Some links on this page are monetized by affiliate programs - see disclosure for details.
The temperatures are warming up, the birds are back in the trees, and spring beers are making their way back onto the scene. Not sure which beers are best for those warm and wild spring nights? We have you covered. These are the top 10 best American beers to crack open this spring.
1. Great Lakes Brewing Co. Grandes Lago
Contents
While it’s been available at exclusive pubs, the Grandes Lago from Great Lakes Brewing Co. is being released in 6-packs and 12-packs this March. A Mexican-style lager, this beer is different in that it’s brewed with the addition of hibiscus flowers. This gives it a unique pink tint as well as a recognizably tangy flavor that fits in perfectly with the spring atmosphere.
2. Boulevard Tropical Pale Ale
Sporting a downright decent ABV of 5.9%, Tropical Pale Ale from Boulevard Brewing Co. incorporates grapefruit and passion fruit to make a citrusy, yet crisp beer that perfectly encapsulates a calm day spent under the spring sunlight. If you’re looking for a spring beer that’s not typical, this one is a great choice.
3. Dogfish Head Beer To Drink Music To ‘17 Tropical Blonde
Though it’s fairly strong in ABV at 6.8%, this beer from Dogfish Head is actually reasonably moderate in terms of taste. It’s brewed with kiwi and hibiscus, giving it hints of citrusy and fruity flavors which perfectly represent springtime. A blonde ale, this beer is being released from February through May, so try it while there’s still time.
4. Sam Adams Fresh as Helles
This Helles Lager from Sam Adams possesses a gold color that will sparkle under the spring sunshine. A fairly traditional lager, it’s accentuated by hints of orange blossom, giving it a crisp, yet citrusy flavor. With an ABV of 5.4%, it’s intoxicating but not incredibly bold. It should be noted that this is a seasonal beer, meaning that it’s only available through the end of May. Try it while you still can.
5. 21st Amendment Brewery Hell or High Watermelon
This fruit-hinted wheat beer from 21st Amendment Brewery is a seasonal beer that’s available from April through September. Highlighted by hints of watermelon, it packs a mild, yet tangy taste that is perfectly representative of both spring and summer. This beer sports a relatively tame 4.9% ABV so that it’s intoxicating, but not overpowering. Available in 6-packs of cans and on draft in select bars, this beer won’t be available forever. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to give it a try.
6. Coney Island Brewing Company Lemon Lime Twist Citrus Ale
This offering from Coney Island Brewing Company is a little sweeter than most beers, nearly resembling a cocktail in its overall taste. However, this does nothing to detract from its deliciousness and overall enjoyment factor. Sporting a mild 5.4% ABV, it’s an intoxicating, but easy-drinking brew that fits in perfectly with laid-back, relaxing spring days. However, if you wish to drink it in other seasons, it will still be available. Coney Island Brewing distributes it 365 days a year.
7. Harpoon Brewery UFO Big Squeeze Shandy
Another sweet, but refreshing beer that’s perfect for springtime is Harpoon Brewery’s UFO Big Squeeze Shandy. This citrusy beer is brewed with grapefruit juice, giving it an easy-to-drink, yet crisp flavor that’s perfect for sunny afternoons and calm, quiet nights. It sports a very tame 4.5% ABV, making it great for situations in which you want to drink, but not get completely intoxicated.
8. Bell’s Pooltime Ale
A Belgian-style wheat ale, Bell’s Pooltime Ale is a seasonal beer from Bell’s Brewing in Kalamazoo, Michigan. What makes this beer special is the fact that it’s brewed with cherries, giving it a light and fruity flavor. This flavor goes superbly with the light and easygoing atmosphere of a spring afternoon. Released only in the month of May, this beer comes in 6-packs of cans. If you’re interested, be sure to strike while the iron is hot.
9. Kona Brewing Longboard Island Lager
Though it’s distributed year-round, Longboard Island Lager from Kona Brewing in Hawaii is a beer perfectly suited for springtime. An American Pale Lager, it packs a slightly bitter, but primarily smooth taste that is easy to drink overall. With a very mild 4.6% ABV, this beer makes for a great long-drinker, not overpowering your senses in a short amount of time.
10. Travelin’ Light by Left Hand Brewing
A year-round offering from Left Hand Brewing, Travelin’ Light is being newly released in cans this March. This Kolsch-style ale has a refreshing, dry taste and is made with a variety of herbal hops. Sporting a relatively tame 4.8% ABV, it makes for a great long-drinking, sunny afternoon beer. It’s one of the only beers on our list that isn’t brewed with citrusy fruit.
Image Courtesy of Flickr User Quinn Dombrowski