Special Double Cream Stout

Bell's

Special Double Cream Stout

(Specs) 6.1 ABV

Colour: Black

Aroma: roasted malt, chocolate

Head: light brown, small amount

Initial Taste: sweet chocolate notes

Mouthfeel: velvity and bitter, coffee notes medium-heavy body

Aftertaste: intense coffee sourness, but not unpleasant

Note: As the beer sits in the air / warms up, its flavours really develop

Verdict: This beer is a keeper, you really get a huge amount of chocolate and coffee wrapped within a velvety cushion without the crushing heaviness that usually accompanies it.

Yes, the beer is hard to find. Yes, it is expensive. Yes, you should buy it.

You'll thank me.

Maple Bacon Ale

Rogue / Voodoo Donut

Maple Bacon Ale

(Specs) 6.1 ABV

Colour: 

Aroma: Slightly hoppy, very maple-y, very bacon-y

Head: 

Initial Taste: intense maple and bacon flavours,

Mouthfeel: very rich, medium body, a hoppiness develops

Aftertaste: slightly sweet, maple-y aftertaste

Verdict: I don't know how they did it, but it literally tastes like Maple Bacon Donut, combined with beer. Though the flavours are bold, I don't find it tastes like chemicals or artificial flavouring, just the real deal. Your opinion of this beer will depend entirely on your opinion of Maple, Bacon, and their combination--if you don't like either, you won't like it; if you do, then you won't be able to get enough.

That said, as with many super small-batch beers, I highly recommend checking this beer out if you have the chance. It is an experience to have and to share. Especially since you probably won't be able to finish a bottle yourself, I suggest getting a couple of friends and splitting it after dinner or something. Maybe with some donuts.