Samuel Adams American Kriek (Barrel Room Collection) | Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Brewed by:
Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
Massachusetts, United States | website
Style: American Wild Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 7.00%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
Ale aged w/ Balaton cherries in oak barrels; hand-bottled corked & caged; not bottled-conditioned. Blended w/ "Cosmic Mother Funk."
Added by Todd on 10-30-2009
Reviews: 115 | Ratings: 296
4.5/5 rDev +26.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from bottle into a Sam Adams Glass.
Appearance: Cloudy reddish color with a reddish tinted beige head of about four fingers, mild lacing on the glass.
Smell: Smell of cherries, hints of oine, citrus and alcohol.
Mouthfeel/Taste: Medium bodied, and smooth. Taste of sweet cherries and alcohol up front, ending with bittersweet tart flavors.
Overall: Third time I have had this beer, first was sampled on tap at the Boston Beer Company Brewery in Boston, the second was a bottle bought from that trip to the brewery, this last one was just a the store, but I had to get it one more time, always have enjoyed this one and it's unique flavors.
★ 650 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from bottle into a Sam Adams Glass.
Appearance: Cloudy reddish color with a reddish tinted beige head of about four fingers, mild lacing on the glass.
Smell: Smell of cherries, hints of oine, citrus and alcohol.
Mouthfeel/Taste: Medium bodied, and smooth. Taste of sweet cherries and alcohol up front, ending with bittersweet tart flavors.
Overall: Third time I have had this beer, first was sampled on tap at the Boston Beer Company Brewery in Boston, the second was a bottle bought from that trip to the brewery, this last one was just a the store, but I had to get it one more time, always have enjoyed this one and it's unique flavors.
★ 650 characters
4.42/5 rDev +24.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
I have had this beer at inception at Sam Adams brewery in Boston and now after 18 months aging in my cellar. Very hard to find ATM but if you ask around you can find a bottle.
It is a top notch beer. The cherry flavor only hits the back of your tongue but when it does it's pronounced.
The rest of the beer is flavorful enough that you do not notice the alcohol.
Well done Mr. Koch!
★ 386 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
I have had this beer at inception at Sam Adams brewery in Boston and now after 18 months aging in my cellar. Very hard to find ATM but if you ask around you can find a bottle.
It is a top notch beer. The cherry flavor only hits the back of your tongue but when it does it's pronounced.
The rest of the beer is flavorful enough that you do not notice the alcohol.
Well done Mr. Koch!
★ 386 characters
4.37/5 rDev +23.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
A: Nice rich red/plum color with a nice head that sticks to the glass and really has some nice reddish hue.
S: The beer has a nice rich black cherry aroma with some hints of chocolate and some nice sour notes with some slight hop aroma.
T: Very nice rich dried fruit flavor of cherries and plums with some good finish that reminds me of chocolate. Very rich but not overly sweet. The dark cherries really stand out and make the beer distinct from a traditional kriek.
M/O: Very rich and good carbonation. Great dessert beer that would pair well with some rich chocolate flavors. This is really a nice interpretation of a beligian style.
★ 636 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
A: Nice rich red/plum color with a nice head that sticks to the glass and really has some nice reddish hue.
S: The beer has a nice rich black cherry aroma with some hints of chocolate and some nice sour notes with some slight hop aroma.
T: Very nice rich dried fruit flavor of cherries and plums with some good finish that reminds me of chocolate. Very rich but not overly sweet. The dark cherries really stand out and make the beer distinct from a traditional kriek.
M/O: Very rich and good carbonation. Great dessert beer that would pair well with some rich chocolate flavors. This is really a nice interpretation of a beligian style.
★ 636 characters
4.2/5 rDev +18.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Served in a Sloeber tulip glass.
Big ups to connecticutpoet for this bottle!
Part III, the final leg of the Barrel Room Collection odyssey. We've gotten some. It pours a hazy ruby, highlighted in brown, topped by a finger or so of off-white micro-foam. The nose comprises a good amount of cherries (both red and black), oak, chocolate, nutmeg, walnut, and a touch of raspberry jam. The taste echoes the heavy cherry sentiment; everything else is forced into the background: oak, cinnamon, light cocoa, toffee, and some light dark wheat. The body is a relatively light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a fairly dry finish. Overall, the best of the BRC, and a nice cherry-centric brew period.
