Samuel Adams / Boston Beer Co American Kriek
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What the brewers say
“Our take on a Belgian Kriek is aged on Balaton cherries for an intense black cherry character. A rich maltiness and hint of toasted oak balance and mellow the dark red fruit and tart sweetness.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Belgian fruity notes of banana and clove braced by aged sherry. Dark cherry and bubble gum on top of lots of spice and earthy notes.”
Flavor: “Banana notes mix with a spiced earthy funkiness that is a welcome surprise after the strong Belgian yeast aroma. The cherries are tart and present but have a sharp edge to them—more plum than fresh cherry. The linger is funky, long lasting, and dry. Sherry and some woody vanillin character are apparent. Finishes with tartness and some sweetness on the tongue.”
Overall: “The flavor doesn’t quite live up to such a pleasant aroma. An interesting mix of Belgian yeast with banana and slight clove, a strong funkiness, and dark cherry flavor. The funkiness overpowers once you take a sip and refuses to let go. The beer had a lot of complexity but each aspect—tartness, cherry, funk—seemed to clash with each other.”
