Samuel Adams / Boston Beer Co American Kriek

**Aroma:** “Sweet cherry and light horse blanket with some earthy spice charac- ter and tartness.” **Flavor:** “Funky fruit character—the notes of sweet cherries with tart cherries are very present. Smooth mouthfeel from carbonation. Moderate carbonation carries the low cherry notes throughout the sip and into the linger that is medi- um lasting. Cherry note is very pleasant mixed with just the right amount of sweetness. Nice and juicy but not too sweet. The tartness is present but not overpowering and adds complexity.” **Overall:** “Very enjoyable, refreshing, and approachable. The cherry notes are well balanced but the beer overall was not quite as vibrant as others in the group. Dark fruit character and a bit of astringency. This beer is juicy, has good cherry flavor and tartness—all of which are not so overly bold to scare someone away.”

Aroma of pineapple, lemon, lemongrass, leather, oak-derived vanilla, and stone fruit; cereal-like sweetness dances in the background. In the flavor, strong acidity—lemon, pineapple, black tea, funky horse blanket, leather, and hay. Complex, interesting.

**Aroma:** “Vanilla, oak, some coconut barrel character. Pleasant, but not intense, dark fruit character: raisin, cherry, plum, and prune. Rich sweet malt, with cocoa and caramel. Some mild smoky phenols. Some oakiness and a touch of malt round out an interesting but balanced aroma. Strong alcoholic aroma.” **Flavor:** “Strong malt sweetness with toast, chocolate, caramel, and lightly burnt sugar, and nice dark fruit: cherry, plum, and prune/ raisin. There is a pleasant, but slightly understated barrel character, with a light vanilla and oak character. Finishes slightly sweet with a nice warmth. Alcohol adds some spicy warmth and dries out the finish.” **Overall:** “Tasty and smooth with nice rich balance in the malt, barrel, and fruity notes. A restrained but balanced beer. Feels like it could be fairly high in alcohol, but it doesn’t drink like it.”