★ 705 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Served in a Sloeber tulip glass.
Big ups to connecticutpoet for this bottle!
Part III, the final leg of the Barrel Room Collection odyssey. We've gotten some. It pours a hazy ruby, highlighted in brown, topped by a finger or so of off-white micro-foam. The nose comprises a good amount of cherries (both red and black), oak, chocolate, nutmeg, walnut, and a touch of raspberry jam. The taste echoes the heavy cherry sentiment; everything else is forced into the background: oak, cinnamon, light cocoa, toffee, and some light dark wheat. The body is a relatively light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a fairly dry finish. Overall, the best of the BRC, and a nice cherry-centric brew period.
★ 705 characters
4.2/5 rDev +18.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
Huge thanks goes out F2brewers for this incredibly generous beer. Thanks a ton Kevin!
Bottle 3449
A somewhat vigorous pour yields 3 fingers of pinkish red head. The beer itself is a murky amber. I smell some cherries, slight oak and a light sourness. Taste is sour at the front, followed by very tart cherry then a sweet finish. Not too sour, nicely balanced. Mouthfeel feels good and drinkability is high. I seared some pork chops with some carmalized red onions and granny smith apple in a balsamic glaze, this beer went perfectly with it.
★ 561 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5
Huge thanks goes out F2brewers for this incredibly generous beer. Thanks a ton Kevin!
Bottle 3449
A somewhat vigorous pour yields 3 fingers of pinkish red head. The beer itself is a murky amber. I smell some cherries, slight oak and a light sourness. Taste is sour at the front, followed by very tart cherry then a sweet finish. Not too sour, nicely balanced. Mouthfeel feels good and drinkability is high. I seared some pork chops with some carmalized red onions and granny smith apple in a balsamic glaze, this beer went perfectly with it.
★ 561 characters
4.2/5 rDev +18.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Poured into a tulip is a dark mahogany colored beer with an off white head around two fingers thick.
Aroma: Sour cherries with notes of tartness. Oakiness, faint plum.
Taste: Lots of tart cherries, oak, minor malt sweetness with a touch of lime. It's mostly sour with a light dry mouthfeel.
Notes: Quite drinkiable and a straight forward a solid wild ale. Cheers.
★ 378 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Appearance: Poured into a tulip is a dark mahogany colored beer with an off white head around two fingers thick.
Aroma: Sour cherries with notes of tartness. Oakiness, faint plum.
Taste: Lots of tart cherries, oak, minor malt sweetness with a touch of lime. It's mostly sour with a light dry mouthfeel.
Notes: Quite drinkiable and a straight forward a solid wild ale. Cheers.
★ 378 characters
4.2/5 rDev +18.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 750ml black bottle.
Pours a deep burgundy with a small head that lasts about 15 seconds.
This has a nice aroma. Malty with some nice cherry aromas which aren't as overpowering as I had thought they would be. There are some earthy aromas as well, sort of woody and probably from the oak barrels.
Taste is quite nice. Lots of cherry tartness but for me, doesn't seem to overpower it, and some nice malt flavors coming out. There are also hints of an oakey flavor from the barrels. The tart cherries and malt dominates. This has a nice mouthfeel and good drinkability.
I really liked this one, and will definitely have it again.
★ 644 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 750ml black bottle.
Pours a deep burgundy with a small head that lasts about 15 seconds.
This has a nice aroma. Malty with some nice cherry aromas which aren't as overpowering as I had thought they would be. There are some earthy aromas as well, sort of woody and probably from the oak barrels.
Taste is quite nice. Lots of cherry tartness but for me, doesn't seem to overpower it, and some nice malt flavors coming out. There are also hints of an oakey flavor from the barrels. The tart cherries and malt dominates. This has a nice mouthfeel and good drinkability.
I really liked this one, and will definitely have it again.
