Happy Oberon Day 2017
It's finally here. The long winter of our discontent is finally over. March 27th heralds the realease of the 2017 Oberon.
While parts of the US get Oberon year-round (I'm glaring at you Florida and California), those of us in Bell's homestate of Michigan only get it seasonally. So get out your orange slices and enjoy the reminder that Summer is right around the corner.
March 27th, 2017 at 12:26 PM ^
In before the first "Oberon is overrated" comment.
March 27th, 2017 at 12:27 PM ^
True
March 27th, 2017 at 12:46 PM ^
You'll get negged because of the cult following, but you're 100% correct. I'll still have one here and there, and it's not bad, but the fanfare surrounding it is a bit much.
That said, if people are drinking that instead of macro piss, net benefit to society.
It is very much a cultural thing. Maybe even moreso for ex-pats who've moved elsewhere but hold Michigan near and dear to their hearts.
"Daffodils aren't even the prettiest flowers though, I don't get why people like them so much. And others bloom even earlier so I don't see what the big deal is. Losers"
March 27th, 2017 at 12:58 PM ^
Oberon is still a good summer beer. Oddly some cases taste better than others.
I recently discovered their "Spring" seasonal beer called Smitten - a Rye IPA which has become one of my favorites. I like it so much that it's a bit frustrating that the "Spring" seasonal beer is now gone...right as Spring is actually beginning. Really wish it was available year round.
Don't think I had a single enjoyable Oberon last year. Tasted off.
(cue the guy around here who works for Bell's to come in and scream about how we just don't know what we're tasting from year to year.)
No, you're not crazy. I had a few last year and had to ask the bartender if what he got me was "actually" Oberon.
Got me by seconds, damn
March 27th, 2017 at 12:27 PM ^
March 27th, 2017 at 12:29 PM ^
March 27th, 2017 at 12:43 PM ^
Oberon sucks...To me, Hopslam is the beer that I actually care when the first batch heads out
March 27th, 2017 at 12:47 PM ^
Or KBS. Although, I'd be willing to wager most folks who would pine after hopslam or KBS are not waiting in line for the first Oberon.
I think KBS and HopSlam live up to the hype, but I suppose it's all personal pref.
That said, if I could switch Bells for FFF I would in a heartbeat.
March 27th, 2017 at 10:36 PM ^
Tbh I like Oberon a lot more than Hopslam. I think Oberon is overrated but I think it's fine. It's just not amazing, like people build it up to be. Hopslam I think is a very bad beer.
I know, that was perfect
March 27th, 2017 at 12:37 PM ^
It used to taste better. Or maybe it's simply that when I was in college and drank heavy quantities of Busch Light, Natty light/ice, and cheap vodka, it was the one adult beverage that I splurged on that tasted at all good.
That said, with Oberon, it's more about what it represents now than anything. For Michiganders, it's not officially Spring until you have that first sip, and that's what makes it so great, regardless of what beer snobs and others who think Bell's has lost their microbrew ways think.
I love Bell's Two Hearted Ale.
March 27th, 2017 at 12:28 PM ^
Decent beer that developed a unique love/hate that grew out of cult-like status. I don't mind it now and then, though I much prefer Two Hearted or nearly any IPA over Oberon. That said, I'll still keep a six in the beer fridge most of the time. Cheers for beers!
March 27th, 2017 at 12:29 PM ^
March 27th, 2017 at 12:49 PM ^
If you haven't already, strongly suggest Pipeworks. Ninja vs. Unicorn or Crimson Snapper are great beers if you're into IPAs.
Another good one from PW.
I find myself picking that up all the time when I visit the beer section.
Discovered Half Acre Tuna a few weeks ago. It's really good. I think it will be my hoppy beer of choice this summer.
Branch out from Daisy Cutter--Half Acre makes some of the best stuff out there, and everyone just goes straight for the silver can.
But if you do come, get to their facility early on a Saturday morning and line up for the tour. It's awesome--and they get you drunk.
March 27th, 2017 at 12:30 PM ^
Have a beer.
would be abstinence for 40 days and yes that would include not jerking off.
Not true. As one of the most overused internet quotes from Ben Franklin reminds us constantly:
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants to be happy. And Oberon rocks."
(Granted, that last part needs citation.)
I did that once. It was brutal and I will never do it again. I'm an atheist and don't even believe in deities, but still give up something every year just for my own well being. The no beer thing will never happen again.
It kind of sucks, but boy that first beer will taste good!
#self-denial
March 27th, 2017 at 12:32 PM ^
Oberon's not my favorite beer, but it does remind me of summer, which is enough for me to buy a six pack.
March 27th, 2017 at 12:33 PM ^
Anyone know of any retail stores in Toledo or Dundee area that will have it today?
March 27th, 2017 at 12:48 PM ^
https://www.bellsbeer.com/beer-finder
Not sure if it is updated daily or what, but has always been accurate for me.
March 27th, 2017 at 12:45 PM ^
I believe any Meijer in Toledo will have Oberon.