Additional notes 08/13/23 (pictured)

Not as sweet or cough syrupy as one might think, it’s still as drinkable (on rare occasion) as it has been over the years. The fruit is prominent, but it has a light, tart cherry edge. has a lot of the 1970s and 1980s Cherry Drop sweets (candy) about it.

Still easy drinking in small amounts once a year, still enjoyable.

Original notes 08/21/08

Drunk at the The Citte of York on Holborn in summer 2007. Reviewed from notes.

I must admit that I initially bought this beer at the bar simply to try it as a novelty. At the time I hadn’t been back to England in a very long time, and I was anxious to try as many beers that I knew I could not get when I got back to the US as possible. I had low expectations, but they were handsomely exceeded.

Odd looking pour from the bottle, giving an almost brown, cloudy concoction. It reminded me of an unpasteurized cider. Almost dark bloody red. Head was minimal, lace scant. Hefty whiff of cherry essence as predicted.

Very drinkable as the combo of ripe cherries and mild alcohol combine to leave a very moreish experience. Finishes with a tart, puckering acidity that is almost wiped out immediately by a rush of sugar. Actually nicely balanced.

I dunno, fruit beer is strictly a novelty for me, but to be honest I enjoyed drinking this one.