Bell Ringer - RJ Rockers Brewing Company

spartanfan

Pennsylvania

4.78/5  rDev +27.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

A: Pours a clear clean orange color with a nice ivory colored head that sticks around and leaves good lacing.

S: Smells of citrusy hops and a bit of sweet malts.

T: Taste is quite hoppy. I think this must be a fresh keg because is it fragrant and very bitter as well. Nice clean flavor without a hint of alcohol.

M: Nice full mouthfeel. Good body with the right amount of carbonation.

D: This beer is very drinkable. My party went through 3 pitchers before we kicked the keg (the beer remained clear even on the last pitcher). The alcohol is deceptive and can creep up on you if you aren't aware of it.

Serving type: on-tap

11-26-2010 22:13:00 | More by spartanfan

startreker

North Carolina

4.78/5  rDev +27.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Found this at a local grocery store. So I had to give it a try, being that its a localy made microbrew.

Nice orange beige color, that poured up thick with a velvety head. Not much in the way of lacing, but has decent head retention.

Very nice aroma, hints of vanilla and caramel to be sure.

The taste reminds me of a fine congnac, something to be sipped and savored. Very malty, but not at all overly sweet. The hops seems to balance out the sweet malt wonderfuly, with a finish that is neither to bitter, nor to sweet.

Mouthfeel is very full and satisfying, velvety smooth as it hits the back of my toungue.

Overall, one of the best brews to ever grace my palate. Not a beer to be guzzled down by anymeans, as it does have a much higher alcohol content then your standard beer.

It would be a disgrace to simply chug down such an outstanding brew. Savor this beer slowly and enjoy!!

Serving type: bottle

09-28-2011 01:57:09 | More by startreker

FloppyDog

North Carolina

4.55/5  rDev +21.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Poured from a bottle into a tulip glass. It pours a ruby orange with a minimal white head. I accidently poured a bit of yeast from the bottom of the bottle into the glass, which immediately affected its clarity, but before I screwed up, it was pretty clear.

The aroma is a nice balance of hops, slight alcohol, and caramel malt. Similar to a standard amber ale in aroma, but with the obvious difference being the hint of alcohol.

The taste is dominated by a hearty portion of malt upfront with the hop bitterness coming through late after the sip is swallowed. It coats the tongue nicely. The beer is definitely thicker than an average amber ale (a clear indicator of its higher abv). The mouth feel is smooth with a perfect combination of of minimal carbonation prickliness and tongue-coating ability of this beer.

Overall, much better than I expected. I would definitely enjoy having this one again.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2009 03:36:57 | More by FloppyDog

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.53/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Wow, so I finally made my way into Terry's Tap Room( review coming) today and found that they had this on tap. I had heard that rockers was putting out some high gravity stuff now, but had not actually seen any yet. Boy was I shocked when I walked in on this one! What do I order, well the answer to that is pretty damn obvious now isn't it!

A - Poured a nice hazy amber color. Not really dark , pretty average color. Nice two inch plus head was visible on the top, and really hung around for the entire session. Good side glass lace and some decent carbonation streaming up from the bottom throughout.

S - Aroma was very nice. No hint of alcohol at all. Good balance between bitter citrus hops and a piney sort of aroma. Decent amount of sugar in the back as well. Definatly balanced and not a hop bomb, but hoppy none the less.

T - Wow, so damn smooth and non bitter. This was easily the most sessionable double ipa I have ever tasted in my life. It was rediculous with how smooth and balanced it was. Not a touch of alcohol was present, just straight up good brew, Nice amount of caramel sugar mixed in with an orange peel and fresh grass hoppiness. Really well done and well rounded taste.

M - Awesome, super smooth and silky. This was really a treat. Great carbonation led to a good feel on the tongue. Ultra smooth drinker, dont think they could have nailed this one better for smoothness. My favorite beer brewed in the upstate by far.

D - I could drink this all night long. Could not even tell there was a kick to it. I would love to have this on tap in my fridge.

Overall this was just great. I cannot say enough good things about this. It was well crafted, awesome to drink and just a fantastic beer, anyone who wants to try, a growler is on its way I would be happy to send it!!

Serving type: on-tap

08-16-2007 23:35:28 | More by mikesgroove

southernbelle09

South Carolina

4.53/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Tried this beer in a bottle at Jay's Midtown Tavern in Greenville, SC. Pours with a bit of a chill haze which turns into a copper/amber shade. Hop notes aren't overwhelming but overall it has a pretty nice aroma to it. This is definately a full bodied beer...lots malt and hops. I was really suprised to find out this beer was an 8.5 ABV. I wouldn't have believed it if it wasn't written on the bottle. Overall, I was very impressed with this beer from RJ Rockers. Not sure I would classify it as a DIPA, the bartender even told me it was not meant to be a DIPA. Definately give this beer a try!

