Founders Cherry Ale

Brewed by Founders Brewing Company
Style: Fruit Beer
Grand Rapids, Michigan USA

On tap at brew pub. A much lighter version than a couple of other cherry ales I have sampled recently. I would drink a couple of these. Sweet cherry’s but in a balanced manner.

Growler from the brewpub. This poured a deep pink in color with aromas dominated by ripe cherries...as expected. In the mouth it was well-balanced with good concentration of flavor. It held off of being sweet and came out as a very nicely balanced beer that was easy to sit and drink on the beach.

On tap at the ’08 MBG festival. This is a very red beer with a fizzy white head and a very fresh cherry nose. Very fresh tart cherry flavors. It’s like a cherry pie, crust and all. White sugar sweetness. This is a nice fruit beer.

GTMW ’08. Poured a clear medium orange-red color. Pinkinsh white head. I smelled some sweet malt, but not much else. Medium bodied and initially sweet with subdued pale malt and dark cherry flavors. Dry-ish at the end with a bit of tart fruit to finish things off.

On tap at GTMW. Poured clear copper with a pinkish-white head. The aroma picked up drier wheat and tart cherries with a dusty pale malt backing.. not bad. The flavor found semi-sweet, dry cherries along with some tangy skins.. more sour toward the back with more cherries and wheat.. dry on the finish. Lighter-bodied with high carbonation on the palate.. nice and refreshing.

Draft sample at MBGF Summer08. Poured a hazy reddish brown color with a moderate frothy off-white head that mostly lasted with good lacing. Moderate tart cherry and malty aroma. Medium body with a sticky texture. Medium sweet flavor with a medium sweet finish of moderate duration. Solid drinkable brew.

On tap at brewery. Aroma of cherries and caramel malt. Pinkish red hue with an off-white pinkish head and little lace. Flavor is cherries, duh. Palate is soft and light-med bodied and lively. It’s ok but kind of ugh.

On tap at Founders. Red cherry syrup body, medium tight white head. Nose of cherries and modest hops; body of cherry (light syrup), sweet with moderate tartness, paired with light bitter grassy hops. Straightforward fruit beer meant to be refreshing and easy to drink.