The one you’ve (well, maybe just me) been waiting for – Boulevard has released their Collaboration No. 1 – an Imperial Pilsner produced in conjunction with Jean-Marie Rock of Orval Trappist Brewery in Belgium.
Boulevard was kind enough to send me a bottle to review. The beer doesn’t disappoint, and even surpasses my expectations. I had some help from a buddy in evaluating this unique brew. Check it out below:
Okay – so want to sample this baby yourself? I posted a few days ago about the release party for this beer at The Oread in Lawrence, Kansas – Mark your calendar for Monday, January 18th at 8pm, and let’s drink some good beer together. Head to the Bird Dog Bar in the lobby of The Oread, located at 1200 Oread Dr:
I’ll be there, the Boulevard people will be there, and people who love beer will be there. You should be, too.
The Breakdown:
- Originality within style (19): There aren’t a whole lot of Imperial Pilsners out there, and for the few that we do have, each is an interpretation of the style. This one should pretty much set the standard.
- Nose (17): Notes of citrus and pilsner malt dominate – not complex, and that’s okay.
- Mouthfeel (20): Mr. Rock’s belief in lots of carbonation carries over to this beer, and balances out the substantial pilsner malt base in a very pleasant way.
- Character (19): Easily one of the most well-rounded beers I’ve had the privilege of tasting – The carbonation balances out the substantial malt base and makes this very, very drinkable. 100% pilsner malt used in this – no adjunct grains.
- Overall Quality (20): Fantastic, special edition artwork on the label and obviously top-quality ingredients.
- Total (95): A World-Class Imperial Pilsner that will set a seriously high bar for this style.
Beer: Collaboration No. 1 Imperial Pilsner
ABV: 8.0%
Brewer: Boulevard Brewing Company – Kansas City, MO
Availability: 1440 cases, Boulevard’s distribution area. Hope you’re in it!
Reviewed by: Jameson Huckaba (twitter: @jamesonhuckaba)
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Great review!
I’ve had my sights set on this Collaboration No. 1 Imperial Pilsner since learning of its release. I have become a huge fan of the Smokestack Series. I am very impressed with the quality of beers coming out of Boulevard lately.
I’m like you, not a big fan of pilsners however, what’s greater than finding such a versatile beer that can be enjoyed with all different types of foods, in various different settings, and can even be sessioned?
Nice job on the review!