Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale - Boulevard Brewing Co.

pauldonath

Illinois

4.44/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Good foam and color. OK nose. Taste is a cross between a Belgium ale and an IPA, done very well. I like the mix of the floral with a bit more hop bitterness than in a typical Belgium ale. Finish is very long, starting with the fortunately not too sweat malt and ending with just the right amount of bitter bite.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2013 20:21:46 | More by pauldonath

blackcompg

Illinois

4.01/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from their 12oz bottle...

Appearance - Pours a substantial foamy 3 finger head, both tight and large bubbles, body is a hazy bright yellow gold with tons of bubbles in the body, huge action, head comes down to about a finger & a half of thick bumpy cumulus. Great thick lacing.

Smell - Big belgian yeast & spice, sourdough bread, citrus zest, touch of white pepper. light pear, bubble gum.

Taste - Begins big bready yeast, bubblegum banana esters, dried apple, touch of semi-sweet citrus, coriander, white pepper. Finish is dried sourdough crusts with more white pepper and bitter dried citrus peels.

Mouthfeel - Mouthfeel is lighter side of medium, carb is on the higher side, very bright and crisp, wonderful tingly edges on the sides of the tongue, finish is dry, but a few pockets of tart & sweetness in the mouth corners.

Overall - A very good and refreshing beer. Complex and fairly well balanced. This is my first beer of this style, reminds me a bit of Duvel. A favorful beer that I would recommend.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2013 04:43:26 | More by blackcompg

suspect

New York

4.59/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a Real Ale Snifter.

A: Pure golden color, hazy by nature. Lots of sediment. When I popped the cap, the foam came RUSHING out. Gentle pour after that led to a frothy white 2 finger head that fizzed down after a few minutes. Lacing is strong and thick.

S: Perfect blend of funk, wheaty grains, malts and bitterness with a lemon zest and grassy undertone.

T: MM! Follows the nose absolutely. Lots of funk, wonderful mix of malt and citrus. Really really well done.

M: Perfectly carbonated, bubbles lift the spice of my dinner right off the tongue and away. Crispy finish, no bitterness.

O: Really wonderful beer. I've been wanting to try this one for some time now and I'm glad I not only had the opportunity, but I have another one to enjoy!

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2013 03:06:58 | More by suspect

ummswimmin

New Jersey

4.11/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

I poured this beer into a stemmed glass. I immediately received a ton of foam from the initial pour. The retention on the head was pretty strong. I really like the lacing on this one. The coloring is a deeper blond with a decent amount of cloudiness.

I like the nose on the tank 7. The spice and yeastiness are nice with this one. The bouquet balances really well. The flavor is pretty good as well. This works out to be a pretty good example of a saison.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2013 18:23:09 | More by ummswimmin

MadMac

Maryland

4.31/5  rDev +3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Rich gold with a haze. Nice head, fading to residual bubbles and foam.

S: Orange and yeast, but not as strong as other reviewers find.

T: This is a great beer. I love Boulevard. I get a complex layer of orange, straw, cardamom, bread. I feel like I am back on the farm, bellying up to to big table with all my friends. Leaves me with a nice clean, crisp taste.

M: Good carbonation. Lots of bubbles at the back of my tongue. Just enough pucker in my mouth after I swallow.

O: Great saison. I could drink this all day long, but at 8% ABV common sense prevails.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2013 04:26:36 | More by MadMac

mbunje

California

4.6/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle, poured into a tulip glass

A - crystal clear, golden straw color. Nice bubbles from carbonation yields a mid size head. Extremely clear an crisp looking.

S - fresh bread, yeast esters, citrus flower and pepper

T - juicy front, followed by a dry biscuit finish that tastes almost tripped-like. A little citrus mixed in here or there. The balance of sweet and dry is exceptional.

M - you feel more carbonation than you see. A bit of alcohol burn. This is medium bodied as it should be.

