Bell’s 30th Anniversary Ale

Bell’s 30th Anniversary Ale is an American Double/Imperial Stout. 11% ABV.

This pours pretty much with a pure black color and a huge tan head. This stout doesn’t have a massive aroma, but what is there is good. I’m getting sweet molasses, a good helping of roasted malts, notes of vanilla and a hint of chocolate on the nose. There are quite a few layers to the flavor of this beer though. A quick burst of sweet cream, vanilla and chocolate start things off. This is followed by some bitter coffee, roasted malts, a bit of dark fruits & licorice. The finish brings a big alcohol burn, more bitter coffee and some sweet molasses with the licorice note lingering behind with the coffee in the aftertaste. That alcohol taste is on the high side, but I feel like it is working well with the other elements in the taste. Add to all of this a big chewy mouth-feel that is slightly slick and oily, this just slides down with ease.

This is a huge beer with ton of complexity, a fantastic tribute to 30 years of great beer.