Cerise Cherry Fermented Ale

Founders Brewing Company
Grand Rapids, Michigan

APPEARANCE: 2.5/3: Ruby red, crystal clear. White head rings the glass nicely.

AROMA: 2.5/4: Subtle maraschino cherry nose, sugary. Not terribly aromatic.

TASTE: 6.75/10
Hop/Malt Balance: 2.75/4: Tart, very grainy. Cane sugar. Sour lasts to close, falls out quickly.
Aftertaste: 2/3: Cherry finish, bitter aftertaste lingers. Slight metallic tang.
Mouth-Feel: 2/3: Fizzy, a bit thin. Puckery.

OVERALL: 1.75/3: A bit watery, needs more cherry. Not bad, but could be better. (When you've had New Glarus Belgian Red, anything else is going to compare unfavorably.)

TOTAL: 13.5/20–I'll Try A Pint

NOTES:
Matt: Okay for what it is, but it's no Belgian Red. A high bar, I know, but tough.
Ben: Unfortunately for Founders, we've had the pinnacle of cherry fruit beer. This one falls short—needs much more cherry!