Rye-on-Rye - Boulevard Brewing Co.

Anonymousmark

2.55/5  rDev -39.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.5

This is definitely a niche market beer. It came highly recommended by the shop owner and I was attracted by the high ABV and the whiskey barrel aging process. Obviously, it is not chugging beer. It is brewed to enjoy slowly in an easy chair along with good company and stimulating conversation. I have to say though, that I didn't enjoy it as I though I would. I can't blame the beer... it was exactly as advertised. But as it turned out, I just didn't like the blended tastes. In the future, when I want rye whiskey I will drink rye whiskey and when I crave a brew, I will have a beer. With that said, its a distinctive and unique tasting beer that is worth a try by true beer aficionados.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2013 17:14:44 | More by Anonymousmark

WillCarrera

Illinois

3.94/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

750 ml bottle, batch 2013/1, best before 11/2014, poured into a tulip glass.

A- Pours a clear amber red color, topped with a finger of creamy khaki head, leaves spotty lacing.

S- Delicious, sweet aroma of whiskey, oak, vanilla, and caramel.

T- Has a touch of bourbon but also a lot of leathery, spicy malt. Leans more toward bready, fruity flavors and away from the richer, sweeter characteristics of the aroma.

M- Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, finishes dry with spice and some booze heat.

O- A solid beer overall, has a really nice aroma but is a bit less rich and delicious in the flavor, consider skipping this.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2013 06:39:05 | More by WillCarrera

StonedTrippin

Colorado

4.13/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

damn this is a big beer. pours hazy golden brown like when the tater tots are perfectly ready, with a caramel hue and a fluffy tan head as tall as you want to make it. yum. it smells like rye malt, spicy and peppery and rich, and it also smells like oak casks, with some char and some strong whiskey notes of vanilla. the flavor is about the same, not as rye malt heavy as I thought from the nose, but still undoubtedly a rye forward brew. I think the barreling process is a little overdone in this one. I never really say that, but this one tasted more like whiskey than beer, especially in the finish, and it really overshadowed what I assume to be an expertly made strong rye ale. maybe just the blend was too much, I don't know, but it was an experience either way, with the alcohol becoming punishing in the finish and as I worked my way through a bottle of this on my own. full full body, good carbonation and a very expansive feel. lots of booze burn in the finish, and at least a mild hangover awaits the overeager, but like all beers in the smokestack series, this was well planned, well executed, and very original.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2013 17:22:10 | More by StonedTrippin

MattyG85

Minnesota

4.46/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 750 ml corked bottle into a Surly Darkness chalice. 2013 bottle with a best by date of 4-12-2014.

Appearance: Pours a very deep and somewhat hazy copper amber orange with a moderate amount of bubbles. Starts out with a nice big four finger off white head that recedes into a thin creamy layer. Leaves a lot of lacing around the glass.

Smell: A quite complex malt and spice driven aroma with lots of barrel hints. Big scent of rye whiskey upfront along with hints of wood, oak chips, and vanilla. Bready malts with a lot of rye spicing and hints of caramel, toffee, biscuit, peat, and yeast. Some burnt brown sugar and subtle undertones of citrus fruit including orange, grapefruit, and lemon. Also a light hint of licorice. Very woody as the barrel elements are pretty strong. Very interesting and good smell.

Taste: As complex and good as it smells. Big barrel presence throughout with a big taste of rye whiskey, oak chips, wood, and vanilla. Lots of malt taste with big notes of caramel, biscuit, toffee, yeast, and peat. Light anise licorice notes. Some candied brown sugar sweetness. Subtle taste of citrus grapefruit, orange, and lemon. Taste is actually fairly drying and not very boozy. Literally tastes like rye whiskey without the big heat. Really good tasting rye beer here.

Mouthfeel: Full bodied with a moderate amount of carbonation. Spicy and somewhat chewy. Very smooth for its size. The 12% abv is hidden really well considering.

