ABV: 5%

Spring has officially arrived, but with a large portion of the country buried under snow from yet another winter storm, it doesn’t quite feel like it. For those of us without a nice, warm spring break to look forward to, I give you Leinenkugel’s Canoe Paddler.

Introduced this year, this light, Kolsch-style beer pours a pale golden color with a thick, white head. Made with a touch of rye and Sterling, Czech Saaz and Styrian Gold hops, Canoe Paddler has a subtle maltiness to it, and an even subtler hop flavor. Its crisp, clean finish evokes images of floating down a river on a hot, sunny day.

You know in Romeo & Juliet when she says “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”? Well in this case, I would have to disagree. I think the name Canoe Paddler makes this beer. Sure it’s tasty and refreshing, but I don’t know that there’s anything that really makes it stand out from other light beers. Of course, it is definitely better than your typical light macrobrew. Regardless, I say start planning your first cabrewing trip of the season and cross your fingers for warmer weather! Cheers!