Beer Pick: Founders Cerise

Profile: A seasonal treat new to the Atlanta market. The Founders brewers add  Michigan cherries at five separate stages of the fermentation process. The result is a sweet-tart fruit beer with bright winelike notes, a soft malt presence and just a touch of hop bitterness in the finish.

Does Cerise stack up to New Glarus Wisconsin Belgian Red? Hardly. But Cerise is here now, and it’s a fun, refreshing brew for spring sipping.

Pair with: The sweet-tart flavors of Cerise make a fine accompaniment for soft cheeses, such as brie or fresh chevre. Or pair it with roasted duck breast with cherry sauce. On the dessert side, cheesecake topped with cherries or simply a bit of dark chocolate would make scrumptious matches.

Bob Townsend is editor of Southern Brew News, a bimonthly beer publication distributed throughout the Southeast: brewingnews.com/southernbrew.