Cherry beer / day

Cherry beer combines bitterness, sweetness and acidity in a uniform harmony. This type of beer has become popular not only in Belgium in recent years, where it has ancient roots, but also in the world, including in Latvia, where both craftsmen’s brewery and the number of cherry beer lovers are growing.

The beginning of history

Cherry beer root can be found in Belgium, especially in the Flanders region. One of the most famous cherry beer types is the shock traditionally produced by adding real cherries Lambic Style to make beer.

Lambic There is a beer fermentation method – beer is fermented with wild yeasts in open type tanks (Lambic). The bacteria in the air are provided for the fermentation process. Natural yeasts give this beer a special, often sour taste. Lambic Type beer taste is usually added to fruits and berries, often cherries – often wild varieties such as ‘schaerbeek’, and the drink is matured in oak barrels for several months

. Such beer is not the same as ordinary beer with cherry syrup – the difference lies in both manufacturing technology and the complexity of the result. Traditional Hawk is naturally fermented and contains the true taste of the fruit, not just the aroma.

Other production methods

Cherry beer can be made in different ways. The above described Lambic the method by which it is prepared Hawk Beer is a long and complicated process, but the result is elegant, acidic and deep drink. Nowadays, this is not the most popular method.

The simpler method is the addition of cherry puree or juice during the beer during its fermentation. This technique ensures that the cherry flavor is well integrated into the character of beer. This method works with wheat beer or Eil.

Nowadays, the most common option is beer flavoring. When producing cherry beer by this method, cherry flavorings or syrups are added after fermentation, creating a sweeter and more accessible drink, often with less alcohol content.

What cherries are used?

In cherry brewing, brewers often choose to use more acidic cherry varieties because they better balance the bitterness and sweetness of beer, especially if the beer contains more alcohol or intense hop profile.

Hawk The highest rated variety ‘Schaerbeeke’ (‘Schaerbeek’) is small, sour, dark wild cherry berries. They have high acidity and intense aroma, which remains well during ripening.

The breed that is widely used today in Belgium, Germany and US craftsmen is ‘Morello’ or ‘Schattenmorelle’ (German name). The origin of this breed is Central Europe. The berries are dark red, very juicy and sour. The strong cherry aroma, the high anthocyanic (natural dye) and the acidity level are ideal for acidic beers.

Americans also use the Canadian breed ‘Montmorency’. It is a popular variety of acid cherries with bright red berries and pronounced acidity. Very widespread in US craftsmen cave – often used in acidic Eilos and Saison (ie in rural or farmers). The variety is suitable for use in both fresh and frozen forms, making it easy to use for commercial manufacturers.

Taste characteristics

The taste of cherry beer can be very diverse, both refreshing and lightweight, and complex and rich.

Traditional Hawk will be acidic, low to medium alcohol, slightly bitter, with drier aftertaste. Today’s sweet cherry beer will be lighter, with less pronounced hops, but pronounced fruit sweets.

Imperial Stouts with cherries will be a dark, strong beer in which cherry notes complement the nuances of roasted chocolate and coffee.

Cherry beer can also be sparkling, with a rich foam hat, deep red or ruby ​​shade. The aroma is often berry, with a nuance of the dice, marzipan or grape notes.

Compatibility with food

Cherry beer is a grateful drink for food compatibility. It fits well for dark chocolate and desserts with berries, duck or game meat with berry sauces, blue cheeses, whose intensity is balanced by fruit acidity, light snacks – for example, for cheese or roasted bread.

A sweeter version of cherry beer can perfectly replace dessert wine or serve as an independent dessert on a hot summer evening.

Cherry beer is not just a « fruit lemonade » – a real representative of the world of beer with rich history and diversity. It can be a sophisticated, complex and pronounced gastronomic or simple and refreshing summer drink.