Reports suggest that this beer is now re-branded as Duchesse Cherry, coincidently recent reviewed. As such, these notes are essentially on an aged version of that beer.

I’ve learned a LOT about old/cellared beer over the years. As a result, I’ve become exceptionally wary of old beer, so when I saw these 750 mL Best Before 09/2019 bottles I baulked a little, even at $12.99. So, I asked if the store would discount it, and they offered a 30% reduction to get me out the door at $9.73. Basically, my take is that I am prepared to say goodbye to those dollars, even though I have a hope that this beer will have had a chance to develop into something still drinkable in that time.

Modest pop. Makes me a little nervous. Pour is not as drab as I was expecting with some decent red/garnet color. Pinkish body on standing with some nice, light colors coming through. Modest head, that’s OK at this point, especially as the beer is carbonated just fine.

I was expecting the nose and the initial tastes to give a strong, vinegar element. That just didn’t happen. Both mild and sweet, lovely cherry flavors come through, with that more harsh ethanoic acid being reserved for the far back end. TBH, that acidity offers a nice contrast to the sweeter initial and middle elements. Deliciously cherry based with a great combo of light vinegar, and tremendous fruit. Nothing harsh here. Better looking and (for me at least) likely better drinking that perhaps it was when young.

Oak-aged with 150g/L of cherries added.

WOW, what a tremendous experience, what a great lesson about taking a chance on beer, and how gratifying it can be to find a win amongst the many, many loses.