Cherry Batch Ale

Cascade hops are one of the most well-known American hop varieties, prized for their floral, citrusy, and slightly spicy aroma. They are especially recognized for their notes of grapefruit, lemon zest, and subtle pine, which make them a versatile choice in many beer styles.

Why Cascade Hops Work Well in a Cherry Ale
In a cherry ale, Cascade hops provide a bright, refreshing backdrop that complements the tart and sweet-tart flavors of the cherries. Their citrus and floral tones help lift the fruit character, making the beer taste more vibrant and layered rather than overly sweet or heavy. They also offer a mild bitterness (typically 4.5–7% alpha acids) that balances the malt sweetness and the natural sugars from the fruit, ensuring the cherry flavor remains lively and not cloying.

US Pale Ale – Clean, bready malt base that lets the cherry flavor shine.

GR Dark Wheat – Adds smoothness, mouthfeel, and a touch of nutty depth.

GR Munich – Rich, malty sweetness with light toast notes for warmth.

CaraFoam – Improves head retention and adds a delicate, creamy mouthfeel.

GR Vienna – Lightly toasty, biscuity flavor that adds complexity without overpowering.

UK Crystal – Caramel sweetness with hints of toffee, balancing cherry tartness.

Why They’re Good for a Cherry Ale
This blend provides a balanced malt backbone that supports the fruit without overshadowing it. The toasty and caramel notes pair well with the cherries’ natural sweetness, while the wheat and CaraFoam enhance mouthfeel and foam stability. Together, they create a rich, layered base that makes the cherry flavor pop while keeping the beer smooth and drinkable.

For Cherry Batch, we used Imperial Yeast A07 Flagship, a clean and reliable American ale strain. Known for its balanced fermentation profile, Flagship lets the malt and cherry character shine while adding a subtle fruitiness that rounds out the flavor. Its consistency and versatility make it a favorite for classic ales, ensuring every pour of Cherry Batch is bright, smooth, and true to style.

We brew this Cherry Ale with 300 pounds of Montmorency and Balaton cherries, sourced from Michigan’s cherry country. Montmorency cherries bring a bright, mouth-puckering tartness with notes of fresh-picked fruit, while Balaton cherries add a deeper, sweet-tart character with a rich, almost wine-like complexity. Together, they create a layered cherry profile—juicy, vibrant, and slightly tangy—perfectly balanced by the beer’s malty backbone.