I really have to give a lot of love to Bells Brewery out of Kalamazoo, Michigan. The first time I had one of their beers was at my local Flying Saucer Draft Emporium here in Kansas City. It was their Imperial IPA called Hopslam. I mean I seriously almost cried after taking my first sip of its pineapple and mango hoppiness. It was THE most pivotal moment in my beer tasting journey and would become the moment I knew I would really dig my teeth into the craft beer industry. Keep in mind, too, that this was only last January. So you can see what type of impression it had on me. But we’re talking about their Java Stout today, so let’s do it. If you like coffee and stouts, then you’re in for a treat. This bad boy has both. It’s a style that has taken off in recent years where breweries actually add coffee beans to the brew tanks to further enhance the already coffee-like qualities that come from the heavily roasted malts. And though I tend to think the coffee is a touch heavy in this brew, I think that’s the point. Furthermore, I believe this style of beer is one that can be a gateway for a lot of folks in that they can at least relate to the heavy coffee notes. Oh yeah…if you’re one of those people (like me) who loves to make breakfast for dinner, look no further than Bells Java Stout to be the perfect accompaniment. I might also recommend Founders Breakfast Stout and Mikkeller Beer Geek Breakfast if you are a fan of these coffee-centric stouts. But the best coffee stout is yet to come on The Hopry. It should be posted in the next week or so. Be on the lookout!!!
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This beer can be found in these states (including Missouri).
On the iPod: Gillian Welch
Brewery: Bells
Beer: Java Stout
Style: Stout
Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
ABV: 7.5%
Rating: 91/100
