When the heat in Wisconsin reaches sweltering levels, it’s time to break out the lawnmower beers. While I tend to fall more on the big and dark end of the beer spectrum, even I can admit that they are not suited to yard work on a 90-degree day. (An air conditioned house set to 68, on the other hand? Pour me another barrel aged stout!) Here are my picks for the most refreshing local beers in the dog days of summer.

Parched Eagle – Westporter Weisse

Parched Eagle’s offerings often correlate closely to their BJCP style descriptions, and the Westporter Weisse is no different. The BJCP notes: “A sharply sour, somewhat acidic character is dominant,” and that’s exactly what you’re getting. If it’s too sour for your tastes, have it mit schuss (with a shot of fruit syrup) to help balance. For me, bring on that delicious grainy-wheat tartness.

Next Door – Livacious

I have a general distaste for non-sour Belgian beers. (This should probably disqualify me from having a beer column altogether, but the great Winnebozho has yet to catch on.) I make an exception for saisons, however, and Next Door Brewery’s is quite tasty. The fruity esters of the style work well with Next Door’s additions of peach blossoms, lavender and white tea. Lavender is usually an ingredient that scares me away from a beer, lest it render the beer soapy, but Next Door achieves success through restraint here. Try to get it fresh from their taproom if possible, as I’ve found Next Door’s sixer distribution to be a bit inconsistent.

New Glarus – Sours: Belgian Red, Raspberry Tart, Serendipity, Strawberry Rhubarb, and R&D

Despite only distributing in Wisconsin, the sour beer program at New Glarus has earned national praise and recognition. If you get the opportunity, head out to the brewery for one of their R&D releases — the next one is scheduled for Aug. 11-12 to coordinate with the Great Taste — and grab a bottle or two from brewmaster Dan Carey’s playground. Otherwise, these fruited brews are available everywhere around town and certainly do not disappoint.

Karben4 – Idiot Farm

A double IPA might be a little too strong while you’re mowing the lawn, and at 8.4% ABV it isn’t going to be the first thing I reach for after a long day of yardwork. (Please, mow and drink responsibly.) That said, Karben4 just released this one last week and it’s a great summer seasonal for when you’ve got the grill going and the bonfire kicking. Mosaic, simcoe, and citra hops all contribute to a fruity hop bomb that finishes a touch sweet. Tipsy Cow is hosting an all-day release party this Friday, June 16.

Ale Asylum – 12 oz. Curl

Pilsner is having a bit of a moment in the craft beer world as consumers realize there is more to the style than the dirty water offered by the Clydesdales. A fresh, clean, and crisp style with just enough malt backbone to carry and balance the noble hops makes this brew the very definition of a lawnmower beer. Unfortunately, Ale Asylum went and screwed up the release of this summer beer by dropping it in February and ending distribution in April. A few bottles are still floating around the Madison area for the cognizant consumer.

Funk Factory Geuzeria

Grab whatever is available. Seriously. When it comes to lambics, Levi Funk can do no wrong. The anticipation of sour beer fans for the grand opening of FFG’s taproom on June 23 is palpable. Do yourself a favor and try them all.