Serving type: bottle

11-21-2008 04:27:08 | More by southernbelle09

cdizinno

South Carolina

4.53/5  rDev +20.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Clougy amber color with nice off white head after a vigorous pour. Mild lacing around the glass.

S: Malts, floral hops and slight hints of sweetness. Maybe some caramel and/or toffee.

T&M: Medium bodied and smooth. Tastes better than it smell. Floral hops hit up front and fade to bitterness and a nice tangy finish that is dry.

This is a great strong ale that doesn't taste too strong. Excellent brew!

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2010 23:04:47 | More by cdizinno

woodjm

South Carolina

4.5/5  rDev +20%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

My favorite of the Rockers collections. Bell Ringer has a dark copper color with a 1/2 inch head that fades thin. When I first tried this I expected a real strong alcohol taste being that it is a high gravity brew and 8.5%, but the alcohol did not overwhelm the flavor or aroma. Loads of malt and hops in this one! Hits the palate sweet with some bitterness towards the end. Be carefull with this one, 2 and I was on my way to getting my bell rung.

Serving type: bottle

03-06-2009 02:48:10 | More by woodjm

ghostmech007

Virginia

4.43/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle poured into a wiezen glass. It's not the proper glass but sue me.

Beautiful deep red / bronze coloring. Great head with foamy bubbles. Head clings the glass like it's holding on for dear life.

Smells like a fruit orchard! Apples, peaches, apricots and I think a bit of berries as well. Smells delicious.

Tastes is sublime. Full body with a sharp carbonation. You sip the alcohol everytime but you really get the rest of the flavors as well. Caramel cross with a very heavy yeast. Hop balance is superb with a slight citrus flavor with the finish. Very nice brew.

This is the first strong style ale that I will stock permanently in my collection. Very drinkable with a nice kick, right up my alley.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2010 01:48:24 | More by ghostmech007

TLove

District of Columbia

4.33/5  rDev +15.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

(From Notes)

This is not an ESB. This is not even close to an ESB. Despite the miscategorization, this is a great beer and well worth picking up!

Almond-colored with a supple head and smooth feel.

Smells like a barleywine and has a similar consistency and structure.

Hoppy and a strong ABV contribute to distinct flavors. Has a nutty, floral bite with an assertive toffee and fruity presence.

Smooth and rewarding. Oats smooth out the strength of the hop structure and has a refreshing consistency, while still maintaining its complexity.

Really solid beer. Very good.

Serving type: bottle

07-02-2009 02:09:25 | More by TLove

mempath

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +15.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

good looking pour. some retention and a nice head that settles fast. orangey hazy appearance.

nose is an interesting fig preserves smell. sweet organic earthy bready. deep malt funk. in a good way.

wow. an AESB...i haven't had alot of ESBs but this seems to be a nice interepretation, taking 'balance' to a new level. a laid back explosion? very hoppy blast fits just perfectly in the normally staid ESB experience. i still get all the usual ESB notes of rich maltiness and almost sour dough breadiness, but the hop butter slathered on this is unmistakable. still very balanced. the mouthfeel helps keep this where it needs to be. and at this ABV, it is 'sadly' quite drinkable...session this. and be prepared for a potential hangover. i really love the sweet pale ale sense of an ESB mixed with the rich hoppiness. something different about this. only thing to improve? the label.

RECOMMENDED

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2010 23:27:02 | More by mempath

jhammel01

New Jersey

4.3/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a deep cloudy copper with an eggshell white head. Keeps a good creamy head that sticks to the side of the glass. The beer keeps a solid white top on the beer the whole drink...Very nice looking! The beer is cloudy, Like I said but very hazy. Almost unfiltered looking. Looks like tea!

Smells mainly of caramel, malt and slight spiciness of hops.

The taste is very reminiscent of an American Barley wine. The hops bite in, earthy, oily and fresh tasting citrus spiciness. The bready background, malt and caramel help balance it out. The beer does taste a bit "warm"

The mouthfeel is a bit chewy and thick. Very Creamy.

