The New Glarus beer with cherries is called Belgian Red. It is a truly unique and special brew that showcases the flavors of Wisconsin. This beer is crafted using whole Montmorency Cherries, which are known for their tartness and bright red color. The cherries are sourced from Door County, a region in Wisconsin famous for its cherry orchards.
To create Belgian Red, the brewers at New Glarus start with a base of Wisconsin Farmed Wheat and Belgian Roasted Barleys. This combination of grains gives the beer a rich and complex malt profile, with notes of caramel and toffee. The use of wheat adds a smooth and creamy texture to the beer.
After the initial brewing process, the beer is lagered in oak tanks. This allows the flavors to develop and mellow over time, resulting in a smooth and well-rounded beer. The oak also imparts subtle woody and vanilla notes, adding another layer of complexity to the brew.
To balance out the sweetness of the cherries and malt, New Glarus adds Hallertau hops to the beer. These hops provide a gentle bitterness and a touch of herbal and floral aromas. The hops used in Belgian Red are aged in the brewery for a full year, ensuring that they are of the highest quality and perfectly complement the other flavors in the beer.
What sets Belgian Red apart from other cherry beers is the sheer amount of cherries used in the brewing process. Each 4 pack of this beer contains over a pound of Door County Cherries. This abundance of cherries gives the beer an intense and vibrant cherry flavor that truly captures the essence of Wisconsin.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting Belgian Red on multiple occasions. It is a beer that never fails to impress. The aroma of fresh cherries is immediately noticeable, and as soon as you take your first sip, you are greeted with a burst of juicy cherry goodness. The tartness of the cherries is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the malt, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.
One of my favorite experiences with Belgian Red was enjoying it on a warm summer evening while sitting on a patio overlooking a cherry orchard. The combination of the cherry beer and the picturesque view was truly magical. The beer's bright red color matched perfectly with the cherries hanging from the trees, creating a visual feast as well.
Belgian Red is a truly exceptional beer that showcases the flavors of Wisconsin and the craftsmanship of New Glarus Brewery. Its abundance of Door County Cherries, Wisconsin Farmed Wheat, and Belgian Roasted Barleys create a perfectly balanced and delicious brew. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with food, Belgian Red is a beer that is sure to delight and impress.