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

turnblom79

Indiana

4.83/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

One of my first forays in to RIS as a newbie to crafts trying to develop my palate. I was that this beer was good enough to pour over ice cream because of its chocolate and coffee tones, and I was not let down. Excellent stout, great rich flavor. The texture was slightly syrupy and felt very pleasant. Looking forward to more from Bells.

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2009 05:21:58 | More by turnblom79

elgiacomo

Georgia

4.83/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

12oz bottle, batch 9459, bottled Nov 19, 2009. Over a year old. Served cellar temp in a New Belgium globe/snifter. I've enjoyed this a few times in its youth but wanted to wait to review til it was over a year old.

Pours black with a two finger brown head that leaves some pretty lacing and holds a small cap.

Aroma is rich roasted malts, chocolate, anise, coffee, vanilla, dark fruits of plums, figs, cherries, and raisins, some alcohol. Great strength.

Flavor is also very rich much like the aroma with chocolate, coffee, dark roasted malts, cherries, plums, figs, raisins, vanilla, there is still a noticeable alcohol bite/burn which is to be expected for the ABV but I thought it would have diminished more over a year's time. Still, can't really fault a big Imperial Stout for being a touch hot.

Mouthfeel is full, creamy, medium carbonation.

A world-class Imperial Stout for sure, so very rich and decadent. Can't wait to try some of the 2010 batch.

EDIT: By FAR my favorite non-barrel aged Imperial Stout. Just can't get enough of this magical brew. Numerous batches, numerous years at a variety of ages and they're all fantastic in their own way. Age certainly benefits this one as well and I can't wait to try some extended aging well beyond 2 years on this one.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2010 04:08:11 | More by elgiacomo

Avagadro

New Jersey

4.83/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A: Pours with the same consistency as motor oil into my CCB snifter. Its ominous viscosity is matched by this brew's black body. It's head is fleeting, but is of a chocolate color.

S: Deep notes of molasses, licorice, and chocolate are upfront and well balanced. No one aroma pushes the other out of the way; they simply jive together.

T: Big, rich, and delicious. This brew is semi-sweet, with bold molasses, bitter espresso, and black chocolate in the forefront. As the initial blast of flavor fades, subtle flavors of creme brulee and dulce de leche occupy the palate until you are ready for another onslaught of flavor.

M: Fuller-than-full body, chewy texture, sticky finish, and little in the way of CO2.

O: How it has taken me this long to review one of my favorite RISs, I cannot say. This is easily one of the most underrated examples of the style. Is it because it is too available, too commonplace? This brew is as delicious as many of the sought-after rarities, but doesn't get the credit. All I have to say is that this is a damn fine beer, and, Jason, shame on you.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2011 23:53:08 | More by Avagadro

MattyG85

Minnesota

4.83/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured from 12 oz. bottle into a Surly Darkness chalice. 2011 Bottle with a date of 11/01/11.

Appearance: Pours dark black with no other noticeable colors. Decent three finger deep tan head that slowly fades into a thin tan layer. Lots of lacing around the glass.

Smell: Big dark aroma of roasted caramel and toffee malts. Lots of chocolate with some hints of coffee, vanilla, and creamy milk. Also some dark fruity raisins and figs. Some hints of molasses and syrup. Smells very rich and creamy.

Taste: Like the smell leads, a big roasty chocolate filled taste. Dark roasted caramel and toffee malts with a bready toast taste that lingers in the finish. Lots of chocolate with notes of coffee, cream, milk, and vanilla. Some good hints of dark fruits including raisins, figs, and dark cherry. Also a little molasses and sugary syrup. Some earthy hops in the finish. Very tasty.

Mouthfeel: Thick and full bodied with a lower level of carbonation. Sticky and creamy. A little alcohol heat but still fairly smooth.

Overall: A great stout. One of the better Russian Imperial Stouts out there. Tastes great fresh to me. It will be interesting to see what some age will do.

