The groundhog saw his shadow - 6 more weeks of Winter?  I don't think so - which is why I bring to you two "celebrate the Spring, even though it's still Winter" beers. 

There is something about a nice American-Style Belgian Wheat that helps chase away those winter blues.  Shock Top, originally released as a Spring seasonal by Anheuser-Busch under the moniker Spring Heat, Spiced Wheat, has nabbed gold and bronze medals in the American-Style Belgian White category at the North American Beer Awards.  Now available year 'round, you may be asking yourself - how is this different than the other Belgians I've become so familiar with.  Traditionally, Belgian wheat beers (i.e. Hoegaarden) use a blend of pale barley malt, wheat, coriander & orange peel.  Shock Top is brewed with all of these PLUS lime and lemon peel - which gives this refreshing brew its' balanced signature light, fresh, citrusy character.  A succulent shrimp cocktail, broiled perch or grilled chicken salad pairs perfectly with these delicious suds.

Amber Wheat style beers are not always easy to find, but are incredibly tasty and have a completely different profile from their Belgian Wheat cousins.  A new "dog" on the block is Sun Dog Amber Wheat, Anheuser-Busch's brand new Spring seasonal (replacing Spring Heat, Spiced Wheat).  Sun Dog is an unfiltered beer that uses 3 different hops, 4 varieties of malt and a touch of wheat.  Its' rich amber coloring , subtle sweetness and balanced hop/malt taste make this brew a perfect match with everything from colby cheese to barbecue to salmon and even chocolate!

So what are you waiting for?  Let's bring on Spring (responsibly!) and enjoy these tributes to the season that ushers in the warm weather and chases away those cold Winter blues.  Cheers!