Boulevard Love Child 4

I'm planning on waiting for #6 before I open my last #4 and #5.

 

I have a 2 in the cellar. I've heard that they start turning down hill after ~2 years, but I don't have any first hand experience.....yet.

 

Boulevard puts a best by date on all their beers. I had a 3 recently that was tasting great.

 

We believe in releasing beer that's ready to drink and especially so when it comes to our sour blends. We create the blend by tasting samples from similar barrels, our foeder, and stainless aging tanks. The goal is to create a blend of the very best sour beer we have on hand at the time. Extended aging will result in increased acidity and a beer that strays from our intentions.

 

Based on my experience, @TheJermis is correct. Had a 4 fresh and it was exploding with complexity and sourness. Rocked my palate like almost no other sour. Had a bottle about three months ago and it was still quite good but the vibrance was toned down and there was more vinegary flavor than in the fresh. Much preferred the fresh.

 

4 was fruitier when fresh. I don't dislike it now, but some of what I loved about it most isn't there anymore. I'm glad I drank my share of it fresh and only committed a couple bottles to long term aging.

 

Hate to derail the thread, but while we're on the topic of Boulevard, how does Tank 7 hold up? I got a bottle in April while I was traveling, waiting for a special occasion to open it.

 

We don't suggest aging Tank 7 as the hoppy flavors/aromas will fade with time.

 

x2 Tank 7 is an outstanding beer - drink it now.

 

Glad to hear this...I'm pushing 2 months past the enjoy by date, just never had the occasion to drink it. Brother picked me up a Saison Brett recently, I'm guessing that one will age much better than Tank 7?

 

I still have a 4 but I plan on drinking it before March 2016.

 

I'm aware of Boulevard's opinion on the matter, but I think Saison Brett gets much better after a year or two (I prefer the latter).

 

Here's an interview from 2012 discussing our thoughts on aging Saison-Brett:

http://draftmag.com/2012-boulevard-saison-brett-aging-tips/

 

I was referring more to your comments that you release beers ready-to-drink, but thanks for that. I didn't realize that article existed and it was a good read.

 

I drank this tonight - even though it was 2 months past the best by date, it was still mighty tasty. Maybe not as dry as it might have been fresh? Going to have to find a fresh bottle next time around...

Anddd...my brother just grabbed me a bottle of the Saison Brett (I'm in MI, he's in TX) and I plan on throwing this in my newly converted chest freezer/fridge. Cellaring beer is a new foray for me, it's nice to be able to get my hands on stuff that's meant to be aged.