"Are the cherries still screaming, Cerise?"
Hannibal Lecter will mess with your mind, and so will Founders Cerise, a 6.5% ABV ale brewed with cherries. But unlike poor unfortunate Miggs in the cell next door, Cerise will reward you for letting it into your head. Quid pro quo indeed. This is a special kind of beer – one that will subvert your senses as you imbibe.
Cerise shows promise from the moment you pour it, filling the glass with a resplendent reddish amber hue that’s reminiscent of a blood red moon. With so much striking color and a bit of haze, it’s a beautiful beer to behold.
Pulling it to your nose reveals the sweet scent of candied cherries, almost like high-quality red cherry licorice. It isn’t a chemical or manufactured scent; it’s a broad shouldered sweetness that reminds you of delicious treats from years gone by.
The first sip hits your palate with a gush of the candied flavor found in the nose. This is followed by a amazing rush of cherry pie taste, with a tartness that will bring you back to your grandma’s kitchen on a late spring day. And then it’s gone, leaving a lingering hint of earthiness and little else.
The first sip of this beer was almost overwhelming for me, as the cherry flavor tried its best to blow my mind. But just like our favorite psychopath, the more time you spend with Cerise, the more time it worms its way into your psyche.
You see, the second sip is a little different from the first, as your palate adjusts to the tartness of the cherry flavors, and you can start to pick out the other flavors lurking beneath. Like the wonderful malt backing that acts as the biscuity crust to the cherry-pie-filling flavor. And as you continue to sip and the beer warms a bit, the flavors continue to change and you are rewarded with an earthiness that takes the cherry flavor to a gamey, yet wonderfully authentic place. Amazing.
The other thing this beer has in common with that fine old cannibal is just how damn charming it is. I shared tastes of Cerise with several people at a party, and each was smitten with this beer, even those who don’t “believe” in fruity beer.
This is a proper reward for the folks over at Founders, who added fresh Michigan tart cherries at five separate stages during the fermentation process. Their hard work and crafty brewing certainly paid off for all who have had the chance to enjoy this beer. I can’t remember ever having a beer brewed by Founders that wasn’t wonderful, and Cerise keeps that streak alive.
So what to pair with Cerise when you’re having an old friend for dinner? Well our resident foodie would probably suggest pairing it with liver and some fava beans (especially if you don’t have a nice Chianti on hand), or perhaps lamb chops, extra rare.
Beer & Whiskey Brothers 
That’s pretty much how I’d assess it as well. Usually when it comes to cherry, I like the flavor to be peripheral in beer, but Founders did a great job. MMMM lambchops… That would go great with Cerise.
It’s a really gutsy brew, but that’s what I like about Founders – big flavors done with an incredible touch.
I had the Widmer Cherry Oak Doppelbock when it was out last year, it was incredible I thought, simply AWESOME, but, unfortunately they aren’t gonna make it any more as it was one of the limited release series.
I’d like to try the Founder if I could find it.
A Cherry Oak Dopplebock sounds like it’d be a very tasty beer, Terry. Too bad Widmer shelved it. If you get Founders out by you, I’d look for the store that carries the largest selection, and quick. Cerise is a limited seasonal release and tends to go fast, just like most of the other Founders seasonals. Happy hunting!
I currently have so much beer on-deck at the house that I’ve put a freeze on any more beer purchases. How is this related to your post?
I was in the liquor store yesterday buying a six-pack for a friend and the Cerise caught my eye. I wanted to pick it up so bad. Sounds good from your review.
GAH!
-Lost
I’m in the same boat – you could shop in mt garage ( I do, and the selection is wonderful!). I keep saying I’m on a buying freeze, then I keep getting beer anyway. My wife likes good beer, too, so that’s part of it. Plus I figure we’ll drink it all eventually. Still, I sometimes come across beers and have no recollection of when I bought them.
Anyway, don’tmesn to rub it in, but bad move on passing over the Cerice. It’s limited and special. Hopefully they’ll be more next time or next year. I’m on the prowl for some more.