Verhaeghe Echte Kriekenbier

Best Before 31-10-05     Pours a deep cranberry color with an amber glow. A fast, pinkish-gray head is quickly a thin skin and halo. Mouthwateringly tart and acidic aromas showcase Belgian yeast strains. Leather, cheese, tannins and of course a fruity dollop of cherries that does not overwhelm. Sharp, astringent sourness in the mouth reeks of cherry pie filling. This flavor lingers on a dry finish, rather like a mousse. Mild acidity is not upsetting."Flemish Sour" or "Fruit Beer"... who cares... it’s rather decadent and enjoyable.

<font size=-4>Puchased at <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/Place/illinois/frankfort/united-liquors/1120.htm>United Liquors, Frankfort, IL 60423</font>

11.2oz, Best before 15-02-07. Pours a clear brownish red with a one and a half finger fading light pink head. Aroma of oak, sour fruits (in addition to the cherries), barnyard funk, a little bit of dust and cobwebs. The taste reminds me of their other beer I tried and the beer couldn’t decide whether it wanted to be sweet or acidic--this one wants to be a little too sweet for me. The flavors are otherwise pretty much the same with the oak and funk up front. I got a little cardboard as well. Dry finish. Medium to full bodied with moderate carbonation. Not too bad.

A nice and not-too-sweet cherry beer with some background complexity and a primarily real fruit flavor. Good balance and a refreshing finish. I could drink a few of these with some soft cheese and dry sausage.

Sparkling clear ruby body topped by a foamy small pink head. The aroma is sour cherries and light nuty malt. Sour cherry with a fakish cherry flavor, cherry syrup I guess. Very stringent finish.

Bottled. Dark red in colour. Minor red head. It has a sweet and cherry like aroma. The flavour is sweet but there is a sour tone at the same time. Kinda bitter really. Quite enjouable.

[cask at GBBF 06] Aroma is dominated by cherry with some musky aromas and a faint acidity also a little lactic. full body with a sweet and tart finish. A little on the sweet side and I’d prefer a more agressive sourness.

Draft at GBBF ’06. Dark red with a white head. No, it has a faint pink tinge to it. Cheese and sour cherry aroma. Vinegary sourness, but not overpowering as it blends wonderfully with the sweetness of the real cherries. Superb.

Bottled. Ruby red colour, minor head. Aroma of cherry and alcohol (cherry liquor). Minor hints of burnt sugar. Flavour is strong cherry and alcohol. Some cookies in aftertaste. Strong cherry in aftertaste. Tasted almost like the sweet Madeira Wines on Madeira island. Brutal kriek, but yet again very nice.