Boulevard Brewing Co. Smokestack Series: The Calling American IPA at 8.5% ABV | 75 IBU (US$3.49 at Knightly Spirits Orange Blossom Trail, 355 ml, best before 22-Jun-2017, acquired 15-May-2017, reviewed 18-May-2017)
Appearance: clear pale amber with one finger of creamy white head, good retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: tropical fruit, honey, citrus, resiny pine. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, high bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium slightly slick body, moderate carbonation, lingering building bitter finish. (4/5)
Boulevard isn’t a brewer who I associated with IPAs, though their Single-Wide is a decent effort. This, however, is next level for them, consistent with their better offerings (and, I guess, the Smokestack series in general). It starts off more fruity than anything, with an almost pineapple sweetness. As it warms, some of the deeper notes come to the fore, and a resiny pine bitterness builds. The higher ABV is not apparent at all, except possibly for a slight slickness in the body, and a general warm fuzziness at the end of the pint. Good stuff. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
