Thanks for checking in another craft beer review guys.  Today I’m going to be sampling the Java Stout produced by Bell’s Brewery, Inc. located in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

I tend to really like Coffee Stouts, so I’m hoping this one strikes my fancy.

For the commercial description of this Winter seasonal let’s turn to the brewery’s website, bellsbeer.com.

Java Stout uses a custom blend of coffee beans, roasted locally for us by Water Street Coffee Joint, to generate its intense flavor. Possessing an unmistakable aromatic punch, Java Stout has long been one of our most popular stouts.

Let’s sip.

This product comes in a 12 oz. bottle and it has an ABV of 7.5%.

Well, after an overly aggressive pour by me (sorry about that), I noticed that the beer was dark brown to mostly black in color.  It had a tan colored head that was very large, smooth, creamy and soft.  It looked a little like the top of a chocolate milkshake.  The cap retained its size and shape for a tremendously long time and as the head worked its way down it left behind some nice patchy lacing clinging to the sides of the glass.

With the first whiff I was definitely getting hints of roasted coffee along with other roasted malts of toast and grain.  Just a touch of chocolate and maybe a smidgen of oatmeal were noticed also.  It had a slightly charred and burnt biscuity/bread characteristic commingled with a relaxed nuttiness.  Something akin to almonds I thought.  Not bad on the aroma.  It seemed suitable and balanced.

The taste seemed to reveal a bit more of the bitter chocolate.  I still had no problem getting savors of coffee, but they didn’t seem as forceful as they were in the nose.  More of the nuttiness and toasted grain was noticed, which seemed to give it a very “earthy” and “round” profile.  As the brew warmed it began to take on a creamier texture and taste that only added to the softness of flavor.

The mouthfeel was medium bodied and verging on thin.  It definitely was not as dry as I would have liked either.  It was smooth and creamy and it left a decent amount of flavor behind on the roof of the mouth and tongue, however I was expecting a thicker, more chewy feel.  Oh well.   

Overall, I think this is a decent little Coffee Stout.  I wouldn’t say that it’s the best representation of style out there, but it gave a noble effort.  I’d say this brew is worth a try.  I know I wouldn’t turn it down if it were offered to me.  Everything seemed to be balanced well enough and nothing seemed out of place or off putting.  It fits well with the cooler months and it’s a breeze to drink.  I had it finished in no time.  So, if you can get Bell’s Java Stout, try it, and let me know what you think of it.

Thanks for reading everyone.  I hope all is well.  Until next time.

Cheers.

Score:  3.65 out of 5
Grade:  B