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30th Anniversary Ale

Michigan
United States
Bell's 30th Anniversary Beer
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
95
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Description 

In 1985, Larry Bell set out on a quest for better beer with his 15-gallon soup pot.

Thirty years later, we will release our 30th Anniversary Ale.

An American Imperial Stout, Bell’s 30th Anniversary Ale is also a nod to another beer and one of the earliest examples of the style released here in the United States, Bell’s Expedition Stout.

“This beer is a testament to three-plus decades of hard-work. It honors all that has helped us get to this point – hard work, quality and authenticity,” said Larry Bell, Bell’s President and Founder.

“It reminds us of where we’ve been, how we’ve grown over the years, the challenges we’ve faced and at the same time, looks forward to what comes next,” he added.

Flavors of dark chocolate and fruit meld to create a full-bodied, roasty stout.

A fair amount of Polaris hops lend a brightness and a nice character that will help carry the beer in its early stages making it incredibly drinkable and interesting. Malt characteristics will continue to develop over time, so that beer drinkers who choose to cellar it can enjoy the beer for years to come.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
11.0%
Hops: 
Polaris
Judges Review 
Graham L. Barron's picture
Judges Rating:
95
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

This beer pours a dark brown to black color, with high viscosity and a slight, tan-colored head that does not linger for long. Strong aromas of coffee, roasted barley, chocolate, cocoa nibs and rich, sweet malt hit you in the nose. Some dark fruit mixes in but no hops are to be found. There is some nuttiness in the background along with a punch of alcohol that lets you know this is a big beer. The taste is predominantly sweet – with toffee maltiness, chocolate and dark fruit all ending in a bitter finish. The bitterness, however, appears to come from the dark grains, not the hops, and lends the beer a bit of an astringent and dry finish. This is a big, warming and chewy beer that, as it warms, begins to resemble a boozy chocolate milkshake. This beautiful imperial stout is the perfect way to celebrate a birthday, promotion or other special occasion... such as a 30th anniversary!