Ratebeer.com’s Unofficial Top 10 Beers of Spring

Image courtesy of Carlsberg Group

Following up on Steve Koenemann’s recent Beers of Spring article (and the fact that I was biking around in a t-shirt last weekend), it seems an appropriate time to once again plunge into the murky depths of the Ratebeer database and emerge with a corresponding Top 10 Beers list. Here’s to the finest spring seasonals the world has to offer.

As Steve pointed out, Doppelbocks and Maibocks (the latter typically filed under Heller Bock in the database) have their historical roots in the spring seasons.  I’ve included Bieres de Mars as well (literally translated as “March Beers” in French), along with any other brews corresponding to Lent, Easter, and/or the springtime months in general. Ratebeer’s Top Seasonals of Spring List was a useful starting point for some of these other beers, but the majority of the things on there don’t exactly make one think “Spring!” For the purposes of highlighting beers people can track down, I’ve also required a minimum rating count of 100, which mostly eliminated a bunch of nearly impossible-to-find doppelbocks.

As always, the intent here is to highlight some excellent, lesser-known releases. Similarly, you can check out the Unofficial Top 10 Winter Holiday Beers.

Ratebeer.com’s Unofficial
Top 10 Beers of Spring

#1 - Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock (4.1 / Doppelbock)

Presumably one of the only bottled beers in the world that comes with its own charm bracelet, Ayinger Celebrator is generally regarded as one of the finest examples of the doppelbock style. “Bock” means “goat” or “ram” in German, and “doppel” means “jewelry made with string.” (I kid.) This beer is available across the country, but it’s even better when you occasionally find it on draft. I still have fond memories of sipping snifters of this at Frisco Grille back in Maryland.

#2 - Andechser Doppelbock Dunkel (3.92  / Doppelbock)

The only beer on the list that isn’t distributed within the States, it’s certainly worth trading for or scrounging up during your next European jaunt. Huge amounts of melanoidins and toasty cereal, this full-bodied lager stays highly drinkable.

#3 - Aecht Schlenkerla Fastenbier (3.89 / Smoked)

One of Brauerei Heller’s two current seasonal offerings (along with the Eiche or “Oak Smoke” around Christmas) you can find this beer in kegs at select craft beer bars between both coasts. An unfiltered Lentbeer made with charismatic beechwood-smoked malts, this beer provides loads of flavor (smoked meats, pepper, significant spiciness, and hints of vanilla) for only 5.5% ABV.

#4 - Thomas Hooker Liberator Doppelbock (3.84 / Doppelbock)
#5 - Weltenburger Kloster Asam Bock (3.82 / Doppelbock)
#6 - Fish Tale Detonator Doppelbock (3.81 / Doppelbock)

Three more excellent and reasonably available examples of the doppelbock style round out the Top 6, offering notes of nougat, caramel, and dried dark fruits.

#7 (tied) - Jolly Pumpkin Bière de Mars (3.76 / Bière de Garde)

While earlier versions of this funky bière de garde seemed to be amongst the most acidic of Jolly Pumpkin’s lineup, recent batches allow the oak, vanilla, and fruitiness to show through more clearly. The Bière de Mars Grand Reserve is even better, although a new batch hasn’t been released in quite some time.

#7 (tied) - De Dolle Boskeun (3.76 / Belgian Strong Ale)

The very recent fire at De Dolle’s facilities in Belgium thankfully turned out to be slightly less dire than originally thought – and we hope for a speedy recovery for everyone involved. Their irreverence and focus on cellar-friendly Belgian beers appear here as a 7% Belgian Strong Ale with a buck-toothed cartoon bunny on its label. Kris Herteleer makes some of the finest big beers on the planet.

#9 - Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest (3.75 / India Pale Ale (IPA))

While fresh hop harvests in the northern hemisphere occur in the fall, things go down somewhat differently on the opposite side of the world. This seasonal is a great example of what New Zealand hops can offer to craft brewing: especially gooseberry and mineral notes reminiscent of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

#10 - Southampton Biere de Mars (3.74 / Bière de Garde)

A lot of these beers take me back to my time on the East Coast – whether it’s drinking Celebrator on tap at Frisco’s or pours of Schlenkerla Fastenbier and Southampton Biere de Mars at Max’s in Baltimore. This will be my first spring out on this side of the country, and while the Biere de Mars is generally hard to find even on its own coast, maybe, just maybe, there’s a solid German restaurant pouring smoked beers nearby… Or, maybe it’s time for a trip into the City.

Honorable Mention - The Bruery Saison de Lente (3.72 / Saison)

I couldn’t help but mention Saison de Lente with this list, as it’s one of my favorite beers from The Bruery (and my highest-rated spring beer…). Crisp and hoppy upon release, this Brettanomyces-infused saison develops a beautiful tartness and citric acidity after nine months or more in the bottle.

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Image courtesy of USAHOPS.org

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