Limited Hoegaarden Cherry brings spring

By Kang Seung-woo

Hoegaarden has released a limited edition Hoegaarden Cherry beer featuring a pink color reminiscent of cherry blossoms in the spring, the Belgian brewery famous for its wheat beer said Tuesday.

Hoegaarden Cherry / Courtesy of Oriental Brewery

Hoegaarden Cherry is the brewery's third seasonal edition following Hoegaarden Lemon that was released exclusively in Korea last summer and Hoegaarden Yuja in the winter. Citrus junos is called yuja in Korean.

Based on Hoegaarden's signature wheat beer, the latest edition has a delicate and fresh cherry scent. The 4.9 percent ABV beer differentiates its flavor from other fruity beers, adding a natural dark sweet cherry juice and cherry syrup.

The pink package printed with cherry blossoms was designed for beer drinkers to enjoy Hoegaarden Cherry during picnics in the upcoming spring, as well as at home.

The cherry beer has hit shelves at discount chains, convenience stores and premium-quality pubs across the nation since late March.

According to Oriental Brewery, Hoegaarden Cherry offers 500-milliliter canned beer at around 2,000 won ($1.80). The Korean brewery firm is an official licensee of the brand, owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev.

“We expect consumers to get a taste of spring with Hoegaarden Cherry's flavor. We are set to offer a variety of seasonal yet innovative products to satisfy the tastes of Korean consumers,” a Hoegaarden official said.

Founded in 1445 when local monks were enthusiastic brewers, Hoegaarden is spiced with coriander and orange peel, and is now enjoyed by consumers in 70 countries worldwide.