Overall: A really great barrel aged rye beer. Big rye and barrel flavor and the sweetness and heat is kept in check. Really well done.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2013 08:05:38 | More by MattyG85

GPHarris

Alabama

4.34/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

a - poured a two-fingers thick creamy tan head into a snifter that left great lacing and sheeting throughout. the body was a dark mahogany.
s - the woodiness from the barrel dominates the aroma but in a good way.
t - rye, spice, dark fruits, oak with a hot finish. nice and complex.
m - very creamy and smooth.
o - terrific beer. the alcohol was evident but fits in well with the other flavors. i think this would benefit from a year of aging but is still a great sipper fresh.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2013 15:48:10 | More by GPHarris

tut2528

Illinois

4.75/5  rDev +12%
look: 4.25 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

2013 release

A: pours an awesome hazy light orange/brown like rust that is not completely opaque. the pour created a solid fingers worth of off-white head formation, and the lacing was very nice as well.

S: wow this is immensely complex. definitely taken by suprise. massive toffee, caramel and vanilla sweetness, alcohol soaked raisins, rye whisky, some plums, brown sugar, and oak. this is honestly one of the best smelling beers I have ever had. and it is so damn well balanced.

T: strong whiskey and oak comes out here more, but the massive sweetness from the toffee, caramel and vanilla help prevent the whiskey from overtaking the brew. i also pick up on berries, a slight waffer note, as well as bubble gum. massive complexity

M: coats the mouth with immense vanilla and oak sweetness with an inviting heat from the alcohol. solid medium bodied brew. nice carbonation, and the sweetness sparks salivation.

O: a best friend of mine said that this is like an English Barleywine, and I must admit that his statement is very true. Immense complexity, and it has a terrific balance. For being 12%, it is one of the best balanced brews I have had. This will be one that I consistently seek out. A well done brew.

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2013 01:50:33 | More by tut2528

campuschief

Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

EPIC! I never rate beers because I feel they are a personal choice. This one was on another level! Seriously I've had all of the top 5 or more and this one is the best! Thanks Boulevard for doing such a good job with this beer and please, PLEASE, make more for me to imbibe.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2013 02:26:07 | More by campuschief

King_KongDCO93

Minnesota

4.4/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

2013 bottle

A: Dark amber with a large off white head. continuously carbonates and is effervescent. With some alcohol legs

S: getting some rye, caramel, and some sweet fruits.

T: sweet but slightly boozy. nice rye flavor and has some dark fruit flavors. also has a slight sour undertone. It has a good rye/caramel taste. citrusy and tangy

M: Creamy, malty, tangy, and citrusy

O: great rye and good buy

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2013 02:32:25 | More by King_KongDCO93

TwelveOunces

Kentucky

4.55/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

2012 Bottle poured into a Boulevard tulip

A- Pours very hazy and murky. A light brown orange. A large light tan colored head with surprising retention. Impressive alcohol legs as well. A dank and intense looking beer.

S- Smells like whiskey and I like it. A good rye presence as well, somewhat spicy and cold. A lot of caramel and sweet malts. A bit of char as well.

T- A slight fruity bitterness at first. A bit of dark fruit in this beer. A lot of figs and plums and rum soaked raisins. A massive smooth caramel malt. A lot of wood character and charred oak as well. The rye in this beer is spicy and has a live mouth feel. A good amount of whiskey flavors in this beer that compliments the rest of the brew. No alcohol taste, very well hidden. Faded hop flavor but some hop bitterness.

M- A thick and strong beer but quite balanced and drinkable. Warming. High carbonation but its smooth in the glass.

O- This is my new favorite Boulevard beer. A great barrel aged strong ale and interesting take on rye.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2013 23:33:26 | More by TwelveOunces

streetcommander

Virginia

4.58/5  rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Full disclosure : I love rye beers and whiskeys.

Well balanced and crisp for a 12 12 12 12 abv, yeah. (if you haven't seen the YouTube "deer vs. Dog; ghetto style" yet, then you wont understand)

Smooth rye flavors are ubundant and glorious. Bourbon flavor comes through on the finish. Not overpowering, just perfect. No syrupy nastiness or macro swill corn covering. Booze are present, but salute with honor and grace. Nice brew, no doubt.

