The Brewery: Bell's Brewing (Kalamazoo, MI)
The Brew: Expedition Stout (Russian Imperial Stout)
Availability: Draft & Bottles (Limited)
ABV: 10.5%
Rating: 9.8/10
Location: Home
Found: Chicago
The Story? Back in the fall of 2012, thanks to my cousin Alex, I had my first taste of Bell's. He had a bottle of Bell's monstrous Expedition Stout from traveling earlier in the year. Fast forward to March of 2013 and picked up a six-pack while in Chicago. This Russian Imperial Stout is meant to be aged and so, I cracked into two of them to share upon the return home, but the rest went to the cellar.
10 months later, I had to see how things were progressing.
The Beer? Thick, lacy, hot-coco colored head tops Expedition's deep, dark, opaque brown body. Alluring aromas of sweet chocolate, dark fruit, and even soft hop citrus follow.
Huge, creamy chocolate flavors swirl around - sweet and wet at first, but quickly drying into baking coco, booze, and espresso. The mouthfeel is straight silk and far lighter than it should be for a beer with this much girth.
Expedition is completely exquisite with notes of vanilla, toffee, and bourbon rising in the second sip. A firm, bitter finish starts early and continues to build on itself. Earthy notes fill in further through. This roasted, slow sipper demands to be savored and not just because of the sheer 10.5% ABV, which instead is well masked by the rich, luxurious flavors. Towards the end, faint nods of licorice, anise and other herbs, and black tea finish off this deep darkness of a beer.
Overall, one of the best beers Bell's produces on a yearly basis and one of, if not the best 12 oz Imperial Stout. Highly recommended.
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