April showers do indeed bring May flowers, but April also brings some much-deserved attention to the craft of brewing. This is the time that breweries release their spring seasonals. Some are repeats of previous years, some are new to the palate, and most are worth a try. Here are some of the best spring seasonal brews that can be found locally.
Spring into that frosty mug
April showers do indeed bring May flowers, but April also brings some much-deserved attention to the craft of brewing. This is the time that breweries release their spring seasonals. Some are repeats of previous years, some are new to the palate, and most are worth a try. Here are some of the best spring seasonal brews that can be found locally.
Ninkasi: Spring Reign Ale
Ninkasi doesn’t skimp on strong flavors in their Red and IPAs, so it’s no surprise that their Spring Reign Ale is a bit of a kick in the tongue for a spring seasonal. Like most spring seasonals, it’s flowery and tangy, but this one throws in an extra dose of hops. It’s good for the warmer spring days to come.
Upright: Flora Rustica
Just over a year old, Upright has already made a name for itself. Responses to their brews are either ones of amazement or confusion. The brewery certainly toys with unusual flavors and puts different spins on Belgian beers. Flora Rustica is a saison-style beer that’s light and tangy. The addition of calendula flower adds a sweetness to it that’s interesting and out of the ordinary.
Oakshire: O’Dark:30
Beer lovers have been raving about this Cascadian dark ale, also known as a black IPA. It’s unusual to see a brewery put out dark beer for a spring seasonal, but the black IPA has become increasingly popular with Oregon brewers over the past year. Like any IPA, it’s fairly hoppy and sharp, but Oakshire complements the ale with hints of chocolate and coffee.
Deschutes: Twilight Summer Ale
The Twilight Summer Ale isn’t exactly a spring seasonal, but it’s already hitting store shelves and its name deserves a mention. This beer supplies everything that a hot summer day requires: It balances sweet and bitter flavors just right. Deschutes comes around with this fruity, crisp ale every year and it has yet to disappoint.
Laurelwood: Altenberg Lager
Laurelwood comes out this week with its Altenburg Lager, a new spring seasonal in an old German style. Laurelwood brewer Hans Gauger visited Germany last year to learn about drying malts over an open fire. The process lends the malts a smoky flavor that adds complexity to the beer. The lager is sure to be one of the most unique spring seasonal releases.
Alameda Brewhouse: Beaumont Bock Lager
The Beaumont Bock Lager is another German-style beer, but without the smokiness of the Altenburg. It’s a darker ale that’s equally bitter and sweet, reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar.
Roots: Organic East Side Abbey Ale
The five different malts used to make this Belgian Abbey ale give it a mild sweetness that offsets its tart flavor. It’s much milder than most Belgian beers, and certainly less alcoholic, making it a light, drinkable summer beer.
Double Mountain: Empire Strikes Back IPA
Using all English malt and hops, this beer was crafted for Double Mountain’s anniversary this spring. It’s a pretty thick beer that goes heavy on the malt and has a spiciness that’s due to the English hops used. It isn’t as hoppy as most IPAs, which can be a relief to those wary of Portland’s highly hoppy brews.