★ 644 characters
4.17/5 rDev +17.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Shared into two regular pint glasses on a pleasant summer day, late in the afternoon. Was looking for something refreshing but tasty. Wondered if this would fit the bill and it certainly did.
A: Shockingly red with a pink head that was generous and laced out well. I was thinking this was going to be a more traditional beer color like their Cherry Wheat. Disconcerting at first, but doesn't take away from the experience.
S: The opening smell is more the breadiness of the yeast but you can smell the sweetness a little better after the first few sips. My nose doesn't pick up the cherries that well.
T: But the cherries come en masse with the opening sip. Sweetness hits the tongue right away but the sour/tart jumps in and takes over quickly as it washes back. Nothing bitter here but not syrupy sweet either. Good balance. Refreshing and savory at the same time. Very pleasing for a hot summer day.
M: Carbonation is generous which helps keep the mouthfeel light. No heavy coating of the tongue. More of a soft fizz with not too much heat despite the label quoting an ABV of 7%.
O: I finished my half of the pour much too soon and was left wanting more. I'm not a fruit beer fan in general since they tend to be too sweet or syrupy for me, but this was different. The novelty would wear off quickly if I drank this too often, but I felt it was a great and satisfying beer this afternoon.
★ 1,400 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Shared into two regular pint glasses on a pleasant summer day, late in the afternoon. Was looking for something refreshing but tasty. Wondered if this would fit the bill and it certainly did.
A: Shockingly red with a pink head that was generous and laced out well. I was thinking this was going to be a more traditional beer color like their Cherry Wheat. Disconcerting at first, but doesn't take away from the experience.
S: The opening smell is more the breadiness of the yeast but you can smell the sweetness a little better after the first few sips. My nose doesn't pick up the cherries that well.
T: But the cherries come en masse with the opening sip. Sweetness hits the tongue right away but the sour/tart jumps in and takes over quickly as it washes back. Nothing bitter here but not syrupy sweet either. Good balance. Refreshing and savory at the same time. Very pleasing for a hot summer day.
M: Carbonation is generous which helps keep the mouthfeel light. No heavy coating of the tongue. More of a soft fizz with not too much heat despite the label quoting an ABV of 7%.
O: I finished my half of the pour much too soon and was left wanting more. I'm not a fruit beer fan in general since they tend to be too sweet or syrupy for me, but this was different. The novelty would wear off quickly if I drank this too often, but I felt it was a great and satisfying beer this afternoon.
★ 1,400 characters
4.12/5 rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Amber tinged molasses pours out of this SA Barrel series kriek, quickly the head shuns existence and we're off...
SMells of some wet horse blanket, jolly ranchers, fresh cut weeds (lawn kind not smoking kind) and some heady yeast
A quick start with some cherry flesh and lacto funky sour disco. I've had belgian tripels and Grand Cru's give off about 90% of what this lambic is delivering. Definitly not overt sourness
Mouthfeel is medium bodied yet thin in its syrup, light carbonation, although alco is 7% no hint of it here
I guess you could call this an introduction to the style, great beer, won't make you pucker
★ 623 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Amber tinged molasses pours out of this SA Barrel series kriek, quickly the head shuns existence and we're off...
SMells of some wet horse blanket, jolly ranchers, fresh cut weeds (lawn kind not smoking kind) and some heady yeast
A quick start with some cherry flesh and lacto funky sour disco. I've had belgian tripels and Grand Cru's give off about 90% of what this lambic is delivering. Definitly not overt sourness
Mouthfeel is medium bodied yet thin in its syrup, light carbonation, although alco is 7% no hint of it here
I guess you could call this an introduction to the style, great beer, won't make you pucker
★ 623 characters
4.12/5 rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From notes June 4, 2011
1 pint 9.4oz bottle
3500 stamped on bottle
A - It pours brown with a crimson tint. It has a skim of tan head.
S - The aroma is caramel malt with a presence of cherry vanilla.
T - I get tart cherry and caramel malt. It has a dessert quality to it.
M - Moderate and very smooth.
O - It reminds me of cherry pie. Possibly a good dessert beer.
