My latest article for The Bulletin out this week, the first one for the new year, features Cherries Jubelale from Deschutes Brewery. Because why not kick off 2022 with a big bold brew?

I thought I’d start the new year with Deschutes’ latest spin on an old favorite, Cherries Jubelale — a twist on the brewery’s iconic winter warmer.

Released in November, Cherries Jubelale was inspired by the classic dessert cherries jubilee, after founder Gary Fish mentioned it was his favorite dessert to pair with Jubelale. Conceptually a simple recipe, the dessert consists of sauteed dark cherries that are combined with a liquor (typically brandy or rum) and flambéed. It’s commonly served as a sauce over vanilla ice cream.

To re-create the experience as a beer, Deschutes started with the imperial-strength version of Jubelale, also known as Super Jubel. Adding cherries was the obvious next step, and the brewery selected whole Montmorency cherries from Evans Fruit Company in Mosier, according to Veronica Vega, director of product development.

It’s 9.2% ABV and you can read more of its backstory and my review of it at the article.