Brewery: Samuel Adams (Boston Beer Company)
Style: Fruited Wheat ale
ABV: 5.3%
IBU: 23
Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat is one of the more well known fruit-infused wheat beers on the market, and it has been a staple in the brewery’s lineup for decades. As part of Samuel Adams’ commitment to crafting flavorful and unique beers, Cherry Wheat blends traditional wheat ale characteristics with bold cherry notes from Michigan Cherries.
Appearance – 3.5/5
Cherry Wheat pours a deep golden to light amber hue, with a slight reddish tinge that hints at the fruit infusion. A frothy, off-white head forms on top but dissipates fairly quickly, leaving minimal lacing. While it looks inviting, a slightly clearer body than expected for a wheat ale might surprise some drinkers.
Aroma – 3.8/5
The aroma is dominated by sweet cherry notes, almost reminiscent of cherry candy or maraschino cherries. There’s also a subtle honey undertone that adds to the perceived sweetness. Beneath the fruitiness, hints of wheat malt and a mild bready character emerge, though they remain secondary to the cherry-forward profile.
Taste – 3.6/5
Cherry Wheat delivers exactly what the aroma suggests…an intense cherry flavor upfront, followed by a smooth, wheaty backbone. The cherry flavor leans towards the sweeter side, with some tartness but not enough to classify it as a sour beer. There’s also a honey-like sweetness that rounds out the taste, making it more dessert like. The wheat malt provides a soft, slightly grainy base, but hop presence is minimal. While the beer is well balanced in its own right, the cherry flavor may come across as a bit artificial or overpowering to those who prefer more subtle fruit-infused brews.
Mouthfeel – 3.8/5
Light to medium-bodied with moderate carbonation, Cherry Wheat has a smooth and slightly creamy mouthfeel. The wheat base contributes to a soft, easy drinking texture, though the sweetness can linger on the palate longer than some might prefer. It’s crisp and refreshing, but the finish is somewhat sticky due to the residual sugar.
Overall Impression
Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat is a polarizing beer. Cherry lovers will likely enjoy its bold fruit character, while others might find it a bit too sweet or one-dimensional. It’s not a complex beer, but it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it offers a straightforward, approachable experience that’s perfect for casual drinkers or those looking for something different. The use of real cherries is a nice touch and sets it apart from other fruit beers that rely on artificial flavorings.
Final Rating: 3.7/5
- Pros: Bold cherry flavor, smooth wheat base, refreshing mouthfeel.
- Cons: Cherry flavor may be too sweet/artificial for some, finish is a bit sticky.
What makes this beer interesting is its connection to Samuel Adams’ commitment to quality ingredients. The brewery’s use of Michigan cherries and Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops (a nod to traditional German brewing) adds a layer of authenticity to what could otherwise be a gimmicky beer.
If you’ve tried Sam Adams Cherry Wheat, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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