★ 368 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From notes June 4, 2011
1 pint 9.4oz bottle
3500 stamped on bottle
A - It pours brown with a crimson tint. It has a skim of tan head.
S - The aroma is caramel malt with a presence of cherry vanilla.
T - I get tart cherry and caramel malt. It has a dessert quality to it.
M - Moderate and very smooth.
O - It reminds me of cherry pie. Possibly a good dessert beer.
★ 368 characters
4.12/5 rDev +16.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pouring into a snifter at cellar temp and splitting with Stopper. The beer pours a chestnut hue with ruby highlights on the edges of the glass. More of a reddish tint in the glass than in the stream as poured from the bottle.
Beige surface layer of head is sturdy but not thick.
Aroma is sweet with some cherry and candy, mildly tart twang mixed in the nose. I do get a little light funk, but mostly sweet cherry.
First sip reveals an average body and tingly carbonation.
Flavor is similar to the nose with sweet cheery and a bit of candy sugar. Not really tart and not too funky. An easy drinking beer that hides its booze well and isnt a pucker beer. A nice intro to the style and very drinkable and enjoyable for night of drinking. I would buy again if I see it in the store.
★ 778 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pouring into a snifter at cellar temp and splitting with Stopper. The beer pours a chestnut hue with ruby highlights on the edges of the glass. More of a reddish tint in the glass than in the stream as poured from the bottle.
Beige surface layer of head is sturdy but not thick.
Aroma is sweet with some cherry and candy, mildly tart twang mixed in the nose. I do get a little light funk, but mostly sweet cherry.
First sip reveals an average body and tingly carbonation.
Flavor is similar to the nose with sweet cheery and a bit of candy sugar. Not really tart and not too funky. An easy drinking beer that hides its booze well and isnt a pucker beer. A nice intro to the style and very drinkable and enjoyable for night of drinking. I would buy again if I see it in the store.
★ 778 characters
4.12/5 rDev +16.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 25 oz bottle into a Samuel Adams utopia glass. Purchased in Wakefield, Rhode Island. Year above bar code reads "2010", so this is 3 years old at this point.
A- Pours a hazy auburn body with a small white head that reduces to a white ring as I consume. Some leggy lacing.
S- Some funkyness, leather, and a vanilla-cherry aroma that I can describe as yogurt covered cherries. I also get raisins/dried fruit.
T- Starts off with sweet candi sugar and dark fruit notes, this develops into slight tart cherry, oak, and vanilla notes. There is a nice toasted malt aftertaste.
M- Medium body and medium carbonation. Pretty easy drinker.
This was not the beer that I was expecting, but not in a bad way. The cherry character of this beer is subtle, leaving the barrel notes to really take over and shine. The complexity is quite impressive and I'd recommend it.
★ 875 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured from a 25 oz bottle into a Samuel Adams utopia glass. Purchased in Wakefield, Rhode Island. Year above bar code reads "2010", so this is 3 years old at this point.
A- Pours a hazy auburn body with a small white head that reduces to a white ring as I consume. Some leggy lacing.
S- Some funkyness, leather, and a vanilla-cherry aroma that I can describe as yogurt covered cherries. I also get raisins/dried fruit.
T- Starts off with sweet candi sugar and dark fruit notes, this develops into slight tart cherry, oak, and vanilla notes. There is a nice toasted malt aftertaste.
M- Medium body and medium carbonation. Pretty easy drinker.
This was not the beer that I was expecting, but not in a bad way. The cherry character of this beer is subtle, leaving the barrel notes to really take over and shine. The complexity is quite impressive and I'd recommend it.
★ 875 characters
4.11/5 rDev +15.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a bottle into a Chimay goblet.
A- pours a very dark reddish brown with a paper thin pink head that quickly fades, as per the style norm. Nothing outstanding here.
S- really sweet cherry aroma...smells pretty great. Fresh cherry pie
T- slightly tart cherries, and thats really all. But DAMN is it tasty...not nearly as sour as you'd expect from a wild, but still very, very good. Would rate it higher if it were categorized as a fruit beer as opposed to a wild
M- has a little bit of a solid body to it, but is overall a little thin. I don't mind too much because the flavor shines through really well.