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2010 01:13:11 | More by jhammel01

dhd1491

Georgia

4.22/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Amber-brown color with good head of suds. Very smooth for such a potent brew. Great balance of bitter hops and sweet malt. Robust and potent but terrific drinkability. Next to the Patriot Ale, this is the best brew that Rockers does and certainly the most kick-ass.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2008 00:09:51 | More by dhd1491

LauraAlberts

South Carolina

4.22/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Copper toned/rusty

Smell: Honey, Maple Syrup, Caramel, Yeast, Egg

Taste: A conglomerate of the various smells. Rich, full-bodied and refreshing finish. Mild hops and bitterness push through the finish.

Mouthfeel: It tickles the tastebuds and wakes them up. I'm ready for anything now - it's like an alarm clock for the mouth!

Drinkability: I'd sip this beer. This is not a session beer. More of a sip & savor. I really enjoyed it.

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2009 20:21:35 | More by LauraAlberts

Tilley4

Tennessee

4.22/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I'm re-reviewing this after a bad experience with the first bottle.. Case from RJ Rockers read my review and offered to send me some known fresh stuff... Not only was that one of the coolest things ever, it made ALL the difference... A complete 180 on this beer...

Pours an orangish red appearance topped by a thick creamy head which is already a big difference from the first experience as that one was dead still and lifeless... Much different and looking good here...

Pungent piney sticky hops blended with pineapple juice and sweet caramel malts.. Damn.... This smells great. The pungency of the hops catches me off guard and now I'm getting excited.. This smells like Victory's Yakima Twilight, one of my favorite strong ales.

Sweet pineappley hoppiness mixes with caramel malts resulting in a sticky resiny hop experience... No trace of booze at all... Just creamy and hoppy and delicious.. What a turnaround!

I'm glad Case sent me another one of these as this brew went from a solid D to one of the better Strongs I've had... Intense and hoppy and scary drinkability... I'm hoping I can find some more fresh bottles in the future as I would make this a staple...

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2010 01:20:46 | More by Tilley4

FickleBeast

New Jersey

4.2/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12 oz bottle poured into a pint glass. Reviewed on my droid

Pours a brilliant orange red color with two fingers of sticky foam. Aroma is a nice malty sweetness.

The flavor backs up the smell. This is a sweet malt bomb with minimal hoppiness. Nice crystal malt flavor, the sweetness is reAlly smooth.

I am really pleased with this beer. Hadn't heard of the brewery and bought a single on a whim. Very pleasantly suprised.

Serving type: bottle

07-31-2010 04:47:51 | More by FickleBeast

scoobybrew

Iowa

4.2/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

A - slightly hazy copper color with a thick, well-retained head that leaves a nice lacing

S - sweet caramel and biscuit-like malt with some fruity esters, slight hop earthiness

T - rich, complex malt flavor profile characterized by caramel, bread and biscuit; mild hop flavors accent and are most notable on finish which is moderately bitter and lingers a bit; alcohol flavors are mild but noticed; fruity yeast esters are moderate

M - medium-full body with moderate carbonation, some alcohol heat is noticed

D - This is a fine beer. It's reminiscent of a light American barleywine and a strong ESB. The fruit yeast esters give it a very English-like feel when combined with the biscuity malt and restrained hops. However, the hops are not so restrained as in an English beer which leans American. I don't know if I'd go too far out of my way for it, but it is very enjoyable and would go for it again if presented the opportunity. If I lived within the distribution area I might develop a fondness for it.

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2011 22:51:20 | More by scoobybrew

Miles2go

Colorado

4.2/5  rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12 oz bottle into pint glass

A: A cloudy copper with just less than one finger of uneven head, which holds on for a good while.

S: Sweet and soft in smell.

T: Sweet and citrus with a bitter hop kick coming on late. A slow build to a numbing effect on the tongue.

M: Moderate carbonation and medium body.

D: Quite drinkable with a complex taste. Certainly worth checking out.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2011 06:42:41 | More by Miles2go

thethrone

Ohio

4.18/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A - Pours a cloudly orange amber, with a soapy white head. Leaves a wet lacing trail down the glass as it dissipates into a thin layer of foam.

S - Subtle hop aroma with notes of citrus and pine. Some malty sweetness also comes through.

T - Well balanced brew with notes of caramel malt and a great hop flavor that doesn't dominate. No alcohol burn at all.

M - Incredibly creamy and smooth, with good carbonation.

