Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat
Appearance: slightly hazy with a nice 1/4in head when poured from the bottle at "chilled" time (see below comments). Smell: As expected, a pronounced cherry aroma that mixes with the barley/hops background. Not overpowering but at the same time an unexpected scent to the unsuspecting. Taste: In my opinion, very temp. dependant. Served too cold and the cherry flavor is almost lost, making it almost your "average beer with a bit of cherry flavor". Served chilled and the cherry presentation is well formed and balanced. Mouthfeel: Smooth entrance, a bit of a bite but not much to speak of, very mild of a finish. Drinkability: For what this beer is trying to do, in my opinion it is successful (i.e. providing a cherry flavor to an existing beer base). This is not a cherry lambic, nor does it have the price tag of one either. To those ends if you are wanting a flavored beer with a mild base, this is a good beer. If you are trying to replace a cherry lambic ('cause the price is better) you may be suprised to find that this may fit the bill. Additional comments: The first time I had this beer was many, many years ago in Boston at a cyclorama beer tasting event. Michael Jackson was there and the attendees were provided ten (10) beers to try/rate/etc. The reason why I mention this is at that time, this beer was the "cats meow" of those in attendance. Since then, I've tried it a number of times and can't say I recall why it was so favored. Until now. The times I've had this beer, it was served way too cold which didn't allow the cherry favor to present well with the foundation. Therefore, I would recommend this beer to be served chilled, but removed from the chiller about 30min before serving. This presentation made all the difference in the world, and increased my rating significantly!