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2011 07:58:02 | More by MattyG85

watsonmd

Georgia

4.84/5  rDev +15%
look: 5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: black, thick, dark brown tight bubbled head.

S: toffe, coffee, oak, stone fruit

T: upfront roasty malt, coffee and chocolate, with a "cough syrupy" after taste on the first sip, but not so much after that. Perhaps the ABV?

M: Thick, syrupy, smooth and creamy.

O: Excellent. Not a Black Note, but still an excellent Bell's!

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2013 17:39:22 | More by watsonmd

francisweizen

Australia

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Updated: 2003 version pours at slightly below room temp with a humungous head of tan 5, thus increasing the appearance and aroma to a '5'. Taste is also a 5 to me now, but this stuff is just too thick so I have to drop .5 for drinkabiity and mouthfeel. Still, this is one of the best imperial stouts out there on the market!

Like the previous reviewer my bottle was also very flat. Rendering me with only an almost inaudible 'pfft' as I popped the cap. This beer poured as dark as darkness itself but unfrotunately for me, it had no head. The aroma was a little intense at first, but as this beer warmed up you could small dark roasted flavors, malts, chocolate, candies, and fruits...very nice. The taste was, of course, exceptional but the mouthfeel was a little too thick for the low carbonation of this bottle. This has a good drinkability and it is one of my favorite Imperial Stouts by far. If I could get this with a nice head on it and some more carbonation it would probably rate all 5's. I have heard about this breweries inconsistency so perhaps my next bottle will be the 'straight 5's monster' I think this beer can be!
thanks to sakaroo for the sample...
cheers!,
F.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2003 06:48:53 | More by francisweizen

Loki

North Carolina

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Sampled for my 100th review from a 12oz bottle via a friend.

Poured a black, like pure oil, black as coal with a dark beige head. The head was small at first then build to a sheer mountainous head full of bubbles, craigs, and peaks. Simply beautiful to watch it build. As the head starts to receed over time it leaves a webbing of lacing on the glass that simple defies gravity and clings to the glass. The head does fade but a quick swirl builds a new 1/8 inch head.

Aromas of cocoa, coffee, espresso, something similar to raisins, and molasses. Simply wonderful and begging to be tasted

The first sip was amazing, perhaps breath taking. Harsh and brash like a true Italian espresso with alcohol behind the bitter coffee. Wonderful, thick, chewy. Tastes of cocoa, coffee, toasted malt sweetness, that finishes with the taste of unsweetened coffee. A truly monsterous brew. A wonderful beer. A true pleasure. I believe I have chosen wisely for my 100th review!

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2003 14:56:16 | More by Loki

RoyalT

Ohio

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance - Black in color with a slightly reddish hue and an awesome, dark tan head that showed great retention and laced the hell out of my glass. I can't say enough about how cool this looks at the pour.

Smell - Big, beautiful roasted malt notes along with some nice coffee and very dark fruiting, most notably figs and dates. There's also some brown sugar to this one along with a hop balance of some kind. This nose is very complex, and I'm sure that I'm missing a lot.

Taste - The bitter coffee comes out huge at the taste. All the other players from the aroma are here as well, but it's the coffee that takes things up a notch. There's also some malty cocoa to the flavor profile. This is not for the faint of heart.

Mouthfeel - Super creamy and milky smooth. This is a full-bodied stout if there ever was one. The bitter nature of this ale will give you the shakes.

Drinkability - I loved this stout, although it may be too bitter for some. I'll give Stone the edge simply because it has a bit more balance (with more big fruits) but this is certainly one of my Top Ten beers of all time.

Comments - A big thumbs up to francisweizen for sending me this awesome offering from Bell's. This is an experience that I'll never forget - and one I hope to repeat : )

Update - I got an '04 bottle of this from my brother-in-law in Madison, WI, and cellared it for four years. For some reason I was in a giddy mood tonight and decided to pop it open.

