Transatlantique Kriek -- New Belgium Brewing (Fort Collins, CO)

My favorite fruit is the cherry. And luckily, cherries and beer are often a good match. One of my best experiences last spring was finishing off a pint of slightly sour cherries along with a belgian-style golden ale... "two great tastes that taste great together." This time out, it's a combination of a New Belgium ale mixed down with a Frank Boon Kriek Lambic.

Characteristics: Clear red color; very light body; light head but high carbonation; sour cherry flavors run consistently over a neutral base ale, with a tart finish.

Minor Gripes: Perhaps it's because I had a Flemish Sour Ale earlier in the evening, but I could have used just a touch of sweetness in this one. The thinness also takes away from the experience a little -- I don't want a cough syrup, but this beverage could use a little higher viscosity.

Bottom Line: New Belgium deserves big props for pursuing this direction -- melding one of its own brews with a tempermental cherry lambic. A little more weight (and a corresponding touch of sugar), and this entry in the "Lips Of Faith" family would be a grand champion to obliterate Lindemann's Kriek.

Rating: 5 / 10