The Best Spring Ale

The Pauline Monks of Munich were the first to brew a Double Bock beer and it was consumed during lent, a time when the monks would fast. The double bock beer is a high-gravity beer used for a supplement to fortify the monk's soul during their fasting. This particular beer was named Salvator and is still available today. Throughout history many double bock beers have their names ending in "ator" in honor of the Monk's first brew.

In Germany having special beers just for spring is a very popular event, especially in the countries capital of Munich. The spring beers served in the springtime here are usually strong Lagers and are dark in color. In Munich, the double bock is regarded as a strong warm cure for the winter blues. Germany also has another variation, and that is called the "May Bock"; which is brewed every spring for consumers who want lighter and drier Ale.

Winter is coming to a close and spring is fast approaching. Spring is the time of year when the Bavarian Gardens re-open and when the breweries all over the world bring out their featured spring beers for the public. Most if not all of the new spring beers will be Ale or Bock; these beers will also reflect the traditional trends and flavors of the old..

Bock is also known as "Lager"; this particular beer has been around for nearly 750 years and is usually brewed in the fall. After the bock has been properly brewed, it is then stored for the winter in a cool environment until springtime comes. This aging process is what gives the bock its flavor, color, consistency and unique tastes. Here are some of the best (well my favorite bock's).

Michelob Amber Bock

Michelob Amber Bock is an American style bock beer and is brewed in St. Louis, MO. This amber bock has a richly deep dark brown color and is medium-boiled to give way to a great nutty aroma. Michelob Amber Bock also has a slight caramel sweetness that leaves a full rich texture in your mouth. This beer is great to serve with BBQ, grilled foods, rich tasting cheeses and dark chocolate cakes.

Samuel Adams White Ale

This particular Samuel Adams beer deserves mention because of its unique flavor. Samuel Adams White Ale has a smooth, creamy flavor with a hint of spring citrus. This wonderful White Ale pairs up perfectly with any fish dinner for a light spring evening. Samuel Adams is brewed out of the Boston Beer Co. in Boston, MA and of Samuel Adams beer is fantastic and unique in taste.

Samuel Adams Double Bock

Also brewed by the Boston Beer Co. in Boston, MA. This German style double bock is mass-produced in January every year due to its popularity here in America. Samuel Adams Double Bock is a full-bodied beer that has a robust, rich malt taste and goes great with a nice steak or just by itself. This particular Samuel Adams beer has an 8.8 ABV, so take it slowly; you don't want to get wasted before your dinner comes.

Sierra Nevada ESB

Sierra Nevada ESB is another very popular beer for any springtime occasion. This beer is much lighter than its double bock competitor, has a great hops flavor that sits nicely in the mouth and is well rounded with its spring tastes and earthy undertones. Sierra Nevada's ESB is easy to enjoy. The ale is left unfiltered, to give the beer a cooper red hue to its appearance. This beer is made by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. located in Chico, CA.

Newport Storm Spring Ale

This beer comes from the Coastal Brewing Co. out of Rhode Island and is very unique ale for the following reasons. It has a fantastic color, sort of a burnt orange hue with an active head. The aroma is wonderful caramel scents with a hint of maple and toffee. Newport Storm Spring ale uses only the finest hops and malts, they blend them together so well that it makes for the most perfect spring ale ever. This beer goes with any kind of food you want to serve, it's an all around crowd pleaser.

References for this article came from beer.about.com and springbeerfest.com