The Smokestack Series recently welcomed three new Limited Release beers to the line-up, and your enthusiastic response has reached far beyond our wildest expectations. Saison-Brett (November release), Bourbon-Barrel Quad (December release), and Imperial Stout (January release) have all caught the attention of beer enthusiasts from across the country, and we deeply appreciate the accolades and recognition that followed each unique batch. The truth is, our brewers have been looking forward to sharing these special beers for quite some time, and though we can only offer them in limited quantities due to their unique properties, look for more new limited — and some not-so-limited — new Smokestack releases in 2009. To find out what others have had to say, visit beeradvocate.com, ratebeer.com, craftbeerradio.com, or any of the fine blogs listed on this site.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Smokestack Series Limited Releases
The Smokestack Series recently welcomed three new Limited Release beers to the line-up, and your enthusiastic response has reached far beyond our wildest expectations. Saison-Brett (November release), Bourbon-Barrel Quad (December release), and Imperial Stout (January release) have all caught the attention of beer enthusiasts from across the country, and we deeply appreciate the accolades and recognition that followed each unique batch. The truth is, our brewers have been looking forward to sharing these special beers for quite some time, and though we can only offer them in limited quantities due to their unique properties, look for more new limited — and some not-so-limited — new Smokestack releases in 2009. To find out what others have had to say, visit beeradvocate.com, ratebeer.com, craftbeerradio.com, or any of the fine blogs listed on this site.
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7 comments:
You guys are really showing us something here!
Keep up the excellent work.
Agreed, I've really enjoyed all of them so far, but my favorite is the Imperial Stout. Part of the fun in trying them has been simply a matter of finding them shortly after release.
I'm looking forward to hunting down the next ones!
Great work on all of these! I've been picking up as many as i can with my limited finances and their limited availability. There are a number in my basement but i'm wondering what the recommendations for lengths of cellaring time are. I did see seven years in reference to the imp stout, but haven't found much else. Thanks!
Thanks markbe — we're glad to hear you're enjoying the new Smokestack Series beers! Aging beer is personal preference for which it is difficult to give recommendations. Per our brewmaster, part of the beer in Bourbon Barrel Quad and Imperial Stout is already aged in barrels, which we carefully monitor until they pick up specific flavors prior to releasing. If aged in the bottle the flavors will develop from wet cardboard to honey to Port to Madeira Wine flavors. Bourbon Barrel Quad will change with aging but doubt that the Imperial Stout will change dramatically.
Saison Brett is a different story. Here the Brettanomyces yeast will keep doing its thing creating more intense barnyard, wet dog, horsy flavors and reducing the hop and fruity flavors. I prefer Saison Brett the first 6 months after release or at three years old when all the different aromas and acidity from the Brett blend together. At that time the beer is completely different from the original where you have a blend of fruity (apple skin, banana), hops (citrus, grapefruit) and malt (grassy, grain) characteristics.
I recently toured Stone Brewing Co. in California, and what did I spy? Several bottles of Boulevard Smokestack in the factory office. Can't wait for your new releases.
I think we are going to do the Imperial Stout on an up coming episode of the Hop Cast. Going to try and get another bottle of your guys stuff and do an entire Boulevard episode.
I used to live in Springfield, MO and enjoyed boulevard all the time, but since I moved to Toledo, OH I haven't been able to get my hands on any.
I did try the Saison in line at Dark Lord Day from a friendly guy in line with me and thought it was fantastic. I wonder, can I order any of these? i would like to review them.
cheers!
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