Springtime. When does it begin? The TV weather people say March 1. The calendar says the Vernal Equinox, i.e. March 20. In the Washington, D.C., area, though, there is another marker of springtime: Cherry Blossoms. They say peak blossom time will hit this weekend sometime. (Maybe it's already happened by the time you read this.) To celebrate, we've got several cherry-infused, cherry-adjacent or just "blossom-y" brews to choose from. Check them out.On the other hand, there's one other harbinger of spring in the beer world, as far as I am concerned, and that is the annual release of Bell's Oberon Ale. This is an American Wheat Ale -- not a German-style hefeweizen nor a Belgian-style wit (not that there's anything wrong with either of those styles). Just the perfect expression of wheat in a bottle. Some try it with a slice of lemon or orange in the glass. You do you. But whatever you do, please get out and enjoy the wonderful weather that is predicted for this weekend!Cheers!Jon, Your Bloomin' Beermudgeon
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Bell's BreweryOberon American Wheat Ale(Comstock, Mich.)Brewery Description: "Oberon is a wheat ale that embodies everything we love about summer. Brewed with just wheat malt, hops, water and our signature house ale yeast, Oberon has a bright orange color and is citrusy, smooth and refreshing. Citrusy, easy drinking and refreshing, Oberon Ale is sunshine in a glass. Get into a summer state of mind and #ReachForTheSun." ABV: 5.8%$13.49/6pk 12oz Bottles
Maine Beer CompanySpring Kölsch-Style Ale(Freeport, Maine)Brewery Description: "Native to Maine woodlands, Azure Bluets appear where they are least expected. To many, they are a welcome first sign of spring, appearing in early April as the snow begins to melt. They pepper the ground in tufts of tiny stars with pale blue petals and a yellow center. This Kölsch-style ale recipe stemmed from the Black Barn Program and has since grown to become a perennial favorite. Aromas of lemon, honey, and rose, followed by notes of fresh-cut grass, and bread dough." ABV: 5.0%$7.99/500ml Bottle
Brasserie d'AchouffeCherry Chouffe(Achouffe, Belgium)Brewery Description: "The aroma of Cherry Chouffe gives pride of place to cherries. It also reveals notes of strawberry, almond, spices and sweet Port. Round-bodied, soft and delicate, Cherry Chouffe delights the gourmands among us. It has a satisfying finish, with a very slight bitterness." ABV: 8.0%$12.99/4pk 330ml Bottles
Lindemans BreweryKriek Lambic(Vlezenbeek, Belgium)Brewery Description: "Deliciously fruity with the fresh flavor of freshly picked cherries. Its sharp and full-bodied flavor gives way to a perfect balance between sweet and sour." ABV: 3.5%$6.99/355ml Bottle
Brewing & BlendingBlushing Blossoms Hazy IPA(Gaithersburg, Md.)Brewery Description: "Hazy IPA brewed with the 2025 Pink Boots Hop Blend and Pink Boots Malt on behalf of the Pink Boots Society. This year's hop blend consists of Simcoe, Mosaic, Chinook & Krush for a lovely bouquet of zesty citrus, sappy pine and ripe berries." ABV: 6.5%$18.99/4pk 16oz Cans
Privatbrauerei AyingerAyinger Celebrator Doppelbock(Aying, Germany)Brewery Description: "A beer that has a dominant malty taste. This beer’s origins in a monk’s recipe are reflected in its heartiness. The Pope of Beers, Conrad Seidl, describes it as: “Almost black with a very slight red tone, a sensational, festive foam and truly extraordinary fragrance that at first summons up visions of greaves lard. [BEERMUDGEON'S NOTE: Google tells me this is a form of pork cracklings.] The first taste is of mild fullness with an accompanying coffee tone, which becomes more dominant with the aftertaste. There is very little of the sweetness that is frequently to be tasted with doppelbock beer.” The Ayinger Celebrator has been ranked among the best beers of the world by the Chicago Testing Institute several times and has won numerous medals." ABV: 6.7%$16.49/4pk 11.2oz Bottles
