A wise roommate once told me "don’t fruit the beer," and since that day, I have abided. But this week’s beer of the week challenges my roommate’s adage and proves him wrong.

The Cherry Stout is a full-bodied stout brewed at Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo, Mich.

At first whiff, the brew carries a strong cherry aroma. But delve deeper, and you’ll find notes of roasted malt and a hint of roasted coffee.

The beer’s taste mirrors its aroma. There is a strong taste of roasted chocolate and coffee, but the Cherry Stout is a well-balanced beer; the tartness of the cherries counteract the sweetness and provide a great balance.

"This is a big beer," said Joe Hotek of John’s Grocery, 401 E. Market St. "It could be served by itself. It’s also very decedent and would go great with chocolate cake."

There’s no place in the world to get better cherries than Michigan, and there’s no better place in the world to get a better cherry beer than Kalamazoo.

Cheers.

— by Jordan Montgomery