As the days grow longer with the season, you might be looking to lighter brews and fruitier wines. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite selections of spring beer and wine for you to try this season!
Do the brief moments of sunny weather have you dusting off the patio furniture and reaching for your grilling tools? Us, too! Finally, the rainy days are becoming fewer and farther between. We may yet have some gloomy weather, but spring has begun! Soon, our days in the PNW will be filled with sunscreen, campfires and shore-side walks. Even if it’s not time to break out the swimsuits and beach towels quite yet, you’re probably ready to be done with heavy coats and sweaters.
Similarly, if you’re anything like us, porter and pinot noir don’t sound as good with the sun shining as they do in the middle of winter. There’s just something about a refreshing Pale Ale or fruity Riesling that gets us in the spirit of warmer days, even if the weather doesn’t consistently match yet. And unlike donning shorts, it’s never too early to welcome spring with the switch to lighter beers and more fruit-forward wines. Struggling to choose? Here at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we have a comprehensive selection of the region’s best craft beer and local wines. You can’t go wrong with any of the quality brews and bottles we carry. But, to simplify things further, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite spring beer and wine for your enjoyment. Bonus: every bottle on this list is from a local brewery or winery!
Tacoma Boys Best Beer for Spring
Silver City Brewery–Ridgetop Irish Red Ale
Known for its balanced notes and red color, this ale is every man’s (or woman’s) beer. Brewed in Bremerton, Washington, Silver City Brewery’s Irish Red Ale has just the right amount of caramel tones and hop with a smooth finish. Perfect for evenings when a crisp still hangs in the air, but a promise of summer floats on the breeze.
San Juan Island Brewing Co– Yachter’s Daughter Helles Lager
San Juan Island Brewing Co is a beautiful brewery and restaurant nestled in Fryday Harbor, Wa. Yachter’s Daughter is their refreshing take on the classic German style, Helles. It’s one of the most popular beer styles in Bavaria, and for good reason. With a medium, smooth body and dry finish, Yachter’s Daughter Helles Lager is a great addition to your evenings outside this Spring.
Riverbend Brewing Company–Peach Milkshake IPA
Cheekily named “Life’s A Peach & Then You Die,” this locally brewed beer boasts a fruity aroma accompanied by strong hops and juicy peach tones. For those moments when you crave something cool and refreshing but can’t decide if you want a milkshake or a beer, Riverbend Brewing Company has you covered.
pFriem Family Brewers–Pilsner
This crisp beer with a spicy finish is the perfect pairing to an evening spent around a backyard fire with friends. https://www.pfriembeer.com/ is located right here in the great Pacific Northwest and is the proud recipient of the Brewery of the Year, Best of Craft Beer and Best BrewPub Experience awards. Pop the top on a pFriem Pilsner and see how this great spring beer lives up to the hype.
Iron Horse Brewery–High Five Hefe
If you enjoy an American Wheat Ale, this beer is for you. Boasting notes of honey and ginger, High Five Hefe isn’t as citrusy as a classic American Wheat, but every bit as flavorful. Brewed by Iron Horse Brewery in Ellensburg, WA, this craft beer is a must-have this spring!
Cascade Brewing—Apricot Pale Ale
Brewed for high levels of acidity, sour beers like Cascade Brewing’s Apricot Pale Ale have a permanent sour taste (instead of bitter or sweet). Perfect for cool evenings on the front porch. Aged with fresh apricots from right here in the PNW, this spring beer has a fruity tang you’ll love!
One Tree–Hard Cider
One Tree is a cidery in Spokane, WA that specializes in hard ciders made from apples grown right here in Washington. Their core cider flavors are Lemon Basil, Caramel Cinnamon, Huckleberry, and Staycation. Try them all, and be on the lookout for their seasonal ciders as well! While not technically a beer, One Tree Hard Cider makes our list as a refreshing addition to any cooler, whether it be lakeside, tent-side, or in the back of your boat.
Award Winning Wines to Try This Spring
Trisaetum– “2019 Coast Range Estate Dry Riesling”
This white wine from Oregon gets 93 points and “Editor’s Choice” award from Wine Enthusiast. Balanced and citrusy, pair this award winning local wine with a charcuterie board. Then, gather around the patio table for a great spring afternoon.
Kerloo Cellars–“Sodo CellarsⓇ 2019 Love Birds Rosé”
Nothing says “summer is coming” like a glass of rosé. With notes of peach, strawberries, and grapefruit, “Love Birds Rosé” is the perfect porch wine. Hailed as a “game-changing winemaker” by Wine Enthusiast, Washington’s own Kerloo Cellars has created this go-to rosé you’re sure to love.
Airfield Estates–“2018 Sauvignon Blanc”
Airfield Estates is a family operated winery nestled in Yakima Valley. Their 2018 Sauvignon Blanc was awarded “Best of Class Gold” at the 2019 Tri-Cities Wine Festival and gets a score of 89 from Wine Spectator. With notes of papaya, grapefruit, and pineapple, this sauvignon blanc will delight your palate. So, bring a summer vibe to your table this season with a bottle today!
The Best Place to Find Local Beer and Wine This Spring
Tacoma Boys and H&L produce carry all of the quality beer and wine listed above and so much more. We have over 3,000 different wines and a variety of domestic and imported beer. So we’re confident that whatever you’re spring beer or wine you’re thirsty for, we have what you need. As always our friendly associates are here to answer any questions you have and help you choose the perfect bottle or brew to take home today.