A few weeks ago, I went to a Bell’s tapping party at The Beer Sellar. They tapped twenty different beers, including the Black Note Stout, one of the best Bell’s beers I have ever had. When we first got there, they were having an issue with the keg. They started taking names and putting them on a list because they only had one keg of it. We ended up getting to try it, but they gave us very small samples. They still charged us full price, but it’s a big beer.
I wrote about the beers we had that night, but I also wanted to write about all of the beers they have. I wanted to talk about their bottled beer, anyway. I am not sure how many of their beers are bottled and how many are available on draught, but I know all of the beers they have in bottle. I will break it down by year-round and seasonals below.
Bell’s Amber Ale – 5.8% ABV
This is the Bell’s flagship beer made from mostly pale malt with some Munich and caramel malts. This gives the beer a slightly sweet flavor that is balanced by a mélange of American hops. The result is a deep copper color and rich flavor.
Third Coast Beer – 4.8% ABV
A golden beer brewed with pale malts. Large American hop additions contribute a crisp refreshing bitterness. A tribute to the Great Lakes, Third Coast Beer is a truly quaffable beer.
Bell’s Pale Ale – 5.2% ABV
A refreshing blond ale made from a delicious blend of pale malts with a distinctive spicy floral aroma and taste.
Two Hearted Ale – 7.0% ABV
An Indiana Pale Ale style well suited for adventurous trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. American malts and enormous hops additions give this beer a crisp finish and incredible floral hop aroma. This is one of Bell’s most popular beers.
Bell’s Porter – 5.6% ABV
A robust porter for all occasions. A tasty blend of dark malts give this beer flavors of coffee and chocolate with subtle roasted notes.
Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout – 6.0% ABV
A full-bodied stout with plenty of malt/roast flavor that is balanced by straightforward hop bitterness.
Bell’s Lager Beer – 5.0% ABV
As refreshingly crisp as a morning swim in a Great Lake, this brew is crafted with Pils and Munich malts. The pronounced hop character of this golden lager sparks thoughts of sandy beaches and rocky islands.
Bell’s Oarsman Ale – 4.0% ABV
Designed as a flavorful session beer, Oarsman Ale uses a classic German brewing technique to import a light, refreshing tartness.
The rest of these beers are seasonal. I had the chance to try the Hopslam Ale for the first time this year. I have also tried the Bell’s Cherry Stout and the Third Coast Old Ale this year as well. As a matter of fact, I am drinking a Bell’s Third Coast Old Ale right now.
Bell’s Oberon Ale – 5.8% ABV
An American wheat ale brewed with Saaz hops. Spicy and fruity, Oberon is the color and scent of a sunny afternoon. This beer is available in Florida, Alabama, Arizona and Puerto Rico year-round.
Bell’s Winter White Ale – 5.0% ABV
A European-style wheat ale with fruity and spicy flavors. A cold weather easy drinking beer. This beer is available September thru April.
Bell’s Best Brown Ale – 5.8% ABV
Enjoy this smooth brown ale while autumn takes us on a colorful tour into winter. Thankfully, Best Brown Ale’s toasty malt character makes it a delicious beer for all types of weather. This beer is available September thru April.
Third Coast Old Ale – 10.2% ABV
Perfect for your cellar, Third Coast Old Ale is strong and rich. Its caramel malt and long, slow finish create an experience as warm and inviting as your favorite blanket. And yes… I have a favorite blanket. This beer is available October thru March.
Bell’s Special Double Cream Stout – 6.1% ABV
Brewed with a blend of 10 different malts, Double Cream is an incredibly rich stout composted of dark, sweet and smooth tones intermingled with a soft, roasty finish. This beer is available October thru March.
Bell’s Cherry Stout – 7.0% ABV
A mysterious dance of tart Michigan cherries with dark, roasted malts of a big and bold stout. This beer is available October thru March.
Bell’s Expedition Stout – 10.5% ABV
An incredible balance of strength and beauty, this imperial stout is graceful enough for a snifter after dinner, yet hearty enough to be packed for the toughest treks. This beer is available October thru March.
Bell’s Hopslam Ale – 10.0% ABV
A biting bitter, tongue bruiser of an ale. With a name like Hopslam, what did you expect? This beer is available in early January.
Bell’s Consecrator Doppelbock Beer – 8.0% ABV
A traditional doppelbock fermented with an old world lager yeast. Reddish brown in color, with a mild hop profile, Consecrator is a well-balanced, full-bodied lager with a smooth, malty finish. This beer is available on Fat Tuesday each year.
Bell’s Octoberfest Beer – 5.8% ABV
A coppery amber lager that showcases a full-bodied, malty flavor that is balanced by a refreshing bitterness derived from fine noble hops. This beer is available mid-August thru September.
Well there you have it… a ton of beer from Bell’s. Like I said, I am sipping on one right now. The beers aren’t cheap, but the year-round ones are reasonably priced. I paid $16.99 for the Third Coast Old Ale. I guess it’s worth it for a beer over 10% ABV.
What is your favorite Bell’s beer?
