Cascade Kriek
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Tasting Notes
The aroma leads with fresh and dried cherry, a vinous tartness, and a faint barnyard funk from the wild fermentation. On the palate, sour cherry dominates — tart but not aggressive — layered with oak, a touch of vanilla, and a mild brett earthiness. The body is medium-light, dry, and sparkling. The finish is long and acidic, with a lingering fruitiness that trails clean.
About the Brewery
Cascade Brewing is based in Portland, Oregon and has been one of the defining voices in American sour ale production since the mid-2000s. They built their reputation almost entirely around fruit-forward barrel-aged sours, and their blending program is among the most developed in the country. Their Barrel House on Southeast Powell is a dedicated sour-only taproom and a genuine destination for acid-heads. They are widely credited with helping establish the Northwest as a serious region for American wild ale.
Food Pairings
Duck confit works well here because the beer's acidity cuts through the fat while the cherry notes mirror the fruit often paired with game birds. Aged goat cheese shares a tangy, lactic quality that aligns with the brett character without competing. Dark chocolate provides bitterness that frames the sour cherry rather than clashing with it. A charcuterie board with cured pork and cornichons plays into the beer's natural affinity for salt and acid contrasts.
Style Guide
American Wild Ale is a broad, loosely defined category covering beers fermented or conditioned with wild yeast strains like Brettanomyces and often lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus or Pediococcus. Unlike Belgian lambic, which follows strict regional and spontaneous-fermentation traditions, American wild ales give brewers wide latitude — intentional souring, barrel aging, and fruit additions are all common. The style tends toward bold acidity, funky or fruity aromatics, and a dry finish, with ABV generally ranging from 4% to 9%. Fruit versions like this kriek draw direct inspiration from Belgian tradition but typically show riper, more pronounced fruit character.