Boulevard Brewing Company- Collaboration #2: More Wit Than IPA

Let me give some of you craft beer retailers a little tip, when you get something in that is rare or special, let us Craft Beer junkies know.  Thankfully, Vineyard Liquors in Plano, IL posted to FB last Friday that they got in a case of Boulevard Brewing Company’s Collaboration #2.  I called, reserved me a bottle and drove over after work and found out that I could by two bottles, which is exactly what I did.  What really blows are those times where beers come out and you don’t find out until after they are gone.  For this, Vineyard Liquors will continue to get my business over other establishments because they care to notify the public when something rare comes in. 

So because I bought two bottles, I drank one that evening.  I just couldn’t wait till I had time to sit and give it a proper review.  There really is a difference in how I drink for enjoyment and for review purposes.  That may sound weird but I typically don’t get all analytical when I drink for the pure pleasure and enjoyment of some fine Craft Brew.  It’s going to be interesting if I get a different impression this evening than I did on Friday.  I have heard some comments that very as to the reaction people have had towards Collaboration #2, so let’s see if my opinion changes at all.

Boulevard Brewing Company classifies this brew as a White India Pale Ale and their website describes Collaboration #2 as, “Combining Boulevard’s expertise at making Belgian-style witbiers with Deschutes’ skill at brewing hop-forward ales, this beer puts a new spin on the idea of collaborative brewing. Working from a single recipe, brewmasters Steven Pauwels of Boulevard and Larry Sidor of Deschutes have produced two separate beers, more than 1,600 miles apart.

Despite the beer’s shared recipe, each of the two versions possess a unique identity, reflected in their naming and packaging. Boulevard’s half of the equation, christened Collaboration #2, is available throughout our selling region in both 750mL bottles and in kegs. Brewed at their Bend, Oregon facility, Deschutes’ effort is the second beer in their new Conflux collaboration series, and is available throughout their selling region in kegs and 22-ounce bottles.”

Collaboration #2 pours a hazy sunny yellow with a 1 ½” eggshell color head.  The aroma is very floral up front with scents of lemon peel, coriander, yeast, banana and spice.

So here’s where some of the other input I have heard has me perplexed.  Collaboration #2 is referred to as a White India Pale Ale, a combination of a Witbier and an India Pale Ale.  I get more Wit out of Collaboration #2 whereas I have heard from others that they get more IPA.  Interesting how each of us has a different interpretation of this beer.  I get a very distinct, sweet Belgian Witbier from Collaboration #2 and find that the hoppiness that I had hoped for would be buried far in the background.  In fact, I get a little hint of citrus hops towards the finish but it’s faint.  Now that being said, I really dig Collaboration #2.  Yeah, I would have liked to have more hop presence to balance it out a bit more but its damn good as is.  I almost expected it to taste more like a Belgian IPA but I was wrong, it’s more of a WITipa.  If you are a fan of both styles, you will be in love, as for me I just plain really like it.

ABV: 7.4%

Consumed: Mother Earth Brewing Globe Glass

Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack