A Fool for Beers

These five spring seasonals are brilliant.

April’s a time of showers, pranks, and more importantly BEER! Yes, my Falls friends this is that special time of year when we once again venture outside to enjoy the beauty of our exquisite neighborhood, hopefully whilst sipping on an alcoholic libation.

It’s also a time when many brewers start releasing great seasonal selections. In this article I highlight some fine craft beers to help celebrate the season and put some spring in your step — and that’s no joke! I fool around with many things, but one thing you don’t fool around with, is the enjoyment of a fine adult beverage!

I’m Peach IPA
Stone Brewing Company
Escondido, California

• Aromas of peach and hops
• Big hop notes balancing fruit peach hints
• Big, juicy, copper-colored, medium-bodied, double IPA
• ABV 8.8%
• IBU ???

There’s nothing subtle about Stone Brewing, and this beer once again proves that with its strong Mosaic & Loral flavors & tongue-in-cheek name. This awesome offering isn’t available until May 9th, but just like certain politicians, it may not last long, so I wanted to put it on your radar! Try this one with spicy tacos, tortilla chips with a peach salsa, or fiery wings smattered in a mango-habanero sauce.

Dragons & YumYums
Dogfish Head Brewing Company
Milton Delaware

• Intense tropical fruit & piney notes
• Hints of passionfruit, dragonfruit, & yumberry balanced with resinous hops
• A light-bodied, pink-hued, tropical, pale ale with a light balancing bite
• ABV 6.5%
• IBU 25

Dogfish LOVES beer & music! This 1st-of-a-kind beer and vinyl collaboration with the Flaming Lips is proof of that love. The Flaming Lips’ Wayne Coyne even used the yumberry and dragonfruit ingredients as characters in two original songs, The Story of Yum Yum and Dragon & Pouring Beer in Your Ear…making this the first beer with its own theme song!!!!

Do you realize how cool that is???? Pair this crazy craft with weird rocking tunes and a fun spring gathering like a BBQ with friends or light picnic outside.

Hand of the Queen
Brewery Ommegang
Cooperstown, New York

• Aromas of brandy-soaked raisins, dark fruit, & apricot
• Hints of molasses, toffee, adding to a sweet finish.
• A complex, bold, malt-rich, full-bodied, barley wine with warming, boozy finish
• ABV 11%
• IBU 35

Billed as beer brewed for Tyrion Lannister this BIG beer is sure to be a hit with both G.O.T. fans and fans of the barley wine style upon its release this April. Just be careful whilst imbibing this lovely libation because with its drinkability & high alcohol content, this beer can have you seeing dragons & white-walkers and unleashing your inner demon-monkey!

Try this one with rich fatty cheeses like a funky gorgonzola or nice camembert. It also works great at dessert it’s sweetness complementing any rich chocolate dessert or fruit-based pie or cake. Don’t be Imp-ish give it a try!

Shut Up, Meg!
Evil Genius Beer Company
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Flavors of black pepper, Asian pear, peach, with herbal notes
• A golden, Belgian-style, farmhouse IPA brewed with Amarillo & Simcoe hops fermented with Belgian saison yeast
• ABV 6%
• IBU 63

This awesome local brew released in April is just as fun to order as the irreverent show, Family Guy, that it gets its name from. (Oh man, and if the bartender/server who is supplying you with this beer is named Meg, the fun NEVER ENDS…. just remember to tip!) This ale is amazing used as a base for steamed mussels or as a marinade for grilled chicken, pork, beef, or fish.

This hybrid is also a nice fit for all sorts of people. It’s a nice selection for easy drinking at your next spring fling party as isn’t too hoppy, has a reasonable ABV, and even caters to the palates of your wheat beer loving amigos!

Roadie Radler
Great Divide Beer Company
Denver, Colorado

• A big bursting citrus aroma
• Refreshing grapefruit & citrus flavors with a balancing tartness
• An effervescent, hazy golden colored, low-alcohol, Radler brewed with natural grapefruit puree
• ABV 4.2%

This refreshing selection is perfect way to cap off that spring run or bike ride along the Schuylkill river or to perk up while spring cleaning. This beer pairs great with lighter spring/summer fare like a zesty herb mayo BLT, or a nice Caprese or spring salad with arugula, fresh fruit, and avocado. I LOVE this as a compliment to seafood — think fish tacos!

Here’s to Beers & Plenty of Cheers,

JK