Rock and Steven Pauwels (from Boulevard) have produced a fine imperial pilsner. The No. 1 is a brilliantly clear straw, just as you would expect from a pils. The bone-white head forms a creamy pillow that lasts forever. The strong effervescence is balanced by the thick body. A sweet malty aroma greets you immediately, only to be pushed aside by the grassy noble hops.

Don’t be fooled by this beer’s apparent simplicity: the malt and hops are perfectly balanced, but the flavors are strong and rich. The malt jumps out at first, with a sweet and intriguing taste. Saaz hops are quick to reply, offering a grassy and lightly bitter accompaniment. The hop and malt flavors combine to create a wonderful flavor that basically defines beer, but imperial(ly?). The bitterness lingers just a shade, balancing the full, not quite cloying, palate.

This is a remarkable collaboration brew, as one would expect from its lineage. Balanced yet strong, flavorful yet simple, this beer is beer. Period.

Boulevard Collaboration No. 1 Imperial Pilsner

4.6 (5-9-8-5-19)

A huge pillowy head forms above the mildly hazy pale amber Two Jokers. The aroma is light, but much complexity is packed in. A swirl of spices is complimented by a delicate and refreshing acidic nose. Some fruit is noticeable (probably from the yeast) and a bit of wheat malt comes through.

In contrast to the nose, the taste is unabashed. The spices play a not-quite-too-agressive role, with especially the coriander and grains of paradise lending their unique flavors. There is but a hint of alcohol that is quickly covered by the acidity. A light citric fruitiness, of oranges and lemons, rounds out the flavor. The body is just a bit heavy despite the refreshing effect of the lactic acid.

The cornucopia of spices works wonders for the aroma but it might be a little too much on the taste. However, all in all a great wit.

Boulevard Two Jokers Double-Wit

3.9 (4-9-7-3-16)

The Double-Wide pours a lusciously hazy deep caramel copper color with a thick, frothy tan head. The nose is full of hop complexity: pine and a rough floral aroma dominate, with significant notes of herbs and citrus. The grapefruit character of Pacific Northwest hops is assertive. A rich malty aroma matches the hops, manifesting as caramel and toast as well as raisins and prunes. There is but a hint of the sharp alcohol, but it’s hard to notice for the pine.

On the tongue the Double-Wide is slow to attack. First I notice a bit of caramel followed quickly by grapefruit and other citric hop flavor. Later the herbal and piney hops come, bringing along a significant but not overpowering bitterness. The citrus and herbs circle the caramel and raisins while the bitterness grows softer and eventually fades.

This beer is serious yet playful, strong yet drinkable. As much as I love their Single-Wide, Boulevard has worked a miracle with the Double-Wide.

Boulevard Double-Wide IPA

4.2 (5-9-7-4-17)

The aroma of Single-Wide is at first floral and grassy like a field left fallow, but it is also subtly fruity. Identifying the fruit is challenging: apricots or peaches, some mango. While thick and complex, the nose is quite subtle – it requires concentration to bring out all the character. This ale is barely hazy, the color of a golden poppy, with creamy white head.

A taste brings pronounced bitterness on the tip of the tongue, with patience revealing a caramel malt driven flavor and body that balances. The bitterness grows more mild and spreads around the mouth, bringing with it a strong floral hop flavor. Some fruit character is present as well, manifesting as dark fruit such as pomegranate. The body is significant, with a bit of lingering caramel sweetness. Hop bitterness lingers towards the back of the mouth.

Overall I am very pleased with this beer. It is definitely an IPA, but its also quite sessionable. I am also happy that it’s not just half the recipe of Double-Wide. For that matter happy it’s not just a strong version of the Boulevard Pale Ale. Really happy that it’s their new permanent brew.

Boulevard Single-Wide IPA

4.0 (4-8-8-4-16)