Bells Expedition Stout

Batch 7740, thanks to northernbrews. Strong aroma, dark chocolate, cherries, and the dust before the rain. Pour is darkest brown, completely opaque except at the very edge, with a finger of coffee-brown head even in a fairly broad snifter. Intense roast malt flavor on the front, with all the dark fruit that implies, cherries, raisins, but also very bitter, unsweetened licorice, unripe melons. Transition to the finish, the sweeter chocolate elements emerge, and in a brew this thick, the long finish is like drinking chocolate milk, even a bit buttery. It’s all full of flavor, but the combination of bitter and dairy elements disagreed with me. Palate is defined by its thickness, mouthcoating, just toeing the line before it becomes palate clogging.

I would say this beer sets the standard for what an imperial stout should be...then make it interesting. Oak aged Yeti was a little more interesting but if they were both aged..I don’t know which one I would like more. Currently in my top two Imperial Stouts. I loved it.

Yeah. It looks like a stout, smells great. Big coffee smell and taste with some chocolate and dark fruits thrown in for good measure. Believe the hype.

Be warned, this is not beer. This is a full dinner. What an absolutely delicious beer this is. Pours a dark brown with nice brown head. It is sweet and chewy and filling. I had been patiently awaiting this beer as I had not had it in the past. I’ll have to get it in bulk soon to keep me for when it it is not available. One of the great beers

Bottle, Feb, 2008 batch. Into a big crystal cabernet glass. The pour is as chewy as the palate, not ropey though. The beer seems to be absorbing light, only to remit upon the imbiber. The glass seems stained as a wash of mahonganey foam settles. Nose is heady and rich in port soaked figs, black strap molassas and enough alcohol and hop fruit to complete the perfume. Almost overwhelming. Entry is as expected, thick and internally coating. Complex, still in a big way,dark chocolate fondue expands across the tongue and lingers after the swallow. There’s almost a waxy quality to the body. Licking your teeth after the sip choruses the whole experience. Completely enveloping of all the senses. Young, way too young. Your siblings shall remain in the cellar.

This beer pours an unbelievable pitch black that lets no light through. Its fluffy dark head gives off an aroma of coffee and dark chocolate and alcohol. The taste is true to the aroma with the addition of a pleasant bitterness that lingers. This is what an imperial stout was meant to be.

bottle thanks to jjpm74. poured black with a chocolate brown head and legs that clung to the side of the glass. aroma of chocolate and dark roasts. flavor is all business with dark roasts, chocolate, and a hint of dark fruits. this is probably the best stout i have ever had. thanks john for the great bonus.

On tap in Paradiso in Georgetown. Pitch black with a tan head . Smoke, cocoa, and ETOH in your nose! So smooth and creamy on your tongue. Rich complex flavor of hops, coffee, molasses, and maltiness. Excellent IRS!!