My second attempt at Boulevard’s Smokestack Series come in the form of a big stout with a Belgian touch. Using a Belgian yeast strain and a massive grain bill this beer does not disappoint. Seriously.
It looks very similar to Great Divide’s Belgian Yeti with an opaque black color and dense, fluffy, mocha head. The beer itself is rather viscous pouring slow and developing bubbles gradually. Overall, it looks like a very approachable stout.
The aroma was glorious. Big roasted and burnt grain notes ran deep. Complex layers of dark fruit and floral hops rested atop warm coffee notes. In fact, the hops offered a light counterpart resulting and a deep black chai-like spice. Hints of plums, some dates, and honey cascaded up with the help of the yeast strain which added a pleasant dimension. It kept the beer from being, just another heavy American imperial stout really. The nose was soft and delicate, yet containing great depth. I could pick out the oatmeal-like qualities and for the most part the abv was very well hidden.
When it came to the taste I’d say the first think that stood out was the mouthfeel. Creamy, slightly slick, velvety and moderate-heavy. Again, the Belgian yeast strain helped to lighten the beer some so the viscosity was perfect in my opinion. Big chocolate flavors struck my tongue at different point lending hints of milk, bittersweet, and dark variations. The coffee flavors were found farther back on the palate and were not over the top. The truth is: this stout is a very easy sipping, enjoyable brew. It is made with quality. There was a great deal of muscle from the intense grain flavors and abv giving it that “imperial” quality we like here in America, yet at the same time the Belgian flare gave it a unique floral aspect.
The finish was cocoa and dark coffee along with a herbal hops character which was astringent and somewhat spicy. This was rounded out by a long roasted dark fruit aftertaste.