September 9th, 2008 beckel
Bells Brewery tends to make good ale but I had avoided their Special Double Cream Stout until now, hesitant but curious about the double cream part. This beer pours a dark impenetrable black color that ends up producing a good inch of lovely dark brown creamy head. The aroma of this beer is intense, sweet and malty one moment and then roasted and a bit bitter but still very smooth and appealing. This is one smooth beer, mouthfeel is medium but it doesn’t have a ton of body for a stout and it goes down very easily with its creamy consistency. Though this beer tastes a bit creamy it is undoubtedly still a stout, coffee flavor is immense and penetrating. Roasted malts swarm the palate and provide some nice bitter flavors that overpower most of the sweet flavors present in this beer. The 6.1% ABV of this beer seems to work well as it is not particularly strong but you can still tell you are drinking alcohol. If you are looking for a stout that is a bit creamy and not particularly thick but still incorporates roasted coffee flavors you may very well appreciate this beer. This is also a good choice for people who want to start appreciating stouts but are not as accustomed to their flavor. Give it a shot and ride your bike.
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July 30th, 2008 beckel
With only two hopslams still sitting in my fridge I decided now was a prime time to inform you all of its brilliance. This Imperial IPA from Bell’s brewery is one heck of a beer, available from January to February officially, but I picked up some of the last in stock just a few weeks ago being very delighted at how regularly it seemed to be restocked even when I assumed the season was over. This beer pours an amazingly deep copper color that has hues of red when in light with a nice solid inch of head that dissipates slowly. The aroma of this beer is delightful, sweet and caramelized malt is detected but rounded off by massive bitter aromas. Clocking in at 10% ABV this beer is no joke but be warned you may not notice. Flavor is incredibly hoppy but surprisingly unbitter considering how much hop goes into brewing this beer. Strong hop flavor is immediately quelled by a massive caramel malt profile that includes hints of sweetness and floral flavors finished off by slightly bitter hop flavors again. This is one incredibly impressively flavored Imperial IPA, for its high ABV you will be amazed by how much its light floral and malty characteristics over power the alcohol flavor, delightfully balanced. Mouthfeel is medium but very drinkable. I have noticed many different flavors every time I try this beer but never been disappointed. Because of the lack of massive bitterness but full packed flavor this makes for a great Imperial IPA for someone who perhaps prefers a more floral beer but still wants a great hop kick and a nice ABV with a smooth finish. Everyone should try this beer even if it won’t be available until next year, at least you have something to look forward to. Give it a shot and ride your bike.
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June 13th, 2008 beckel
Yesterday was the 1st day that the liquor stores were willing to accept my money. So without further ado we shall discuss the wonderful IPA from Bells, Two Hearted Ale from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Pours a nice slightly hazy apricot color with a solid very white head. Smells slightly fruity with a touch of bitterness present. Slight fruit taste is present but finishes a bit bitter, very nice hoppy flavors. Smooth light mouthfeel. This is one of my favorite beers it is simple and well balanced but still manages to pack a good punch with its hop filled flavor and 7% ABV. Perhaps not the kind of beer you want to drink too many of too quickly but this beer hits my palate just right. Would taste even better with some nice spicy food. Give it a shot and ride your bike.
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