Beer makers sure do love to crank out "limited edition" bottlings these days, huh? It used to be they'd peg these releases to the four seasons, but when that didn't sate beer drinkers thirst for variety they started tying them into just about anything and everything on the calendar -- solstices, equinoxes, full moons, half moons, spring break, tax day... you name it! That's all well and good, particularly for booze-hounds with ADD, but in my experience rarely has a seasonal beer rated as highly or surpassed the original.

That said, Newcastle's new spring seasonal is one hell of a tasty brew. Founders' Ale, which is available nationwide now through April, is a classic, medium-bodied bitter ale -- dry, hoppy, a discernible caramel sweetness. It's quite crisp and earthy, thanks to the Styrian Goldings hops from Eastern Europe (similar to the mild Fuggles hops from England, for you hopheads out there). Founders' Ale is not as nut-flavored or foamy as Newcastle Brown, nor as filling. Indeed, it is eminently drinkable. Hell, it's almost scary how easily this beer goes down. And at 4.8% ABV, let's just say the six-pack I "sampled" left a lasting impression.

Founders' Ale 6-pack retails for around $9. For more info visit http://newcastlebrown.com/