Boulevard Tank 7 Ale
Ladies and Gentlemen – I am pleased to share with you Boulevard’s new Tank 7 Ale.
Look to your right. Just look at it. THAT is a beautiful beer. What you’re seeing is a beautiful example of a classic saison-based Belgian farmhouse ale. Boulevard has taken their Saison from their Smokestack series and dry-hopped it a bit, wonderfully balancing the delicate malt into a full-palate experience. You’ll taste hints of lemon grass, various citrus, and some serious barley balanced beautifully with the added hops.
Served in a tulip glass, the farmhouse ale is slightly heavy, but wonderfully refreshing. I first had the privilege of drinking this beer at the Parkville Microbrew Festival in April of 2009. I was attempting to try some one-off imperial stout they were playing with, which was clearly in the early stages of life. I had to wash it down with something, and noticed that they had a ‘Tank 7′ on tap.
After a tasting glass full of the stuff, I had to jump back in line – and I noticed that everyone else was doing the same. This is a quality beer, my friends – one that is easy enough to appreciate, and complex enough to fall in love with. Even better – it’s not terribly expensive. In fact, one bar in my immediate vicinity is dumb enough (shhh!) to offer the Tank 7 for $3 on Saturdays. Now where else in the world can you get a beautiful Belgian-style ale for less than a Bud Light? To cap it all off, they serve wonderful übergourmet burgers. Score.
So I’m sitting next to some ‘regular miller lite’ guys at the moment, one of whose wives just ordered one of those ‘strong’ beers – meaning the Tank 7. Good for her. And they liked it. It may not be their favorite as of yet, but I can guarantee it’s working on them from the inside out. Exactly what we want. But I digress.
How does the Tank 7 break down?
- Originality within style (17): Awesome awesome farmhouse ale. To achieve a perfect score, this beer would broaden its own spectrum by just a bit, incorporating more of a focus on drinkability rather than shock value. Rare to find an American-sourced Farmhouse Ale.
- Nose (17):Beautiful, reasonably busy. All elements of the beer can be observed, especially when poured in the proper glass. A bit too much booze on the nose.
- Mouthfeel (18): About as good as it gets, the Tank 7 assaults all senses as you take a generous taste – this guy is truly a full-palate experience. Just try it.
- Character (19): What can I say? I really like this beer. It employs exactly what a farmhouse should be, with some rich malts, a unique strand of yeast, just enough hops (40 IBU) to keep it interesting, and a beautiful light amber color.
- Overall Quality (20): This beer is only served in a keg at the moment (at least commercially), and most bars that are willing to serve it have their lines in top shape. They also serve it in the requisite glass (a tulip glass), although it would be equally as good in a regular pint glass. The color is beautiful, it smells awesome, and attracts the attention of anyone who happens to be in the immediate vicinity.
- Total (94): One of the better beers I’ve ever enjoyed. Not going to lie. An excellent farmhouse ale with just enough kick.
Beer: Boulevard Tank 7 Ale
ABV: 8.5%
Brewer: Boulevard Brewing Co., Kansas City, MO
Availability: Year-round, Kansas City and surrounding area (~500 miles)
Reviewed by: Jameson Huckaba (twitter: @jamesonhuckaba)
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ahhh, I want to drink that so bad right now. wish I could drink a few good beers at work sometimes
Where can I still buy that wonderful stuff? I use to drink it on draft at 12th South Tap Room. But, alas, they siad it is gone.
In Nashville? Broadway Brewhouse may have it, or perhaps the Flying Saucer.