Spring Is Here

Spring has finally sprung. The weather is all over the chart, some good, and some bad. Warmer days, cooler nights, sun, rain, wind, we’ve got it all. During these wildest of pre-summer months, which beers are serviceable and which, if any, just don’t cut it? Historically, at least in Germany, Bock is the true spring beer. Bocks and Dopplebocks roll out near the end of February and into March, with maibocks showing up closer to May. Of course, true Bock beers are hard to come by, I typically only discover 2-3 each year, so what else works for spring? In my opinion, something that leans toward the malty side yet is lighter and crisper than the winter fare is a great choice.
More widely available are several other German lagers that fit nicely into a brisk March day. Munich Dunkel Lagers are malty and rich, crisp and brown without being heavy. Ayinger from Germany and Mother Earth from North Carolina have solid examples. Slightly darker and drier is Schwarzbier, a malty lager style I really enjoy. Look for Germany’s Mönchshof, but also Sprecher’s Black Bavarian and Duck Rabbit’s version from USA.
Closer to amber in color are Vienna lagers, which are smooth and malty to start, but are balanced with a crisp hop finish. Although originating in Germany, Sam Adams Lager is the easiest to find.
If you think Bock is tough to find, try locating a Bière De Mars, which means March Beer in French, but is typically a Belgian, and sometimes French, offering. This beer, a subtype of Bière De Garde, is brewed with fresh malts and hops, is crisp, fruity, slightly malty, and also sour.
On the ale side, there are several English beers that could easily be spring fare. The classic ESB is a balanced and sessionable ale. Fuller’s London Pride may be the best example of the style. Heavy Seas Winter Storm is a tasty beer too. Somewhat hoppy for an ESB, it’s still a nice ale.
English brown ales will have more of a malt presence, but will not be as strong or thick as stouts, old ales or barleywines. Slightly sweet, Sam Smith’s is still the best, and will be somewhat dry with a nutty finish, hence the name Nut Brown Ale. The American made Bell’s Best Brown is one of my overall favorite beers, regardless of style or category.
Where this spring fest takes a strange turn is the typical offering from American brewers. Sam Adams and New Belgium seem to be the biggest perpetrators, releasing numerous wheat and light pale ales better suited for June and July than spring. This practice is standard in our country, with dozens of breweries bringing out wheats, hefeweizens, and wits. Don’t give in; there will be enough time for these beers this summer. Enjoy the brews … Cheers.
Gene’s Haufbrau has more than 200 beers in bottles or on tap. Gene’s is located at 817 Savannah Hwy. 225-GENE. E-mail the Beer Snob at publisher@westof.net.