United Nations of Beer

Flathead Cherry Ale

by Bret
(Las Vegas, NV)

Flathead Cherry Ale (5.2% ABV)
Glacier Brewing Co., Polson, MT, USA

This was by far the best beer I received from my friend's journey to Montana. She brought it back to Vegas in a growler from the brewery. I was so disappointed that I would have to drink a half gallon of it that I almost cried... Thank you!!!!

The aroma of this ale is overloaded with the scents of dark cherries and almonds with a little hint of vanilla, almost like a shot of Amaretto. There is little to no hop bitterness apparent but a mild malty sweetness shows up as you drink the beer. The cherries become more dominant as the beer is consumed and warms.

The appearance of this cherry ale is a cloudy pale gold or straw color with moderate haze or cloudiness. The beers are unpasteurized and microfiltered, so a little haze is not a bad thing. There is a thin foamy brown head which dissipates quickly and does not lace the glass as the beer is consumed.

This is different from most cherry ales I have consumed which are more rose colored and tend to lace the glass. The flavor is what sets this beer ahead of all the rest, it is unmistakably unique. The taste definitely shines of amaretto, the cherries and almond and mild vanilla. The malt and yeast sweetness come through and blends it all together for a great flavored ale. It’s like drinking a glass of beer amaretto, it is mild yet robust and the flavors coat the mouth and throat as it goes down.

This beer is very smooth in texture and coats the palate with a strong sweet film and flavor. There is a light and refreshing mouthfeel with very little carbonation but it coats the palate and lingers in your mouth making you yearn for more.

This could very well be the best cherry flavored beer in the world. Overall, this was a fantastic beer. Not your ordinary cherry flavored beer, it has more character and personality than say Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat. The hints of other flavors make this a more complex beer and not just another cherry flavored ale. I was quite impressed.