Boulevard Smokestack Series - Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale

Brewed by Boulevard Brewing Company
Style: Saison
Kansas City, Missouri USA

Serve in Tulip

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I had this on tap in the summer of 2009 and was depressed to hear that it was originally planned to be a tap release only. Fast Forward to early 2009 and Boulevard has decided to release this year round, replacing the Saison (not to be confused with the limited Saison Brett) in their everyday lineup. It’s a change well worth it, because this is one of the best examples of the Saison farmhouse style that I’ve ever tasted. Popping the cork you’ll immediately notice the aroma - clearly Belgian in character. Pouring the first glass, you’ll notice a big billowing head that rises up almost out of the glass. It’s a beautiful beer. Your first taste you’ll notice a little hoppiness, but with a sweetness almost like bananas. Loads of citrus and grapefruit come rushing through. Full flavored throughout, though first couple sips will probably notice the warmth from the 8.5% ABV. Despite the high ABV, this is a superiorly drinkable beer, and now that it is finally available in bottles will likely become my beer of choice. Thus far it’s in relatively limited release, but if you can find it do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle. Highly recommended.

Pours opaque yellow-orange with a large bright white head. Smells fruity with a hint of barnyard funkiness, earthy notes and some malt sweetness, perfect for the style. Taste follows the nose almost perfectly with a bit stronger barnyard and earthy notes. Light-medium bodied with a smooth, spicy texture and decent mouth-carbonation, Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale finishes with faint dryness.

UPDATED: JUL 2, 2011 As soon as I opened the bottle, I was hit with the delicious smell of tropical fruits, primarily banana. I’d be hard pressed to find a better smelling, inviting beer. The color is a cloudy straw with a white head that lingers around a half inch. The taste is sweet and fruity up front and finishes a little bitter and piney. It is a delicious beer, though a little sweet and pricey to drink all the time. Still, this is my high water mark, the beer against which I will measure all others.

From the bottle it poured bright and golden with loads of sticky egg-shell colored foam, holding on for a couple minutes. The nose contains definite piney hops, candied fruit and buttery caramel. That yeastiness does not disappoint. The flavor has potent hoppy acidity up front, quickly giving way to black pepper and alcohol balanced with mild syrupy sweetness. It’s full bodied for sure, finishes not-quite dry with almost an anise flavor. It’s DELICIOUS! Thanks BLVD for this Smokestack series!

This year round offering from Kansas City pours a beautiful deep wheat shade with a strong stark white head. The nose presents a lovely floral slightly citrus note with a hint of spice. At first bite, this beer shows it’s citrus hop character with a slight astringency that cleans the palate to make way for the lovely white peppery spice that follows. Unbelievably well balanced and refreshing. I could drink this beer every damn day, no problem. Bravo.

Creamy, hazy, beer that lingers on the tongue. My first and definately my favorite Saison!

My favorite beer on tap in the tasting room. Great Saison (light, golden color) with a great dry-hopped aroma. This isn’t what most would call a session beer, but I’d like it to be. Not too heavy on the grain bill, but light, refreshing, and with a little punch. Float a boulevard dry stout (on tap) for a tasty treat.

A summertime favorite in our house. Only thing better is the saison-brett!

Just a dang good saison. Citrusy, slightly funky, a tad bit of hop bite. I think I can smell banana and some sort of spice. Slight alcohol taste… but it’s actually complimentary. Don’t pass this one up… I sure don’t. Always get a 750ml bottle once a month. A go to saison! ---Rated via Beer Buddy for iPhone

The beer has a cloudy, golden and soft sparkling appearance. The aroma of this beer starts with a roasty citrus and finishes with subtle spice. The taste has a hint of pepper with a mixture of cooked fruit. One of the best beers within the Smokestack Series.