Belgian Styles Help Make Boulevard a Standout American Craft Brewery

For developed palates, Belgian strong ales have an undeniable allure. Rich in flavor, deep in complexity, and very sneaky in strength, these revered beer styles represent the upper echelons of brewing to some connoisseurs. When an American craft brewery can pull off some excellent renditions of Belgian strong ales, it's a definite sign that the brewers are doing things well. Some craft breweries have built a reputation and a growing business primarily on Belgian styles. Others may brew a wide range of styles, but also put out a selection of world-class Belgian style beers. Boulevard Brewing Company falls in the latter category, and one of their outstanding Belgian offerings is The Sixth Glass Quadrupel Ale. This rich, decadent sipping beer is the perfect answer to a cold, frosty evening.

Boulevard, which opened in 1989 in Kansas City, Missouri, made industry news in October of 2013 when it was acquired by Duvel Moortgat Brewery in Belgium. This was not a case of a craft brewery selling out to a large brewing conglomerate, but more an example of an established craft brewery being taken under the strategic wing of a larger family-owned brewery with a long history of high quality products and a commitment to artisanal brewing. Duvel Moortgat also acquired Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown, New York in 2003, and has helped it grow into one of the most well-known and reputable Belgian-focused breweries in America. The Belgian strong ale lineup at Boulevard, which is part of the brewery's Smokestack Series, definitely shows why a Belgian brewery would be interested in partnering with it and helping it expand its reach. Such beers include Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale, Long Strange Tripel, and The Sixth Glass.

Beers in the Smokestack Series are bottle conditioned, providing a high amount of carbonation and another layer of complexity in the aroma and flavors. The Sixth Glass has a very enticing aroma of sweet dark fruits like cherry and raisins, with some banana, spice, and caramel. It has a medium-full body and a mouthfeel that's both slick and effervescent at the same time. The flavors make The Sixth Glass seem like delicious, deceptive candy for adults - with cherry, plum, caramel, clove, and a touch of alcohol. The sweet flavors, resulting from the use of various malts, the addition of sugars, and Belgian yeast fermentation, give way to a spicy finish that lingers on the tongue. This is a beer that's high in sweetness, high in fruity esters and spicy phenols, but relatively low in bitterness.

The Sixth Glass is an outstanding example of a Belgian dark strong ale, showcasing the delicious elements that make this style so beloved. Strong, complex, and flavorful, it's a beer to be sipped, savored, and respected.