For me, this was the highlight of the Boulevard Tasting hosted by Lukas Wine Bar on 5/31/07. Pours a hazy root beer brown with a frothy tan head. The aroma is sweet roasted malts, caramel, raisins, and a significant hit of the bourbon that conditioned the aging barrels. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, creamy-smooth and "warm". This is a very sweet beer, but the alcohol keeps the malts in-line. The flavor is caramel malts, bourbon, oak and a light brandy-like alcohol finish. This would be an amazing after dinner beer. Unfortunately the brew master told us that this particular beer would not be bottled for retail, but instead a cherry version should hit the shelves this fall. I can’t wait to sample the "finished" product.

Tap @ Logan’s party. Poured a slightly hazed deep amber color with a large off-white head. The aroma and flavor had a fair amount of bourbon but it was nice and smooth. The aroma had a light tartness. Nice notes of vanilla, fruits and sugary sweet. Very tasty.

Terrific beer brought by the brewery to Cole’s, on the way to Cooperstown. This one put aside for the real geeks, here I am. Brewed with cherries, and that aroma is a gift that keeps on giving. Great white head, lace. 18 months of cellaring, a good mellowing. Good quad.

Tap @ Boulevard, with another thanks to Tim and John for the opportunity to try all this great stuff! Poured a cloudy brown with a nice dark tan head, great lacing. Aroma had a good dose of dark fruit - raisin, plum, black cherry, with some slight oak, bourbon and yeast overtones. Flavor was a touch sweet, but worked well amongst everything going on, with a nice warming finish. Good complimentary presence of oak and bourbon, and not overwhelming. Palate was full and creamy, with light carbonation. This is a well done Abt/Quad, and I found the BA to complement rather than take over, which was nice. As a long time Boulevard fan I am absolutely thrilled to see them stretch a bit into these new areas. They seem quite excited as well, and the quality, craft and attention to detail they are known for are evident in each of their new styles. Congratulations Boulevard, and all the best success in your new venture! Can’t wait...

Sample at the St. Louis Microfest. Pours dark hazy amber with a huge dense tan head. The aroma has vanilla, oak, Begium earthiness and the richness from a quad. Full rich body with a good amount of gentle soft carbonation. The taste has rich Belgium maltiness, lots of vanilla and bourbon and alcohol warmth. The finish is very smooth and hides the alcohol quite well. It is still warm, but not burning. I’m now looking forward to when this is released later in the year with the cherries included..... according to the Blvd rep at the fest.