Boulevard Pale Ale

A friend of mine has a saying. "I don't drink beer I can see through," he says. Fair enough - you like what you like, but you're missing a whole different world by closing that door. We all know that guy that won't touch a dark beer, simply because it's dark. What he doesn't realize is that, like wine, the beer world consists of more than just light-colored and dark-colored variants (or red and white...nevermind). My point: A classic porter is as different from a dry stout as Miller Lite is from a lambic beer.

A far-too-general description for its classification, pale ales vary widely in color and taste. An Indian Pale Ale (or IPA) is as different from a Saison beer as Dennis Rodman in Vegas is from Emily Post at a state dinner. Most people tend to like beers at either extreme - sometimes unintentionally skipping over the mild-mannered classics in the middle of the bunch, such as Boulevard Brewing Co's flagship beer - the Pale Ale.

That's right! I said it. Although Boulevard's Unfiltered Wheat makes for over 73% of the brewery's sales, their Pale Ale was the first beer created by the regional craft brewery, and remains their flagship product. And what a product it is. It has a gorgeous deep-golden color that captivates. A lengthy taste reveals notes of citrus - mainly lime - and honey, with enough hops to give it a pleasant texture. Complete with the slightest caramel undertones, it hits exactly where it intends: right in the middle of the way-too-broad pale ale spectrum.

To be fair, it's technically an American Pale Ale - a category shared with Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale and Rogue's Juniper Pale Ale, both of which are not at all like this finely balanced example I'm enjoying at the moment. As I try and pick another beer that's identical, I fail. Sure, there are other mild pale ales out there, but Boulevard's example has to be among the most finely balanced available.

Unfortunately for East - and West coast readers, Boulevard isn't quite available there. They have an approximate 500-800 mile distribution radius from the brewery, and growing. Their sales have jumped approximately 15-20% since the brewery opened in 1989, so expect their excellent beers to creep to your area in the near future.

Character: (18) - The straight-laced kid doesn't always have to be the boring one. Don't expect a lot, and be pleasantly surprised. Just like the middle child in your family. Always underrated.
Exclusivity: (17) - I've been contemplating tossing this category - as an exclusive beer doesn't necessarily mean it's a good beer. Personally, I wish Boulevard was available everywhere. Expect to find it in most midwestern establishments.
Flavor: (19) - Perfectly balanced. Supreme enjoyment.
Originality: (18) - None exactly like it in this crowded category. Again - the middle is often overlooked for something more 'exciting.' Don't make that mistake with this beer.
Versatility: (20) - Full points for this bad boy. Refreshing and clean in the summer, and just busy enough to be warming in the cold months. Your friends won't go "eww!" like they might with a porter.

Total: 92 of 100 points.

Beer: Boulevard Pale Ale (American Pale Ale)
Alcoholic Content: 4.9% ABV
Brewed by Boulevard Brewing Company, Kansas City, Missouri
Reviewed by: Jameson Huckaba