Year of New Beer: Barrel Aged Expedition Stout, Bell's Brewery (MI)

Written By: Dion on 07/28/2016

You have to assume that taking what is arguably one of the top 3 or 4 readily available stouts and tossing it in a bourbon barrel will ultimately yield some pretty solid results. Not surprisingly, that assumption proves correct in this case. The nose is deep and rich, with dark chocolate, hints of roasted coffee bean, and charred oak taking center stage. Cursory notes of vanilla, dark fruit, and bourbon begin to emerge with warmth. One of the rare beers to truly translate its full aroma to the taste buds, this most certainly delivers. An ominous viscosity envelops the tongue, layering an earthy hop bitterness atop waves of cocoa powder, espresso, and a slightly sweet but potent bourbon heat. The barrel elements push forth in a faint vanilla sweetness that quickly gives way to a trace of smoke and a more predominant roasty char. This is so good, content to be "just" a barrel aged stout--no frills, no adjuncts...no complaints.