New Belgium Lips of Faith
Dark Kriek
(65% Ale Brewed with Cherry Juice,
35% Ale Aged in Wood Barrels)
ABV 8%
Color: Clear red-tinged brown.
Aroma: Oak, cherries bit of dank, damp funkiness.
Flavor: Sweet at first, then tart with sour dried cherry flavor.
Hops vs. Malts (Hoppy, Malty or Balanced): N/A. Tart.
Finish: Tart, acidic.
Overall (Fantastic, Good, Mediocre or Bad): Good
Widmer Brother's Reserve
Cherry Oak Dopplebock
(Oak Aged Ale Fermented with Dark Cherries)
ABV 9%
Color: Cloudy brown.
Aroma: Intensely fragrant with burnt toffee, dried shiitake mushrooms and earthy wood.
Flavor: Thick and almost savory, slight soy sauce.
Hops vs. Malts (Hoppy, Malty or Balanced): Malty
Finish: Dried dark fruit and tart acidity.
Overall (Fantastic, Good, Mediocre or Bad): Mediocre
Winner by unanimous decision: New Belgium. Two completely different styles of beer, but both use cherry and both use barrel aging. The Dark Kriek handled the oak and cherry quite nicely. The oak was subtle, but noticeable and the cherry was bright without being medicinal. The Dopplebock, on the other hand, didn't seem to strike a balance with the cherries and oak. They both seemed lost behind a curious savoriness that surprised both of us.
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I enjoyed Lips Of Faith as well. Bought it on a whim one day just because the bottle design is so great! And yes, I listened to the Flaming Lips while drinking it.
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