Seasonal beers are great.

Picture yourself at a summer barbecue — you’re washing down grilled meats with a refreshing kolsch or fruit beer. In the fall, you’re tailgating with an Oktoberfest or pumpkin brew. A few months later, you toast the holidays with spiced winter warmers and stouts as dark as a December night.

What about spring, though? If you’re like me, you don’t have a beer you strongly associate with the season. We should change that, you and me.

So here are some good spring beers. Let’s drink them this spring.

Bell’s Oberon Ale– The release of Bell’s Oberon, a much-loved wheat ale, is basically a holiday in the Midwest. They even have a countdown clock on their website. This year, “Oberon Day” is March 27.

Dogfish Head Aprihop– The name says it all: Apricot juice plus lots of hops equals a flavorful spring sipper. Don’t let the fruit fool you, this IPA checks in at a strong 7% ABV.

New Belgium Spring Blonde– This Belgian-style ale is golden in color with lemony notes. Do 10 minutes of spring cleaning then reward yourself with a couple of these.

Southern Tier Where the Helles Summer?– Come for the excellent name, stay for this light, clean, crushable German-style lager.

Victory Kirsh Gose– Cherries are kind of spring-y, right? I don’t know. But I know that this sour cherry beer, Victory’s spring seasonal, is a refreshing choice on a warm, sunny day.

Phew, made it through the whole thing without a lazy “spring into” pun. I deserve a beer for that.

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