Beer of the Week: Imperial Cherry Saison

Posted to: Beer & Wine Food and Drink Nightlife Guide

Imperial Cherry Saison

Type American Saison

Maker Southern Tier Brewing Co., Lakewood, N.Y.

Alcohol 8 percent

Cost $7 for a 22-ounce bottle at Grape & Gourmet, 4000 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach.

Translating to "season" in French, the Belgian style of Saison is gaining more fans. Refreshing and dry, with a subtle sweetness and a decent smack of spices, it's typically imbibed during the warmer months.

Imperial Cherry Saison is an American version, and much different from its Belgian counterparts. Cherries are added to the brewing process, for one thing. It's aged in oak and peaks at 8 percent alcohol. It pours a hazy, yellow gold body with a healthy, dense head. I wouldn't call this a "fruit beer" - the cherry influence is subdued.

It's a guy's cherry beer if there ever was one. Some Belgian candi sugar hints at a subtle sweetness, along with light spices such as white pepper and coriander. The very light, crisp body goes down effortlessly. Some spices from the aroma follow into the taste as well as the sugary malts, but the dry oak and leafy hop flavors take over into the finish.

- Eric Trotman, Special to The Virginian-Pilot

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