O - really fine job with excellent balance and good flavor complexity. Looks, smells and tastes beautiful. It says farmhouse but closely resembles a trippel. Sneaky strong 8.5%

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2013 01:17:52 | More by mbunje

ToasterChef

Maine

4/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A chilled 750ml bottle is poured into a tulip glass.

The beer is a translucent golden liquid with plenty of visible carbonation. The head is white and full of soap bubble foam. Decent lacing.

The beer has a very good aroma. Lots of farmhouse yeast, some spices and a good malt base that provides a hint of sweetness.

The beer has a interesting sweetness that is reminiscent of honey. It's very floral yet sweet. A nice mix of spices can be tasted at the finish, and farmhouse yeast flavors linger.

This is a fuller bodied beer than some other saisons I've had. Carbonation is strong and tingling. Coating feels a bit thick, but it isn't distracting.

This is a an enjoyable saison. Worth checking out.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2013 00:47:47 | More by ToasterChef

kevanb

Illinois

4.01/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

12oz bottle poured into a Boulevard Smokestack Series Tulip.

Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale

It pours a lovely golden honey color, hues of lemon with touches of orange, cloudy complexion with a bit of sediment floating in the glass. A huge cloudy white head rises out of the glass, nearly 3 fingers high that has great retention and leaves behind a great bit of lacing. The aroma is pleasant, mild funkiness, cereal grain, fruity yeast, a touch of berry comes out behind the grain with some lemon zest and a light floral presence. The flavors really shine, lots of pale cereal grain, mild barnyard funk, nice bready yeast that brings out the same nice fruity tones in the nose, a bit of apple and lemon with some sweet berry flavors, very well balanced with the grain and funky layers. The body is very lively, medium to high carbonation, a touch thinner than anticipated, definitely coats the mouth well, alcohol is present at the finish which is nice and dry.

Verdict: A really pleasant Farmhouse Ale from Boulevard. The flavors are layered, bright and enjoyable. While it may not be the most complex and exciting Farmhouse Ale, it is certainly a worthy brew for anyone who loves a good Belgian Style Ale.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2013 02:02:12 | More by kevanb

FUwolfpacker

South Carolina

4.61/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from their nice, unique 12 oz bottle into a Westbrook tulip.

A: Beautiful golden color with a slight haziness. Huge, white, bubbly, rocky head. Just amazing. Head holds for a little bit then fades to a nice, manageable ring. Decent lacing.

S: Love the aroma of this. Definitely get some of the yeastiness, some grapefruit-orange, a spiciness I can't quite put my finger on, and some apple.

T: Fantastic. One of the first farmhouse ales/saisons I tried and this set the bar very high. Have had several since first trying this several months ago on tap, and none have equaled this one. I get some lemon/citrus and some straw/grassiness right off the bat. Some nice bready sweetness soon follows, and it finishes with just a little drying bitterness that adds a nice crispness.

M: A little thicker, stickier mouthfeel than you would expect just looking at it but not over done at all. Moderate carbonation.

O: This is a fantastic farmhouse/saison. If you have never had it and get a chance to grab one, do it! It's very unlikely that you will regret it. I could easily drink several of these without a second thought.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2013 01:34:26 | More by FUwolfpacker

MattyG85

Minnesota

4.41/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a Duvel tulip glass. Bottle says best by 06/08/13.

Appearance: Pours a very hazy golden orange with a moderate amount of fast rising bubbles. Huge five finger white head which slowly fades into a patchy creamy layer. Leaves a good amount of lacing around the glass.

Smell: A yeasty, funky, and spicy farmhouse aroma with a lot of citrus esters. Belgian yeast with a good scent of barnyard funk and spices including peppers and clove. Belgian candied sugars and light esters of banana and pear. Sweet pale malts with hints of wheat grains, husk, biscuit, and cracker. Big citrus fruit hop esters with hints of oranges, lemon zest, mango, and pineapple. Also a good scents of grass and earthy hops. A very good balance of farmhouse sweetness and drying bitterness.

