STEPHEN FARRELLY 

Spring doesn’t just arrive—it takes its time, gradually unfolding like a solid craft beer. As the trees blossom and patios start filling up, so too does a refreshing lineup of beers that are as bold as they are botanical.

These beers capture the essence of the season: floral, fruity, herbaceous, and downright drinkable. Whether brewed locally in Central Mass or from afar, these brews show that beer can be both complex and refreshing.

Let’s kick things off with the floral beers—those brewed with real petals. Breweries have embraced ingredients like lavender, hibiscus, chamomile, and rose to give their brews soft, fragrant notes without overwhelming the palate. The result is a beer that’s delicate but still packs a punch.

Dogfish Head’s Namaste White (Delaware) is a classic—a Belgian-style witbier brewed with orange slices, lemongrass, coriander, and a touch of peppercorn. The lemongrass brings a clean, crisp flavor that hits just right.

From Colorado, Odell Brewing’s Sippin’ Pretty Fruited Sour brings a mix of acai, guava, elderflower, and sea salt. Tart, effervescent, and dangerously drinkable, this beer is a spring break for your taste buds.

Want to explore something from across the pond? Belgium’s Brasserie Dupont Saison Dupont sets the bar for saisons—earthy, herbal, with a hint of funk. It’s not floral in a delicate way but more in the sense of walking past freshly cut grass or a field of coriander.

Floral beers aren’t the only way to capture that spring vibe. Fruit-forward beers hit the mark too with their juicy, bright flavors that scream warmer weather.

Greater Good’s Pink Is the New Hop, brewed right here in Central Mass, is a double IPA that mixes grapefruit with a punchy hop profile, creating a beer that’s bold, stylish, and packs a serious punch. For a taste of something else, check out Trillium Brewing Co. from Canton or Fenway—they often release limited-run goses and farmhouse ales with fruity flavors like berry, blood orange, or apricot.

On the national scene, 21st Amendment’s Hell or High Watermelon wheat beer brings a refreshing splash of watermelon flavor without the gimmick. It’s light, crisp, and perfect for those early summer vibes.

Beyond fruit and flowers, some brewers are mixing in herbs and botanicals for a twist. From basil and lemongrass to thyme and mint, these herbs add complexity to saisons and other styles.

Jester King Brewery in Austin, TX, is known for brewing with local herbs and native yeast, creating beers that are both rustic and refined. If you spot Jester King bottles, it’s worth grabbing one.

Locally, Altruist Brewing in Sturbridge and Milk Room Brewing in Rutland frequently brew with herbs or honey in their small-batch saisons and wild ales. Follow their social media for seasonal surprises.

Spring beers deserve spring settings. Grab your favorite brew and head out to one of Worcester’s underrated spots like Institute Park, Newton Hill, or even your own backyard with a chair and a good playlist. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just fresh.

For local taprooms, Seven Saws in Holden, Wachusett Brewing in Westminster, and Bay State Brewing at the Worcester Public Market are excellent stops for a seasonal beer, whether it’s a hibiscus sour or a lighter, crisp brew.

Spring is the time for fresh starts. Everything feels a little brighter, a little greener. Your beer should reflect that too.

So whether you’re into saisons with lavender, goses with guava, or just something that tastes like the end of winter, May is the time to embrace the lighter, surprising side of craft beer. Drink it in.