Not the 98 the Bros bestow, but damned good high test brew.

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2013 00:18:33 | More by streetcommander

NovoAleMan

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A fine rye ale.

Appearance is nice, rich, and orange. Pleasant to see.

Smell...well, you can easily smell the rye. It is pleasant to the nostrils, not too lingering. Also has a very slight hint of fruit.

Taste is excellent. Rich, not overbearing.

The mouth-feel is quite smooth. It is a relatively drinkable rye ale.

Important to note it is a strong beer. 12.0% ABV means one should not trifle with it. Still, an excellent beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-12-2013 02:02:18 | More by NovoAleMan

larryi86

Delaware

4.45/5  rDev +5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

750 mL bottle, 2013, poured into a tulip

A- A slightly hazy orange with a ruby tint and a three finger off white head.

S- Rye, citrus, whiskey, some oak, some spices, and a nice sweetness that I can't put my finger.

T- Whiskey, rye, vanilla, touch of oak, caramel, toffee, some spice, touch of hops, great balance.

M- Smooth, medium body, creamy.

O- A great whiskey barrel aged beer. Strong, complex, very tasty. Can't wait to pick you another bottle.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 03:35:43 | More by larryi86

ThickNStout

Georgia

3.75/5  rDev -11.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

750mL bottle from Total Wine (Kennesaw, GA). 11.49. 2013 release. Served in a Dogfish Head snifter.

Pours golden orange with two fingers of frothy off white head that leaves a good bit of lace.

Smells of caramel, toffee and a big whiff of whisky.

Taste is whisky forward. Rye whisky, oak, toffee, caramel, must, malts and warming booze. A boozy yet smooth sweet mixture.

Medium body with strong fizzy carbonation. Long sweet boozy aftertaste.

An interesting rye theme here. It has a much different profile than the typical rye-P-A that seems to be gaining popularity. The rye whisky really steals the show. I've not previously considered aging a rye beer but I this would be a good candidate.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2013 05:13:33 | More by ThickNStout

daledeee

Iowa

4.6/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A 750 ml Special Edition bottle.

Poured this into my new Stone glass.

I got an auburn colored clear body with minor head but some lacing.

The smell is quite interesting. This beer really does have a whiskey note to it.

Taste: Everybody is into whiskey barrel aged beer these days, but this one is actually whiskey tasting. Up front that is the first thing I noticed. Then there is a hint of mustiness, malt with hops, caramel and some fruit(not really dark, but not light).

The impression I get from this beer is that if I was blindfolded I would think it was a barleywine. It's not super hoppy. It's not super malty but it has many nice flavors and lots of boozy warmth. Looking at the label shows 12%. This is definitely the strongest rye beer and a different rye beer since most of them have leaned toward hoppy IPAs. I like this unique beer and it is definitely a keeper. Top shelf all the way.

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2013 23:50:59 | More by daledeee

homebrew311

Illinois

4/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

I am currently reviewing the 2013 vintage of this in 2012 (very soon to be 2013). So in other words, this beer is from the future. Pours a murky brownish, tawny color with white head and plenty of lacing. Nose is full of caramel, rye, vanilla, and oak. The rye spirit lends a somewhat sweet quality to the nose which is quite nice. The taste starts with tons of rye malt, a bit of toast, light fruit character in the vain of cherry with a considerable spirit character towards the end. The barrel quality is nice and smooth and rounds out the rye malt nicely. A bit of heat creeps up on the end. Body is hefty, but not a big as I'd expect from an 11% brew. Carbonation is a tad high for my preference with barrel aged brews. Overall, a very solid offering from Boulevard that showcases rye in an amazing way.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2013 06:04:00 | More by homebrew311

irongator

Kansas

5/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Oh my... Can you mess any beer up by aging it in whiskey barrels? I digress... this beer is awesome... please do not drink this cold; let it sit out for a good hour before you pour, then the flavors really come out. in my opinion, it's kind of a cross between a wit and a farmhouse ale with added oak and lots of whiskey flavor. There is also a bit of funk in there that makes it unique. You could pound this beer if you wanted to... no sipping desert wine. This is arguably my favorite beer this year, since they killed the production of Bourbon Barrel Quad this year.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 12:55:50 | More by irongator

davey101

Connecticut

3.95/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

2012 vintage, Bottle No. 5734. Batch: 2012-1, Best By Date: 02-2014. 750ml bottle into a BC 15th anny glass. Thanks Steimie!

