Saison-Brett
Boulevard Brewing Co.

The very gentle 1st pour of the completely clear golden yellow colored beer pours out into a Duvel glass with a 2 1/2” foamy off white head that recedes slowly and leaves lots of foam and lacing clinging to the the sides of the glass. Sipping creates a few of patches and legs of lacing, which mostly cling to the sides of the glass. Even mid-way through the beer there are still large patches of foam, a thin layer and an irregular island of foam on the surface of the liquid.

With the first loud “pop” of carbonation release as the cork is removed, the aromas reveal the presence of the Brett with some slightly musty and earthy character. In the background there’s some grapefruit, lemon and white pepper along with some nice floral, fruity character.

The flavors are much as expected from the nose with that earthy, musty flavor up front but there’s also some tartness here. The biscuity sweetness from the malt mingles with the light touch of grapefruit, some other citrus, some white pepper and a bit of floral fruitiness. There is alcohol here but it is well concealed.

The mouthfeel is on the light side of medium bodied and gently prickly with the active, persistent carbonation. The fairly long finish begins as the sweetness recedes, leaving the peppery spices which linger into earthy and crisp on the mid palate with a dry, slightly bitter ending on the back of the palate.

Overall, although the Brett is clearly here and up front, it blends nicely with the underlying aromas and flavors of the base beer and so does not dominate in any way. For this beer, think of two words, complexity and balance. It’s also a beer that could be fairly refreshing on a hot summer day. That said, this is a beer for a special occasion or to make a bad day special. (If I wanted an everyday beer I’d choose the Tank 7 over this one.) Also it would be fun to have a few years of this beer to cellar for a vertical with different ages as the brett character develops and changes.

Pours a golden/amber color with a large head. Aroma is malt, yeast, and slight alcohol. Taste is similar to the aroma with more alcohol in the taste. Not sure of ABV after years of aging, but very tasty. BB1-8-2019

World class indeed! This is a beautiful beer. The head retention exceeds most belgians and essentially all other domestically produced brett beers except perhaps some Oregon and Colorado brett beers.

Giant chunks of ivory foam left in curtains on the glass. Complex, delicate, poised, delicious aromas and flavors.

Bravo Boulevard. Your stouts are disgusting. This is pure art and craft.

Transfer from RB

 

 

 

Released August 2024; drank 9/20/24 @ the Yarchives.

Cloudy orange appearance.

A slow pour yielded a big white head; frothy tree-rung lacing remained.

Lemon, wood & faint lavender notes in the nose.

Medium thin mouthfeel.

Lemon & wood flavors up front; mild lavender notes on the finish.

Balanced, well made & enjoyable. I'd have another!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

750 ml bottle, vintage 2013, probably from Vinmonopolet. ABV is 8.5%. Pale golden colour, only slightly hazy. Huge and lasting white head. Lovely aroma of saison yeast and brett, with fruity and peppery notes, hints of farmhouse. Medium sweet but still quite crisp flavour with peppery notes, distinct bittering hops.

 

 

An acidic, but fruitful saison. Has a very relaxed aftertaste that is warm and fresh. The energy aroma is better than it’s taste, but still an excellent beer.

Appearance: Pours a hazy yellow-orange, thick, fluffy head, great retention. Inviting indeed, would love it if the head was not just plain white. Lacing is quite good, nothing crazy though.
Smell: Hop backbone, citrusy, namely orange and grapefruit. Notes of brett and pepper.
Taste: Balanced. The citrusy hops mingle well with the brett notes. Hop bitterness is low. Brett, peppery and citrusy hops are at the top. The finish has a nice malty tinge and tastes of alcohol. As it gets warmer, the pepper notes really come through, like Tank 7.
Mouthfeel: Effervescent burn, light bodied, soft, crisp, refreshing, smooth enough, dry. It touches the lips and tongue with a gentle caress.
Overall: First off...it's not Tank 7...and that's to be expected! It's a lovely beast of its own and it's well invited. I have another already to drink down the road, in a few years...but I may get another for my birthday next year. So good!