Boulevard 30th Anniversary Ale Blend Details

From Boulevard:

Inspired by John’s desire to “do something different”, our brewers created this elegant, complex blend of barrel-aged beers to celebrate our 30^th anniversary. Thank you to our fans for being a part of it all – cheers to 30 years! Look for this celebratory beer to start hitting shelves and tap handles throughout the country in September.

Ryan McNeive, lead brewer of our barrel-aging program, tells us more about the eight great beers that make up this blend.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND THIS BEER?

I love dessert wine, primarily port wine. I wanted to take aspects of that wine style, but blended with Belgian ales to create a complex barrel-aged beer. I’d highly recommend aging a bottle or two of this beer in proper cellar temperatures. Over time the beer will start to change, maximizing certain flavor profiles from the base beer and barrel flavors and aromas.

ANY NEW BEERS IN THE FINAL BLEND?

One of the stouts is a new base beer with some different malts and a different brewing process. It’s higher ABV with more malt to finish at a higher plato and make the beer more sweet and thick. It’s also hoppier and the chocolate flavors and aroma are much more intense. The recipe was designed to complement the different barrels.

The other new beer is a Belgian ale that is a near clone of our favorite Trappist Belgian ale.

WHAT IS THE FINAL BREAKDOWN OF THE BLEND?

Imperial Stout in rye whiskey finished port casks – 26%

Imperial Stout in bourbon barrels – 23%

Belgian Dark Strong Ale in ruby and tawny port casks – 17%

Belgian Dark Strong Ale in bourbon barrels – 12%

Belgian Dark Strong Ale in California sherry casks – 8%

Double Mashed Imperial Stout in bourbon barrels – 6%

Imperial Stout in Spanish sherry puncheons – 4%

Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels followed by ruby/tawny port casks – 3%

WHAT WOULD YOU PAIR THIS BEER WITH?

Chocolate covered cherries, rich cheeses, sweet milk chocolates

FLAVOR PROFILE

Aroma – Rich caramel and chocolate, vanilla, whiskey, toasted oak

Malt – Caramel, toffee, chocolate, espresso

Hops – Minimal, for balance

Balance – Barrel character / malt

Body – Full

CHARACTERISTICS

12% ABV | 25 IBUs | 120 EBC

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