Don’t Worry, Beer Happy!

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Spring is busting out all over in East Falls. Celebrate the season with these five top beer picks.

I can see clearly now the rain is gone!!!! Wow, East Falls is just bursting with beautiful budding trees and gorgeous foliage, and this may very be one of the most beautiful parts of Philadelphia this time of year.

However, dear readers if you are like me, even the return of our beloved Phillies cannot quell the onslaught of the seasonal allergies that accompany this beautiful season. So, short of buying stock in Allegra and consuming as much local honey as possible, what can a poor boy do????

The answer, as it is to many of life’s dilemmas, is to not sweat the small things and drink…. preferably a good beer. Here are some of my picks to help kick off the warmer weather and beautiful outdoor season here in the Falls!

New Belgium Citradelic Exotic Lime Ale
Fort Collins, CO

  • Aromas of fresh Persian Lime, ginger, & fresh-cut grass
  • Notes of coriander, lime, and black pepper
  • Refreshing light-mild bodied golden ale
  • 5.2% ABV (alcohol by volume)
  • 21 IBU (International bittering units. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the more bitter the beer.)

This new edition to New Belgium’s portfolio offers the drinker a hint of tart lime upfront only to balance it out with piney hops and honeycomb malts. This isn’t an everyday beer, but it is a great way to celebrate that first freshly cut lawn of the spring/summer. This craft beer pairs great with fresh grilled seafood like citrus poached shrimp skewers or anything Mexican, especially some delicious tacos or nachos!

*Hurry — Billy Murphy’s has it on tap, but not for much longer!!!

Dogfish Head Flesh & Blood IPA
Milton, DE

  • Brewed with fresh blood orange & lemon juice
  • Citrus notes out the wazoo with balancing resinous hops
  • Zesty, medium-bodied, balanced American IPA
  • ABV 7.5%
  • 45 IBU

This refreshing warm weather companion from DFH, really hits the spot after a long workday where you wish you could be outside frolicking in the sunshine. The juicy blood orange & citrus flavors perfectly mingle with the piney hops to set your mind at ease, and make you want to belt out the lyrics to nearby resident Bobby McFerrin’s, “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” I dream about this beer paired with jerk chicken or ceviche, try it with either, and be forever haunted!

21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon Wheat Beer
San Francisco, CA

  • Brewed with real watermelon!
  • Hints of biscuit, wheat, and watermelon
  • Straw-colored light-bodied wheat beer
  • ABV 4.9%
  • 17 IBU

Drinking your first ice-cold Hell or High Watermelon of the season is akin to hearing DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince’s “Summertime” for the first time on the radio in the warmer weather….it means it’s SUMMERTIME!!! This wheat beer, with its light-body and hint of watermelon pairs amazingly with anything on the summer BBQ list! So East Falls, go get jiggy with it!

Bell’s Oberon Ale
Kalamazoo, MI

  • Orange & citrus aromas
  • Hints of banana, orange, and spice
  • Medium-light bodied, smooth, wheat ale
  • ABV 5.8%
  • 10 IBU

This beautifully crafted wheat is fermented with Bell’s signature house yeast, contains no fruit or spices, and is made with ONLY 4 ingredients! Sometimes less is more my friends! This awesome kickoff to the summer beer pairs great with fresh garden salads, fresh mozzarella, and even sushi. Think of it as a fancier Blue Moon…..except ASTRONOMICALLY better!

Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co.’s Trauger Pilsner
Croydon, PA

  • Aromas of lemon and biscuit
  • Notes of sweeter malts balanced out by grassy hops
  • Clean, refreshing German-style local pilsner
  • ABV 4.8%
  • 27 IBU

This locally brewed gem is named after the Trauger family of Bucks County whose descendants first settled in the area around in 1747, that pre-dates pilsner’s introduction and resulting popularity to the outside world! Nevertheless, this pilsner is a perfect session beer for those longer days out doors. It drinks easy, and is a great DAD beer to pair with everything from burgers & dogs to pizza!

Enjoy the weather East Falls and Don’t Worry, Beer Happy!

Here’s to beers & plenty of cheers,

JK

About JK 19 Articles
Beer tips and food pairings from Jonathan Kennedy, a badass foodie who eats pigs whole and has forgotten more than we’ll ever know about enjoying beer.

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