Bells Rye Stout

Brewed by Bells Brewery
Style: Stout
Kalamazoo, Michigan USA

Bottle and rerate (batch 9370). Similar to the previous rating with these changes: aromas lack a "sourness." Instead, they are earthy and nutty with detectable rye. Flavor seems to be sweeter... no longer a bitterness. This sweetness seems to bury a little bit of the rye presence, though. All I can think this time is that I would LOVE to try a barrel aged version of this... (I made no changes to the numbers.) Looks just like a good stout, dark, tan head, etc. Smells a little off... sour, earthy aromas of peat and minimal chocolate undertones. Rye is present in flavor, and then gives way to burn malt and bitter chocolate. Finally ends up with a cream flavor that dissipates quickly. Could finish a little stronger, aftertaste is pretty brief. Different.

Black with brown edges. Small, tan head settles completely. Nose and taste of burnt, roasty, grainy malt, coffee beans, and cocoa powder. Mocha aftertaste. Medium/full, balanced body. Great dry, roasty stout.

Dark with alot of sediment. Raisiny and a bit sour. Nice stron hoppy bite in the end.

Draft at rustico. Dark with thin head. Aroma is roasted with some sweetness. Moathful has a big rye bitterness that complements the roasted malt well. Nice dry finish.

12 oz bottle thanks to santa. Black pour with a small head. Aromas were roasty with just a tuch of that chocolate/coffee expected. Flavors were very roasted malt, with a touch of burnt that made me think porter. Some rye flavor in the malt. Pretty good

Glad I finally got to try this one. Pitch black pour with a nice though small brown head. Aroma is strongly rye, bready, with nice stouty undertones. There is a lot of rye in the flavor, too, maybe too much so, that cover up the roastiness. Tastes a little "cold," for lack of a better term. Rich and creamy palate. I always love experimental brews like this. This one has a really unique taste.

Bottle (12oz). via Trade with Pailhead - thanks, K!. Enjoyed at about 12 degrees celsius. Poured deep ruby-brown with a large creamy-foamy tan head. Typical stout/porter dry roastiness (chestnuts, light coffee/chocolate with a hint of tart fruit and cream) - plus a somewhat sour rye and hop tang - not incredibly balanced, but appealing nonetheless. Taste is a continuation of the aroma - sour fruit overtones with a backbone of rye and roast, quick slightly bitter finish, but mostly dark roast malt. Mouthfeel is creamy and fairly thick, rather flat and a touch acidc - I liked it! Decent lactic character really makes this a smooth drink.

Batch 7235 Feb. 2006 Consumed 4.14.09. Dark with an off white head. Aroma is nice, smooth and a bit light. Taste is sweet, creamy, peppery, A bit spicy in the back of the throat. Very good.