The snow has melted, the birds are chirping, and it’s a wonderful time of year to enjoy some spring beers! In the Greater Lehigh Valley area, Banko Beverage Co works with dozens of suppliers, bringing the most-wanted seasonal selections to the communities we serve. Here, our team delves into just a few of the seasonal beer styles that are popular during springtime.
Popular Spring Beers to Try This Year
From the classic pilsner to frothy cream ale, some of the crispiest, thirst-quenching beers seem to be made for the spring season. At Banko Beverage Co, we work with dozens of beer brands to bring local consumers the tasty options and high quality they desire. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular seasonal beer requests for springtime, along with their average alcohol-by-volume (ABV) percentages:
Pilsner (ABV ~4.0-5.5%)
Whether you’re looking to cozy up by the campfire or enjoy your first burger of the year, pilsner is an excellent pairing for whatever you’re craving. Pilsners are known for their perfect balance of sweetness and body, featuring notes of malt and hops with spice. Also known as pale lager, pilsners are a staple at virtually every bar and restaurant, and Banko Beverage Co distributes a variety of pilsners from top brands throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley area.
Kölsch (ABV ~3.5-5.0%)
This beer style has been around since the early 1600s, with roots in Western Germany’s city of Cologne. Here, the law only permitted the brewing of top-fermented beers, or ales. This is because Cologne didn’t want to join the bandwagon of larger fermentation operations of the time. In a sense, kölsch can be considered to be one of the earliest craft beers. Typically served in a stange glass, kölsch is a type of pale ale with a floral, hoppy bite and residual sweetness, and it’s sure to remind you of spring.
Cream Ales (ABV ~4-5%)
Similar to kölsch, American cream ales are a staple of the spring thaw period. Perfect for those cold April nights or warm May afternoons, cream ales are light-bodied brews that go great with virtually any meal – and even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consumers often hear cream ales described as crushable, meaning they are easy to drink and will keep them coming back for sip after sip. In other words, your establishment could see a great return on investment by offering cream ales in your lineup.
Helles Bock (ABV ~6.3-7.4%)
Though the helles bock style is amongst the rarer beers in the United States, it often goes through periods of seasonal popularity, especially in the spring. Darker in color with copper hues, helles bock beers are loved for their hops and light body, as well as an iconic creamy, float-like head. It’s regarded by some as the ideal transitional beer for the end of winter and the beginning of spring. What will your patrons think?
Gose (ABV ~4-5%)
Sour, salty, and light in color, gose beer originates from Goslar, Germany. Gose is brewed with at least 50% malted wheat, sometimes flavored with coriander. The brewing water must contain a high salt content to result in this style. It’s a wonderful choice for springtime menus thanks to its slightly tart aftertaste and smooth mouthfeel.
Saison (ABV ~6-8%)
Originating in Southern Belgium, saison beers are so rustic that they’re also known as farmhouse ales. Top-fermenting yeast, grains, and other ingredients combine to create a range of saison varieties, from hoppy to malty and light to dark. Often yellow or golden, saisons can also be spicy, fruity, or bitter.
Berliner Weisse (ABV 3.5-5%)
With Belgian roots, Berliner Weisse beers are comprised of 50% wheat beer, with the remaining ingredients being mostly light Pilsner malt. This style is known for its sour yet fruity flavors and bubbly body. Berliner Weisse beers pair wonderfully with raspberry vinaigrette salads, berries, and other sweet, fruity treats.
There are a host of other popular lagers that are a hit during the springtime, as well. Banko Beverage Co has the expertise to answer any of your questions about popular brands. We can also recommend seasonal beers and other beverages for your establishment.
How to Acquire Seasonal Beers from Banko Beverage Co
If the inventory at your restaurant, bar, or retail location could benefit from a spring makeover, reach out to a beer distributor like Banko Beverage Co. We have decades of experience serving the Greater Lehigh Valley area, and we’re standing by to help your establishment stock up on the spring beers and other beverages your consumers are after the most. Contact us today to inquire about our services.