Kers & Cola (Cherry & Cola)

Why does the name of this beer (Cherry & Cola) bring back distinct memories of pharmacies, train stations, and frantic essay-writing? Ah yes, Cherry Diet Coke was my beverage of choice for all-nighters and long train journeys home alike (this was, obviously, before I realised you could drink craft beer on trains! I have to admit, of all the beers I’ve tasted recently, this is the one I’ve been most apprehensive about, I’m not at all sure about adding cola to beer- it’ll be my first time tasting such a thing- but with no further ado, let’s just dive in and see if this sends me running to order a case, or away from my beloved Boots meal deals forever…

Bitterkoekjes?

Upon first smell it does smell a LOT like cherry cola with the same sweet and bubbly overtones, and on tasting it I can confirm it lives up to this. The cola becomes quite chocolatey when combined with the imperial stout but the cherry flavour remains outspoken because of it, to the point of sourness and bitterness- it almost tastes a little bit medicinal, and could definitely spark memories of sour sweets from childhood.

Going further, I’d even say the taste is akin to bitterkoekjes (Dutch almond macaroons) because of this combination of cola and stout qualities, which also give it a quite velvety and round texture. Not exactly tastes I’d normally associate with a soft drink, but interesting nonetheless!

If you’re a serious cola fan, I’d recommend trying this and it could be perfect for you, as well as a fun experiment to see exactly what happens when you put two very opposing things together. Unfortunately it’s not my cup of tea (or bottle of soda?), but I appreciate the craft that goes into creating wild and zany combinations, and long may it continue! Now, just on to grab one of the other fab beers as a follow up...