My Tart Will Ghoul On, is a fruited kettle sour featuring Saskatoon Berries, spawned from the wacky union of Austin Brothers Beer Co. in Alpena and Loaded Dice Brewery in Troy.

Two things things I love about Michigan craft beer culture:

• Brewery collaborations and mash ups

First thing is first. Chefs, when talking about the presentation of their food, often say diners first feast with their eyes before they taste the food presented to them. In this case, a really great beer label can set the table for the whole experience. 

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The Austin Brothers Beer Company guys visit the Loaded Dice brewery in April in Troy. 

Toast of the Town is a weekly column that explores craft beer and cocktail culture in the Midland area.

I would be lying if I didn’t admit that eye-catching, fun beer label artwork sometimes inspires me to pick up a beer I otherwise wouldn’t take a look at. Short's Brewing Company famously has artist Tanya Whitley create unique pieces of art to accompany every new brew.

Secondly, I love the products that come out of craft beer collaborations. Two excellent brewers coming together to play mad scientist usually results in – at least – an interesting taste and the opportunity for a glorious Weird Beer.

Sometimes these limited partnerships produce something spectacular.

My Tart Will Ghoul On, the fruited kettle sour featuring Saskatoon Berries, spawned from the wacky union of Austin Brothers Beer Co. in Alpena and Loaded Dice Brewery in Troy, delivers on both.

The brew is part of the “Performers Series” created by Loaded Dice. The series celebrates Vegas performers, and this one is brewed in tribute to the queen of Vegas, Celine Dion. So the purple label featuring the zombified Canadian queen in full diva mode, heart in hand, is simply magnifique.

My Tart Will Ghoul On, is a fruited kettle sour featuring Saskatoon Berries, spawned from the wacky union of Austin Brothers Beer Co. in Alpena and Loaded Dice Brewery in Troy.

But what the heck is a Saskatoon berry? Glad you asked.

Saskatoon bushes are also known as serviceberry bushes, juneberry and shadbush. The plants are native to Canada, but can be found throughout North America. Though the berries look like blueberries, they are said to have an apple and almond character in taste. The berries ripen in June and July and are used to make wine, juice and jam. 

It’s a perfect time then, to venture into unexplored territory with Austin Brothers and Loaded Dice.

This one has been sitting in the beer fridge for a while, waiting for for the right summer night. That sweet, but tart, taste packs a satisfying berry wallop. It immediately struck me as a prime dessert beer. Juicy and flavorful, there is a blackberry character to it with an earthy, nutty undertone. It's a beautiful dark red-purple color that pours frothy. Austin Brothers describes it as "the fruitiest, thickest, jammiest beer we have ever brewed." It has kind of a blackberry sorbet flavor.

If there ever was an occasion to describe a beer as displaying "diva" qualities, this is the one.

It struts. It is here to captivate you. It's a showstopper. 

This is a very limited release, only available in cans. I found mine at Eastman Party Store and when I went back for an encore it looks like it is out of stock. 

Catch one if you see one in the wild. 

When you drink one it will fill your heart and your heart will go on and on....

It's a truly Titanic taste...Sköll!

You can check Austin Brothers Brewing Company at the Aug. 20 Great Lakes Beer Festival at Dow Diamond! Get your tickets now.

Brewer: Austin Brothers Beer Co. (Alpena) and Loaded Dice Brewery (Troy) Style: Sour ale featuring Saskatoon berries  ABV: 6 percent Appearance: Pours a frothy, fragrant head. Purple, ruby red color. It's a beauty Aroma: Big-time berry smell.  Mouthfeel: Velvety. A luxurious drink that lingers on that palate. Sour with tartness from the berries. Price: It's $15-$16 for a four pack. You are definitely paying more for the collab and purchasing a limited edition, small run. Ultimately, it's worth it.  Summary: This is a wonderful sipper - they should have called it "Adult Juice Box." The flavor is big and bold. A delightful departure from Beer Flavored Beer. Pairs with: Night of the Living Dead and Titanic! It goes great with popcorn. Have this one for dessert!