A - Pours a slightly hazy dark orange/brown body. Two fingers of light tan foam forms and settles into a thin cap. Great lacing and retention.

S - Toffee, malt, peat, and some brown sugar. A touch of rye spice and rich oak on the finish. Well what do you know, smells like a malty rye whiskey!

T - Taste is almost scotch ale like. A clean toffee malt profile with layers of oak, vanilla, smoke, brown sugar, and rye spice. Simple but tasty.

M - Medium bodied with lively carbonation. Has a bubbly finish that plays well with the alcohol warmth. Drinkability is somewhat low.

O - A rather unique beer. Reminds me of a peatier Backwoods Bastard. Quite tasty and a good representation of rye and its spice, however it is a bit one dimensional and cloying.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 05:06:23 | More by davey101

CrazyQuaker

Missouri

4.48/5  rDev +5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Batch 2013-1. There was no bottle # on this year's series

I reviewed this beer last year, and it turned out to be on of my favorite beers of all time. So here goes my 2013 review...

First, the beer got off to a bad start because of the bottling. No bottle number, first of all, and secondly, the wire around the cork broke, and did not untwist. I am a very attention-detailed person, so whether or not this was Boulevard's fault is one thing. But it was a pain to get the wire off once it broke. Could have been a much better opening experience. Now for the beer...

I used a small brandy snifter this year. Appearance was good. Rich dark amber color, about a 2 finger rich cream colored head. A little lacing that didn't stick around long. Lacing was outstanding when I took a sip. The carbonation bubbles rising in the brandy snifter looked awesome.

The aroma was very whiskey-intense, with a touch of licorice and some other spice. I was so perplexed with this spice, I literally smelled about 30 spices in my spice rack to try to figure out what it was, and I still can't put my finger on it. Regardless, the beer smelled wonderful.

This beer has always had an excellent mouth feel, and this year is no different. Not too thick, not too thin.

The first flavor is outstanding. Very strong whiskey-alcohol to start, but quickly fades to a sweet and spicy-vanilla flavor, which follows again by a lingering whiskey taste. The alcohol slightly burns, but not too much, giving this beer what I think is its best quality. It's a super-strong beer, and it holds its own in that category. Just like last year, the beer gets better as it warms slightly. I got my best taste from the glass after about 20 minutes of sipping.

Overall, this beer has become my favorite Smokestack series. It has surpassed Tank 7. I do think last year's brew was a little better, but don't get me wrong, the 2013 batch will impress you. Again, use caution, as this is a 12% abv (last year's was 11%), so this is not for the weak at heart or liver.

Good job Boulevard.

Batch 2012-1 Bottle #7023

Appearance is a deep muddy red, about an inch and a half of almost-white foamy head, and I was surprised to get little to no lacing. Maybe the glass choice I picked (standard top-rounded pint)?

Aroma is nice; definitely a whiskey barrel wood scent with a really nice maltiness. More wood to me than malt.

This beer is pretty complex to me. Starts out sweet (whiskey-ness), but the middle gets complicated. A little caramel, and some type of citrus I can't put my finger on. Then you get the whiskey again, rye and malt, which gives it a pretty good wow factor, plus a bit of alcohol taste. Finish is slightly dry, but has a lingering sweetness; characteristics I like a lot.

It feels good on the mouth, not too thick, not too thin and very smooth. As this beer gets warmer in the glass, it presents a lot more whiskey dominance, but it's like your sipping it with water, which I personally enjoy. It does not present hard alcohol characteristics.

