Boulevard Brewing Company - Kansas City, Missouri USA
Belgian Dark Strong Ale (ABV 10.5%) (IBU 22)

[Suggested Glassware: Tulip Glass]

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Aroma: 7/10
Appearance: 4/5
Taste: 8/10
Palate: 4/5
Overall: 16/20

The pour was a murky medium brown with a light orange hue and an average (1-2 finger) off white creamy head that was mostly diminishing, down to a thin puddled film and medium collar with fair runny lacing.

The aroma was of a sweet dark bread malt and an earthy doughy yeast with notes of caramel, candi sugar and dark fruit (raisons, figs and plums).

The taste was a smooth malty sweet with a hint of caramel from the beginning, and then become quite a bit yeasty with a strong dark fruit presence and a light alcohol ending. The flavor was short in duration following the swallow, with a lightly sweet fruitiness resting on the taste buds along with a mild alcohol warming sensation.

Mouthfeel was medium in body with a dry and slightly oily texture and a nice lively carbonation.

Overall this is one of the most balanced and tasty Strong Ales I have had in quite a while. So much so that there is hardly any indication of the high ABV this brew possesses. Props to this brewer for another superb beer...

Sampled: 1/28/2013
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