D- this is great. Really tasty and drinkable. Its not a great WILD, but would be a fantastic fruit beer. If you're looking for something sour, go somewhere else...if you're looking for something with a tad bit of tart and a good bit of sweetness, this is up your alley
★ 887 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a bottle into a Chimay goblet.
A- pours a very dark reddish brown with a paper thin pink head that quickly fades, as per the style norm. Nothing outstanding here.
S- really sweet cherry aroma...smells pretty great. Fresh cherry pie
T- slightly tart cherries, and thats really all. But DAMN is it tasty...not nearly as sour as you'd expect from a wild, but still very, very good. Would rate it higher if it were categorized as a fruit beer as opposed to a wild
M- has a little bit of a solid body to it, but is overall a little thin. I don't mind too much because the flavor shines through really well.
D- this is great. Really tasty and drinkable. Its not a great WILD, but would be a fantastic fruit beer. If you're looking for something sour, go somewhere else...if you're looking for something with a tad bit of tart and a good bit of sweetness, this is up your alley
★ 887 characters
4.07/5 rDev +14.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
This beer is deep red and slightly cloudy. It has a nice frothy head when poured. Open it like champagne- it surprised me when I opened the bottle since there was so much pressure in the bottle.
This Kriek is very mellow compared to other krieks that I've had in the past. There is a bit of tart flavor, but not overpoweringly so. The bouquet is full of ripe cherries, but as you let it warm up to room temp in the glass the aromas give way to more of cooked and dried cherries.
The 7% ABV is not overpowering and allows for easy drinking. It pairs well with chocolate and almonds almost like a sherry.
★ 605 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
This beer is deep red and slightly cloudy. It has a nice frothy head when poured. Open it like champagne- it surprised me when I opened the bottle since there was so much pressure in the bottle.
This Kriek is very mellow compared to other krieks that I've had in the past. There is a bit of tart flavor, but not overpoweringly so. The bouquet is full of ripe cherries, but as you let it warm up to room temp in the glass the aromas give way to more of cooked and dried cherries.
The 7% ABV is not overpowering and allows for easy drinking. It pairs well with chocolate and almonds almost like a sherry.
★ 605 characters
4.05/5 rDev +14.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
American Kriek pours a hazy, dark ruby color with a small white head on top. The foam dissolves quickly to a thick ring around the surface and leaves only a couple spots of lace on the glass.
The aroma is mainly tart cherry, which is to be expected, but there's some woody mustiness mixed in. Reminds me of cherry pie.
Each sip of this medium bodied beer is slick on the palate and very liquid with a nice firm carbonated fizz on the tip of the tongue. The flavor is mainly cherry, however there are some nice spices mixed in. Notes of nutmeg, and cinnamon are present. Almost reminds me of a pumpkin beer. It finishes tart with a slight medicinal taste. Once gone the cherry flavor lingers on the palate.
This is a very easy to drink kriek. Most beers of this style that I've tried are usually very tart, however this one has a good balance of sweet and tart. A good dessert beer.
★ 884 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
American Kriek pours a hazy, dark ruby color with a small white head on top. The foam dissolves quickly to a thick ring around the surface and leaves only a couple spots of lace on the glass.
The aroma is mainly tart cherry, which is to be expected, but there's some woody mustiness mixed in. Reminds me of cherry pie.
Each sip of this medium bodied beer is slick on the palate and very liquid with a nice firm carbonated fizz on the tip of the tongue. The flavor is mainly cherry, however there are some nice spices mixed in. Notes of nutmeg, and cinnamon are present. Almost reminds me of a pumpkin beer. It finishes tart with a slight medicinal taste. Once gone the cherry flavor lingers on the palate.
This is a very easy to drink kriek. Most beers of this style that I've tried are usually very tart, however this one has a good balance of sweet and tart. A good dessert beer.
