Thursday Tasting: Spring Has Sprung

Posted Apr 03, 2008 in Beer, Beer Pairings, Breweries, Events, Seasonals

springsprung.jpg

Spring’s been creeping up on us slowly, but this week finally feels like it might be here to stay. Since we’ve been doling out the brewery tastings as of late, we’re going to sample a nice little variety of some beers for the warming months.

t’Smijse Blonde
t’Smijse Blonde is brewed as a traditional Belgian Golden style with the addition of Kaffir lime leaves. Very crisp and refreshing with citrusy notes. This little beauty is perfect with a fresh salad or some sushi.
[Belgium / Belgian Pale Ale / 6.0% abv]

Jenlain Biere de Printemps
Meaning “spring beer,” Jenlain is known to produce some of the finest farmhouse styles in northern France. Fizzy on the palette, yet hardy with a nice malt balance. Try this with a spicy barbecue sauce.
[France / Biere de Garde / 6.0% abv]

Vapeur en Folie
Vapeur is a steam-powered brewery. Their classic ales are brewed only on the last Saturday of each month. Vapeur en Folie is stronger than the previous and gets better with aging. A prominent tartness reminiscent of crabapple is the most striking thing about this beer.
[Belgium / Belgian Strong Pale Ale / 8.0% abv]

Dogfish Head Aprihop
The spring seasonal of Dogfish Head is “a fruit beer for hop heads,” according to Ale Street News. As a dryer fruit, the apricot adds a nice touch to this hoppy ale without being too fruity. The brewery recommends Mexican food and hummus among some other pairings, but we say a 4-pack of this with a nice cheese plate makes for a nice evening outside with friends.
[USA / Fruit Beer / 7.0% abv]

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