Three Drinks to Usher in The Start of Spring

It’s too early to stow away the puffy coats and wooly socks, but there are signs of spring around the corner. The days are longer, the sun climbs higher, and our constant cravings for hearty roasts and heavy red wine are showing definite signs of weakening. Here are three delightful beverages we think are great to usher in a vernal thaw.

Chamonix Rouge 2013
($16, Bacchus Importers)
This South African red is a traditional Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec and, as such, offers up pretty notes of currant and blackberry. This one isn’t too heavy, though, making it an ideal match for spring roasts of lamb, as well as heartier wintry fare.

Boomsma Oude Genever
($25, The Country Vintner)
Genever is the Dutch precursor to what we know today as gin. While it may not quite be time to break out the lawn chairs and a gin and tonic, you can still work a little of that hallmark juniper flavor into a cool cocktail. Boomsa Oude Genever is barrel-aged, lending weight and color to this traditionally light  liquid. Work it into your favorite gin drink for a slightly more rounded, cool-weather twist.

Victory Mighty Things Imperial IPA
($13, 6-pack bottles)
Stout weather is pulling out of the station, folks, but it isn’t light lager weather yet! This fuller-figured IPA out of Pennsylvania can help bridge the gap. It boasts lovely high-toned notes of pine and citrus that remind us of spring, but that 8.3-percent ABV is still there to fortify you, should you need to shovel one more time—it is March in Baltimore, after all.