What’s In a Name: Frost Line Rye IPA

From catchy to kitschy, from cute to clever; no matter how you name it a beer’s moniker is very important.

Often, the name is the first interaction a customer has with a brand and can sometimes make or break whether someone actually tries the liquid.

So, it’s no surprise then that as Summit employees we get asked quite often just how we come up with the names for our beers.

That’s right! We’re back with yet another What’s in a Name! After exploring Summit Slugfest Juicy IPA, Summit Cabin Crusher Kölsch-Style Ale with Lime, Summit Dakota Soul Craft Lager and Summit Twenty-One IPA we’re diving deep into our new spring seasonal – Summit Frost Line Rye IPA.

In 2014 Frost Line Rye IPA was introduced as a “between-the-seasons” beer. This bitter, smoky brew was the perfect addition to our line-up, slipping in between Summit Winter Ale and (at the time) Summit Maibock.

The beer boasted four different kinds of rye malts that created a robust, woody flavor with aromas of campfire and roasted marshmallows. It echoed Winter Ale’s floral hop notes and Maibock’s bready undertones and was a meant to be a transition from winter into spring.

So, if it was a transitional beer why reference a frost line?

Good question! The frost line, also known as frost depth, is the depth at which the groundwater in soil is expected to freeze.

At the start of winter, it’s deeper and as we get closer to spring this target moves. Hence, it’s always something we’re watching to know when things will get warmer!

Frost Line Rye IPA was our “between the seasons” brew for one more year and then took an early retirement. But, due to its popularity we brought it back in 2022! And as the spring seasonal, it still creates that transition between the cooler and warmer months.

Summit Frost Line Rye IPA is now available in 6 and 12-packs of 12oz cans and on draught at select locations. Find it near you.