Oh, Lordy, is this a good beer. First let me say that this has not changed nearly as much as I thought it would after four years of cellaring. It hasn't sweetened up like I thought it would and could probably stomach another four years. Having said that, this is one of the most flavorful beers on the planet and is probably STILL too bitter for most even after four years in the cellar. Damn the torpedoes though I am enjoying the hell outta this one.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2004 02:50:49 | More by RoyalT

silenius

Illinois

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Holy Moley!

I really wasn't expecting much from this beer since some other Bell's offerings I find too common.

Appearance: The black hole of beers! I shined a 300W halogen light up to it and could not see a bit of light through the glass! Dark tan espresso crema head that after one year of ageing is still very thick, lively and coats the glass with substantial lacing.

Smell: OHHH! My mom's gingerbread cookies, molasses, dark chocolate and espresso. I could tell this would be good!

Taste: Magnificent dark chocolate, molassess, and espresso. The dark chocolate and espresso linger forever.

Mouthfeel: Thick and creamy. As a beer like this should be.

Drinkability: I can't keep myself from continually taking sip after sip. I think this is my first 5 in drinkability. Excellent, excellent, excellent!!

I will be buying more and more!

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2005 23:53:58 | More by silenius

Sephiroth

Indiana

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

The first time I met this beer, I was utterly defeated. Now, I am the master. It goes into a tulip with an inch of coffee like foam. This quickly dissipates to a thin ring which stays around the edge of the beer. It appears to be black, but when held in the light at the proper angle, one can see that it is dark ruby in color.

The nose is very complex. It is roasty and has a vinous quality. I detect just a slight licorice aroma. The nose is very well blended. The taste does not disappoint either. There is coffee, licorice, port wine, and others I am sure. Beneath all of this, I detect me some hops. There is absolutely no hint at the 11.5% ABV. The mouthfeel is great. It is thick and chewy, but is not syrupy. As I am writing this review, the quality of this beer is starting to sink in. The drinkability is high, especially with the way the alcohol is masked. I will consider myself lucky to have this beer available in IN.

Serving type: bottle

07-18-2005 08:36:40 | More by Sephiroth

ColoradoBobs

Colorado

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had this paired with FFF Dark Lord in a tasting with Crosling. (PROPS TO CROSLING!!!!) Talk about sensory overload!

Vigorous pour into a tulip glass produces a black opaque body under a decent light brown reverse-cascading head.

Smell of dark chocolate covered raisins, prunes, malty malt on malted malt.

Taste of intense sweet malt, chocolate malt, raisins, figs, charred apples(?), espresso, rye bread and pepper. Ridiculously intense.

Mouthfeel is thick and rich, like a melted chocolate malt. It's round, dense, full, smooth and chewy, with a gluteny, bread-like quality.

Very drinkable for 11.5%. Wowow. Dangerous.

Overall, this is the most incredible beer for the money I've ever had: at $2.33 for a 12-ounce bottle (= 19.43 cents per ounce), it is nearly as good as Dark Lord, which is $15 for 22 ounces (=68.2 cents per ounce).
So . . . for those 364 days a year when you can't lay your hands on a Dark Lord, this is a great and very affordable next best.

Serving type: bottle

04-04-2006 02:39:54 | More by ColoradoBobs

Phatz

Pennsylvania

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Jasonm for giving me this beer. I really enjoyed this beer. Sorry to take so long until I reviewed it.

Appearance: This beer pour absolute black! The head is moderate in size but rich in red brown color. A nice lacing is left as you swirl the beer, it simply looks exquisite.

Smell: Smelling this beer just absolutely teases the senses! A magnificent plethora of dark rum tobacco, leather, roasted malts, dark vinous grape aromas and more flood through the nose and straight to the brain sending me instantly into a state of awe! I guess you could simply say that it is a *very* enticing aroma!

