“Since you’ll never get Charlize, you may as well have that Cerise…” – Mrs. G-LO

After the boys went to bed this past Tuesday night, Mrs. G-LO did some channel surfing and stumbled upon a little film called Two Days in the Valley which we saw in the theater when it was released back in 1996. This film starred Danny Aiello, James Spader, Eric Stolz, Teri Hatcher, and several other well known actors. It also starred a very young and slinky Charlize Theron.

Although I had originally planned to pay some bills and work on a beer review, I was instantly reminded how much I enjoyed this film (Danny Aiello is HILARIOUS!), and sat down to see it through. When the film was over, I of course made a comment or two about the always lovely Charlize Theron, and Mrs. G-LO replied to my comments with the quote you see below the photo of the beer that I’ll be reviewing today: Founders Cerise.

Here is what Founders Brewing Company has to say about their seasonal ale that is available between June and August:

You’ll have a soft spot for this one. Using only fresh Michigan tart cherries, this beauty tantalizes with intense flavors combined with a no-hesitation malt bill. Adding fresh cherries at five separate stages of fermentation achieves the ultimate balance between tartness and sweetness.

Here are my thoughts about this beer…

Appearance: Bright, cherry red color. Very little head. Thin rim of off-white foam circling the inside of the glass. Moderate lacing.

Bright, cherry red color. Very little head. Thin rim of off-white foam circling the inside of the glass. Moderate lacing. Aroma: Tart cherries. Hint of lemon. Cane sugar.

Tart cherries. Hint of lemon. Cane sugar. Taste: Medium bodied and lightly carbonated. Very interesting mix of flavors, i.e. tart cherries, lemon, and the slightest bit of cane sugar sweetness. Mouth puckering, but not overly so like the Cuveé des Jacobins. The aftertaste reminds me of a Luden’s Wild Cherry Cough Drop or a Wild Cherry Life Saver, but not in an overpowering or sickeningly sweet kind of way.

Medium bodied and lightly carbonated. Very interesting mix of flavors, i.e. tart cherries, lemon, and the slightest bit of cane sugar sweetness. Mouth puckering, but not overly so like the Cuveé des Jacobins. The aftertaste reminds me of a Luden’s Wild Cherry Cough Drop or a Wild Cherry Life Saver, but not in an overpowering or sickeningly sweet kind of way. ABV: 6.5%

My first experience with a cherry flavored beer was the Sam Adams Cherry Wheat. Although it’s been quite awhile since I had that beer, I do remember it being a rather disappointing experience. The cherry flavor in the Sam Adams Cherry Wheat felt like an afterthought. I recall it tasting very artificial and cloyingly sweet from start to finish. Thankfully, this is not the case with the Founders Cerise. The cherry flavors are beautifully incorporated, and although the label says 6.5%, you would never know it since this is such a light bodied and highly refreshing beer. I truly enjoyed the Founders Cerise and hope to track down another bottle or two to enjoy on a warm summer day. Well done Founders!

Thanks to The Bake and Brew blog for pointing me in the direction of this delicious Craft Beer! Click here for their Cerise review and here for a Cerise inspired dessert recipe.