berserker blut - das kirschbier der wacken brauerei

Berserkers are Norse warriors, but the fighting mob from Scandinavia isn’t always called that. The term "berserker" was only used when warriors were gripped by blind rage and a kind of battle frenzy. Ancient writings from various Germanic tribes describe berserkers who, regardless of pain or injury, fought on with bear-like strength, merciless and virtually invincible in their frenzy. According to legend, these warriors fortified themselves before battle with a brew of wild herbs and mushrooms, which induced this state.

Far more delicious than that brew probably was are the creations from the Wacken Brewery. The team has developed a fine beer that would surely have appealed to the bloodthirsty berserkers. The award-winning creation is called Berserker Blood and pours into the glass a rich mahogany brown with a blood-red shimmer. This ruby luster is thanks to a very special ingredient: The beer is blended with cherry wine, which significantly influences the color and flavor of the brew.

Unlike Kriek and other cherry-flavored fruit beers, this beer made with cherry wine isn’t overly sweet or sour. It maintains a superbly balanced harmony between delicate bitterness and summery fruitiness. Juicy cherry notes meet dark malt, gentle caramel notes, and a fiery 7.5% alcohol content.