(Kansas City, MO) – Boulevard Brewing will release this Smokestack Series beer, a seasonal, around the same time as Boulevard Rye-on-Rye. Whereas Rye-on-Rye has already been officially introduced to the public through some beer events, Boulevard Dark Truth Stout will be showcased to the public for the first time when it hits shelves next month.

Here is the sell sheet description: “Throughout the ages, man has been fascinated by the quest for hidden knowledge, the search for the secret to transforming the elemental into the extraordinary, the simple into the sublime. Ancient practitioners of the Black Arts strove to discover the arcane formula that would turn base metals into brilliant gold. Turns out they were looking in the wrong place.

Ladies and gentleman, we present for your consideration this exotic, inky elixir, the almost magical creation of our modern day alchemists, who have turned humble grains – barley, wheat, rye and oats – into black, liquid gold. Layers of complex flavors slowly emerge from the glass: espresso, roasted fig, creme brulee. Belgian yeast provides a plum-like fruitiness, noble German hops reveal spicy, herbal notes, while the rich, velvety mouthfeel mellows to a dry, smoky finish. Such a robust beer stands well by itself, but also makes a wonderful end-note to any rich, indulgent meal. Discover the secret of combining this roasty ale to sweets, by pairing with dark chocolate or caramel, or even by pouring it over ice cream. It’s a truly enlightening experience.”

I asked Boulevard’s Jeremy Ragonese how this beer compares with last winter’s Smokestack Imperial Stout: “This new stout is actually similar to a version of the Limited Release Imperial Stout before it was barrel aged, which we all fell in love with at the brewery. What makes this beer so unique is the recipe — a wide variety of grains (barley, wheat, rye and oats) paired with a Belgian yeast.”

Beer stats: ABV = 9.7%, IBU = 50, OG = 18.5, FG = 5.7

As for what’s coming up from Boulevard this year, it looks like the brewery is bringing back its current lineup of regulars, seasonals, and Smokestacks. Says Ragonese, “You’re seeing the bulk of our new Smokestack Series releases here in the first quarter. The rest of the year will be repeating our existing lineup of core brands and seasonals, as well as repeating our popular Limited Releases throughout the year. Tank 7 remains our only Smokestack Series combination bottle and draft option. That doesn’t mean we’re not experimenting and looking forward to future new releases, so you’ll hear from us again before 2011.”