Taste: Like the aroma hints, a complex and well balanced Saison taste. Belgian yeast and barnyard funk upfront with some pepper and clove spicing. Candied sugars and notes of banana, bubblegum, and pear. Pale malts and wheat with a taste of cereal grains, biscuit, husk, and cracker. Very nice citrus fruit taste with notes of orange, lemon zest, pineapple, and mango. Things are rounded out by a good taste of grassy and earthy hops. Somewhat sweet but well balanced by the bitter dryness. Very good.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with a carbonation on the higher side of medium. Nicely crisp and spicy with a drying finish. Alcohol is masked well.

Overall: A really good American style Farmhouse ale. Good mix of sweetness, spice, hops, and citrus fruit esters.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2013 07:19:41 | More by MattyG85

ckollias

Maryland

4.26/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Enjoyed this 12oz bottle out of a Belgian tulip glass.

A: Pours a very cloudy yellow-orange hue with a big ole frothy head that very slowly dissipates down the side of the glass leaving a great trail and ending in solid thick lace.

S: Very sweet aroma with a citrus and fruity scent with a piney background.

T: Sweet and tart flavor with a citrus and Beligan yeast backbone. Huge hop finish.

M: Very strong and boozy. Medium body and carbonation

O: This was an impressive brew. Very tasty – would grab this again.

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2013 04:12:37 | More by ckollias

Maxwell

Massachusetts

3.84/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

The beer pours a pretty golden straw yellow with a huge fluffy white head that lasts forever, and medium thick poofy lacing that leaves rings on the glass. The body is clear but for a slight haze, and carbonation bubbles can be seen steadily working their way up the glass, though there also seems to be some very small particles floating in the beer. This is a pretty beer. On the nose, the beer smells wonderfully citrusy, with proper bread accentuations. Peppery lemon comes to mind when trying to describe it. The smell is classic saison citrus-spice with wonderful bready notes and the slightest touches of hay and farmyard funk and even light banana esters. On the tongue, the beer tastes much more herbal and grassy than the nose. The beer begins more in tune with the nose, featuring citrus lemon bread that washes strongly over the tongue, crescendoing and ebbing backwards as a solid grassy bitter follows it, bringing herbal tingling to the mouth and washing away all but a lingering aftertaste that is reminiscent of banana esters. Green pepper tastes can also be found in the middle of the taste alongside stronger banana notes. On the mouth, the beer feels a touch off, sitting just below medium bodied, which makes it highly drinkable, but not quite thin enough to knock back and not quite thick enough to sip. It feels clean and creamy as it goes down, and leaves the mouth slightly wet with a light herbal dryness on the tip of the tongue. Overall, I’m a little disappointed in Tank 7, I’ve heard great things and I love Boulevard’s Saison-Brett, but this beer doesn’t quite marry its separate flavors in an appealing way for me. This is not a bad beer by any means, but I think I built it up a little bit too much in my head. Worth a try for the Belgian lover, but not a knock out in my book.

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2013 22:35:28 | More by Maxwell

BarryMFBurton

Indiana

4.24/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

It’s about time to make the rounds on many of the beers I see all the time but have never tried. Cheers.

Best-by is four months from the date of this tasting (05/08/13).

A: Looks like the Duvel tulip was perfect for this: after most of the twelve-ounce bottle is gone, the rest of the glass is completely full with thick white foam. It’s about a 50/50 split between hazy golden body and bright fluffy head, and it’s superb. That, plus intricate lacing clinging to literally everything makes this the perfect presentation for this style.

S: A nose full of bright and grassy Belgian character. Opens up with a sweet fruit and flower character consisting of hibiscus and dandelion mixed with juicy mango, tangerine, and pineapple. Sweet yet husky grain scents broaden as the base beneath it all, though yeast esters and the zest of crushed pepper make their statement, as well. A very pleasing nose that is capped off with the slightest tinge of alcohol.

