Boulevard Brewing Company Imperial Stout - 60% ale, 40% ale aged in whiskey barrels

Hello beer lovers and welcome to another edition of the NorCal Beer Blog's brew review.

Tonight’s featured beer is Boulevard Brewing Company Imperial Stout - 60% ale, 40% ale aged in whiskey barrels. I brought this bottle back from Kansas City, MO from a shop that Keith from Boulevard Brewing Company recommended. He said that Berbiglia (here) would most likely have some of this one and sure enough, they did!

From the Boulevard Brewing Company website: “Like India Pale Ale, the classic Imperial Stouts were originally brewed with high levels of alcohol and hops to withstand the rigors of a long sea journey, not to India but to Imperial Russia and the Baltic States. Our version is an over-the-top riff on the style, with a huge grain bill featuring several kinds of malted barley, wheat, rye, oats, and spelt. Robust grain and coffee flavors are counterbalanced by date and plum notes from the Belgian yeast. To add extra complexity and depth, this Imperial Stout is made up of a blend of freshly brewed beer and several barrel-aged beers, carefully balanced. Za Vas!”

Let’s get started!

Appearance: Pours jet black with a great mocha colored head and nice lacing.

Aroma: Roasted and chocolate malts, toffee, dark fruits, whiskey, vanilla, oak and molasses.

Taste: Roasted and dark chocolate malts, dark fruits, molasses, whiskey, oak, vanilla and a touch of coffee.

Overall: Incredibly drinkable, Boulevard Brewing Company Imperial Stout is a wonderful Imperial Stout.  The 11.8% ABV is well hidden.  This super smooth Imperial Stout is something I’d love to have in the cellar (I only brought one back with me). Another super solid offering from Boulevard Brewing Company!

Cheers!

Mark Harvey

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