Spring is a time for renewal, growth and revitalization and for people living in the Pacific Northwest, it is an exceptionally beautiful time of year. Sunshine and rain bring budding flowers, hibernating animals emerge from their dens and local craft brewers take the region by storm, releasing specialty suds inspired by the season.
As the darker beers of winter retreat into the shadows, lighter beers emerge, conditioning taste buds for the coming flavors of summer and quenching the thirst of people throughout the vast region.
In Oregon, Portland Brewing Co.’s Rose Hip Gold is available throughout the month of March, lending notes of fruit, spice and citrus to fulfill your spring beer craving. This Belgian-style ale gets it citrus flavor from the generous portion of rose hips that are added to the kettle during the brewing process, making this distinct beer a perfect spring sipper.
Eugene, Ore.-based Ninkasi Brewing’s Spring Reign returns for it’s fifth year, providing its drinkers with satisfyingly smooth flavors of malt and a strong Northwest hop finish. And, this seasonal beer pairs well with other foods reminiscent of the season like salad, poultry and fish—all those lighter foods you’ve been craving after a winter’s worth of hearty roasts and heavy stews.
Seattleites can quench their spring thirst with a variety of seasonal releases including Two Beers Brewing Company’s Forester Double IPA. Available between March and May, this IPA is an expansion of Two Beers’ popular EVO IPA, and features springtime notes of citrus and floral.
If you’re still craving dark beers, 7 Seas Brewing Company features a springtime Cascadian Dark Ale. This beer is super hopped with an ultra smooth finish that will help sate your cravings. You can find these seasonal suds at 7 Seas Taproom in Gig Harbor, Wash., and on tap at various locations throughout the region.
Unfortunately, for many, the beauty of spring is often hindered by the allergies that it brings with it. However, Vancouver-based Parallel 49 Brewing makes coping with your seasonal sneeze slightly easier with their springtime Hay Fever Saison. A light, Belgian style beer, this complex and fruity blend will refresh your senses, making it easier to cope with those unsavory allergens.
Just as mother nature renews the earth with spring rains and sunny days, you too can renew your taste buds by reveling in the flavors found in these sudsy springtime brews.
