Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout
One of my favorite stouts, and (as I’ve mentioned before) it might be the best stout in the state of Michigan.
Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazo, Michigan is known for a few things - Eccentric Day (the wildest annual brewery party you’ll ever see), Oberon (their perennial Michigan summer classic), and producing several solid, all-around good beers.
The Kalamazoo Stout is one of those all-around solid beers. It has a nice, chocolate color and aroma, and the malt balances well with the slight hop bitterness.
This is one that I go for when I want something dark, with some body, but not too adventurous or out there.
Can’t go wrong.
9/10
Ian!
FALSE!
Do you realize how high a 9/10 is?! Maybe, MAYBE within the regular old stout category could this fine stout get a 9/10. However, place it next to the Blackout Stout from Great Lakes or the Expedition Stout from Bell’s and it comes up quite short. As an overall rating, I would give it a 7. It is a great beer, as you mention, and consistently performs well, but i cannot say that it is a 9 among all beers. In fact, it is also a good value for the money you pay for a 6 pack, or even by the bottle, but this beer just doesn’t blow me away like a 9 should.
I am a fan.
You need to come to Baltimore to experience the local brews. It is your duty to your readers!
Funny you mention that, Jason, my sister is at Johns Hopkins for her Ph.D. and I need to go visit her. Any recommendations?