If you go out for St. Patrick’s Day, you are often left with precious few beer choices—and almost exclusively those that you had last year, and the year before that. This spring, you can stock up on some seasonal beers that can bring a lot more nuance to your glass. These brews pack stronger and more vibrant flavors, and will fit the mood of any spring day or give party guests something to talk about. Edina Liquor’s assistant manager Tim Hengemuhle has some picks to get you started.
Boulevard Irish Ale
This Kansas City, Missouri, brew is a great seasonal alternative to Killian’s Irish Red, explains Hengemuhle. It has the clear copper color and foamy head you would expect from a traditional Irish Red Ale. While it leads with a smooth aroma that is heavy on grain, and the flavor balances malt sweetness with a lightly bitter finish. The gravity is moderate for the style, and a great starting point for those just starting to experiment with craft beers.
Deschutes Obsidian Stout
For many people, this is the time of year to enjoy a Guinness or two. An American craft stout is an interesting alternative, however, with one of the best versions coming out of Bend, Oregon. Deschutes Obsidian has a much stronger flavor then the more celebrated stout from Ireland, with a heavy taste of roasted malt and a slightly smokey finish. Though a more complex beer, it is not as heavy as other American versions. Also consider other great craft options like Bell’s Kalamazoo stout or Lake Superior Sir Duluth stout. If keeping it Irish is more up your alley, then think about switching to the Foreign Extra Stout variety of Guinness that has a flavor similar to the more common draught style, but on steroids.
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Ale
This award-winning barleywine from Chico, California, balances the strong maltiness of a long brew time, with a fruity bouquet that is reminiscent of a good red wine. Originally brewed in England, barleywines have become a popular seasonal or limited edition brew of many American craft brewers. The Bigfoot has a lighter carbonation and a rich, strong finish, and is best enjoyed when sipped slowly to enjoy the depth of flavor. Barleywines are not to be consumed in volume, notes Hengemuhle, as the strong taste and feel make it better to have with dinner than pounded down at the bar.
Samuel Adams Noble Pilsner
From the Boston Brewery, this pilsner is a great change to those more accustomed to their pilsner from a can. The aroma is sweet and subtle, with a slight citrus scent. It has a light spiciness that proves moderate enough for simpler tastes, but a slight hop backbone that will please the more seasoned beer drinker. It is very drinkable for a long day of festive food choices, and should sit nicely with whatever you are eating.
Local Maibocks
As always, the seasonal Minnesota beers are a fine choice, and are always crowd favorites, says Hengemuhle. The Summit Maibock and Schell’s Maifest are a couple of the best American versions of the German Maibock Style. This golden colored beer is lighter in hop flavor, and is a drier alternative to the more popular pale ales. They are both higher in alcohol content than most year-round beers, but lack the harsh bite of lower quality Maibocks.
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