Nutsack Ale (Super Dry-Hopped Nutcracker Ale)
Boulevard Brewing Co.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoyed as part of a tap takeover at Bier Station featuring beers of the Midwest. I feel fortunate to have tried this beer, as at said Bier Station, I got to hear one of the Boulevard guys explain the complex and specific process they go through to get this beer. The simple explanation is that Nutsack is made with the beer "drippings" (I know that is tragically the wrong term, but I'm not sure what you'd call it) from the giant bags they use to wet hop standard Nutcracker. Obviously, this makes for a much smaller-than-typical yield and tap only availability. As well as a wonderfully different tasting beer, of course. But I've said too much--onto the review!

Appearance - Pours a rich reddish brown clay hue with a bit of haze to it Where the light struggles to penetrate, it's almost chestnut but more coppery on the edges. Atop the body sits a one-finger head of soapy white head that dissipates fairly quickly, leaving a foamy rim around the edge of the glass. Lacing is mottled and easily visible, but far from heavy.

Smell - Rich malt and winter spice along with a fresh-air kick of pine and evergreen from the Chinook hops. However, the balance is far different from standard Nutcracker, with the spice and malt taking a back seat to the brighter tones from the hops, but it still remains essentially true to it's stylistic roots, rather than tasting like some new riff on an IPA

Taste - Fresh pine and cedar up front that give way to a sweeter elements of light molasses, burnt sugar, caramel and spice as well as some fainter roasted chestnut and perhaps chicory. A wonderfully balanced and delicately complex beer.

Mouthfeel - Medium-bodied and carbonation on the low side. A tad creamy and overall highly drinkable.

Overall, it's a pity this one is so hard to make and thus hard to find. Quite a tasty little variation on the traditional winter warmer beer. I really love the fact that the hops are very noticeable, but don't overpower the other elements. If you stumble across a place with this on tap, do yourself a favor and get a glass immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is one of the best beers I've ever had. its only available early winter at the brewery as a sample. Tastes like nutcracker with loads of sticky hops. They let the dry hop bags drip off and keg what little is left... hence the name Nut sack. Wish they add this one to their smokestack series.