Thanks to New Glarus for bringing back their Cherry Stout, a past gold medal winner in the Wood and Barrel Aged Beer category at GABF, and the first in this year’s Unplugged Series.
Appearance is decidedly unstout-like. Fairly reddish coloring, not black or opaque as one might expect. Huge head on the pour, loads of rocky bubbles. Aroma is nearly identical to their Wisconsin Belgian Red with a bushel of sour cherries, backed with a faint note of dark chocolate, maybe even a syrupy Coca-Cola quality. Flavor is impressive, a beautiful blend of the sour cherry with a building flavor of roasted, chocolate malt. Mouthfeel is solid.
Overall impression, there’s a great deal going on here. If you’re looking for a traditional example of a stout, this ain’t it. It’s better.
Rating: A
Where I Bought It: Casanova Liquors
Availability: Limited Release
Price: $9.99 per four pack
February 22, 2010 at 7:49 am
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February 22, 2010 at 10:52 am
I might need to make a trip across the river. That sounds awesome.
February 22, 2010 at 10:58 am
Did you pick up a tad of cough syrup? I couldn’t work past it, myself…..
February 22, 2010 at 11:02 am
I know what you’re talking about Kelly, to me it was more like the Coca Cola syrup thing I referenced. It didn’t really bother me.
February 22, 2010 at 11:02 am
Looks like I’ll be making a run to Hudson soon. Can’t wait to try this!
February 22, 2010 at 2:29 pm
I’m going to visit them this summer. It’s funny how badly I want to buy a ton of their stuff without actually ever drinking anything by them
February 22, 2010 at 7:05 pm
I’m planning to stop by the brewery on the way down to Dark Lord Day this year. I’m pretty certain you can’t go wrong with any of NG’s beers.
February 23, 2010 at 10:31 am
How did it compare to Bell’s Cherry Stout? I friggin’ love theirs and was wondering if they’re different enough for me to make a road trip this week…
February 23, 2010 at 10:36 am
Haven’t had Bell’s version in a while, so couldn’t say. But I’m sure you can find more than just New Glarus to make your trip to Hudson worthwhile.
March 4, 2010 at 7:30 pm
can’t make it past the cough syrup taste either. And didn’t like bell’s either, the only Bell’s I havent liked… Think my black cherry porter is much better. Anyone in my area in the next month can get a free sample. Im in Kenosha just leave a post at my blogsite if interested.
March 4, 2010 at 7:31 pm
brettbrew.blogspot.com
March 12, 2010 at 12:33 pm
The sourness that Master Carey has going on right now, with his English Porter and in this Cherry Stout, is bound to turn people off. That said, I cannot but marvel at both the skill and boldness it takes to try and pull it off. Whereas everyone else is going for imperial hop and stout firepower, he goes in an entirely different direction – sour???!!? Whether I like every sip or not (and sometimes the judgement changes mid-frickin-sip!), I can only marvel at his genius. I for one hope he continues along these lines, because it is interesting as hell and nobody else is doing it. Bravo Cherry Stout!
April 1, 2010 at 4:32 pm
I’m not getting any head out of my bottles, like none at all. Why would that be?
April 1, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Hmm, that is strange. Is the beer totally flat, or just no real head?