Overall, this is probably going to be one of my favorite smokestacks, next to Tank 7. But this could be dangerous since it is so smooth. Bottle says 11% abv so you'd have to be careful with it.

My friend Chris got this for me as a b-day gift (it's really hard to find special release smokestacks in the KC area because they sellout really fast). I appreciate this a lot. Thanks Chris.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2012 00:55:26 | More by CrazyQuaker

Humulus85

Minnesota

4.05/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I was really excited to find this one back when it was released. I almost forgot about it in my cellar. 2012 vintage, bottled on 2/20/12, poured into a tulip.

Pours a beautiful dark ruby, some little floaties (my bottle may have gotten jostled a bit. Nice cream colored head. About one fingers worth and decent retention for the ABV, as well as some alcohol legs.

Tons of rye and tons of whiskey. There's that wonderful sweet spice from the rye. Whiskey soaked oak and char. You an feel the booze in the nose, but it works for what this is going for.

This really tastes like a rauchbier with a shot of rye whiskey thrown in. In a good way. It starts with whiskey and finishes with it. The rye based malt compliment the flavor of the whiskey whose barrels it aged in. If you are not familiar with rye whiskey, it may be hard to appreciate this. Yet it could be a bit more complex. It's pretty two dimensional: rye and rye whiskey.

My least favorite part of the beer. Has a medium mouthfeel with a too much carbonation. Feels a bit thin overall, but also is exceedingly drinkable for how much booze there is. Unless you really like whiskey this may not be the beer for you. It is truly a whiskey lovers beer, not just a barreled aged beer. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2012 07:33:45 | More by Humulus85

YogiBeer

Illinois

4.63/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Well, where to start...

I thought they weren't releasing this beer for some reason, then I see an entire case of it at work. Bought the whole thing, based on last year's batch. Anyway... Allagash Toulip/chalice thing (laser etched, favorite drinking vessel). I feel it necessary to preface by saying that I HATE rye bread.

Appearance: I HATE hwne people use this word to describe food or beer, but... Sexy. Fantastic golden/amber/orange color that is clear, but that you can't see through... it'll make sense when you have it. Head is fluffy, caramel colored, creamy, and fades slowly. The lacing (as per usual from boulevard) is absolutely insane. Stick, Stuck.

Aroma: Depends on the temp you smell it at. Colder = Resin, Citrus, fresh cut wood, spicy grain, vague caramelized flavors... warmer = vanilla, Whiskey, toasted wood, molasses, peat, earth... unreal.

Taste: I have made a living, and dedicated my life, to figuring how to make things complex, decadent, flavorful, and intriguing... and this is everything I've ever sought, in a bottle. I know that you're probably rolling your eyes, but I'm serious. Starts out with fantastic malt flavors, yielding caramel, molasses, and treacle... then yields to a very nice earthy/floral hop presence, followed quickly by a very well balanced rye spiciness.... and finishes like a world-class barrel aged beer, with hints of vanilla, oak, char, brown sugar, and the faintest hint of peat. I've paid three times as much for a beer, and haven't gotten as much flavor and depth as this beer offers.

Mouth feel: The sweetness is balanced by the earthiness is balanced by the spiciness is balanced by the the hopiness is balanced by the barrel is balanced by the whiskey. Not too clingy, just enough "stick" o make it incredibly memorable. If they made a more syrupy version, it would be the only beer I drank.

Overall: Enjoyed more than any of the silly $25+ beers that I've paid for. will spend the rest of my life figuring out how to brew this. Buy it, age it, enjoy it.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2012 02:31:38 | More by YogiBeer

Kromes

Georgia

4.43/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2013 release

Poured into a tulip. A hazy amber color with a thick off-white head that laces the sides of the glass.

Vanilla, oak, rye whisky, caramel malt. Very nice aroma.

Everything hits at once....the rye grain, the sweet malt, whisky, vanilla, and oak. Mostly the sweet rye malt up front with a touch of whisky, then the oak/vanilla kicks in and fades into a lingering whisky flavor and alcohol burn.

