Boulevard Brewery's Bourbon Barrel Quad (BBQ) was a Smokestack Series beer released in two small batches last year. But a quick sellout and local demand means it's back on store shelves this week.
"After the success of last year's Limited Release Bourbon Barrel Quad, we decided it deserved a reappearance," says Jeremy Ragonese, Boulevard's director of marketing. "Many of our loyal fans were unable to secure a bottle of the first batch, and though the amount we're able to produce is still relatively small (largely dictated by the number of barrels used for aging), we're all glad to see it return."
The beer is a quadrupel that draws a lot of taste from fermented cherries and the oak bourbon barrels in which it's aged for up to a year.
The aging process mutes the cherries but adds hints of toffee and vanilla. The oak barrels offer a trace of bourbon aroma to the nose. At 11.80 percent alcohol by volume, it's a solid choice for sitting by a fire pit in winter.
Show-Me Beer has a review of last year's batch that covers the pour, smell and mouthfeel, leading to this conclusion:
"The carbonation, spices, and alcohol create a prickly texture. This is so balanced, so easy to sip, and very enjoyable."
If you're looking to pick up a bottle, commenter Brother Bean over at KC Beer Blog notes that the Gomer's at 99th and Holmes has them in stock for $12.99.
Let's hope this one becomes a new holiday tradition for Boulevard.
[Image courtesy of Boulevard Brewery]
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