I love catching new label approvals, as they clue us in on some of the stuff that we (might) be seeing in the near future from our local breweries.  This week brings a couple new additions to Rhinegeist’s Rarity Series that look to make this summer a tasty one!

Of course… as always, keep in mind that just because a brewery gets approval to bottle a beer, that doesn’t mean they’re going to do it soon, or even ever…so this is all speculation-ish.

Let’s have a look then…shall we?

Fluxion

This is a new one, with the keg collar approval rolling through quietly a couple weeks back.  The label says the beer is a Belgian Style Pale Ale that comes in at 6% ABV and 40 IBUs the label reads:

A close cousin to Fiction, this Belgian Style XPA showcases Hallertau Blanc and Huell Melon hops, offering notes of honeydew, honeysuckle, and tropical fruit.

Their Fiction is fantastic, and they were tapped to be part of the anniversary 12 pack for New Belgium’s Fat Tire, contributing a Belgian XPA for that as well… so I think we’re starting to see a definite love for the style from the ‘geist – I can’t wait to give this one a try and report back to you how it is compared to Fiction…the tasting notes certainly sound promising!

Spike

The Wheat/Belgian Witbier called Spike has been around for the last few summers, changing a little bit each time and improving with every release.  This years will finally see bottles, which seems like Rhinegeist is happy with the way it’s turned out.  It clocks in at 4.5% ABV with 15 IBUs and from the label:

Belgian Style Wit Beer brewed with Mandarina Bavaria hops and infused with sweet orange peel.

This sounds like it’s going to be a perfect addition to the summer heat, and is going to hopefully make an appearance poolside for me this summer.  Fingers crossed!  The description sounds fantastic, refreshing and sweet… can’t wait to taste it!