Goose Island Cherry Cherry Bang Bang 4Pk

Goose Island Cherry Cherry Bang Bang 4Pk is a foudre-aged fruited sour ale from Goose Island Beer Co., sold as a 4-pack. Built on a foundation of tart cherry and bright lime, this release showcases the depth that large-format oak aging can bring to a fruit-forward sour, earning a 3.7 out of 5 rating on Untappd across nearly 300 user reviews.

Quick Facts: ABV: Not publicly disclosed  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Foudre-Aged Fruited Sour Ale  |  Brewery: Goose Island Beer Co.

Production & Heritage

Goose Island Beer Co. was founded in 1988 in Chicago, Illinois, and has long been recognized for its barrel-aging program, anchored by the legendary Bourbon County series. Cherry Cherry Bang Bang extends that barrel-aging expertise into sour territory, using foudres — large upright oak vessels — rather than standard stainless steel kettles or smaller barrels. The foudre-aging process encourages a slower, more nuanced souring compared to quick-turn kettle sours, allowing the cherry and lime fruit additions to integrate more completely with the base beer's acidity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe, just-picked cherry leads immediately, followed by a zesty lime citrus lift and a subtle woody undertone from the foudre aging. There is a light lactic tang beneath the fruit that signals the sour character ahead.

Taste: The entry is juicy and punchy with pronounced tart cherry, quickly joined by a bright lime zing at mid-palate. A gentle sweetness balances the acidity without tipping toward cloying, and the foudre influence adds a quiet roundness that smooths the transition between fruit and sourness.

Finish: Crisp, clean, and moderately tart, with lingering cherry skin and a refreshing citrus snap. The finish is dry enough to invite another sip without residual stickiness.

How to Drink Cherry Cherry Bang Bang

Pour cold into a tulip glass or wide-mouthed goblet to concentrate the cherry and lime aromatics. This sour ale drinks exceptionally well on its own as a warm-weather refresher.

• Cherry Sour Shandy: Blend with lemonade for a low-effort summer drink that amplifies the citrus notes.
• Sour Beer Michelada: Substitute for lager in a classic Michelada — the cherry tartness plays well against Tajín and lime juice.
• Float: Pour over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a dessert float where the beer's acidity cuts through the richness.

Best For

• Introducing sour-beer-curious friends to fruited sour ales
• Warm-weather patio sessions and backyard cookouts
• Pairing alongside a cheese and charcuterie spread
• Gifting to craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate barrel-aged programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cherry Cherry Bang Bang taste like? Cherry Cherry Bang Bang delivers a juicy burst of tart cherry balanced by zesty lime, with a lightly sweet mid-palate and a crisp, refreshing sour finish shaped by foudre aging.

How does Cherry Cherry Bang Bang compare to a traditional kriek? Traditional Belgian krieks, such as those from lambic producers, undergo spontaneous fermentation and extended aging with whole cherries, resulting in a drier, funkier profile. Cherry Cherry Bang Bang leans more fruit-forward and approachable, with added lime brightness and a cleaner acidity from its foudre-aged sour base.

Is Cherry Cherry Bang Bang good for sour beer beginners? Yes — its pronounced fruit character and balanced sweetness make it an accessible entry point into sour ales without the intense acidity or barnyard funk of traditional wild ales.

Where is Cherry Cherry Bang Bang made? Cherry Cherry Bang Bang is brewed by Goose Island Beer Co. in Chicago, Illinois, a brewery founded in 1988 that is widely known for its barrel-aging program.

What foods pair well with Cherry Cherry Bang Bang? Aged gouda or creamy brie complement the tartness with rich, fatty contrast. Grilled pork with a cherry glaze echoes the fruit character. A simple arugula salad with goat cheese and balsamic works well, as does dark chocolate, which tempers the acidity with bittersweet depth. Smoked duck is another strong match, where the cherry and lime cut through the richness of the meat.

What sizes does Cherry Cherry Bang Bang come in? Cherry Cherry Bang Bang is available as a 4-pack. Individual can or bottle size may vary by release; check current packaging for exact volume.

Is Cherry Cherry Bang Bang worth the price? Cherry Cherry Bang Bang positions in the mid-premium craft tier, reflecting the added cost and time of foudre aging over simpler kettle-soured alternatives. For drinkers who value oak-aged complexity in a fruit sour, it represents solid value relative to specialty sour releases from comparable craft breweries.

Why Cherry Cherry Bang Bang?

Foudre aging is the key differentiator here. While many fruited sours on the market rely on quick-turn kettle souring, Cherry Cherry Bang Bang draws on the same barrel-program infrastructure that made Goose Island's name in the first place. The result is a more integrated, rounded tartness that lets the cherry and lime additions express themselves without the one-dimensional sharpness common in hastily soured beers. For anyone who enjoys fruit-forward sours but wants something with genuine oak-aged depth behind it, this 4-pack delivers a compelling argument.