Boulevard’s new Tasting Room beers – ESB and Ginger-Lemon Radler – are out now

Boulevard is in the midst of a busy week of releases. In addition to Saison-Brett hitting store shelves today, Boulevard’s latest Tasting Room beers are now in stores in a special sampler 12-pack. 

The latest test beers to graduate from Boulevard’s tasting room to bottles are ESB (Extra Special Bitter) and Ginger-Lemon Radler. Three bottles of each come in the sampler pack, which also includes Boulevard Wheat and Single-Wide IPA. They replace Mid-Cost IPA and Westside Rye, although it may take a little while for the older beers to cycle out of stores.

On the way to work this morning, I stopped by Rimann Liquors in Prairie Village and picked up a 12.

Boulevard says the ESB was “inspired by the classic English pub ale.” It’s 4.9 percent ABV and 36 IBUs. The Ginger-Lemon Radler is the marriage of beer (in this case, Boulevard’s Unfiltered Wheat) and lemon and ginger juice following fermentation. It’s 4.1 percent ABV and 13 IBUs. 

So how do they taste? The ESB, of course, has a slightly bitter aftertaste. Everyone wanted more. 

“I’m into this,” said one taster. 

“I would be very happy if they started making ESB,” added another. 

The Ginger-Lemon Radler is a smooth, summery drink. It’s definitely session-able, something to crack open on a patio. It’s also like nothing any of us expected.

“It’s not as sweet and carbonated as I thought,” said one taster.

“I like the sour aftertaste,” said another. “It’s really easy to drink.”

Then we got a little experimental and mixed half of a bottle of the Ginger-Lemon Radler with the Single-Wide IPA. The verdict: Try this at home. 

After 45 minutes, we’d finished two bottles of the Ginger-Lemon Radler, two bottles of the ESB and a full Single-Wide IPA (used for mixing with the Radler).

The cost: $16.19 after tax.