Third Coast Old Ale

Brewed by Bells Brewery
Style: Barley Wine
Kalamazoo, Michigan USA

I’ve had this several times in the past, but what a treat to have it on tap at the source! Mahogany based with a ruby/amber glow and noticable viscosity. A sandy/cream-colored head stays late as wisps and halo. Aroma of big, malty caramels. Citrus starts with subtlety but finally arrives with the juiciness of a ripe tangerine. Thick yet dry. Flavor finds alot of honey before a citrusy-maltbomb of flavor. A repressed dank character quantifies the "old ale" moniker. That along with a touch of grit in the finish. A little spiciness comes out late as well.

<font size=-4>Draught pint (after pint, after pint...) at <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/Place/michigan/kalama Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo, MI 49007</font>

After years of not being able to find this one, I happened upon a 6er in MO on vacation. My great memories of this beer have been upheld with great malt, and great balance in a beer that although good now, perhaps may benefit with a few months of age on it. Definitely one of my favorites.

Bottle. First couple sips took me by surprise, didn’t hit me right. More malty and syrupy than anticipated. Lots of raisin and cherry. However, it just kept getting better and better. Alcohol is hidden and it is very smooth. Really enjoyed it after the initial surprise; not like a lot of barleywines.

not what i was expecting from a baley wine. Aroma was slightly malty, but i seemed to be getting big notes of cherry, and cognac. Flavour as very smooth, and the alcohol was very well hidden. Finish was nice and bitter with more cognac notes. Nice barley wine, but not my fav

Dark murky amber pour with a light tan head. This beer smells amazing. Dark fruit, raisins, pineapple, spice, light hops, just very rich. Syrupy sweet and smooth mouthfeel with caramel, a lot of raisin and more dark fruit flavors, then a little hoppiness hinting at a barely burnt/smoke flavor before a nice alcohol finish. Fantastic beer from the brewery down the road. As Bells goes, this one puts up a fight with Expedition. Awesome.

Pours murky amber with a moderate head. Aroma of molasses, spices, and caramel. Very smooth flavor with nice alcohol finish.

Fantastic beer. A very matured flavor even fresh. A musty hoppiness and deep toffee/caramel maltiness. Not overly complex, but with age the slight vinuous nature of the beer will emerge and the hops will settle very similarly to Behemoth from FFF. 848417 ----- Batch 7695 Date consumed 7/27/08 Aroma is huge caramel maltiness, port, caramel. Bright red fruit. Looks beautiful: bright amber/orange, legs that go on forever. Taste is sweet red fruit, some club soda flavor, faded hops, caramel, oxidation. Finish is harsh bitter hoppiness with a lot of pine and citrus. 9/5/8/4/17 ------ Batch 7124 Consumed 7/31/08 Aroma is bright red fruit, some sherried oxidation, and alcohol. After three years this beer has become subdued in carbonation, bright, ripe red fruit, still hoppy, plum. Very, very nice. Finishes smooth. 9/4/9/5/17

Pours dark red/brown with a moderate head. Strong alcoholic warmth upfront with a berry, caramel, wine-like quality. Aroma of raisins and molasses of sorts. Quite a crazy beer!