Beer Review: Boulevard Saison
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 4:00PM KC based Boulevard Brewing has a lot more to offer than the wheat beers they are best known for. They have introduced a line of specialty brews they call the Smokestack Series. My first exposure to the series was on the grocery store shelf. They're bottled in 750ml bottles with champagne style corks. Appreciating the nod towards fine Belgium brews, I picked up a Saison. It set me back about $9, but I might pay more if I could find it again!
This beer has an intriguing aroma. Spice notes from the Belgium yeast are prominent but not one of four of us tasting it described it the same. The most curious description was "reminds me of antique furniture, like opening an antique armoire...in a good way" The appearance is golden in color with a nice full yet light head. The flavor was the highlight. Very refreshing yet complex. Subtle fruit and spice notes from the yeast, a very smooth mouth feel, and lip smacking good finish.
Saison literally means "season" and is essentially an inverse of the German Märzen. Saisons are traditionally brewed in the winter for consumption in warmer months. This beer would be excellent on a hot summer day. I'm on a mission now for a homebrew Saison recipe so I can be prepared this summer.
Try this beer if you can find it, I think you'll be glad you did. Yes, its pricey but more memorable than a lot of $9 wine bottles. This is my first straight A review...
• Appearance: A • Aroma: A • Taste: A •
• Overall: A •
Cheers,
-D
Beer, Review in Beer, Reviews, craft beer
Reader Comments (1)
[...] are produced domestically by regional craft brewers (so far my favorite is Kansas City’s Boulevard Smoke Stack Series Saison). I was pretty excited when I found a bottle of an example imported from Belgium where it all [...]