157. Boulevard Two Jokers Double Wit

Elli’s text the next morning after riding her bike to work: “I think the double wit was one wit too many.”

Our second beer from Boulevard; this is No. 8 in their Smokestack series. Two Jokers is a hazy tan color with orange and gold highlights and a light white head; the nose is a bit too Sprite or Mountain Dew smelling—mainly candy sweetness with some slight lactic tartness. Double Wit starts with a soft sweetness before moving into some bitterness and spiciness—both from esters and from spices in the beer—and ends with some tartness and dry malt flavor. The mouthfeel is marked by a sharp, lively carbonation that lightens the body; it is medium bodied, tart, and has some soda-like components to it. Overall, Two Jokers is not as exciting as it should be; there is an interesting flavor profile, but it is a bit muted. The increased maltiness limits the crispness and refreshing qualities of a normal wit, and leaves it a bit overly sweet and cloying. As well, this was not nearly as good as the last beer we had from Boulevard; Two Jokers is moderately good, but not really worth noting—we both felt a bit let down by this beer, as we were expecting more from it.

From the bottle: “They say there are two sides to every story, and that’s certainly true of Two Jokers Double-Wit. On the one hand, it’s a revival of the classic Belgian ‘wit,’ or ‘white’ ale, with lactic fermentation providing a refreshing tartness. On the other hand, it’s a modern, uniquely American brew; big, flavorful, and spiced with cardamom, coriander, orange peel, lavender, and grains of paradise. Look closely now: is it two jesters on the label, or a single beautiful glass of ale?”

Seriously, that’s your last sentence? Really? What, am I two? Do you have my nose, too? Sorry, but Boulevard sounds too much like an idiotic uncle who still thinks I am a child here. Thanks for the paternalistic jibe to close it out, because without it, I might not have had the sense to understand that there could be something like multiple meanings to a picture. Maybe you should hire someone besides former kindergarten teachers to write your advertising copy.

Like Saison-Brett, there is noting on the Boulevard website about Two Jokers, although unlike Saison-Brett, however, Two Jokers is not on Beer Advocate’s list of the Top Beers on Planet Earth. Are you embarassed of Two Jokers, Boulevard?

ABV: 8.0%

(12/4/2009)