This cherry stout is brewed with Michigan cherry juice. It pours a very disappointing head that’s super bubbly and faded so quickly I barely had a chance to get a shot of it. Only a very thin ring remains, with no lacing at all. Weak.

The aroma is really packed with tart cherries, complemented by dark chocolate and cocoa roasted malt. Chocolate covered cherries.

The flavor is cherry cola heavy, which isn’t a bad thing, but not something I expected. Cherries completely dominate everything else, with chocolate malts in a distant second. It lacks balance. The tartness wouldn’t be a problem if they had upped the malt dose, or used less cherry juice. It comes across a bit on the sweet side, with a sourness that borders on a wild ale. Too much acidity. Intersting. The flavor is the best part, but I’m sure it isn’t for everyone.

I think I would have enjoyed this more if it had a higher amount of chocolate to balance out the tart cherries. It’s really surprising, and definitely worth trying. Though, for $14/six pack, it’s not one I’d repeat purchase. Overall, it’s a nice mix on the standard stout, and I’m glad they tried something new. However, it needs some work, it’s a novely stout.

7.0%

? IBU

Kalamazoo, Michigan

http://www.bellsbeer.com/brands/11-Cherry%20Stout%20