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Cherry Stout

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Rich, dark chocolate notes with tart cherries, lightly hopped for balance. The tartness comes from 100% Montmorency cherries grown in Michigan's Traverse City region, a counterpoint to the chocolate rather than extra sweetness. At 7% ABV, 17 IBU and original gravity 1.079, this limited release is one of the cornerstones of the Bell's stout portfolio.

ABV
7%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter17 IBU
Roasted bitterness
SRM
dark35
PaceSipper
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
chocolatetartdark fruit
chocolate
tart
dark fruit
roasted
coffee
Aroma
Rich chocolate and roasted grain dominate the nose, with subtle coffee undertones adding depth.
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Cherry Stout

◎ Appearance

Deep black-brown body with minimal transparency, characteristic of a full-bodied stout. The dense, tan head builds readily and clings to the glass with substantial lacing, indicating good malt structure and carbonation. Clarity is opaque throughout, with no light penetration.

opaque black-brownpersistent tan headstrong lacing

◌ Aroma

Rich chocolate and roasted grain dominate the nose, with subtle coffee undertones adding depth. Bright tart cherry notes emerge on the second nose, cutting through the malt sweetness without dominating. Hop character remains restrained, allowing the interplay between dark roast and stone fruit to take center stage.

dark chocolatetart cherryroasted grainsubtle coffee

◐ Taste

The palate opens with assertive cocoa and dark chocolate, immediately followed by a tart cherry counterpoint that prevents cloying sweetness. Mid-palate reveals roasted malt complexity and a silky, full mouthfeel. Bitterness remains gentle at 17 IBU, integrating as a spice note rather than asserting dominance.

chocolate-forwardtart cherry balancesmooth full bodyrestrained bitterness

◑ Finish

The finish is moderately long, with chocolate and cherry lingering together in equal measure. A faint coffee dryness on the aftertaste provides structure without harshness, leaving the palate warm and inviting rather than stripped.

moderate lengthchocolate-cherry fade
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
85
Appearance
80
Finish
78
Serve at 10–14°C

Slightly warmer than you might expect. 10–13°C lets the roasted malt, chocolate and coffee notes open up fully.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Can be cellared 2–5 years. Develops dark fruit, leather and port-like complexity with age.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Cherry Stout

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About Stout

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Stout?

Stouts are dark ales with roasted barley character, 4–8% ABV and IBU 25–45. Expect coffee, dark chocolate and toast flavors with a creamy body and dry finish.

Finding a similar Stout

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same chocolate, rich, tart character as Cherry Stout will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Stout beers in hopIQ →New to Stout? Read our guide →Browse United States beers →