10 Craft Beers For Spring

Spring is here, officially, even if it's not yet in full effect some places, and that makes us thirsty. The season of flowers and long sunshine hours brings with it many terrific brews. Here are 10 beers we're looking forward to enjoying this spring.

The Bruery Saison De Lente
Placentia, Calif.
This American brewery has never hidden its Belgian inspiration, and this easily drinkable yet complex farmhouse ale is no exception. Heard of Brettanomyces yeast, aka "Brett"? This beer is a perfect introduction to the funky flavors it produces and the way they complement hops, in a 6.5 percent ABV sip that won't knock you out.

Half Acre Daisy Cutter
Chicago
This West Coast style pale ale is usually served in a 16-ounce can. It sports a relatively low 5.2 percent ABV, but when it comes to flavor, it packs a punch. Some might liken its taste to chewing on pine needles, but if you like fresh, woody flavors, this beer will awaken your taste buds with springy pop.

Green Flash Palate Wrecker
San Diego, Calif.
This 9.5 percent ABV double IPA is aggressively hoppy and strong (per its name) thanks to 6 pounds of hops per barrel. Both Centennial and Columbus hops are used in the wort and also layered in during fermentation. Despite the strength, the flavor is popular — just don't pair it with delicate food and you'll enjoy your glass.

Founders All Day IPA
Grand Rapids, Mich.
The name is a reference to this session beer's low ABV (4.7 percent) and the fact that you can probably get away with drinking it noon through night. That doesn't mean it's boring — anything but. Malts, grains, and hops combine for a complex-yet-easy sip.

Lagunitas Wilco Tango Foxtrot
Petaluma, Calif.
Not to be confused with the music group's seminal album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, this 7.8 percent ABV ale is, per the label, "a malty, robust" imperial brown. Originally the name was going to be "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot," but the company was told the word "whiskey" is not allowed on a beer label. What?

Southern Tier Hop Sun
Lakewood, N.Y.
Unlike many wheat beers, which are subtle and simple, this one has a lot of kick and complexity. That's thanks to a batch of fresh hop flowers added after fermentation, producing a dry, picnic-perfect sip.

Boulder Kinda Blue
Boulder, Colo.
This American wheat beer has just a touch of blueberry flavor, since the purée is added during cold fermenting rather than during the mash (the common "fruit beer" technique). This ensures the fruit flavor isn't overwhelming, making a refreshing brew perfect for patio sipping.

Great Divide HeyDay
Denver
At 5.2 percent ABV, this Belgian-style white ale is another session beer that lends itself well to day-drinking. Complex flavor from barley, oats, and wheat does not overwhelm, and hops add just enough sparkle so you don't get bored.

— Danya Henninger, The Drink Nation

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