Taste: After all the anticipation from the aroma the beer does not disappoint as it enters the mouth. It is vinous and thick. It starts off very roasty and the alcohol and hop dance like pins and needles on your tongue then as your palate adjust you begin to taste the remarkable depth and complexity with deep red flavors of grape and cherries meeting tobacco rum charcoal bitter flavor and balancing brilliantly. There are also hints of sweet like a caramel and coco with vanilla in there too. The finish is very bitter, with a spicy alcohol burn like a great bourbon. The alcohol is not shy and I love that feature as a whiskey fan.

Mouthfeel: There is plenty of rough around the edges that keep you awake and appreciating each sip. It is not *harsh* but it is certainly not easy either. This is for a fan of RIS who likes liquor. The feel in the mouth is thick and smooth. It is so creamy I can hardly imagine any beer could be creamier.

Drinkability: Simply put this beer is a perfect night cap! It is not a session beer (unless you want to hurt yourself). This beer is very big and not one I would call approachable. It is intimidating but for those who want a big ass Russian Imperial Stout stand back and get ready because here comes Bell's Expedition Stout.

Hope this is helpful.
Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

07-06-2006 05:05:41 | More by Phatz

orfeu

New Mexico

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Knowing that I've got six more of these scheduled for delivery tomorrow (along with several other awesome MI brews, courtesy of BA hoppymeal), I decided to crack open this bottle I received in a trade from BA nflmvp last summer. Poured into a 17-ounce snifter, Expedition Stout is viscous and tar-black. The ghost of a coffee-colored foam cap appears for a brief moment, then is gone, leaving only a nascent tan ring around the glass. Deep chocolate aromas emerge at first sniff; then scents of dark Bing cherries soaked in anejo rum along with a slight coffee aroma as well as a heady cabernet character. The taste starts off with bitter Belgian chocolate bar flavors -- at least 75% cocoa -- and dark fruits (plums, cherries, blackberries) all drunkenly swimming in a bourbon bath. Then -- and this is my favorite part -- there is the most wonderful roasted coffee finish, thick and damn near burnt it's roasted so dark. Lovely vinous aftertaste. Appropriately heavy on the palate, but incredibly silky overall. Low carbonation, dryness from alcohol content, but the booze has melded nicely (I think this bottle may be a little over a year old). This is the first Russian Imperial Stout I've had in a few months, and I certainly feel welcomed back home. Bell's brewed the hell out of this one. Easily one of the finest representations of the style in the world. Exceptional.

Serving type: bottle

10-05-2006 03:22:17 | More by orfeu

cafemondegar

Colorado

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is a take it or leave it beer. You can either love it or hate it. That is because is a strong, in your face, it-is-what-it-is beer. Poured with minimal rich caramel head, not too high. Has the sweet smell of burnt caramel. It tastes delicious with a hint of sweetness and has a thick, dry mouthfeel that lasts a while. It is rather expensive, but I don't regret having spent the money. Although American style IPAs are my usual choices, I can see my wife & me spending quite a few evenings with this Russian Imperial Stout this winter.

Serving type: bottle

10-25-2006 00:50:13 | More by cafemondegar

dogger6253

Minnesota

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This beer pours out like motor oil, dark and viscous, almost black. The head is a beautiful mocha color that dissipated to a thin ring around the top.

Smells like chocolate, slight alcohol present blended into the licorice. I also noted hints of citrus and a definite roasted-coffee scent. There are other fruity aromas present too, but I have trouble picking them out, raisins/plums perhaps? Also a definite molasses tone in the aroma. The chocolate and fruits come through more as the beer settles.

The taste is dominated by roasted malt and chocolate with hints of coffee or cocoa coming through. Towards the finish, a very slight hint of alcohol balanced by a fruity sweetness, figs and plums.

Very thick in the mouth, but not overly so. This is what my idea of a stout should be; thick and heavy, yet delicious and easy to sip. I would drink this all night. The alcohol definitely affects you so be aware if you're having a few. The alcohol is masked very well in the taste. This is one of my favorite stouts, by far.

Serving type: bottle

03-20-2007 05:08:30 | More by dogger6253

umustdrink

Minnesota

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I've had this one once before and have always thought it to be the best stout I have ever had, it still is.

