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

Todd

Massachusetts

3.7/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 2 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A cheerfully labeled 12oz bottle pours a lifeless pint of thick black liquid. Absolutely no head. Aroma is cold 1-day old coffee with an earthy, roasty, nutty background. Light twang, full, watery body ... and nothin' but more cold 1-day old coffee. Some more nuttiness, char and a spicy / smoky linger. Hmm ... and chocolate brownies as the beer warms. Is this coffee or a beer? Where's the half-and-half and sugar? Finish is dry with coffee on the breath.

If you don't like coffee, move along. Otherwise, this is a coffee/beer geeks wet dream! And a very intense marriage of the two. Not the best coffee beer that I've had -- it lacks balance and is a bit overdone -- but it's worth a try for adventurous / coffee lover.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2004 00:14:21 | More by Todd

Jason

Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Presentation: 12 oz brown bottle with no freshness date.

Appearance: Fast to foam and slow to cascade, the big billowing tan head sticks all over the glass. Black as night with absolutely now light to come through.

Smell: Estery dark fruit alcohol, spent coffee grounds and roasted grain make for a slightly astringent aroma.

Taste: The alcohol stays hidden for the most part but there is a lingering dark fruitiness in the back which is pleasant. Lots of dark roasted coffee flavor, earthy and woody which complements the roasted grain character. Mild hopping provides just enough bitterness to balance some of the malt sweetness.

Notes: A solid coffee stout with just enough coffee flavor not to get in the way yet add something special to the palate.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2004 22:00:23 | More by Jason

bcuz7

Florida

4.75/5  rDev +20.6%

05-19-2013 21:16:00 | More by bcuz7

jakeox

Illinois

4/5  rDev +1.5%

05-19-2013 00:06:06 | More by jakeox

Photekut

Azerbaijan

3/5  rDev -23.9%

05-19-2013 00:00:47 | More by Photekut

EricClayton

West Virginia

4.5/5  rDev +14.2%

05-18-2013 19:15:08 | More by EricClayton

Demarais20

North Dakota

4.75/5  rDev +20.6%

05-16-2013 07:58:43 | More by Demarais20

cyrushire

Florida

3.75/5  rDev -4.8%

05-16-2013 05:42:01 | More by cyrushire

GetTheYayo

Colorado

4/5  rDev +1.5%

05-16-2013 00:54:20 | More by GetTheYayo

Nolen12

Kentucky

4.25/5  rDev +7.9%

05-15-2013 05:15:59 | More by Nolen12

GinsuDave

Michigan

3/5  rDev -23.9%

05-15-2013 02:13:34 | More by GinsuDave

vrbulldog22

Ohio

4/5  rDev +1.5%

05-13-2013 18:26:40 | More by vrbulldog22

Jade

Ohio

3.75/5  rDev -4.8%

05-10-2013 23:58:18 | More by Jade

bconsidine

Maryland

4/5  rDev +1.5%

05-10-2013 18:24:42 | More by bconsidine

Roman5150

Michigan

4/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

bottle into chalice

appearance: black, slight off white 1 finger head, very intricate lacing

smell: very coffee/espresso forward (iced coffee to be specific), roasted earthy malts and dark chocolate/caramel, milk

taste: This is the most coffee forward beer i've ever tasted, tastes like a very dark and black java roast as the name would imply. Strong roasted malt, follows the nose, and s bitter hoppy dark chocolate finish. Very drinkable, yet also pleasantly bitter and dry from the earthy hops and coffee flavors.

mouthfeel: decent amount of carbonation, very thick full beer, feels like an iced coffee

overall: This is almost more coffee than beer, if you like black coffee you will like this. I prefer Stone's Espresso IRS over this, but I could easily drink this every morning. Better than Lagunitas Cappuccino Stout. Maybe not for everyone, but if you like strong coffee flavored beers Bells hit this one spot on.

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2013 07:00:02 | More by Roman5150

Arsenal0328

Indiana

4/5  rDev +1.5%

05-09-2013 23:39:08 | More by Arsenal0328

MSandahl23

Indiana

4/5  rDev +1.5%

05-08-2013 13:54:11 | More by MSandahl23

Johnnyramirez

California

3.75/5  rDev -4.8%

05-08-2013 03:34:55 | More by Johnnyramirez

cantfindme

North Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +14.2%

05-07-2013 04:42:44 | More by cantfindme

iaminside

Wisconsin

4.25/5  rDev +7.9%

05-02-2013 23:59:53 | More by iaminside

amcaleh

Indiana

3.75/5  rDev -4.8%

05-02-2013 12:33:07 | More by amcaleh

myron317

New Jersey

3.5/5  rDev -11.2%

05-01-2013 01:15:05 | More by myron317

ahbithwabm

Illinois

3.25/5  rDev -17.5%

04-30-2013 16:27:13 | More by ahbithwabm

SFNC

North Carolina

4/5  rDev +1.5%

04-28-2013 23:02:01 | More by SFNC

Devilman

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev +7.9%

04-27-2013 22:31:22 | More by Devilman