T: Bitter herbal tastes converge with just enough malt to give this a crisp bread crust effect on the whole. Rind, sesame, and a tone of caraway spice appears in moderate amounts but is overshadowed by a grassy character. Fresh, complex. A “green” yeastiness delivers medicinal notes and slight vinous tannins, drying out the palate before malt effects introduce vanilla icing, walnut, and crusty sweetbread. Finishes with a mild bread crust character.

M: Full-bodied with a smooth carbonation, a frothy texture that complements the palate.

O: It’s great to be reminded that not every great beer is a double-super-elite-limited-release-wallet-drainer. I loved this one, and can go out and buy it whenever I want at stores all across the country.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2013 22:43:31 | More by BarryMFBurton

jmbranum

Oklahoma

4.53/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Very enjoyable beer. Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a Boulevard chalice (sold as a variety 4-pack including the glass)

Pours a deep gold liquid with a white head. Slight haze which is a good sign.

Aroma is fresh with some hops and spices.

Flavor is complex. Fairly dry. A little bit of lingering tartness and medium levels of hop bitterness. A little bit of citrus fruit and maybe a little bit of Jewish rye bread.

Very nice and smooth mouthfeel. Perfect level of carbonation to keep the flavor dancing on the tongue.

Final pour is nice with lots of yeast in the bottle. I pour the yeast in the glass because I think it makes the last drink better. Lots of breadyness.

Overall, I like this beer a lot. I need to drink Boulevard more often.

Grading this beer was hard. This is a very competitive style. This beer was is just shy of being world-class. (compared to other Farmhouse ales).

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2013 17:31:53 | More by jmbranum

beerforbears

Massachusetts

4.65/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

This is one of my favorite beers for the end of a long day (or any day, really). A beautiful clear golden color, lots of bubbles, persevering foam, crisp carbonation, a blend of sweet and pleasantly acrid flavors in the background. Not much to complain about here!

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2013 01:07:10 | More by beerforbears

samowen777

North Carolina

4.7/5  rDev +12.7%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Miraculous!! Either a freak of nature, or most likely an exquisitely designed brew.. Nevertheless, I am extremely impressed.... uitstekend!!!...

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2013 06:30:26 | More by samowen777

richj1970

Alabama

4.35/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from 12 oz bottle into pint glass.

A: Golden color with nice 2 finger white head. Nice retention with some lacing.

S: Citrus with some yeast and grassy notes. A little bit of funk but pleasant.

T: Lots of citrus with slight hops and breads.

M: Nice carbonation, and crisp flavors. A bit dry at the end.

O: Nice Saison. I will get this one again...

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2013 03:45:57 | More by richj1970

Ed_Johnson

4.08/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Poured a golden color with big off-white head and left nice lacing on the glass.

S: Lots of citrus on the nose mixed in with chalky Belgian yeast and pepper. A nice aroma.

T: Lots of bubble gum and then some citrus and doughy yeast. If you like the Belgian bubble gum flavor then this beer is for you.

M: Medium body, drying mouth feel with a touch of sweetness. Nice carbonation.

O: A good Saison. I will buythis one again.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2012 22:49:19 | More by Ed_Johnson

Kendo

New York

4.15/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Poured into a Piraat tulip. Body is slightly hazy golden with a nice 2-finger white head that retains well. Good lacing.

S: Lemony citrus over bread doughy yeastiness. Slightly earthy.

T: Bready malt up front with a mild lemony hop bitterness at the finish. Modest yeastiness. Pairs well with a couple cheeses we're having.

M: Nice and creamy. Call it medium in heft. Carbonation is modest.

O: Very nice.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2012 22:33:33 | More by Kendo

Immortale25

Florida

4.21/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Poured into a snifter. The label says Best By 05-2013.

