New Brew Thursday: 'Brandy Land' from Boulevard Brewing Company

 

Did you know that there are breweries outside of New England? Shocking I know. While my blog is littered with breweries from the neighboring area, I do have a love for all breweries across the country and the world. One of these breweries is Boulevard Brewing Company located in Kansas City, Missouri. After I took the bar exam in 2016, I took a trip across the country to visit breweries and ballparks and Boulevard was one of the breweries I was able to visit. I have always been a fan of them and try to get their beer whenever I see it. Awhile back I came across ‘Brandy Land’ a spiced imperial stout aged in apple brandy barrels. My curiosity was instantly peaked upon reading this description and knew I had to try it.  

Clocking in at 12.4% ABV the main notes and flavor come from the booziness. The notes are strong with sweetness, apple brandy, chocolate and are incredibly boozy. The flavor is exceptional. The initial taste is big and boozy with chocolate and a slight spice that gives way to a slight apple brandy flavor and then a lingering roast flavor with a great, albeit lighter than expected mouthfeel. The booziness of this stout ties all the flavors together in a beautiful way as well. This stout is perfectly balanced. Boozy but not too boozy, rich but not too rich, decadent but not overly sweet. While summer is still going strong, this stout is perfect year-round.