Bell's Expedition Stout - Bell's Brewery, Inc.

kevanb

Illinois

4.29/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

12oz bottle dated 1/18/2012 poured into a Bell's Tulip.

The beer pours a lovely jet black color, very opaque, hues of cola brown when struck by the light, a very thin, fizzy, caramel colored head appears but dissipates almost immediately leaving behind no lacing. The aroma is really great, loads of dark fruits, cherry, raisin a touch of plum leads to a nice sweet malt layer with just a touch of burnt coffee that lingers ever so nicely. The flavors are even more complex and rewarding, Cherry and raisin are very pronounced, touches of plum and fig behind them, with a bit of sweet vanilla that leads to some rich dark grain. Roasted coffee and a bit of charred wood comes out towards the finish that is wonderfully bitter with just a nice lingering alcohol heat. The body is rich and full, medium carbonation which is a bit higher than I expected it to be, but not distraction with a nice easy finish with a pleasant warming as it goes down.

Verdict: An exemplary Russian Imperial stout and in my opinion, the benchmark for the style. The flavors have continued to increase in complexity and depth and the alcohol has mellowed substantially, a real treat to savor and enjoy on a cold winter night. Anyone who loves a good stout really needs to seek this beer out.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2013 03:29:40 | More by kevanb

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New Hampshire

4.5/5  rDev +6.9%

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Ohio

3.75/5  rDev -10.9%

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Georgia

4.75/5  rDev +12.8%

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South Carolina

3.75/5  rDev -10.9%

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mikeincharleston

South Carolina

3.75/5  rDev -10.9%

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Jade

Ohio

3/5  rDev -28.7%

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velcrogrip

Florida

4.25/5  rDev +1%

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Illinois

4.25/5  rDev +1%

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ackeeper

Illinois

4.75/5  rDev +12.8%

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thegerm87

Connecticut

3.75/5  rDev -10.9%

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BSchnab

Florida

4/5  rDev -5%

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Texas

4.5/5  rDev +6.9%

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phunkychickita

Maine

4.25/5  rDev +1%

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AL89BR

New Jersey

4.75/5  rDev +12.8%

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jkd03c

Florida

4.25/5  rDev +1%

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mjm47

Illinois

4/5  rDev -5%

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NJB145

Michigan

4.5/5  rDev +6.9%

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jakeox

Illinois

4/5  rDev -5%

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California

4.5/5  rDev +6.9%

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match1112

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev +1%

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SMITHAND

Oregon

4.5/5  rDev +6.9%

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Honus1

Ohio

4.25/5  rDev +1%

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carlosega

Ohio

4.5/5  rDev +6.9%

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iHeartMNBeer

Minnesota

4.75/5  rDev +12.8%

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