Issue #10: A Trip To The Third Coast

Bell's Brewery is an absolute powerhouse. Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, they have hit the mark time and time again. I don't think I have ever come away from one of their brews and not been satisfied. When my brother in-law and I stumbled across a case of their barley wine, Third Coast Old Ale, we knew we had to give it a go. We split the case and after blowing through my first six pack I decided to sit the rest in the cellar to see how they would develop over time. At almost 15 months from bottling I knew it was either now or never for this one and hoped I hadn't waited too long.

Bell's - Third Coast Old Ale - 10.2% ABV
Barley Wine
Winter Seasonal
12 oz bottle poured into goblet
Bottled 11/28/2011

Appearance - Pours a dark almost molasses like color with a creamy off white head with nice retention.

Aroma - Sweet and fruity but unique. Almost between sweet and dried fruit, somewhere in between grapes and raisins. Some vanilla and maybe a hint of peach.

Taste - Flavor is all malt. Fruity, sweet, almost bourbonesque.

Mouthfeel - Slightly thick, mild carbonation, incredibly smooth.

Overall - This is a great beer and was when I had it fresh. I loved it this time around too but I don't know that it got any better, it certainly didn't get worse however. The aroma and flavor were still excellent and very prominent. I could have definitely downed all of these when we bought them, but I'm glad I was able to save some and enjoy them now. 4/5

Drink On,

Dan