Belgian Red: The Marriage of Wine and Beer

This past weekend, upon finishing an entire bottle myself, I was reminded that New Glarus Brewing Company's Belgian Red may be, in fact, my all-time favorite alcoholic beverage. Truly a most refreshing marriage of wine and beer, its unique combination of cherries and hops is like nothing I've ever tried before. Read on, my friends. The following is printed on each bottle's label. It's a great, brief description of Belgian Red's vibrant flavor and elaborate production:

"You hold the marriage of wine and beer. Belgian Red is a tapestry of flavor. This beer is brewed with whole Montmorency Cherries, Wisconsin farmed wheat and Belgian roasted barleys, lagered in oak tanks and balanced by Hallertau hops we aged in our brewery one full year.

Over a pound of Door County Cherries in every bottle makes this beer uniquely 'Wisconsin.' So unique, in fact, that we applied for a patent. Expect this beer to be ruby red, with a medium body that is highly carbonated and intense with cherry flavor and bouquet. Serve your friends Belgian Red in a brandy snifter or champagne flute and toast life with beer from the land of Wisconsin."

I certainly couldn't have said it better myself. You can find Belgian Red in the refrigerator case of most Wisconsin liquor stores. Or you can take a short trip to the little Swiss-inspired town of New Glarus, just outside of Madison, to sample straight from the keg. Enjoy the marriage of wine and beer. And please let me know what you think!