Cherry Beer: Our Recommended Picks for Flavor and Quality

With the recent wave of fruit beers, choosing the right cherry beer has become quite a challenge. Between traditional kriek, more modern red ales, and alcohol levels that vary wildly, it's hard to know where to start. Don't worry: we're here to help you find the perfect bottle, whether you're looking for a strong cherry beer for a special tasting or a lighter version for social sipping.

This guide will walk you through the key criteria to consider and present a selection of products with diverse profiles.

How to Choose a Cherry Beer

Before we get to our top picks, here are the key factors to keep in mind to make the right choice.

1. Alcohol Content: A Matter of Occasion

The alcohol content defines the character of your cherry-flavoured beer and the best time to enjoy it.

• Light Cherry Beer (under 4% ABV): Thirst-quenching and easy-drinking, these are perfect for sipping in the sun, enjoying with brunch, or simply savouring fruity flavours without a high alcohol content.
• Strong Cherry Beer (over 7% ABV): Richer and more complex, this type is best enjoyed as a sipping beer. It's an ideal pairing for a chocolate dessert or a fine cheese board. Its aromatic intensity is usually balanced by a pleasant roundness on the palate.

2. Flavour Profile: Sweet vs. Tart

The profile of a fruit beer can span a wide spectrum. On one end, you have beers that focus on the sweetness and richness of ripe fruit for a soft, rounded experience. On the other, you'll find beers inspired by Belgian tradition that highlight the refreshing acidity of sour cherries, offering more complexity and a longer finish. A quick look at the description will tell you whether you're on team "sweet" or team "tart".

3. Beer Style: Kriek or Flavoured Beer?

There are two main families to distinguish between:

• Kriek: A traditional kriek is a lambic-style beer (made with spontaneous fermentation) that has been aged on cherries. This process gives it a natural tartness and complex aromas.
• Cherry-Flavoured Beer: This is typically a base beer (like an ale or wheat beer) to which cherry juice, concentrate, or flavouring is added after fermentation. The result is generally sweeter and more straightforward, with a strong emphasis on the fruit.

Our Recommended Cherry Beers

Enough theory—let's get to the tasting! Here are three beers that perfectly illustrate the market's diversity, with a profile for every palate.

Triple Secret des Moines Rouge, Intense Cherry

What sets it apart

This cherry red ale is defined by its power and balance. This potent beer combines an abbey-style recipe with carefully selected cherries, delivering an intense aromatic bouquet that blends notes of cherry pit and sour cherry. Its deep red colour is an invitation to taste.

Highlights

• High Alcohol Content:8% ABV, for a beer with true character.
• Balanced Flavours: A perfect middle ground between fruit sweetness and controlled acidity.
• Powerful Nose: Rich, complex aromas that carry through to the palate.
• Ingredients: Contains BARLEY MALT and WHEAT.

Who is it for?

For fans of strong, fruity beers seeking a rich tasting experience with beautiful aromatic complexity. It's perfect with dessert or as an after-dinner drink.

CHOUFFE Cherry, Cherry-Flavoured Beer

What sets it apart

Chouffe Cherry takes the iconic recipe from the Achouffe Brewery and adds a generous dose of cherry. The result is a rich, deep red beer that finishes with a subtle hint of almond. A fruity reinterpretation of a great Belgian classic.

Highlights

• The Chouffe Signature: Enjoy the foundation of a renowned Belgian beer, now enhanced with fruity notes.
• Gourmet Profile: A round, sweet palate with an almond finish.
• Power: An 8% ABV that nicely supports the aromas.
• Pairings: Pairs well with chocolate desserts or cheese boards.

Who is it for?

For loyal fans of the Chouffe brewery and anyone who enjoys strong Belgian beers with a rich, fruity twist. It's a smart choice for exploring a new variation of a beer you already know and love.

SAINT OMER Kriek Cherry Flavoured Beer

What sets it apart

This light cherry beer from the Saint-Omer brewery is the perfect option for simple, refreshing enjoyment. With its low alcohol content, it's all about immediate, fruity pleasure. Its cherry aroma is straightforward and pleasant, making it an easy-to-love drink.

Highlights

• Lightness: Only 2.8% ABV, perfect for quenching your thirst.
• Convenient Format: Available in a 6-pack of 25 cl bottles, ideal for sharing.
• Fruity Taste: A refreshing cherry flavour that isn't overly sweet.
• Made in France: Produced in the Hauts-de-France region.

Who is it for?

For those looking for a fruity, low-alcohol drink for pre-dinner gatherings or sunny days. It's an excellent alternative to traditional beers for a social occasion without the intensity of a strong brew.

Looking for Other Flavours?

Ready to explore other tastes? The world of fruit-flavoured drinks doesn't stop at cherry. From beers and ciders to flavoured spirits, there's something for every palate and curiosity. Feel free to browse our complete selection to find your next favourite.

Discover our range of flavoured spirits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the difference between a Kriek and a cherry beer?

Historically, a kriek is a Belgian lambic-style beer (made with spontaneous fermentation) that has been aged on whole cherries, which gives it a characteristic tartness. Today, the term is sometimes used more broadly. "Cherry beer" is a more generic term for any beer (ale, lager, etc.) that has had cherry juice or flavouring added to it.

How should you serve a cherry beer?

To fully appreciate all its aromas, serve your fruit beer chilled, but never ice-cold. A temperature between 5 and 8°C is ideal. Use a tulip or chalice glass to concentrate the aromas and pour slowly to control the foam head.

What foods pair well with cherry beer?

It all depends on the beer's profile! A light, tart cherry beer pairs wonderfully with salads, poultry, or fresh goat cheese. A strong, sweeter, and more complex cherry beer works wonders with duck, game, blue-veined cheeses (like Roquefort), or dark chocolate desserts.