Luxardo® Maraschino Cherries are a far cry from the neon red orbs that insinuate their way into mundane mixed drinks. Their deep ruby-black color, ripe cherry flavor, and rich fruit aroma make Luxardo Cherries an ideal garnish for a truly artisanal cocktail and now, for the first time, craft beer.
"Our newest Zymaster certainly does not resemble the sweet, bright red Maraschino Cherries found on a sundae," said Anchor Brewmaster Mark Carpenter. "Luxardo Cherries have an incredible, rich flavor that isn't overly sweet, which we were able to capture in the beer. The syrup from Luxardo Cherries was poured into the beer's mash, and then we aged the beer with the cherries during a secondary fermentation in the cellar. The sugar from the cherries is fermented out so the ale is crisp rather than sweet, but the cherry flavor remains. The end result is a beautiful ruby color, dimensional flavor, and distinct fruity aroma."
In addition to aging Zymaster No. 8 on a bed of Luxardo Cherries, the brewers used a combination of 2-Row Pale, Munich, and Patagonia malt, and Northern Brewer and Goldings hops. The result is a uniquely complex brew that offers the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness with a depth of flavor, tantalizing aroma, ruddy complexion, and a luxuriantly dry finish.
Anchor Brewing's Zymaster Series is a unique series of beer which features extraordinary ingredients, innovative techniques, and unusual flavors. Zymaster No. 8: Luxardo Cherry Ale follows the seventh Zymaster iteration; Potrero Hill Sour Mash IPA.
Anchor Zymaster No. 8: Luxardo Cherry Ale will be available for a limited time in California in 22 oz. bottles and on draught in select restaurants, bars, and at the Anchor Brewing Taproom in San Francisco starting May 2015. Find the newest Zymaster brew near you using the Anchor Beer Finder.
