The 21 Beer every man should drink this spring

01/06/2015
Spring's a damn good season to imbibe. Sun's (sort of) coming out, those spiced winter-y ales are tapped out and for about three months you get to experience the best of all beer worlds: light, dark, hoppy, smooth.
To help, we spent some time with beer expert Randy Mosher, author of Beer for All Seasons (out now), to get a good idea on what's brewing this season.

Thankfully, he suggested a broad range: six categories of beer, with three or four brews per style to account for availability and subtle variations within each group. (Don't like IPAs? You might dig a white IPA.)
A couple o' quick hints on spring drinking:
Some of these beers we mention are harder to find or only available regionally. Sites like Craft City and CraftBeerKings can help close the distance.
Your best local brewpub should have their own variation on these styles. Ask 'em.
And most of these are quite strong.
So imbibe wisely.
Enjoy.

Doppelbocks
Dark, strong and malty. And once used in place of meals for friars who were fasting. “There’s a story of the monks looking around, reading their Lent rules, wondering if there’s anything in the good book preventing them from making a stronger beer,” says Mosher. “It’s a substantial beer, but fun for spring. It’s not a barley wine. You’re not going to drink it by the fire.”
Our picks: Paulaner Salvator, Ayinger Celebrator, Spaten Optimator
Hefeweizens
A south German style of beers with a high ratio of wheat (instead of barley), with overtones of banana and cloves —you’ll often see them served with a slice lemon or orange. “They’re standard for the summer beer garden,” says Mosher. “But this time of year, when it’s 50 degrees, you’ll find me outside in a jacket sipping on one.”
Our picks: Schneider Weisse Aventinus, Weihenstephan Vitus, Ayinger Weizenbock, Erdinger Pikantus
Witbiers
Or “white beer,” a top-fermented brew with a cloudy look, spiced usually with coriander or orange peel. “They’re smooth and creamy, a little bit warming but not too much,” says Mosher. “They hold that promise of spring.”
Our picks: Bell's Winter White Ale, Southampton Double White, Avery White Rascal, Boulevard Smokestack Series: Two Jokers Double-Wit

Maibocks
A strong beer that’s lighter in color than a traditional bock and a little hoppier. “It’s traditional for spring,” says Mosher. “It's smooth, rich and malty, but crisp enough to be balanced and finish clean.” But do note: a lot of maibocks are imports, so they often go stale and the clean, beautiful aromas get dulled. Says the author: “I would recommend heading to your local brewpub and seeking them out there. They’re common in those venues during the season, and freshness makes a world of difference.”
Our picks: Einbecker Mai-Ur-Bock, Bear Republic Maibock, Bayern Maibock
IPAs
The hoppiest of pale ales. “Not quite warming for winter, not quite right for fall,” says Mosher. “And they’re too much for summer. But for spring: impeccably clean, deliciously hoppy.” As an alternative, he suggests a white IPA, a hybrid of wheat beer and IPA with a “Belgian yeast character.” And, occasionally, apricots.
Our picks: Firestone Walker Union Jack IPA, Deschutes Chainbreaker White IPA, Samuel Adams Whitewater IPA (the one with apricots), Harpoon Long Thaw White IPA
Pilsners
Light in color, heavier in hops. For Mosher, pilsners are actually year-round picks. “I like my beer clean,” he says. “A well-brewed pilsner is a thing of beauty whenever.”
Our picks: Lagunitas Pils (“It’s a bit strong”), Firestone Walker Pivo Pils, Victory Prima Pils
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Fonte:http://www.insidehook.com/the-21-beers-every-man-should-drink-this-spring

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