Boulevard Collaboration #3 Stingo

This 8.5% ABV beer is part of the Collaboration portion of the Smokestack series of limited releases from the Boulevard Brewing Company of Kansas City, Missouri. Number three of the Collaborations is done with the Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project of Somerville, Massachusetts. This is a traditional and arcane English ale style originating in the 17th century. It takes its name from the so-called "sting" that it gives to the palate. This incarnation blends versions aged on oak, aged normally, and some left to sour.

The beer pours a dark brown and ruby in color. There is a tall, thick, foamy light brown head. The aroma is dark roasted malt, light touch of coffee, sweetness of rich and dark toffee, and a light tang of dark fruits. There is a vague spiciness. The taste follows the aromas directly, blending perfectly the three styles, the dry astringency of the oak aged version, the fruity tartness of the sour version, and the dark roasted, lightly charred and rich toffee of the malts. It is medium bodies, both tart and dry, with a perfect bitterness and subtle, but apparent, carbonation. This is a masterpiece of a beer.