Cherry Blossom Lager

When I received the sample package from Dominion Brewery, I was very interested in trying out the Espresso Stout and the Double IPA. Admittedly, the included Cherry Blossom Lager did not greatly interest me. I'm not a fan of fruity beers, and the label inscription "made with real cherries" made me hesitant. However, a beautiful Spring evening, after a quick trip to the range, seemed like a fitting time to try it out. Besides, if it was not to my liking, I could pour it out, never to be mentioned again.

Dominion Cherry Blossom Lager pours a hazy, dark amber with a reddish tint. Despite active carbonation in the liquid, the head was thin and short lived. The aroma was a bready malt with a faint fruity aspect. The taste is a grainy, barely sweet lager, with a slight fruit flair. A tart, though mild, hint of cherries comes through at the end. The overall flavor profile is pretty subdued. Mouthfeel is clean with active carbonation.

There's no ignoring that this is a fruit beer, but the fruit profile is fairly innocuous. The cherries provide a bit of a twist in the flavor, but do not have enough impact to hide the lager nature. The beer was refreshing and the added tartness was enjoyable. I will admit I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the drink as much as I did. My personal preferences may not make this a beer I seek out in the future, but I didn't have any trouble finishing my glass.