Bells Batch 4000 Ale

Formerly brewed at Bells Brewery
Style: American Strong Ale
Kalamazoo, Michigan USA

Pre-Great Taste sampling at 1FastSti’s house

This came out about halfway through the night at the same time as a Goose Island Batch 2000. It was an interesting contrast to try both - this one wins by the slighest of margins only because my sample was slightly larger.

Aroma / Appearance - Barley, malts and some type of fruity nose that I couldn’t quite identify were the primary contributors to the aroma of this rich smelling beer. The amber colored body seemed to have a small head, but by the time I got around to rating it there was none to be seen.

Flavor / Palate - Oak, vanilla and a rich warming alcoholic sensation washed over me on the first sip. The few sips I had were a mixture of caramel, baker’s chocolate, cherry pie and caramel butter. Without being too thick, the mouthfeel filled out everywhere. Overall the balance was amazing. I am surprised that it has held up so well after so long.

Light tan/copper color small well laced off white head. Aroma is very sweet brown sugar and carmel malts light alcohol. Palate is well coated and creamy. Flavor is nutty carmels mellow well blended. Very good. Thanks a bunch to Jason for sharing.

(12oz bottle, thanks artusory) Opaque/cloudy amber body with small white head. Aroma is moderately sweet, floral, caramel, light butterscotch. Taste is moderately sweet, caramel, earthy/floral, some orange/cherry. Sticky, medium-full body.

Bottle from trade with walleye. Thanks Jim. Hazy amber body with a small off-white head. The aroma is a wonderful example of how oxidation can benefit a beer. Lightly oxidatized malts with nuts and caramel. The flavor is toffee, nuts, touch of chocolate and roast at the end. Just a touch of acidity. The mouthfeel is very soft, light and smooth.

Courtesy of artusory (from Walleye). Fluffy head, decent retention. Orange appearance with a reddish core; think sunset. Candy sugar, orange peel on the nose. Slightly oxidized, but still magical. Malt and orange in the mouth, viscous, with a completely unexpected finish of chocolate and maple syrup. A surprising, layered strong ale.

Bottle obtained in a trade with <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/ViewUser.asp?U target=blank> ClarkVV, thanks Clark. Dark copper with some orange in colour, lasting white head, some lace. The aroma was of dark fruits, some caramel, earthy malts, some butterscotch and brown sugar. The flavour is malty, some gingerbread, rye, caramel, molasses, figs and plums. Lightly bitter mouthfeel, medium body, medium carbonation. Finishes lingering, quite smooth. Still holding up very well after all these years.

Bottle with much thanks to jtw for this great extra! Pours a hazy copper color with a filmy white head. The aroma has some fruit notes, caramel, and some nice malt backbone. Flavor, a nice sweetness with a little spice to it. I was very worried this wouldn’t be all that great due to the age on it, but it’s held up pretty well. I was just stunned that I managed to get a 4000, 5000, and a 6000 within just over a month of each other. Trading is great.

12 oz bottle, via Walleye. The bottle opens with a rather hearty escape of co2, a good sign. Pours a dark copper with a reddish tinge and a slight haze. A small fizzy head fades fast to a thin ring. Aroma certainly has a good amount of oxidation but some great sherry and beef boullion notes have developed. Luckily I like the oxidation. Flavor has alot going on, bacon, chocolate, sherry, cherry pits, and a touch of port. Finish is smokey with lots of oxidation and no hint of hops at all. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with a slight stickiness and a great soft carbonation. Amazing carbonation for being six years old. I really enjoyed this alot, I know that this was not meant to be aged when made, but I think that this did great.