Have a taste for a pour that’ll really sock it to ya? Well then my dear, have I got a pour for you. Cherry Tart Saison is the WWE champion of Saisons, one that will tempt you with its bright, lively color and then wallop you with flavor. Aaaaand you’re DOWN.
I’m just starting to dip my toe into the Saison craze that’s sweeping the beer world. Apparently Saison isn’t an in your face beer… But this one definitely is. Cherry Tart is a Saison that thinks it’s a Sour. There’s lovely sour here, which compliments the notes of cherry perfectly. Even a bit of cherry pie vibe. Sour cherry pie. Because there’s strong sour cherry here. Which I adore, but that much pucker may not be for everyone. Especially folks ordering a Saison.
As for the pour itself? Barely any head at all. Just the faint wisps of what may have been more immediately after the pour. When it got to my table, it was just a ring ’round the rosy contents of the glass. Once you tip back, you’ll still get that Saison dryness, instead of a sweet fruit hangover. We’re talking a citric acid kick with your cherry, rather than a syrupy one. While the nose hints at things to come, and the lovely deep pink hue of the pour is almost too pretty to drink (almost), a strong “hit your salivary glands” sour gets you straight from the first sip.
As much as I enjoyed this beer, and marveled at the craftsmanship that went into my glass, I was happy this brew came in a flute. No, not because it’s a heavy pour; at 4.5% alcohol, it’s a relative lightweight in the arena. It’s that Cherry Tart is much too sour for me to truly enjoy a full English pour, and I’d rather savor each sip than wonder if I could get my salivary glands to keep it together. In fact, it’s been a week since I had this beer, and while I’m tapping out this review I’m feeling the kick in the ol’ glands. Remembrance of things past, indeed.
While some may want to savor each sip entirely on its own, Cherry Tart is the kind of brew begging to mix it up with something else. Why not try that strong Danish blue or Gorgonzola you’re saving for a special occasion? Cherry Tart will cleanse your palate for bite after bite. Or anything with a balsamic glaze. Yes, I love balsamic glaze on just about anything, but the pairing of this beer’s sour with a balsamic’s sweet acidity would be lovely. Don’t try chocolate cake with this one. You’ll want something that’s substantial, not sweet. Get your umami on.
Folks looking for a pour that’s more Saison than Sour? Probably should look elsewhere. People willing to walk on the wild (cherry) side? C’mon over.
Council Béatitude Cherry Tart Saison
Style: Saison
ABV: 4.5%
