There’s a seemingly infectious malady that tends to strike when the days lengthen and the temperatures begin to climb. Often, it results in feverish bouts of restlessness, followed soon after by the impulsive need to bare limbs rendered terrifyingly pale from the long winter. That malady is known as springtime.
Which isn’t here quite yet. So to get you ready to shake off winter’s shroud of lethargy here at the dawn of spring–by way of the new brews from local standouts–give a hearty, spine-cracking stretch toward the sun as you ready yourself for these incoming suds.
Slumbrew My Better Half
ETA: early March
Planning for the onset of warm, sunny weather, Somerville’s Slumbrew is releasing an imperial cream ale that flaunts qualities of both a lager and an ale. The base batch is split into two parts: one half is cold fermented like a lager, and the second half is finished in warm fermentation as ales are. Later, the two halves are combined, resulting in a smooth harmony of sharp bitterness and a sweet, malty finish. At a 7.20% ABV, you’ll take a sip and feel color rush back into your complexion. I call it liquid sunshine. Or a damn good buzz.
Clown Shoes Beer Burnt Caramel
ETA: early March
There’s nothing more delightful than the taste of frozen dairy on a bright afternoon. Wait no, a cold brew is far more delightful. Enter: Clown Shoes Beer’s latest seasonal release, combining the two warm-weather favorites. Brewed with burnt caramel ice cream from Toscanini’s Ice Cream from Cambridge (it’s a favorite of the brewery), the aptly named American brown ale has robust caramel flavor, and mimics the creaminess of a fresh scoop. It’s beercream. Which I just made up. But that’s what it is.
Night Shift Brewing Ever Weisse
ETA: late March/early April
If you’re battling a particularly strong bout of spring fever, Everett’s Night Shift will be there for you with this Ever Weisse. It’s first brewed in super small batches and fermented with fresh strawberries and hand-chopped kiwi, and then aged with organic dried hibiscus flowers a few days before bottling to pick up tropical notes and a pink hue. The complex sour ale packs plenty of tartness, good fruit flavor, and mild funkiness. The good kind of funk.
Jack’s Abby Brewing Sunny Ridge
ETA: Now
If you just can’t wait to get into new spring hooch, Jack’s Abby’s Sunny Ridge is fresh on the shelves. Because spring is coming. And they know your mouth already wants to drink a pilsner that pours bright yellow, smells of fresh cut grass, and is balanced by herbal, earthy notes, light floral hops, and toasted grains. It’s crisp and refreshing, and should pair well with all that you do leading up to the summer solstice. That’s a fun way to say go drink a lot of beer in spring.