★ 884 characters
4/5 rDev +12.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750ml bottle. Pours red with a short lived, frosty, white head. Aroma is of sour wine, funky yeast, cherry, hints of caramel. Body is full, crisp and creamy. Cherry, caramel, yeast, woody and vanilla notes fill the mouth. Finish is short, semi-sweet. On a sweet side, but very pleasant brew I liked.
★ 299 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
750ml bottle. Pours red with a short lived, frosty, white head. Aroma is of sour wine, funky yeast, cherry, hints of caramel. Body is full, crisp and creamy. Cherry, caramel, yeast, woody and vanilla notes fill the mouth. Finish is short, semi-sweet. On a sweet side, but very pleasant brew I liked.
★ 299 characters
4/5 rDev +12.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I poured this beer into a snifter glass, it has a dark red body with a reddish white head that lays down quickly to a nice thin lace. The smell is of tart cherries with some malt hints. The taste is cherry flavored first then a really sweet taste hits me on the back of the tongue, almost like a apple flavor,. This has a nice mouth feel and is smooth and sweet, like a good dessert beer. Overall i really enjoyed this beer and it's brothers also.
★ 447 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I poured this beer into a snifter glass, it has a dark red body with a reddish white head that lays down quickly to a nice thin lace. The smell is of tart cherries with some malt hints. The taste is cherry flavored first then a really sweet taste hits me on the back of the tongue, almost like a apple flavor,. This has a nice mouth feel and is smooth and sweet, like a good dessert beer. Overall i really enjoyed this beer and it's brothers also.
★ 447 characters
3.98/5 rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Reviewed 1/24/10
Poured into a pint glass. Body was very clear and a vibrant red color. 1 finger, pink head that faded to a thin layer. I personally thought the appearance was great and unique.
Smell was of a tart, cherry aroma. Some slight caramely malty sweetness. Somewhat cherry pie like, with a bit more tartness.
Taste was a very refreshing cherry flavor. Mild tartness with a nice dark cherry flavor. Mild sweetness in finish helps to zero out that tart. Some hints of caramel as well.
Mouthfeel was a medium/light body with somewhat high carbonation. Dry in the finish.
Drinkability was very good. Cherry flavor is mild along with a great balance of tart/sweet. No signs of abv.
While this is not the best kriek i've had, this is very nice and reasonably priced.
★ 776 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Reviewed 1/24/10
Poured into a pint glass. Body was very clear and a vibrant red color. 1 finger, pink head that faded to a thin layer. I personally thought the appearance was great and unique.
Smell was of a tart, cherry aroma. Some slight caramely malty sweetness. Somewhat cherry pie like, with a bit more tartness.
Taste was a very refreshing cherry flavor. Mild tartness with a nice dark cherry flavor. Mild sweetness in finish helps to zero out that tart. Some hints of caramel as well.
Mouthfeel was a medium/light body with somewhat high carbonation. Dry in the finish.
Drinkability was very good. Cherry flavor is mild along with a great balance of tart/sweet. No signs of abv.
While this is not the best kriek i've had, this is very nice and reasonably priced.
★ 776 characters
3.97/5 rDev +11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from 750ml into tulip.
A: Pours dark ruby red color with small head. Some good carbonation on the glass.
S: Smells of sweet fruit, specifically cherry and berrys. Get some alcohol presence, very wine like smells. Earthy notes and some woody characters are present as well.
T/M: Taste of cherry, earthy and some other fruity notes. Get lots of wine character as well. Some alcohol flavors but really dominated by the cherry sweetness. Not to dry, but its is there for sure.
D: Nice drinker for after dinner. Not amazing but nice none the less. Great to share for dessert and gives some good talking points.
★ 617 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from 750ml into tulip.
A: Pours dark ruby red color with small head. Some good carbonation on the glass.
S: Smells of sweet fruit, specifically cherry and berrys. Get some alcohol presence, very wine like smells. Earthy notes and some woody characters are present as well.
T/M: Taste of cherry, earthy and some other fruity notes. Get lots of wine character as well. Some alcohol flavors but really dominated by the cherry sweetness. Not to dry, but its is there for sure.
D: Nice drinker for after dinner. Not amazing but nice none the less. Great to share for dessert and gives some good talking points.
