Brewery: Boulevard Brewing Co. (Kansas City, MO)
Style: Belgian Quadrupel
ABV: 10.2%
IBU: 22
Boulevard Brewing’s Sixth Glass is a bold and complex take on the Belgian Quadrupel style ale, delivering a rich, malty backbone with layers of dark fruit, caramel, and spice. Named after a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale about a man who drinks one too many and transforms into something sinister, this beer’s depth and potency certainly live up to its legendary name.
Appearance (4.5/5)
Pouring a deep amber-mahogany with ruby highlights, Sixth Glass showcases a frothy, tan head that lingers nicely, leaving behind a delicate lace. The beer’s clarity is impressive for such a high gravity brew, offering an inviting glow in the glass.
Aroma (4.3/5)
The nose is rich and layered, with plum, raisin, fig, and date leading the way. Hints of toffee, caramel, and brown sugar mix with a subtle touch of clove and baking spices from the Belgian yeast. A light boozy warmth is present but not overpowering, adding to the beer’s complexity.
Taste (4.6/5)
The flavor profile follows the aroma, with dark fruit sweetness up front, balanced by toffee, caramel, and bready malt undertones. A wave of Belgian yeast spice…clove, pepper, and a touch of banana, enhances the depth of the beer. The alcohol is noticeable but smooth, warming the palate without being harsh. A low to moderate bitterness (22 IBU) prevents the beer from becoming cloying, making for a well balanced and highly drinkable quad.
Mouthfeel (4.4/5)
Despite its high ABV, Sixth Glass remains surprisingly smooth and medium full bodied, with a slight effervescence that lifts the sweetness just enough. The finish is semi-dry, lingering with a warming sensation and echoes of dark fruit and spice.
Drinkability & Pairings
For a 10.2% ABV beer, this quad drinks dangerously smooth…one of those brews where you might forget its strength until you stand up. Best enjoyed slowly, preferably in a chalice or tulip glass, to fully appreciate its complexity.
Pair this beer with strong cheeses (Gorgonzola, aged Gouda), roasted meats, or rich desserts like bread pudding or chocolate lava cake. The dark fruit notes also complement grilled figs or a charcuterie board with prosciutto and almonds.
Overall Rating (4.5/5)
Boulevard Brewing’s Sixth Glass is a fantastic American take on the Belgian Quadrupel style, delivering deep complexity while remaining smooth and drinkable. It offers a rich malt base, balanced sweetness, and intriguing yeast-driven spice, all wrapped in an approachable but potent package. While not as aggressively boozy or syrupy as some traditional Belgian quads, it retains the essence of the style with a bit of an American craft twist. Sixth Glass is a great beer for Belgian ale fans, and an excellent introduction to the Quadrupel style for those looking to explore big, malty, high ABV beers.
If you’ve tried Boulevard’s Sixth Glass, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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