Why we picked it: Bell's Brewery is a staple in the 24 DoB. We will to try one of their beers each year. Never had this one before, but I'm sure some have as it is widely available.
About Bells' Expedition Stout: One of the earliest examples of the Russian Imperial Stout in the United States, Expedition Stout offers immensely complex flavors crafted specifically with vintage aging in mind, as its profile will continue to mature and develop over the years. A huge malt body is matched to a heady blend of chocolate, dark fruits, and other aromas. Intensely bitter in its early months, the flavors will slowly meld and grow in depth as the beer ages..
Beer Advocate Score: 94 and 98
Original Gravity: 1.11
Shelf Life: Unlimited
Dates Available: Winter
Available Packages: Bottle and draft.
Shelf Life: Unlimited
Dates Available: Winter
Available Packages: Bottle and draft.
Case Cost: $61 ($17 a six pack)
*website: http://www.bellsbeer.com/brands/15-Expedition%20Stout%20
This bottle looked innocent enough when I pulled it out and then I saw the 10.5% on the back and buckled up. I think it's a pretty solid stout though.
ReplyDeleteI cracked this one open early! I've had it before and it's one of my favorites! More intense flavors than last night's. Chocolate flavors are good as well.
ReplyDeleteI cracked this one open early! I've had it before and it's one of my favorites! More intense flavors than last night's. Chocolate flavors are good as well.
ReplyDeleteI wonder why Monika always posts twice...
DeleteI wonder why Monika always posts twice...
DeleteI thought I grabbed my used oil can by accident! This Stout is actually very good! I am by no means a Stout drinker, but I could get used to this one. Dark, rich, very tasty (there is a "just like I like my women" comment here somewhere.....)
ReplyDeleteGreat choice
Black, very rich, and tastes of coco...that's how I like my women ;)
DeleteNot a stout fan and this was no exception but better than others I have tried so I only enjoyed the 10.5% ABV.
ReplyDeleteThis was better than decent. Not much of a fan of stout or porters but this was better last nights beer. Lots of flavor and whew a high ABV.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little upset this wasn't posted at 9 am today for those of us who like to start our Saturdays with a 10% ABV stout.
ReplyDeleteI generally don't like any stout that isn't Guinness due to the inevitable comparisons. They usually seem thick and heavy. But I was looking forward to this. I'm not one of those hardcore Bell's fanboys that are obsessed with anything they produce but I do like my Bell's. As I mentioned last night, it was the Bell's Porter that got me to like porters. And I did have that memorable 40th birthday with the keg of Two Hearted. Actually memorable is not the right term for that since I can't remember much of it except christening my front lawn at 8:30 pm.
Anyway, back to the beer in hand. I like it, but I can definitely taste the booze. All things considered, I'd rather have a 6% stout. Like the Bell's Kalamazoo. Or just a Guinness. I'd probably just rather have a Guinness. I guess I just don't get the wide range of flavor differentiation in stouts that I do in other beer styles. Although I should add that this definitely gets better as you move along. I call it the Samichlaus effect...
Imperial stouts are always a big challenge for me.
ReplyDeleteThe fumes wafting off the pour certainly made me shiver like a frightened child, paralyzed by the monster hiding in their closet. The powerful darkness with dirty brown foam stared at me from the glass, tauntingly chuckling. I left this dark spirit to rest for a bit before mustering the courage to return to its black lair.
The first sip was intense, though I noticed a chink in thie armor of this beast of the abyss: a smooth and subtly sweet consistency of chocolate syrup. Though stern and stingy on the tip and bitterly biting on the finish, deep down, this was no monster. And about halfway through, I embraced the true nature. Fiendish at first, this stout was really just a good friend as my face flushed red and my head slightly swooned to the proof of 21.
Wish I had another...
Impressive prose
Delete"Would accept another"
ReplyDeleteAs a rule I'd always try something from Bells - long history of excellence. This stout, as suggested in the descriptions would benefit from aging. Definite characteristic stout malt, roast and chocolate, just a bit harsh on the bitter side. Should have saved for next year!
Not my favorite thing from Bell's even though it's a stout. Like Bill mentioned the Kalamazoo is preferable even though it's weaker and the I like their Java Stout better as well. This one just tastes too syrupy for me. But even with that said it still gets a A! It's a pretty damn good stout and it hits hard.
ReplyDeleteI like it. I'm not a stout guy, but this is just a good quality beer. Bells is one of my favorite breweries and this did not disappoint. Grade 8.5 Of 10, B+
ReplyDeleteFirst impression is booze and raisins. It's just too strong for me. I can taste the underlying goodness, but the strength is killing it all. After reading the description, I have to wonder if this beer would become awesome with age.
ReplyDeleteI like strong, high ABV beers. But as this is number six of the evening, its not the wisest choice... but here we are. Outside of the booziness, this is delicious and some wonderful mix of flavors are going on. A solid stout for the season. 3.75/5.
ReplyDeleteBells makes great beer and this imperial stout does not disappoint. From the pour to the last sip, this was one sexy beer. It was so good that after 2 sips I realized I had crushed half the beer and was in for some trouble. Slowed things down a bit and savored the small amount that was left in my glass. Would have loved another...
ReplyDeleteThis is a beer I would would gladly consume at anytime. I'll definitely grab a 4 pack before it goes away for the season. Sure to keep an eye out for it on draft as well. I would really like to see how it tastes in that format.
This was a really good beer. I had it last night after a st. Nick's Weizenbock fron Sweetwater that was hearty 9.4 ABV. As a result, I drank this much slower than I normally would have. I think it worked out better this way because I really got to enjoy the chocolate flavors. Maybe going forward I'll have a 9% + ABV beer which will force me to drink them slowee and savor the flavor
ReplyDeleteI'm on the bandwagon with everyone else. This is excellent. Even as it filled the glass, I could tell that this had some weight to it. Great mouthfeel; nice sweetness on the front end with a strong roasted flavor on the back end. This goes on the keeper list.
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ReplyDeleteTasty, smooth and lighter than it looks. One of favorites so far. The best thing about trying the dark beers is that the wife usually does not more than one sip.
ReplyDeleteI didn't like this one tge after taste was very strong
ReplyDeleteI loved this beer! Lots of flavors in this great dark, rich, strong beer. Would definitely buy this again!
ReplyDeleteB
Sultanas, molasses, roasted malts. Metallic aftertaste. Boozier than I expected even at 10.5%. Not bad, though RIS is a style I'm more than just familiar with. Wasn't as hefty as it should've been and adding a higher ABV doesn't make a beer heavier, it just makes it boozier.
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