★ 617 characters
3.92/5 rDev +10.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A hazy reddish-brown, with a thick, pink head. You really expect to taste the cherries when you look at this beer. Decent enough head retention and lace.
Yeasty, sweet, sour, a hint of vanilla, and a damp wood aroma. Very little cherry smell but you can tell there is something sweet in there and it's enticing.
Medium bodied and tight, tingly bubbles. Sweet and tart cherries hit you at the very beginning. Well balanced sweet/tart flavors follow through the middle, which takes on an almost creamy mouthfeel as the initial carbonation settles down. The finish is a bit more sweet with a slightly woody aftertaste.
I'm very impressed with the balance of this beer. The sweet, sour and tart flavors blend together in a little dance of flavor. At each moment you can taste all three flavors but one never dominates the other. However, the flavor is never astounding or mind blowing. A very good and well balanced/executed beer but it's not the greatest wild ale out there.
★ 976 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
A hazy reddish-brown, with a thick, pink head. You really expect to taste the cherries when you look at this beer. Decent enough head retention and lace.
Yeasty, sweet, sour, a hint of vanilla, and a damp wood aroma. Very little cherry smell but you can tell there is something sweet in there and it's enticing.
Medium bodied and tight, tingly bubbles. Sweet and tart cherries hit you at the very beginning. Well balanced sweet/tart flavors follow through the middle, which takes on an almost creamy mouthfeel as the initial carbonation settles down. The finish is a bit more sweet with a slightly woody aftertaste.
I'm very impressed with the balance of this beer. The sweet, sour and tart flavors blend together in a little dance of flavor. At each moment you can taste all three flavors but one never dominates the other. However, the flavor is never astounding or mind blowing. A very good and well balanced/executed beer but it's not the greatest wild ale out there.
★ 976 characters
3.9/5 rDev +9.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Enjoyed in a tulip glass
A: pours a warm red color that is perfectly opaque with a thick and fluffy head of light reddish color that lingers only for a little then dissipates leaving spotty lacing on the glass
S: nice tartness from the cherries with a slight sweet and sour note that stings the nostrils at the end
T: begins with a sweet note then moves immediately over to an interesting sour note that i really like, leaves a great lingering sour note on the palate
M: a bit strong on the carbonation but actually really smooths out nicely through the middle, leaves a bit of an interesting feeling on the palate, not really sure how to describe it other than 'comfortable'
O: i like this brew, i love this style, ive seen better representations in the appearance aspect but the taste and mouth feel here were really a joy, nicely done
★ 838 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Enjoyed in a tulip glass
A: pours a warm red color that is perfectly opaque with a thick and fluffy head of light reddish color that lingers only for a little then dissipates leaving spotty lacing on the glass
S: nice tartness from the cherries with a slight sweet and sour note that stings the nostrils at the end
T: begins with a sweet note then moves immediately over to an interesting sour note that i really like, leaves a great lingering sour note on the palate
M: a bit strong on the carbonation but actually really smooths out nicely through the middle, leaves a bit of an interesting feeling on the palate, not really sure how to describe it other than 'comfortable'
O: i like this brew, i love this style, ive seen better representations in the appearance aspect but the taste and mouth feel here were really a joy, nicely done
★ 838 characters
3.9/5 rDev +9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
A - Pours a nice deep and clear red color with a nice amount of reddish head (about 2-3 fingers). Nice lacing left behind.
S - Mostly sweet and strong cherry aroma that dominates the smell. A little bit of oak taste mixed in.
T - There is a lot of cherry flavor in this beer. Very nice and sweet flavor overall. A little tart but overall a very sweet beer. A little bit of oak flavor mixed in, similar to the smell.
M - Little carbonation and overall very smooth. Fairly full bodied, but a little dull on the tongue.
D - The flavors are very strong, but the beer is very well balanced. It is a bit full, but still very drinkable due to the tartness.
★ 653 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
A - Pours a nice deep and clear red color with a nice amount of reddish head (about 2-3 fingers). Nice lacing left behind.
S - Mostly sweet and strong cherry aroma that dominates the smell. A little bit of oak taste mixed in.
