The Sixth Glass - Boulevard Brewing Co.

AlCaponeJunior

Texas

5/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

the sixth glass quadrupel from smokestack. Originally had in 750mL, multiple re-reviews in 12oz bottles.

Tried this one first on vacation in TX at my mom's house. Surprised Boulevard makes it this far south... but then again, I'm not surprised, it's a great brewery. I was truly ecstatic tho when I saw they had a smokestack series at the local supermarket (although this was the only one).. and not only that, it was one of the ones I hadn't tried yet!

Life is good, that's why they make these beers... so you don't forget!

Absolutely beautiful brew, clear copper-amber, many rising bubbles, and a full, thick, lasting head with ample lacing that slides down the glass to rejoin the head accents this fantastic beer creation.

Raisins, dark fruits, plums, cherries, mild hops, yeast and sweet malts all shine through on this very spicy smelling, wonderful brew. At this ABV, there's no covering up a slight scent of alcohol, but it seems to only enhance in this case. FABULOUS.

Tastes much like the smell, fabulously delicious and complex as any beer I've ever had. All the dark fruits are hinted at, especially raisins, cherries and figs, with a touch of delicious apple. The spices stand out equally, and spicy it is. Pepper is definitely present, as are a whole bunch more sweet and spicy flavors. There's also a noticeable flavor of delicious yeastiness, a very mild alcohol flavor (faint for such a strong beer), and some sweet breaded malts and just a touch of hops, perfectly balanced. The sweet raisiny spiciness lingers oh so nicely with every sip.

Mouthfeel is thick, rich, and wonderful; nothing short of a work of art. A warm feeling of satisfaction permeates the gullet as this strong brew works its magic. The perfect fruity aftertaste finishes it off.

Note: Mouthfeel probably got a little better as it warmed, but overall this brew showed almost equal character and enjoyability over the full range of temperatures, which for me were from cold refrigeration temperature upon opening (pouring into a snifter) to the full on room temperature warmness upon finishing my last sip of the 750 mL bottle almost two hours later. This hasn't changed over multiple sessions of re-reviewing this beer.

Drinkability is absolutely perfect. Few beers meet such a high standard in any style, any country. America SHINES on this one. I challenge any foreign country to top this beer.

EDIT: upon re-review multiple times, I'm upping my rating on this one to a perfect FIVE. I've done enough reviews that I know that this one is as close to perfect as it's likely to get, and I have never, ever liked a beer more than this one. If something else winds up beating it, I'll change my review back to the original 4.85 it was on the first go-round. Even on my fifth or sixth re-visitation of this brew, I still absolutely love it every time. This is my favorite smokestack, favorite quad, and remains my highest rated beer for good reason.

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2010 15:23:14 | More by AlCaponeJunior

AGoodStout

Kansas

4.75/5  rDev +14.7%

05-18-2013 01:43:47 | More by AGoodStout

SilentNature

Virginia

4.25/5  rDev +2.7%

05-17-2013 22:29:54 | More by SilentNature

NWer

Washington

4/5  rDev -3.4%

05-17-2013 21:18:34 | More by NWer

WedLiq

Arkansas

4.75/5  rDev +14.7%

05-17-2013 14:59:46 | More by WedLiq

JoshFrierson86

Arkansas

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%

05-17-2013 00:12:49 | More by JoshFrierson86

MinorThreat

Colorado

4.25/5  rDev +2.7%

05-16-2013 13:15:42 | More by MinorThreat

GaryFields

Indiana

4/5  rDev -3.4%

05-16-2013 01:14:59 | More by GaryFields

CheapBeerBuzz

California

3.75/5  rDev -9.4%

05-15-2013 10:49:09 | More by CheapBeerBuzz

bconsidine

Maryland

4.25/5  rDev +2.7%

05-14-2013 17:43:49 | More by bconsidine

Tiernan

Texas

5/5  rDev +20.8%

05-12-2013 21:46:27 | More by Tiernan

Stinger80OH

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev +2.7%

05-11-2013 16:45:29 | More by Stinger80OH

ToddHolder

Illinois

4/5  rDev -3.4%

05-11-2013 01:29:29 | More by ToddHolder

JamesStreet

Louisiana

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%

05-10-2013 18:37:59 | More by JamesStreet

twenty5

Pennsylvania

3.75/5  rDev -9.4%

05-10-2013 15:28:35 | More by twenty5

ncstateplaya

North Carolina

3.75/5  rDev -9.4%

05-10-2013 14:03:17 | More by ncstateplaya

Xzfgiimtsath

Texas

4.75/5  rDev +14.7%

05-10-2013 13:50:09 | More by Xzfgiimtsath

bradfordjohnson

Kentucky

4.25/5  rDev +2.7%

05-08-2013 03:02:49 | More by bradfordjohnson

kell50

North Carolina

4/5  rDev -3.4%

05-08-2013 02:27:18 | More by kell50

blknikon

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -3.4%

05-08-2013 00:09:17 | More by blknikon

dalepryor

Kentucky

4/5  rDev -3.4%

05-07-2013 21:04:49 | More by dalepryor

lernerlift

Kansas

4.25/5  rDev +2.7%

05-05-2013 22:04:23 | More by lernerlift

Fusebuddy

Wisconsin

3.75/5  rDev -9.4%

05-05-2013 13:19:01 | More by Fusebuddy

gueuzedreg

Colorado

4.5/5  rDev +8.7%

04-30-2013 17:29:38 | More by gueuzedreg

Mleblanc25

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -3.4%

04-30-2013 00:18:14 | More by Mleblanc25