Served at slightly more than 50 degrees.

A - I poured this one rather aggressively in my tulip so I got a gigantic head. It was kind of fun to watch the head change forms from a solid looking head with TINY little bubbles to a big rocky formation with a smooth top. Head is deep brown in color and gets darker as it gets closer to the actual beer. Lacing sticks in thick patches.

S - Aroma is of lightly roasted malts, more sweet than bitter chocolate and a creamy milky background. Very slight alcohol vapor like scent just barely detectable.

T - Oh yes...this is it. Slightly bitter up front, quickly leading into a dark toasty malt with a creamy chocolate note, grainy in texture. Warming, comforting alcohol as it goes down. Heaven in a glass.

M - THICK consistency with a nice oilyness allowing for maximum taste retention. Parts of it are noticeably grainy, like unmixed hot cocoa.

D - I've never had Darklord, but to me this is the best stout and one of the best beers allover I've ever had the pleasure of drinking. Thank you Bell's!

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2007 02:37:02 | More by umustdrink

brdc

Wisconsin

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This one pours creamy, thick like whole milk, even oily. It is pitch black and it makes a nice dark brown head that looks nice but has almost no retention, although it does lace the glass well.
Nose is very rich, roasted malts, coffee, burnt sugar, milk and alcohol.
It has a very nice, creamy, velvety full body, and it starts sweetish on the palate, finishing dry and bitter, with intermediate layers of roasted malts, hops, chocolate and sugar. Very satisfying with a single small bottle.
I might have a new favorite stout; this is one impressive brew, and every time I go back to it, it amazes me more. The price is unbeliveable for the quality, which makes it better.
Not to be missed.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2007 14:45:00 | More by brdc

Budlum

Maryland

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This stout pours very thick, nearing a maple syrup texture. A tall, dense, deep brown head forms while pouring. The body of this stout is dense and about as black as it gets. Head retention is excellent. This is what premium stout look like.

A short burst of sharp, roasted barley flavors hit the nose before a sweet rush takes over. Smells of licorice, tobacco, brown sugar, prunes, nutmeg, hops and espresso appear in a complete display of power. Alcohol is notable on the nose but it provides just enough strength to tingle the nose without overpowering the senses. Excellent all around.

A sweet rush of chocolate, espresso and candied sugars lead the flavors of this beer with authority. A blend of dark fruits and faint spices are joined by a powerful, charred and roasted barley flavor backed by a strong hop presence. An alcohol presence is provided by a mild burn. The finish is long, epic actually. The strong hop flavors and charred barley mixed with pipe tobacco seem to hold forever. This is a top notch stout.

The mouthfeel is very luxurious and the body is quite thick. Mild carbonation is present but this beer is just a little too oily to be perfect. Overall, the mouthfeel is still supreme.

Drinkability is very good for a stout with this level of flavor. The strong flavors and long finish should make this a slow sipper but this beer just disappears from the glass. If you find this beer, buy a lot.

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2007 01:08:01 | More by Budlum

timbro81

Oklahoma

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours out like used motor oil. <goosebumps> Massive fluffy dark tan head that clinges to the glass as it travels down the glass. Smells of deep dark chocolate followed by a good does of bitter hops for balance. Feels super silky in the mouth, like a melted chocolate bar, wow! Starts out chocolatey that turns into deep roasted malt flavors which then magically transition to a nice hop bitterness. A slight smokiness to it mixed in there too. Aftertaste is slightly boozey. I want to drink this beer till my ears bleed.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2008 06:26:53 | More by timbro81

CDBeerDisappear

Ohio

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Pours black, almost completely opaque, with a tan foamy head and great retention. The draft is very similar to the bottled, so, if you can only get the bottled, don't feel like you are missing anything. Aroma of sweet dark fruit, prunes raisins, currants and chocolate – smells delicious. Plus, the taste delivers what the aroma promises. Sweet but not too sweet, mouthfeel is full and rich, carbonation is rather light. Great drinkability. How could anyone not like this beer?

