Cheerwine - Soda Review

I have to explain Cheerwine to folks who aren't from around here. It sounds like it falls in the spirits category, but I suspect anyone would be run out of town for brewing alcoholic beverages around these parts. This is the Bible Belt after all.

No. Cheerwine is a soft drink. The name comes from the appearance. You know how Ginger Ale is called ale and is not an ale. No one asks if Ginger Ale is an alcoholic beverage, because it's more well known. Cheerwine is the same. The color makes it look more like a wine, so the name is Cheerwine.

The taste is basically a cherry with cola. It's not exactly that. It is different. People seem to adore the taste or not really care for it. Around here, it's mostly "love it." My mom worked in the hospitality shop at the hospital, and she said Cheerwine outsold colas by two to one here. Those who don't love it generally say it tastes a bit like cough medicine. Don't worry though. It's more like Luden's than like Vics. It is sweet and tasty.

Cheerwine is currently regional, but so was Krispy Kreme. When our NC doughnuts went out, they went big. Our local favorites tend to do well in other parts of the country - other than the vinegar barbecue which I think must be an acquired taste.

Keep a look out for Cheerwine. And, if you're in the Carolinas or Virgina (and maybe a couple of other states) look for Cheerwine. It's definately worth a taste. You just might get hooked.

This is the 70th birthday year for Cheerwine. Check out the web site at www.cheerwine.com to see all the contests and the big street festival coming up in May of 2007. They always have something interesting at the web site. It's definately southern. Enjoy!