Review of Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale
Posted By Zach Sunday, 12 June 2011 21:15
Ok, so I thought I was going to do a crap beer review next, but when I found one Boulevard Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale left in the fridge, I couldn’t resist. It was either that or a tallboy of Icehouse and well, that decision wasn’t too hard. Plus, we should probably let that Icehouse age a little more. Everyone knows you shouldn’t drink that goodness too soon. Anyway, on with the review!
Taste: B+ Tank 7 is very good right from the start. It fits the style by having just the right amount of malt, which I love. On the back end, there is no bitter aftertaste with this one, but you do get a little kick of hops. There is also a slight citrusy hint that adds to it. You certainly get the Belgian style in there. The nose pretty much matches the taste and you can see the yeasty goodness in the glass. There is plenty of it floating in the glass like with any good farmhouse ale. I never really knew this style much before, but I find myself liking it more as Boulevard has a good offering as well as Two Brothers.
Packaging: B Boulevard did a nice job with this packaging. There is certainly is no wow factor, but it is done very well with a nice professional look. It is all lettering with a large TANK 7 and FARMHOUSE ALE listed below. The background is a greenish color with a nice design that does resemble something from Belgium or France. There is also lettering that indicates this is from The Smokestack Series, which has always been very solid. I also like the format I purchased it in, which was a four pack of 12-ounce bottles that are of the design with the longer stem.
Value: B I believe I paid about $9.99 for this four pack which may seem like a lot, but with it being from the premium Smokestack Series and the ABV, it is a decent value. This is certainly a sipping beer, so I took that into account as well. There is also an option of a bomber, but that is only really good if you are sharing.
Drunkeness: A- The Tank 7 doesn’t mess around when it comes to alcohol. It comes in at a nice 8% ABV and they let you know that from the start as it is printed right on the front of the bottle. With the good taste, this is one that goes down smooth and could get you drunk pretty quick if you didn’t watch it. With this style though, I like to sip from a nice tasting glass and enjoy it. So, there is no danger of me getting hammered, but I suppose if I were feeling adventurous, it wouldn’t be very hard. Enjoy, you big time drunks!
Overall: B+ I have to say I’m really liking this style of Farmhouse Ale. I have no idea if this is recognized as an official style according to BJCP guidelines, but I don’t really give a shit. With the Two Brothers offering and this solid one from Boulevard, I’m certainly inclined to search more out from other breweries. Boulevard definitely has some good beers in their Smokestack Series and Tank 7 is another one to add to the list. If you can find it, grab one in a bottle or on draft!