Spoetzl / Shiner Dortmunder Spring Ale 2012

We brought you first news of the 2012 Spoetzl Brewery / Shiner Dortmunder Spring Ale back in Nov (clicky HERE to check it out)…so it was exciting to see the samples arrive last night.  A big thank you to Jimmy Mauric, Master Brewer @ Spoetzl for sending them up so soon.

It may be the dead of winter in PA, but it is Springtime in my ‘fridge.  2012 Dortmunder Spring Ale is described in the press description as having “the malt profile of a Helles and the hop character of a Pils”…and that’s very accurate.  This brew retains the drinkability of a golden German-style Helles but the part I really enjoyed was the body, and noble hop finish that the Hallertau & Spalter select hops add to the equation.  This spring ale also uses malted wheat, 2-row malted barley & even some Munich malt for that smooth clean finish I’ve become used to in all of the Shiner beers.

The golden color was a little darker than I anticipated, but that’s a good thing in my book, and I was very pleasantly surprised by the subtle honey flavor that came out in the malt profile when we sampled.  This is a great beer, and I can’t wait to sit out on on the deck this spring and enjoy one…as the label says, “it will refresh you like a sun-drenched nap on a lush green lawn,” and based on what I’m tasting tonight, even in December, I couldn’t agree more.

Cheers to Jimmy & everyone @ Shiner….the 2012 Dortmunder Spring Ale is a winner.

Stats:  5.5% ABV, OG 13.5% (by wt), FG 3.22% (by wt), real Degree of Fermentation 63%, IBU 24, Color 8 (SRM).