With spring comes warm weather, allergies and beer. Breweries from around the country soon will be releasing spring and summer beers that encompass the spirit of warm weather.
One of the styles that breweries release in the spring time is the Witbier, or white beer. The Witbier is a Belgian-style ale that is golden in color and has a refreshing crisp taste. The Witbier is much like a German Hefe Wiess, but differs due to the addition of spices such as orange peel and coriander, an annual plant.
Here are two Michigan white beers that can be found around the Lansing area.
The beer: Bell's Oberon
The Beer Gal's thoughts: This is the most popular microbrewed beer in Michigan, by far. Oberon is an excellent beer to try if you are just a beginning beer-drinker. It has a smooth taste and is not overly sweet or dry.
Where can I get some?: Bell's Oberon should be arriving at Big Ten Party Store, 1108 E. Grand River Ave., today. It also can be found on tap at pubs and restaurants.
The brewery says: "An American wheat ale brewed with Saaz hops. Spicy and fruity, Oberon is the color and scent of a summer afternoon."
Alcohol by volume: 6.0 percent
The beer: New Holland's Zoomer Wit
The Beer Gal's thoughts: Zoomer Wit is a great beer to try for those who are fond of this style. It is cloudy and golden in color. The head of this beer sticks around much longer than that of Oberon's. There also is a stronger hops flavor present in this brew, which is not typical for this style.
Where can I get some?: They are releasing several spring and summer beers this week and next that can be purchased at stores around the area. Zoomer Wit is just one of those beers and can be found at Big Ten Party Store.
The brewery says: "Accented with coriander and orange peel, Zoomer is a refreshing white wheat beer that's best enjoyed during the summer months."
Alcohol by volume: 5.0 percent
These beers are bound to get you ready for tank tops and days at the beach.
Angela Mitchell is a hospitality business senior and the State News Beer Gal. E-mail her at mitch314@msu.edu.
