2002 bottle. Tasted like coffee mixed with beer. About as simple as you would imagine. It was interesting, sure, but come on Bells, stop making novel beers with 1 particular ingredient that stands out. I get tired of being disappointed by their monthly stouts. But I am being too harsh, at least they make lots of stouts, more than most breweries can say. Again, a simple, smooth stout, with bittersweet coffee tones. 8/4//6/2/12
2004 bottle After having Founders Breakfast, Kuhnhenn’s Creme Brulée and Péché Mortel, it was high time I rerated this one. So here we go. Roasty peanuts and coffee beans in the nose, a bit of bitter chocolate and some lactic notes. Flavor is much more rounded than I recall from 2 years ago. There’s more chocolate in this coffee stout, which translates to more sweetness and more balance. Gritty, chewy, medium-full to full body, low carbonation. They’ve certainly worked this one out. Chocolate and roast on the finish, a bit of vanilla and hops as well. 8/5/8/4/16

I wasn’t overly impressed with this beer. Expected a lot more. 2002 Bottle. Seems like it was unbalanced, too much sweetness, needs a touch more bitter hops. Granted it maintains a a port wine-like flavor. Not a bad barley wine, though it just dosent stand out from the better ones out there, in my opinion. 7/21/03 on tap at Ashleys in Ann Arbor. Gave it another chance, somewhat better than I recall, though it still seemed a bit monotoned (sweet caramel) and unadventurous. Had a sweet alcohol burn flavor up front with some cherry and other fruit notes, and a grainy malt flavor followed. A good beer, but there is still something missing, sure this is made well, but it lacks any unique character that I look for in barleywine! Maybe third time will be the charm. . . Third time wasnt the charm 2003 bottle. Still a solid beer, but nothing jumps out at me. I would drink it given the choice, but not go out of my way. Ok trying it yet again, head to head with Bigfoot, I can appreciate the slightly better balance and less cellar time needed (bigfoot is almost undrinkable when it’s young). Sweet, fairly simple, but good.

Replacing an earlier rating. Deep brown body with reddish highlights, thin off-white head. Rich roasted malt aroma. Flavor of strong roasted malts with dark chocolate, finishing quite bitter. Lacks any sense of sweetness to balance out the bitterness, and is a bit thin, but still quite good.

Time to update an older rating. Deep translucent orange-brown body, no head (but well-carbonated). Light nose of brown sugar, burnt caramel, and toffee. Rich, toasty body, with burnt caramels, brown sugar, a hint of circus peanuts, and dark fruits. Finishes sweet with warming hints of alcohol. A robust doppelbock, either the beer or my perception of the beer being more "true to style" this year than in recent years.

Original rating: How does a doppelbock by one of America’s finest brewers (Bells) stack up to Ayinger Celebrator? Surprisingly well! This beer starts out with an off-white head complementing an amber body (lighter color than Celebrator). Aroma is somewhat weak. Flavor is rich, almost overpowering, dominated by malty, sugary overtones. Aftertaste is somewhat sour. Overall, this one is not quite as smooth and silky as Celebrator, but I am again impressed by a Bells brew! 6-3-8-3-15 (3.5).

A nice, smooth stout. The roasted flavors aren't as distinct in this one as they are in the other Bells stouts. This one does have a nice smooth, creamy feel, however. I would still suggest one of Bells regular stouts (Kalamazoo Stout or Double Cream Stout) over any of the November stouts.

Definitely a "dessert" beer. The cherry flavor, although strong, is a nice complement to the classic, potent roasted flavors of Bells stouts. This one pours like motor oil and tastes like antifreeze (just kidding, but it is sweet!). Pick up a six-pack to enjoy at a leisurely pace. Typically pricey though.