterness balanced by slightly bready, toasted malt qualities. An inspired summer ale with elegant fruit and floral aroma.”

SAVOR is a good opportunity to try beers from larger breweries that prefer to grow slowly and that have not yet entered our market. Summit is one of the oldest breweries in town this weekend and should be ready to show us what they are made out of, especially since both of the beers they’re bringing are pretty new.

This profile is a part of the DCBEER.COM SAVOR Brewery Profile series. For more information, follow the link to see profiles of all 2012 SAVOR participants.

Beer Review Disclaimer: The beer reviews found on Beer Advocate and Rate Beer do not represent the opinions of this site. We provide these in the hope that they will serve as a resource showing what some craft beer fans have thought of the beers. These reviews can be a helpful guideline, but are not the be-all end-all about a beer’s strengths or weaknesses.