Today is June 21, the first day of summer. Not only is it the first day of summer, but it’s the freaking weekend and eighty degrees in Boston. If that’s not enough reason to crack open a cold one, I don’t know what is.

We’re all familiar with Harpoon’s Summer Beer and Sam Summer, but if you stick to the obvious you’re missing the best of the New England beer scene, or at least the newest. If the recent Hyper-Local Craft Brewfest proved anything, it’s that there are more than a few local breweries to rival the giants. And their summer beers prove it.

We checked out what local craft breweries have to offer this season and found plenty to make us hoppy (sorry, couldn’t resist.) From Maine to the Cape, New England knows how to brew a summer beer. Peak Organic’s citrus notes and the tang of a Smuttynose Summerweizen are just a sampling of the serious flavor these brews are packing. Whether you’re at a backyard BBQ or drinking on the dock, these light, refreshing libations are the perfect accompaniment to any hazy, summer evening.

So take a break from Sam (he’s not going anywhere) and try one of these New England summer beers to celebrate the first day of summer.

Got any other suggestions? Let us know your summer beer of choice.