Setting my clock ahead got me excited about Spring. Wind, allergies and wishing it was Summer already – what’s there not to get excited about? Well I can think of one, no return of Dogfish Head’s Aprihop. Boo!
Fortunately, here are some great alternatives to help you get in the mood… for warmer weather!
I have lived on both the East and West coasts of the US. I know how frustrating it can be to hear about a new beer to only find out that you can’t buy it in your area. So, I’m going to try to stick to beers that you can find almost anywhere.
I’m typically not a fan of mixing my beer with something other than more alcohol, but I make an exception with Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy. A Shandy is a style of beer usually half beer and half lemonade. It’s crisp, refreshing and my go-to drink for warm days spent outside. I recommend picking up a 6-pack for your first BBQ of the season.
You can’t start your Summer without a great IPA. Sierra Nevada’s Torpedo Extra IPA is one of my favorites. Every time I crack one open the smell takes me back to the summer I spent in Mammoth Lakes, California. Fishing, hiking and drinking. Lots of drinking! If you like a less bitter IPA then you must give this one a try.
Spring wouldn’t be whole without a wheat beer. Widmer Brothers, Widmer Hefeweizen is one of the few great hefeweizens that can be found in most beer stores. The beer has a bit of citrus taste with a subtle bitter after taste. The best thing I like about this beer – its good both cold and warm which makes it perfect for long camping trips.
If you’re like me and still have a bad taste in your mouth over Dogfish Head’s decision to end production of Aprihop, then I recommend flying to Colorado and picking up a flat of Dry Dock’s Apricot Blonde. It is delicious! Don’t worry about getting there in the Spring; this beer is available all year long.
If you are a craft beer snob and haven’t tried these beers, I recommend you keep your eye open for them on your next run. Now let’s all crack a cold one and cheers to Spring!
It was my first time trying the Strawberry Lager from Abita. I really enjoyed it! It's not your stereotypical fruity beer.