In a blind tasting by BJCP trained experts, this beer rated

88

Bell’s Brewery Kalamazoo Stout

Aroma: “Sweet roast, vanilla, coffee, and chocolate come through nicely. Low hops character with slight citrus notes. A hint of caramel sweetness. Smells like a vanilla latte. Moderate esters (cherry?) and a touch of damp wood.”

Flavor: “Very nice roast character with slight burnt-like sharpness. The sharpness mellows out with a medium chocolate sweetness. Sweet fruitiness carries through. Hops character is moderate and present in the finish, but not harsh. Finishes sweeter than expected, almost saccharine-like. Perhaps milk chocolate? As it progresses, it dries out a bit with some coffee and roast.”

Overall: “A nice American stout with a bitter hops finish that balances out the sweetness of the chocolate and pairs nicely with the roast of the malt. A little too sweet, but interesting with an enticing aroma. Otherwise, a standard American stout.”

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