For those of you that missed it, chocolate fever seems to have swept through Kansas City, just in time for Valentines Day, in the form of Boulevards newest Smokestack – Chocolate Ale. A collaboration with Christopher Elbow, this special release was released in somewhat limited quantities to a demanding public. Thanks to a few good friends I managed to grab a few of these bottles before the city sold out (in hours) and was able to bring them home to share with the wife for the holiday. I also had an opportunity to try the beer on tap at the Flying Saucer over lunch, more on that later.
It can not be emphasized enough that this is a CHOCOLATE Ale. The Chocolate in the beer takes center stage and, while not overwhelming, can not be mistaken for an accent. The nose smells like a good candy bar,and if drank from the proper glass, permeates itself through the whole drinking experience. The beer itself is quality, and you can really taste the vanilla notes mentioned on the back label. At the end of each drink you’ll be treated to a finish matching that of an Elbow truffle. This last point is where Christopher Elbow really seemed to have put his stamp.
My first sampling of this was on Tuesday night with the wife and we enjoyed it enough to open the second of our three bottles that evening. When I had some more at the Saucer over lunch I was surprised to find the nose of the beer noticeably stronger than I had remembered and have since noted it as a difference between the tap and bottled versions. I really hope this becomes a regular brew for Boulevard. It seems to be an ideal Valentines seasonal and, if this year was any indication, they won’t have any trouble selling. I know my wife, along with the rest of the ladies in our fine city, would be thankful if they did.
From the Brewer:
“One of the brightest stars in a city of culinary treasures, Christopher Elbow has earned a worldwide reputation for his handcrafted chocolate masterpieces. His sweets are distinguished by their use of unusual , sometimes surprising ingredients, and that adventurous spirit has left its print on this special ale. The aroma is given over to earthy, fruity cocoa, with just a hint of hops. Smooth layers of dark chocolate intertwine with threads of caramel, vanilla, and nutty malt as the flavor warms and rounds to a bittersweet finish.”