We’ve said it before: runners love beer. As warm spring days and the glimpse of summer approach, runners know there’s no better way to relax after a hard effort than to elevate tired legs and sip on a cold brew. With the ever-expanding microbrew culture in the US, it’s hard to know which beer to choose. We’ve put in the hard work and run hundreds of miles and tasted dozens of brews to come up with a list of the top 5 Best Beers for Runners below. Just because we say so, though, don’t take our word for it. We also want to hear from you. Have a favorite beer that’s not on this list? Tell us about it! (Email Ashley.arnold@fleetfeet.com.)

Julius American IPA by Tree House Brewing (6.8%)

We’ve listed this first because it’s the best beer and it’s from arguably the best brewery in the country. But don’t trust us; take one look at the top-ranked beers on Untapped, and you’ll see multiple Tree House Brewing suds populating the list. But for a post-run thirst quencher—especially on a hot spring or summer day—Julius American IPA tops the list. It’s fluffy, hoppy, and overflowing with mouth-watering citrus. And, at just under 7%, it’s fairly sessionable … as far as microbrew IPAs go. But, don’t expect to find a four-pack very easily; it’s sold exclusively at the brewery in Monson, Mass., which sometimes requires standing in two-hour-plus lines to purchase.

Taper IPA by Sufferfest Brewing (GF; 7.5%)

We love Sufferfest’s brews for a number of reasons: 1) the San Francisco company was founded by a woman in search of the perfect post long trail run beer; 2) all the beers are gluten-free and; 3) Their slogan is “athletes who love beer.” On the website, they go so far as to list the post-exercise health benefits of drinking beer (we’re not taking those too seriously). While their beers don’t rank as high (in general) as some of the others on our list, they’re well-brewed for gluten-free (that’s hard to do well, people) and, after a summer run, the bubbles do the trick. If IPAs aren’t your jam, try the Shakeout (a blonde ale) or the Flyby (a pilsner).

Zombie Dust Pale Ale by 3 Floyds Brewing Co (6.2%)

OK, first of all, the artwork on this bottled-beer from Munster, Ind., is on point. It’s a bomber at-the-finish-line brew for a PR kind of day that goes down easy with dank hops, fruity tones, low bitterness, and a clean finish. Right now, 3 Floyds beer is only available in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Any Barrel-Aged Stout by Avery Brewing

This Boulder, Colo., brewery (sponsor of ultrarunner Sage Canaday) does a damn good job with just about every barrel-aged stout they make. Usually coming in at well above 10% alcohol by volume, though, reserve these full-bodied suds as sipper beers rather than post-run thirst quenchers.

Scaled Up Double IPA by Trillium Brewing (8%)

Forget what you think you know about double IPAs being over-the-top bitter. This aromatic, citrusy brew from Trillium leaves your palate with a light, smooth, citrusy zing. We recommend consuming Scaled Up while chowing down on a post-long-run burger on your back porch while soaking in the last rays of late afternoon sunshine. If this sounds like a dream (and a moment hard to come by), that’s because it is. Perfect long runs, burgers, and sunsets don’t happen every day (or all at once), and Trillium doesn’t distribute their beers outside of Mass. Still, if you find yourself in New England, do yourself a favor and visit the Fort Point or Canton, Mass., Trillium Brewing taprooms.