Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout

Monday, July 25, 2011
Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout- 6.00% ABV
Comstock, MI
Pat’s Liquor – 10.99

stout  (stout)
adj. stout·er, stout·est
1. Having or marked by boldness, bravery, or determination; firm and resolute.
2. Strong in body; sturdy.
3. Strong in structure or substance; solid or substantial.
4. Bulky in figure; thickset or corpulent.
5. Powerful; forceful.
6. Stubborn or uncompromising: put up stout resistance to the proposal.

Ah, Stouts. One of my favorite styles of beer that I have encountered is hands down the Stout. Wether it be Oatmeal, Dry, Chocolate, or Imperial Stout this style of brew will always hold a special place in my heart. First came the Porter, a brown to black ale which derives its character mostly from dark malts. The strongest of Porters were referred to as ‘Stout Porters’ and in time Stout became a style in its own right, although to this day they are still closely related. The most commercially successful stout in America (and much of the world) is Guinness, brewed originally by Arthur Guinness in the early 18th century. Guinness is a Dry Stout low in alcohol which on tap uses nitrogen to enhance its famous foamy head. Stouts and Porters are some of the more intimidating styles of beer, but if you enjoy a pint of Guinness it is worth trying out other Stouts many of which will surprise you with their unmatched flavours.
Today, and yesterday, and the day before, I enjoyed Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout. If you have never had a Bell’s beer, get to it! These brewers from Comstock, Michigan really know what they are doing. Their Hopslam, and Two-hearted ale are some of my favourite hoppy beers. But back to Kalamazoo. On the label we are informed that it is made with “Brewers Licorice”, which honestly made me a tad nervous at first but one bottle later and I am now a believer. This Brew is pitch black, even when held to the light nothing gets through. A finger of tan head offers up scents of roasted barley, coffee, dark chocolate and licorice. The flavour is luxurious and complex. The sweetness from the dark malts is well balanced by the roasted barley and allows just the right amount of the licorice, coffee and cocoa to travel over the tongue. This is a very heavy beer, and the slightly above average alcohol content is apparent. I may be bias towards stouts, but I am going to give this one an 8.5/10. Now stop reading reviews and go drink delicious beer.

Cheers, Matt