Wisconsin Cherry Ale

It took me a while to embrace Wisconsin as home. After growing up in Chicago and then living in Minneapolis for a few years, I missed the perks of big-city living when I moved to a small city in Wisconsin. But now, when we see the "Wisconsin Welcomes You" sign on our way north from visits to Chicago, I'm happy to be home.

I won't be donning a cheesehead any time soon, but I definitely try to support local businesses that are committed to culinary excellence. My latest homegrown favorite is Wisconsin Belgian Red, from the New Glarus Brewing Company in New Glarus, Wisconsin. It's an effervescent beer brewed with cherries from Door County.

The flavor of Wisconsin Belgian Red is tart and INTENSELY cherry. It's bubbly, fun and refreshing. On their website, the New Glarus Brewing Company describes the cherry ale as a "marriage of wine and beer." I like to serve it chilled in a wine glass as an aperitif on warm summer evenings. The cherry is our favorite, but my husband and I also like the New Glarus Brewing Company's Raspberry Tart, a raspberry flavored ale.

If you're thinking you might like to try Wisconsin Belgian Red, I hope you live in or near Wisconsin. Unfortunately, New Glarus beers are only available in Wisconsin. If you find yourself in the Dairy State this summer looking for culinary adventure, check out the website at http://www.savorwisconsin.com/, a list of Wisconsin food products. Cheers!