Are you a craft beer enthusiasts that drinks styles based on the season? For example, stouts in the winter and blonde ales in the summer? If so, you’re not alone as many do the same. For me, I tend to drink all styles all year round. If it is tasty, then the weather won’t stop me from trying it. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t styles that fit specific seasons more than others. So let’s check out some beer styles perfect for Spring.
It’s easy to recognize which beers are great for Winter (dark, high ABV), Summer (light, low ABV), or Fall (pumpkin, Oktoberfest) but Spring isn’t as easily categorized. In most areas, including mine, Spring can be a bit of a wild card season. The chill of Winter can still linger a bit while there are many rainy days. But regardless of the temperature or the precipitation, Spring feels hopeful and energetic more so than other season.
To match the spirit of the season, the beer should also have those characteristics. They should help make you feel renewed and excited about the days to come rather than reminiscent of days past.
Craft Beer Styles Perfect For Spring
Kolsch
In craft beer, there are styles that slowly creep into the limelight. Kolsch is one of those styles that has never been trendy but when you look around, you’ll find quite a few.
This style is brewed like an ale but then fermented like a lager. The result is a beer that features great “fruity” ale characteristics while picking up a light and crisp profile typically found in lagers. The hops are typically German in variety which means you should get mostly floral notes from them but they will be subtle. It won’t be bitter instead, expect a very balanced and clean beer.
You can find many American made versions but the originals come from Cologne, Germany. This style is very versatile and it fits Spring quite well as a beer that welcomes better weather and warmer days.
Recommendations:
Sion by Radeberger Gruppe
Lift by MadTree Brewing
Hefeweizen
Banana, clove, and bubble gum; many new to craft would never think these flavors could be found in beer. But if you’ve had a Hefeweizen then you know how amazing it can be. The Hefeweizen style is as old as beer itself and continues to be a very popular style.
The great thing about the Hefeweizen is the flavors are bright but it also carries a bit of weight for those rainy days.
How each version expresses the various flavors of a Hefeweizen varies. For the recommendations listed below, the Hawly Hefeweizen has huge notes of bubble gum and banana while the West Side version focuses on subtle banana and clove. The result are two great beers of the same style that are also unique.
Take your drinking experience to the next level and grab some glassware made specifically for Hefeweizens.
Recommendations:
Hawley Hefeweizen by Wallenpaupack Brewing
Hefeweizen by West Side Brewing
Fruited Sour Ales
From Berliner Weisse to Gose and every other sour ale being made, most have fruit added to them. It’s a great way to balance sour and sweet while also adding depth of flavor.
The bright fruit flavors are similar to the shift in seasons and sunny days that the Spring season foreshadows.
The best part is sour ales are made with many different fruit flavors. From citrus to berries to melons and many more. Each provides a slightly different experience. And most are not nearly as sour as one may think, so try a fruited sour ale this Spring.
Recommendations:
Tucana by Ecliptic Brewing
Shade by MadTree Brewing
Porter Vs Stout: What’s The Difference?
Final Thoughts On Spring Beer Styles
Unintentionally, I’ve selected almost all German beer styles. But don’t be too surprised since so many beer styles originated from Germany. They’ve always known what they were doing when it comes to beer.
Spring should be a positive, uplifting season and there are many beers that pair well with that mindset. Including many that not mentioned here. Look for beers that have lots of character but aren’t heavy. They should have a medium body some element that is bright or crisp.
In the end, any style can be enjoyed at any time of year. But there are some that just fit into a season so well that it’s worth noting and celebrating.
What’s your go-to craft beer style for Spring?
6 thoughts on “Beer Styles Perfect For Spring”
I think Maibock is the perfect Spring. Yet another German style, but it fits perfectly in the transition area between winter stouts/warmers and summer styles. The trouble with the style is, it is hard to find, especially locally brewed. Maibock would get by vote.
Excellent choice! My hometown of Cincinnati loves any version of Bock and even has a late winter festival to celebrate the style (we have a strong German heritage). It isn’t a style that is always easy to find but I think that adds to the intrigue and appeal. Cheers!
I had forgotten about Cinn German lineage. That’s probably why German styles are not as prevalent here in the South not as much German/Austrian blood.
History and Beer History are closely connected so yes, the lack of German heritage is probably to blame for the lack of that style in your area. But luckily, the craft beer industry has really helped spread styles into areas where they never existed before. It’s a great time to be alive!
I have always thought Saisons fit well with spring. Saisons can land in several flavor profiles, but even though I don’t go for the more sour saisons out there, they certainly do fit the season!
Hey Jon – Great suggestion! The Saison is a great example of a beer that can have a lot of different flavor profiles but most of the fit the energy of Spring really well! I like the sour saisons a lot but also enjoy those that are more floral and earthy. Either way, I’m in the mood for a Saison now!