I’m on the tail-end of a flu that’s had me out of commission for over a week, so needless to say, my beer consumption has been pretty much nil for the last while, and it’ll probably be another day or two until I’m well enough to crack a bottle of anything stronger than ginger ale.

So in lieu of a Beer of the Week column for this week, here’s an overview of the brews included in the Spring Beers release just hitting the shelves at selected LCBO outlets. Watch for full profiles of a few of these to appear here in coming weeks.

Orval (LCBO 439992) - $3.45/330 mL bottle
The most unique of the Belgian Trappist ales, a single sentence summary won’t do this beer justice, so watch for the upcoming full profile.

Duchy Originals Organic Ale (LCBO 26971) - $3.55/500 mL bottle
A pleasant UK bitter that’s contract-brewed by Wychwood Brewery on behalf of Duchy Originals, an organic foods and goods company that raises money for Prince Charles’ Charities Foundation.

Jenlain Bière de Printemps (LCBO 65771) - $2.45/330 mL bottle
I’ve yet to try this one, but I’m always happy to see a bière de garde make an appearance on the shelves here, so I’m looking forward to it.

St. Louis Gueuze (LCBO 468660) - $3.95/375 mL bottle
A bit of a starter gueuze - it’s not nearly as tart and funky as more traditional versions of the style - but I guess it’s better than nothing…

Trafalgar Oak Aged Rye (LCBO 67173) - $3.95/650 mL bottle
There have been complaints in the last year or two about Trafalgar beers rapidly going sour if they sit on the shelf for more than a few weeks, but those who grab this quickly will find a very tasty ale with notes of wood and vanilla from the oak ageing.

Weltenberger Kloster Asam Bock (LCBO 893974) - $3.25/500 mL bottle
A welcome return visit for this deep brown doppelbock with a rich malty character.

Westmalle Tripel (LCBO 676577) - $3.95/330 mL bottle
One of the definitive examples of the Belgian tripel style, with a vibrant golden colour and a delicious fruity and spicy flavour.

Rogue Brutal Bitter (LCBO 909770) - $5.95/650 mL bottle
An Americanized take on the UK bitter style - big malts, big hops, big everything.

Schloss Eggenberg Urbock 23 (LCBO 65763) - $2.60/330 mL bottle
Speaking of big, this 9.6% lager is definitely one to sip and/or share. It’s quite sweet, with some honey notes that cause it to have an almost mead-like character.