A- Pours a mostly clean light amber color with a full two and a half fingers' worth of head that retains a bit before crackling away to a an 1/8 inch head and thick, frothy lacing.

S- Effervescent aroma of sweet citrus and light but fresh hops plus saison yeast which brings a beautiful brightness to the bouquet.

T- Smooth, lemony flavor with some mild spice and a touch of hops. The yeast is there but not at the forefront as I'm used to with most saisons. This creates a nice sense of balance, but I prefer my farmhouse ales to really taste like a farmhouse. Alcohol content is deceiving.

M- Medium-high carbonation, light body and very thirst quenching.

O- Wonderful aroma and mouthfeel but the overall execution of the flavor leaves a bit to be desired. I wonder if I'm becoming too critical of Saison entries now that it's my new favorite style. Oh well.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2012 05:00:25 | More by Immortale25

Docrock

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a duPont Saison glass:

A- light golden in color, nice 1-1/2" head that lingers forever, well carbonated, with excellent lacing.

S - slightly hoppier than i expected but not at all unpleasant, slight funk from the "farmhouse" yeast.

T- the yeast hits you first, slight musky taste, followed by a bit of citrus. nice hop character, very drinkable with a dry finish.

M- carbonation is outstanding, highly drinkable.

O- this is a really strong beer for the style, while different than most Belgian's, this uniqueness is its strength.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2012 16:26:16 | More by Docrock

TwelveOunces

Kentucky

4.2/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12 oz bottle poured into a Boulevard tulip

A- Pours hazy golden yellow. A massive foamy white head with great retention.

S- Big Belgian yeast. Followed up by a lot of wheat. A slight sourness. A bit of spice and some twang. Brett?

T- A nice sourness up front. A bit of a tart character. Some dark fruit flavors in here as well. A bit of lemon grass and some earthy floral noes. A lot of wheat and rye. A spicy quality from the yeast. Belgian yeast has a signature flavor.

M- A nice feel to it. Not too thick but has a nice body. Higher side of carbonation and very smooth.

O- This is a great Saison, I may prefer this over their Saison-Brett.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2012 01:47:33 | More by TwelveOunces

babayaga

4.08/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a long tulip.

Appearance- Large white head, moderate lacing. Clear yellow body with some particulates.

Aroma- Floral, lemon, light banana.

Taste- More of the same, some pepper, apple. Decently dry finish.

Mouthfeel- Medium to light body. Lively carbonation.

I really enjoyed this one. I haven't been a big fan of Boulevard mainly due to their mainstream wheat-beer popularity, but this beer and another of their smokestack series are really excellent. Will definitely buy again.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2012 23:22:37 | More by babayaga

rapidsequence

Virginia

4.4/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12 oz bottle.

Appearance: Just beautiful. Just a slight haze to this golden yellow beer. Thick, frothy white head with excellent retention and sticky webs of lacing.

Smell: This apparently has a pretty good slug of American or equivalent hops-- sweet citrus and tropical fruits. Slightly musty saison yeast character. Esters of light fruits.

Taste: A very good, hoppy saison. Fruity, balance of bitter and sweet, yeast with a hint of tang. A little spicy and peppery. Finish is dry with hoppy bitterness..

Mouthfeel: Lively high carbonation, just enough residual sugars to give it some feel in the mouth, but still end dry-- I think the hoppy bitterness helps the sensation of dryness.

Overall: I really like this beer. The hop character isn't exactly traditional, but very good.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2012 02:51:59 | More by rapidsequence

cindyjeffsmith

Georgia

4.03/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

appearance: Hazy, pale golden. Huge fluffy head. This one has a come hither look. Enticing even.
smell: Fruity and yeasty, with a little spice and a substantial malt backbone. Smells like a Tripel to my immature snout.
taste: More of the same. Tastes like a quite good Tripel.
overall: Yea, I likes it. More sweetness and a more balanced taste than the few saisons I've had.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2012 00:16:13 | More by cindyjeffsmith