T - There is a lot of cherry flavor in this beer. Very nice and sweet flavor overall. A little tart but overall a very sweet beer. A little bit of oak flavor mixed in, similar to the smell.
M - Little carbonation and overall very smooth. Fairly full bodied, but a little dull on the tongue.
D - The flavors are very strong, but the beer is very well balanced. It is a bit full, but still very drinkable due to the tartness.
★ 653 characters
3.88/5 rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
25 oz. "Barrel" bottle
A) Pours with a finger thick head then settles. Ruby in color. Upward carbonation. Lacing is thin and sticky.
S) Oaky. Cherries. Hints of alcohol.
T) Cherry. Subtle alcohol. Good wood tones. Finishes with a nice tartness.
M) Fizzy. Medium body. Slightly syrupy.
D) A nice kriek. I'd drink more.
★ 321 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
25 oz. "Barrel" bottle
A) Pours with a finger thick head then settles. Ruby in color. Upward carbonation. Lacing is thin and sticky.
S) Oaky. Cherries. Hints of alcohol.
T) Cherry. Subtle alcohol. Good wood tones. Finishes with a nice tartness.
M) Fizzy. Medium body. Slightly syrupy.
D) A nice kriek. I'd drink more.
★ 321 characters
3.88/5 rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a deep burgundy color with a slight haze to it. It has a foamy/fizzy pink head that settles to a thin coating and leaves plenty of foam on the glass.
Has a very tart cherry aroma, like cherries from a can used to make a pie. There is some oak notes mixed with some bready malt and a subtle malt sweetness in the background. I also get some earthy hop notes mixed in there.
It has a very tart/sour cherry flavor that goes to dry bready malt flavor. There are also a little spiciness and a little oak character to it. Some sweet cherries on the finish. The sourness is the most prominent when you first start drinking it. Once my palate became acclimated to the intensity, the sourness went away to a light fruity tartness with a nice sweet malty flavor and the cherry sweetness became more obvious.
It's light to medium body with a lot of fizzy carbonation. It leaves a sticky coating and is dry on the finish.
At first I was having a hard time with this beer, but after the first glass and I got used to the flavor, it really became enjoyable. Give this one a little time.
★ 1,083 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a deep burgundy color with a slight haze to it. It has a foamy/fizzy pink head that settles to a thin coating and leaves plenty of foam on the glass.
Has a very tart cherry aroma, like cherries from a can used to make a pie. There is some oak notes mixed with some bready malt and a subtle malt sweetness in the background. I also get some earthy hop notes mixed in there.
It has a very tart/sour cherry flavor that goes to dry bready malt flavor. There are also a little spiciness and a little oak character to it. Some sweet cherries on the finish. The sourness is the most prominent when you first start drinking it. Once my palate became acclimated to the intensity, the sourness went away to a light fruity tartness with a nice sweet malty flavor and the cherry sweetness became more obvious.
It's light to medium body with a lot of fizzy carbonation. It leaves a sticky coating and is dry on the finish.
At first I was having a hard time with this beer, but after the first glass and I got used to the flavor, it really became enjoyable. Give this one a little time.
★ 1,083 characters
Samuel Adams American Kriek (Barrel Room Collection) from Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams)
3.55
out of 5
based on 296 ratings.
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Got this bottle of American Kriek at the Samuel Adams brewery which is from their barrel room collection. These Barrel room beers are the only ones that are actually brewed and sold out of Bostons brewery.
A: Beer pours a deep red/crimson color with a solid 3/4 inch pinkish head and leaves some lacing.
S: Aroma starts with sweet floral cherries with undertones of spice, oak, caramel, marzipan, and tropical fruit.
T: Nice balance between sweetness and tartness with intense dark cherry flavor, malt and vanilla.
M: Starts out sweet on the mouth and then turns a bit sour, but not overly bitter. Has some carbonation which is noticable in the taste as well.
O: As I understand it, when this beer was first created as a "sour", it came out overly bitter, so it had to be toned down a bit. Excellent brew, great flavor although I wish there was a little bit more sourness to it.
★ 884 characters