Four String Cherry Blonde (6/10)

One of Columbus, Ohio, Four String Brewing's most popular beers is their Backstage Blonde Ale.  This Belgian style blonde ale is relatively smooth and, while hoppy, is not overly so.

Cherry Blonde takes Backstage Blonde and infuses it with cherries during the brewing process.

The beer pours a slightly cloudy gold with a thin white head that lingers a bit.

The aroma is fairly non-descript.  A hint of yeast, maybe.  Not much more.

The flavor starts not with cherries, but with roasted grain, malt, and hops.  Cherry flavor makes an appearance, but only barely.  If you compare it to a beer like Troeg's Mad Elf or even Ommegang Three Philosophers, the cherry flavor is virtually non-existent.

All that said, Cherry Blonde is a very nice beer.  Very drinkable and smooth.

Beer Advocate and Rate Beer have very few reviews of this beer.  Generally speaking, they're giving it the equivalent of a 6/10.  That's what I'm rating it as well.

You won't find this one in bottles.  I had this particular sample at The Daily Growler in Upper Arlington in March 2013.  You can sometimes find Four String products at local restaurants and bars, since I don't think they're bottling them yet.

ABV: 5%
IBU: 28 (based on the non-cherry version)
My Rating: 6/10