Medium bodied and a smooth feel. Slight burn in the finish.

I've never had a bad beer from Boulevard. This beer is no exception. Very good.

Serving type: bottle

12-14-2012 23:41:33 | More by Kromes

Chirpie

Kansas

4.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

2012 bottle 750ml - Poured into a Belgium glass.

I've had the opportunity to drink 4 of these big boy bottles over the course of the year, and every time I revisit this brew, I like it more and more.

Pouring it never gives me more than a medium sized head that doesn't stick around too long. It's a brownish color that when held up to light shows a heavenly dark auburn red color that's moderately clear as you peer through it.

Be ready for a predominant thought the very first time you sip it. Woah, it's sweet. Almost gimmickly so. There are grander plans afoot though, as by the 3rd or 4th sip the flavors of rye and a warm burn start to linger and everything blends together beautifully.

Many people prefer a beer with this level of alcohol (11%) to mask it's boozy potency as a sign of worthiness. For some types of beers, I don't disagree. Not for a kissing cousin of whiskey. This warming flourish of alcohol endears this brew to me, rather than resisting it.

Sipping this in front of a fire or at least while some flakes fall outside would be an enviable state of relaxation for any beer lover.

This isn't just my favorite Boulevard Beer, it's my current favorite beer, period.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2012 21:03:19 | More by Chirpie

liamt07

Ontario (Canada)

3.85/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle from MasterSki, 750ml into a tulip. Bottle number 8618 of 12148, batch 2010-1, best before January 2013. Thanks Alex!

Poured a murky brown, with a cream head. Nice lacing and moderate retention. Nose of caramel, rye bread, light whiskey barrel notes, spice and some rich apple pie filling. Tastes of rye, caramel, whiskey barrel is quite prominent, bready and sweet malt with some whiskey heat on the back end. Full feel, good density and medium carbonation. A definite sipper.

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2012 19:41:35 | More by liamt07

sleuthdog

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle #19028 From 2012 with a best by date of 02-2014
Poured into snifter

Appearance: A dark mahogany color with very minimal cream colored head. Maybe one finger worth and that's being generous. This settled to a small ring along the edges of the glass. I can see some tiny bubbles rising to the top when held directly to the light.

Smell: Whiskey up front with the spice from the rye. Big time sweet notes of caramel, toffee and booze soaked dark fruit with a ton of vanilla and oak. This one reminds me so much of an English style barleywine like Sucaba in the nose. An intoxicating smelling beer.

Taste: Sweet caramel, toffee and vanilla initially and then the rye hits mid palate. I am also getting the dark fruit component and the charred oak complements everything perfectly. The whiskey is quite evident producing a leather like taste and a warming alcohol effect. The finish is simply awesome with the rye and whiskey lingering through the entire swallow. The sweet caramel and breadiness also stick around between sips.

Mouthfeel: A fairly full body here with a good amount of carbonation. This beer covers all corners of my mouth with a sticky sweetness but not cloying by any means.

Overall: An interesting complex beer to say the least. There is so much going on that each sip elicits a different reaction from me. Sweet but spicy and the barrel is done to perfection in this beer. A sipper but one I can't stop sipping! I'm glad I bought two of these because this is one hell of an enjoyable beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2012 01:13:31 | More by sleuthdog

jgagne

Kentucky

4.68/5  rDev +10.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A-deep ruby red color. Nice off white head. Beautiful looking beer.

S-wonderful smell permeates off this beer. Smells like you are walking into bourbon distillery. Intense vanilla, caramel, brown sugar aroma. Great stuff.

T-wonderful, sweet malty body. Great rye characteristics. Not as intense as most rye beers. Drinks more like a barleywine, which I really enjoy.

M-big heavy body. Great carb and really smooth.

O-I love Boulevard. There smokestack series is some of the best beers I have ever had. and this might be the best I have had yet. Highly recommended if you can get one.

Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2012 20:34:51 | More by jgagne