Genesee set to release new seasonal beer to replace past fall flavor

ROCHESTER — Out with Cran Orange Kellerbier , at least for this year, and in with Black Cherry Vanilla Kellerbier.

This week, Rochester-based Genesee Brewery is coming out with Genesee Black Cherry Vanilla Kellerbier, replacing the orange-cranberry version this season.

The Genny team loves to innovate new flavors and styles, and they're super-excited about black cherry. So much so that the Rochester icon invented a new season perfect for New Yorkers and the new beer release: sum-all.

As in summer and fall, the season between August and October when New Yorkers beg for sweater weather while savoring the last days of summer, according to Tiffany Benning, brand manager for Genesee.

That’s also the time of year when many fall beers are released — think Oktoberfest — even as the sweltering summer days seemingly will last forever. In fact, Genesee's Oktoberfest should be out sometime next week.

In case you were wondering, Genny has no regrets about releasing Black Cherry Vanilla Kellerbier now.

“Our Black Cherry Vanilla Kellerbier bridges the seasons perfectly, that’s why we’ve declared it our first ever sum-all beer,” Benning stated.

What is Black Cherry Vanilla Kellerbier?

Genesee’s new beer showcases the tart sweetness of black cherry and a hint of smooth vanilla, all balanced in a crisp, unfiltered kellerbier that’s refreshing enough to drink in the heat, Benning stated.

Kellerbier, which is a German style lager, means “cellar beer” because it referred to any beer being aged under the brewery and served straight from the lagering vessel, the folks at Genesee said.

Black Cherry Vanilla Kellerbier will be available later this week in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans and on draft at select locations. Look for the purple cans and packaging that would make the musical artist known as Prince question his purple reign.

Additionally, Genny fans will be able to find limited-edition Black Cherry Vanilla Kellerbier sum-all merchandise at the Genesee Brew House in Rochester.

What about Cran Orange Kellerbier?

Cran Orange Kellerbier was introduced in 2021 , so it had a good run.

Will it have a second act? That depends on Genny fans.

The folks at the brewery say nothing is truly gone forever. If the demand is there, there is always the opportunity for a comeback.

Why sum-all?

Genesee is leaning into its tradition of releasing seasonal beers before you can even flip your calendar by crafting the new, official sum-all season, which started Aug. 1. Remember when the popular summer standard Ruby Red Kolsch was released in March?

Sum-all is all about celebrating the best of the summer and fall seasons and embracing the juxtaposition this time of year offers, Benning stated.

Fall beer in August?

“Makes sense to Genesee!” Benning stated.

Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.

This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Genesee set to release new seasonal beer to replace past fall flavor