Ask any Kansas City native where to score the best BBQ and you’ll surely find yourself in the middle of a vicious debate. Bring up big, boozy, barrel-aged Stouts and the crowd will cheer in agreement: Boulevard Brewing Co.

These GABF-dominating legends have been huge players in the Midwest craft scene since way back in ‘88, and today’s 11.8% ABV Whiskey Barrel Stout is hands-down the local favorite. After nearly 23,000 check-ins, its bold flavors have earned it a rock-solid 4.06 on UT.

Once part of their small-batch Smokestack series, it was so popular with fans, the brewers had no choice but to add it to their year-round line-up. And with all that fan-favorite, boozy goodness stuffed into an approachable 12oz package, a bottle of WBS will be an instant hit at any Dark Beer bottleshare.

This black-as-night brew is brimming with aromas of warm butterscotch and rich molasses. Layers of woody char and roasted espresso swirl in notes of oaky vanilla and whiskey spice. Toffee and chewy caramel appear on the finish, with only a hint of booze present on the palate.

With the rich, decadent flavors found in this barrel-aged mainstay, it’s no surprise Boulevard is packing an arsenal of World Beer Cup awards. So snag a bottle of Whiskey Barrel Stout -- because when it comes to big, boozy Kansas City brews, the debate ends with the first sip.

Rated 4.12 on BeerAdvocate; 4.06 on Untappd

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