I think Jason and Todd got an out of date sample of this beer because it really is great. Bell's is a great brewery (you know that) and this is a great beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-15-2008 23:42:22 | More by CDBeerDisappear

kzoobrew

Michigan

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Bottle batch 8183 bottled October 07.

Pours like used motor oil. This stuff is thick and black. Very little head, cap may be a better term. A small mocha colored cap vanishes quickly.

Smell, like the rest of this brew, is big. Big roasted malt, coffee and molasses. Faint chocolate aroma sneaks through but it overwhelmed by the stronger scents.

The is a sweetness to this brew, blends well with the roasted malt. A slightly burnt coffee and dark chocolate taste tie in very well.

Mouthfeel is big but exceptionally smooth for the abv. Heavy slightly oily finish. Almost creamy.

Beers this big are not something to sit down with a sixer of. But for what it is, I can drink the hell out of it.

Growing up in Kalamazoo, Bell's has always been a favorite of mine. Expedition has always been slightly feared, too big, too much like motor oil. It is a big beer which does require a more experienced palate. First time I have had this brew in years, absolutely fantastic.

Serving type: bottle

06-21-2008 02:23:06 | More by kzoobrew

divecj5

South Carolina

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a nice molten black with a minimal amount of tan head. Very little lacing as a result. Great aroma with great roasted and smokey tones. Incredibly smooth on the palate. Complex character that has hints of chocolate, very little bitterness, and doesn't leave your mouth feeling dry as saw dust like a lot of other heavy, imperial stouts. Definitely a beer to sit back and savor.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2009 15:02:20 | More by divecj5

Greencoat

Ohio

4.85/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Re-review. I found a six pack of 5 year old Expedition Stout on the shelves of a tiny deli. No regrets.

A - Motor oil pour with a chocolate milk colored head. Slight legs on the glass. Absolutely gorgeous.

S - A world of difference from a fresh bottle. All alcoholic heat is muted, and instead milk chocolate, molasses, and fig dominate. Wonderful sherry notes that are only achievable with age.

T - Holy moly. The taste follows the nose. The tannic, angular bitterness from the fresh bottle is nowhere to be found. Everything has been brought together in a glorious state of absolution. Bravo.

M - Chewier than a wookie. Alcoholic burn is non-existent. Extremely creamy.

O - I don't alway rate beers absurdly high, but when I do - they deserve it. Apparently 5 years of being ignored does this ale great justice. Now if I can make it to 10...

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2012 06:52:35 | More by Greencoat

Murph

Arizona

4.88/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Pours a midnight black with a decent brown head that leaves a great lace all the way down the glass. Smell is of dark chocolate, slightly bitter coffee, raisins, dark fruit and some light toffee as well. Sweet chocolatey goodness starts off this brew with some slight warming alcohol in the background. Raisins and some other sweet, dark fruits are then brought in with a slightly bitter coffee finish. Extremely creamy and smooth, this brew is amazingly drinkable for its 10% abv. The alcohol is barely perceived and then only in its warming effects. This is one great beer, not quite a Storm King, but damn close. I am going to have to get some of this to sip on this winter.
A big thanks to Deuce for the sample.

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2002 12:10:07 | More by Murph

Lupe

New York

4.88/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

First off, this is a HUGE beer.

Pours thick and nearly black with some ruby highlights. Small, tight brown head with nice lacing. Aromas of dark chocolate, roasted malt, and dark fruit dominate with alcohol in the backround. Full bodied, mouthfeel is smooth and thick. Many flavor hit you, this is a complex brew. Present are flavors of roasted and burnt grain, dark chocolate, licorice, espresso, raisin and other dark fruit, a dose of hops and alcohol. Slightly bitter, but more of a burnt type of bitterness than from hops. Sit back and sip this one, a big brew and a real belly warmer. Relax by the fire and enjoy.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2003 09:32:30 | More by Lupe