Boulevard Releasing Espresso Martini Stout

Espresso Martini Stout: A Collaboration with Oddly Correct

Boulevard Brewing Company is abuzz with excitement to announce the latest release in our Limited Smokestack Series: Espresso Martini Stout. This bold, cocktail-inspired beer is an imperial wheated stout brewed with espresso, capturing the indulgent vibes of a well-shaken espresso martini. Whether you’re winding down after dinner or kicking off a lazy Saturday brunch, this beer is your perfect companion.  zzubreebym

Crafted in partnership with our friends at Oddly Correct, one of Kansas City’s beloved coffee roasters, Espresso Martini Stout combines Boulevard’s brewing ingenuity with Oddly Correct’s coffee expertise. Let’s dive into how this collaboration came to life.

Reimagining the Espresso Martini

When asked what inspired this unique brew, Boulevard Innovation Brewer Greg Garrity explained, “The Espresso Martini is having a moment. Its flavors—espresso, booze, and creamy sweetness—are fun to translate into beer form. I thought, how do we turn this cocktail into a beer?”

To bring this idea to life, Greg knew he needed a coffee partner with exceptional beans and expertise. Greg says “I was talking with Chris Dolt, our Digital Engagement Manager and resident coffee guru, I was looking for espresso that had very low acidity, and he had a recommendation” – Enter Oddly Correct, whose bold and unique coffees made them the ideal collaborator. “They have some of the smoothest espresso in the city,” Greg noted. “It was a match made in heaven.”

The result is a rich, complex beer that’s more than just a coffee stout. The addition of wheat gives the stout a creamy, full-bodied texture reminiscent of the cocktail’s luxurious mouthfeel, while the high ABV and warmer fermentation enhance its boozy character.

Doubling Down on Coffee

The brewing process for Espresso Martini Stout was as innovative as its inspiration. Oddly Correct’s Mike Schroeder played a crucial role in selecting the espresso and coffee beans for this beer. To achieve the perfect balance of flavor and aroma, Greg and the Boulevard team used two distinct methods of coffee infusion.

The first addition featured coarse-ground Ethiopian coffee, dry-hopped into the finished beer for 30 hours. This method ensured the beer soaked up the coffee’s natural sweetness and bold flavors, like berry jam and milk chocolate. Once the grounds were removed, the beer was transferred to another tank preloaded with whole Colombian coffee beans. This five-day steeping process acted like a cold brew extraction, enhancing the beer’s aroma with notes of black cherry, citrus zest, and silky chocolate. “The combination of these two coffees maximizes flavor and aroma without overpowering the stout’s other elements,” said Mike. “It’s a perfect marriage of beer and coffee.”

Together, these techniques created a layered coffee experience that saturates the beer with aroma and flavor while highlighting the unique characteristics of each bean. “The result is a coffee stout, but it’s so much more than that,” Greg said. “We incorporated all the martini aspects—booze, creaminess, and espresso—into this beer.”

Oddly Correct’s Mike Schroeder echoed Greg’s excitement: “I think people are going to be amazed by the combination of flavors in this beer. At first sip they’ll fall in love with the aromas coming from the combination of coffee and high ABV.”

A Match Made in KC

The collaboration between Boulevard and Oddly Correct was more than just professional—it was personal. Greg and Mike discovered they shared a background in music, having both been part of the emo scene before finding their way into brewing and roasting. “It felt natural,” said Greg. “We spoke the same language, and the collaboration just clicked.”

For Mike, the partnership was a dream come true. “Boulevard has been a huge part of Kansas City’s culture,” he said. “To have our coffee featured in a beer that will reach so many people is an honor.”

Tasting Notes and Perfect Pairings

Espresso Martini Stout pours deep and dark, with a rich tan head. Aromas of espresso, chocolate, and dark fruit invite you in, while flavors of roasted coffee, creamy sweetness, and a hint of booze dance on the palate. The wheat lends a velvety texture, and the high ABV provides a warming finish.

This beer shines as an after-dinner treat or pairs beautifully with dessert—think chocolate cake or tiramisu. For the adventurous, “you could also really enjoy this beer for brunch. I don’t judge anybody’s Saturday morning choices” Said Greg.

Where to Find It

Espresso Martini Stout will be available wherever you find Boulevard’s Smokestack Series beers, like Tank 7, Bourbon Barrel Quad, and Dark Truth Stout. But hurry—this is a limited release, and it won’t last long!

At Boulevard, we’re always looking for ways to innovate while staying true to our craft. Espresso Martini Stout is a testament to the creativity and collaboration that define Kansas City’s vibrant food and beverage scene.

Cheers to late nights, early mornings, and everything in between!