For those of you who have just returned from the mid-winter hiatus in Tahiti let’s talk about what has happened in the brewing industry. Our friends in the industry have once again decided that mother nature has become slow in her old age. Winter has begun to lag and we long for those warming days that bring us out to sample the fruits of spring. To cut it short let’s just agree with them and say ‘welcome spring!’ New on the shelf for our unseasonably chilly and winter-like spring season are the old favorites and a few never before seen.

 

Odell Brewing has released it’s traditional Red Ale brewed with American hops for a robust and pleasing character.

 

New Belgium has once again abandoned their traditional release (Mighty Arrow) and replaced it with another new temptation called Dig. A pale ale using not-so traditional hop combinations has produced a light, crisp ale with notes of citrus and other tropical fruit.

 

Red Chair comes back to us from Deschuttes Brewery in Oregon. A pale ale brewed with seven malts and an ample hop character.

 

Blue Moon has brought out it’s Spring Blonde Wheat Ale. Brewed with white wheat and lemon and orange peel it promises to be crisp and refreshing with a citrus finish.

 

Sierra Nevada has released a new and different type of spring seasonal –Ruthless Rye. It’s a darker ale which has been brewed with chocolate malt and rye. It has been described as dark red to chocolate in color and provides a complex taste contributed by the rye.

 

Sam Adams has also brought a new brew to the season. Alpine Spring is and unfiltered lager which claims to be light sweet and crisp with notes of citrus and spice contributed by their selection of hops.

 

Boulevard Brewing brings us it’s Irish Ale which uses six types of malt to produce the reddish hue along with what is described as a toasty flavor. We have also received from Boulevard, their Chocolate Ale in a 750ml bottle. Crushed and roasted beans were used in the brewing process to flavor this ale along with chocolate malt to produce flavors of vanilla and caramel.

 

So, seriously, let’s forget about those w(h)ine(rs) over on the other side of the store! Come in and grab a six pack or a few bombers for that final blast that signifies the end of winter. Celebrate the sport and the approach of spring with a few seasonals that bring out the best in our brewers and brewing culture. Just remember that beer transcends the seasons, it will never define them.

 

Cheers!

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