As spring begins and the seasons change, your beer preferences will also alternate. Regardless of the reason, seeking seasonal brews is a perfect way to force yourself to try new things while also providing you with a broad knowledge of the ever-expanding world of craft beers.
1. Gose
This Beer style is a warm fermented beer that originated in the 13th century in Goslar, Germany. It is brewed with a minimal malt bill, reducing the alcohol content and sweetness. Gose tends to be a clean beer with a lemon sourness, an herbal characteristic, and strong saltiness. While the style all but died out by the middle of the 1900s, it has enjoyed a resurgence with the increased interest in craft beers over the last couple of decades.
Examples: Sixpoint Jammer, Transmitter W4, and Lost Nation The Wind
2. Wheat Beers
Originating in Bavaria, it is a top-fermented ale and uses at least 30 % wheat in the brewing process. They have a hazy, citrusy, and fuller mouthfeel. Three distinctive Beer styles brewed with wheat as a primary grain, making them immediate light choices for spring, include Belgian witbier, hefeweizen, and American wheat ale.
Examples: Allagash White, Blue Moon Belgian White, and Bell’s Oberon
3. Kölsch
This beer is a top-fermented style characterized by a lightly fruity yeast note in aroma and taste. Kolsch is hybrid, which means it derives its qualities from both ale beers and lagers. They yield a light color with a dry crisp that will serve as a great addition to food.
Examples: Rogue Honey Kolsch, Abita The Boot, and Zunft Kolsch
4. PILSNER
Pilsner beer is a pale ale that takes its name from Pilzen, where it was first produced in 1842. This beer style is earthy in flavor, noble in hops with distinctive herbal flavors, and high in foaminess. They are brewed with pilsner malt and lager, which is bottom-fermented.
Examples: Pilsner Urquell, Jever Pilsner, and Heater Allen Pils
5. BOCK
Bock is a bottom-fermenting lager that takes extra months to smooth out. The taste is more robust than your typical lager and has a malt character. Bock beers are usually dark amber to brown with moderate carbonation.
Examples: Mystik Bock, Rock Out With Maibock Out, and Low Bock