Poured on tap or from a bottle, Ris a la M’ale has an expected pinkish hue with a slightly cloudy haze. The scent is of tart cherries and vanilla with a nutty undertone. The first sip provides a piquant bite of sour cherry with a refreshingly clean finish. As you drink through the entire pour, the acid yields to a mellower, fruity flavor with a greater presence of almond, especially on the edge of the tongue. This pleasantly carbonated brew is relatively dry for a fruit beer, with the tartness lingering longest. Despite being a rather strong beer at 8% ABV, Ris a la M’ale does not have a strong alcohol flavor in its profile.

The talented brewers of Mikkeller – who travel from brewery to brewery without a home base – are well-known for experimentation and extreme flavors, and Ris a la M’ale is one of their more successful experiments. Just like this dish that gave rise to it, this brew is perfect for after dinner or as a light, fruity nightcap.