D - Probably the easiest-drinking DIPA I've ever had. Terrific mouthfeel and very well balanced.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2008 04:44:01 | More by thethrone

oberon

North Carolina

4.18/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Its to bad I cant find RJ Rockers stuff around here anymore, I think they make some quality stuff.Poured into a pint glass a clear amber/bronze with a well defined 1/2 finger white head atop,it held very well for a long time.Aromas are a mix of sweet malty caramel and sweetish dough,with a shot of piney hop that comes out more as it warms along with more present alcohol.Love the complexities on the palate,its quite toasty and warming with a big amount of caramel and sweet breadiness,there is a nice shot of piney hop in the finish.Its warming and basically a double ESB in my mind,a little light in the feel, but I really liked this beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2010 22:46:38 | More by oberon

rangerred

Tennessee

4.18/5  rDev +11.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle into a snifter.

Pours a hazy light brown with a tiny head that is quick to fade.

Smells of caramel and toffee. Slightly nutty.

The taste is very much like the smell. Strong notes of caramel and nuts before an assertive bitterness kicks in. There is little noticeable alcohol. The mouthfeel is somewhat sticky but it is not off-putting.

A fairly unique strong ale and one that I would like to revisit again sometime.

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2011 01:07:51 | More by rangerred

CNeilP09

Georgia

4.15/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

some friends and i split the six available varieties at the local liquor store. i was very curious about what type of beer the bell ringer was as it is labeled simply as the "bell ringer ale" but once i poured this bad boy, wow. you could smell the hops from the bottle. big and fruity and luscious. good maltiness with just a wild flurry of hops. the musical equivalent to this beer is "thus spake zarathustra" if you get my meaning.

just how i like them! wow this beer has a schnozzy on it too. highly drinkable, certainly refreshing, a beer one could handle several of...at least i would enjoy several at a sitting.

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2008 21:25:40 | More by CNeilP09

bucklemyshoe

Georgia

4.15/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12 oz. poured into a snifter. This pours a cranberry red with one finger of foaminess (not too carbonated). The aroma is of dark malts, caramel, honey, and a decent lode of hops (70 IBUs?). The taste is dark candied fruit, caramel, and clove. It leans a little toward the sweet side but not unbearably so, with some bitterness at the end. It's the best that South Carolina has to offer.

Serving type: bottle

08-05-2010 05:54:55 | More by bucklemyshoe

Gyle41386

South Carolina

4.13/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a pint glass.

First sampled this as the World Beer Festival in Columbia towards the end of January. Buddy of mine from Charleston said he and his friends always kick off the night with a Bell Ringer before they go out. I enjoyed the sample, but after 50+ samples, I honestly could not remember what it tasted like. Was finally able to get my hands on a single at Charleston Beer Exchange.

Pours a hazy orange...fairly small head, but decent in the lacing department. I've got some dark sediment in the glass, which actually looks kind of cool. I hope it's nothing bad. Only way to find out is to drink it. I read through the reviews to see if anyone said anything about that, but only saw one that mentioned sediment. Others mentioned it's unfiltered. I have no clue on this one.

Smells like an amber...Some fruit and hops, but really subdued by the malt. Good balance, I suppose. Just seems like a weak aroma.

The next few categories are where this beer shines, in my opinion. This is a very smooth and balanced strong ale. The 8.5% doesn't make itself well-known. Lots of caramel sweetness, with some citrus and grassy hop bitterness to balance it out. Pretty clean finish. Doesn't leave much of an aftertaste. Great balance, and such a smooth and easy drinker. To me, this is as sessionable as a strong ale can get.

Serving type: bottle

03-11-2009 04:19:01 | More by Gyle41386

champ103

Texas

4.13/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a hazy reddish/orange color. A tiny bubbly white head forms, and is gone in an instant. Not much lace either.
S: At first this is malty sweet with caramel and bread. Some strong alcohol and fruity esters. Wonderfully balanced with a citrus and grapefruit hop aroma.
T: Again, wonderfully balanced between sweet caramel malt and the hops. Not overly bitter for bitters sake though. Some nice fruity esters and a little alcohol.
M/D: A medium body and carbonation. Though it seems a bit on the watery side. The alcohol really shows, but it is a good beer to sip on.

This is not an ESB. More like and American Barleywine or Strong Ale. What ever you call it, it is a good beer. Something I would recommend.

Serving type: bottle

07-01-2009 02:04:49 | More by champ103

barleywinebrewer

New Hampshire

4.1/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - hazy orange brown color with a nice white head that lasts the full glass
S - muted caramel and a hint of hops
T - wow, never would've known by the smell. Solid citric candied orange hops and a toasted caramel malt base.
M - medium full bodied, nicely carbonated, a mild abv presence with a lingering citric note in the finish.
D - did I just finish this bottle? This was surprisingly light and smooth. Finishes before you know it.

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2009 01:17:14 | More by barleywinebrewer