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Boulevard Pale Ale

Boulevard Brewing Company
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🌍 United States · American Pale Ale · One of 232 American Pale Ales in hopIQ

The beer that started it all — the first keg delivered in John McDonald's pickup truck in November 1989. A clean, balanced American pale ale. Together with Unfiltered Wheat, it accounts for over 60% of Boulevard's total sales.

ABV
5.4%
Bitterness
Noticeably bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
golden6
See all American Pale Ale alternatives →
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Medium body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Dry finish.
drysweet
Bitterness
Moderate bitterness.
mildbitter
Texture
Crisp mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

Each axis lands close to the centre in a considered, even reading.

A profile in balance where the form comes from all sides, every layer speaks in turn.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another American Pale Ale.
Hop character
citrusy
hoppy
Malt character
malty
bready
caramel
Fermentation & yeast
clean
fruity

FEATURED IN

Featured inThe Best American Pale Ales

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Boulevard Pale Ale

Appearance

Golden-amber hue with bright clarity and excellent transparency. The head forms with moderate density and persists with fine lacing that clings steadily to the glass walls. Carbonation is evident and well-integrated throughout.

golden-ambercrystal clearpersistent lacingwell-carbonated

Aroma

The nose presents a balanced blend of noble hop character with citrus notes—grapefruit and orange peel—alongside a clean, understated malt base. Subtle fruity esters contribute a light fruitiness without dominating. No apparent yeast or adjunct aromas; the profile remains straightforward and inviting.

citrus, grapefruitnoble hopsclean maltlight fruit esters

Taste

Entry is crisp and clean, with moderate bitterness that sits comfortably at 38 IBU. Mid-palate develops a light malt sweetness with gentle caramel notes and a bready character that frames the hoppy backbone. The finish dries progressively, leaving a balanced interplay of residual hop bitterness and malt warmth without harshness.

balanced bitternesscrisp palatecaramel-malt sweetnessdry finish

Finish

Medium-length finish with a clean, dry fadeout. The aftertaste lingers pleasantly with restrained hop bitterness and a subtle malty undertone, inviting another sip.

drymedium lengthbalanced aftertaste
78
hopIQ score
Aroma
78
Taste
79
Appearance
80
Finish
76
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Boulevard Pale Ale

Serve at 7–10°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Serve at 7–10°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass
Recommended for this style

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Boulevard Pale Ale

About American Pale Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a American Pale Ale?

Pale Ales balance malt sweetness with moderate hop character at 4.5–6% ABV and IBU 20–40. Approachable with floral, citrus or earthy notes over a biscuit malt base.

Finding a similar American Pale Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same clean, crisp, hoppy character as Boulevard Pale Ale will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other American Pale Ales in hopIQ

Compare with another beer →Explore all American Pale Ale beers in hopIQ →Browse United States beers →