For me, the taste of spring is a smooth citrusy ale.

Last week as I was picking up a six pack of my spring standby, Bell’s Oberon, I chanced upon a stark black and white labeled brew from Chicago’s Goose Island craft brewery. I had never seen it before, but it turns out that’s because Goose Island only does a limited batch run every year in May, and this brew isn’t widely distributed. According to the label:

“Back in the early ’90’s, our landlord went bankrupt and they tore down the mall surrounding the original Goose Island Brewpub. Sure, we were still open, but who would know it with all the demolition going on. We had giant wrecking balls careening around, the walls were shaking… it was tough. We lost a good part of our business for a year, and if not for the most loyal of our customers, Goose Island would have closed. To honor those brave souls, we brewed a strong, golden ale called Demolition. It was so good and so popular, we’ve brewed it every year since (I even served it at my wedding!)” -Brewmaster Greg Hall

It’s brewed with Saaz and Styrian hops. Saaz hops are “noble” hops, which means they’re high in aroma, but low in bitterness, while Styrian hops tend to lend spiciness and earthy grassy flavor. Both of these characteristics come out in the Goose Island Demolition. It’s a balanced beer, with orangey notes, a brighter citrus taste than the compareable Oberon, but with a nice spicy palate zinging spicy finish.

I found it at Trader Joes here in Chicago. If you don’t live in Chicago, check with your specialty beer retailer. The beer is aptly named, because if you don’t go out and buy some now, the supply will probably be demolished until next spring.