Bell's "Pooltime Ale" Wheat Ale

I assume the name of this beer means it would be good by the pool. This is brewed with cherries, and that has caused sourness in beers in the past. I just got off a string of two sour beers, and if this makes it three, I may have to swear off of beer altogether. I haven't made that decision, though. Let's see what we have.

The significantly cloudy beverage has a very noticeable red hue that is added to a bright copper color and a white head that absolutely will not be leaving any lacing. The aroma is wheat, yeast, and cherries. The scent is sweet an unpretentious.

First sip is unexpected and compelling. It is both sweet and tart, but it does not have any sour going on. The yeast is surprisingly forward, but it brings no funk, and that could be down to the cherry spritz that lightly coats everything including those stalks of wheat that make the backbone of the beer. It's quite nice and refreshing. I could totally see drinking this instead of a farmhouse ale.

Tip-in is very cherry with wheat relegated to the background and carbonation just sparkling at the edges. The middle lets the cherry die down while the wheat is joined by very light citrus and yeast. The finish is where the yeast stomps forward to dance with the cherry blossoms falling all around them.

Bottom Line: Delightful and delicious.

4.0/5