First thing's first -- this brew comes in a four-pack and is one too cheap (although I got it at Whole Foods in Hawaii, so a certain amount of priceyness should be taken into account). But as far as blended ales go, I'd say it's worth it to at least try it if you like something with a little bit more flavor over bitterness.

The first thing I notice about this is that it's syrupy-sweet -- not to the point of a dessert wine, rest assured (for those among us who have tried one), but it's definitely one of the two main kicks you get. This beer is actually a blend of a Belgian dark ale and a cherry ale (a ration of apparently 98% to 2%), but given those numbers I'm a bit surprised at how strong the sugar comes across. But, don't get this thinking you're going to end up with a Smirnoff -- this is NOT a ''malt beverage,'' at least in the generally accepted sense.

The other big thing I picked up with this is -- you guessed it -- it's dark (in flavor). It isn't strong to the same degree as a Guinness, but compared to dark beers I've had it certainly doesn't skimp on the flavor. For those of you familiar with another FANTASTIC Belgian brew ''Fin du Monde,'' it's like that but a bit less boozy.

As far as the more superficial aspects, It's about 65% translucent (you can see its color but not through the glass) and bubbly to begin with (but not very heady, so that's interesting), and it does have its yeast in the bottle. As the bottle recommends, ''pour slowly so as to not disturb the yeast sediment, but with enough vigor to create a luxurious head and release the sumptuous bouquet.'' I guess I didn't pour quite vigorously enough.

In the end, if you like stronger, darker beer, and you don't mind a bit of sweet to it, give it a try -- but if you're looking for something strictly stout -- or angry, like an IPA -- this probably isn't for you. Just keep an open mind.