Bell's Third Coast Old Ale

Heeeeeey, it's my birthday!!!!! And my wonderful Nathan brought home a mixed six-pack of mostly hoppy beers that we'll be sharing and reviewing on here tonight. This is a fantastic offering from Bell's and one of the beers of the fabled birthday sixer.

This is a beer that I prefer closer to room temperature, so it's now been sitting out in our glasses pretty much since Nathan got home. It's a fairly complex beer, and I can't wait to delve into it. Without further ado...

It pours a dark, clear amber color with a light caramel colored head. The nose is pure heaven. Oh wait, that's probably not technical enough for you beer geeks. There's a dried fruit aroma on the nose, almost raisins or cherries. There's also some significant malt aromas and... wait. Is that heaven? Yes, it is. Definitely heaven.  There is little head retention and moderate alcohol legs in this beer, which weighs in at a hefty 10.2% ABV.

This is Bell's barleywine. Yeah, a full six of these will knock you off your 4-inch heels. I'm picking up some Caramalts and dried fruit flavors, with a definite alcohol kick at the end. It's sweet on the nose and the finish, which I have come to expect from most decent or better barleywines. Seriously, a couple of sips in, and I'm feeling it. It has a very smooth and round mouthfeel, which the alcohol bite kicking in soon thereafter.

Third Coast Old Ale has quickly become one of my favorites from Bell's. As strong as Hopslam (it's almost here!), and so complex and interesting. Yum.

4.75/5 caps

-Jennie

Very well put, Jennie. The only thing I want to add is I also catch some alcohol notes in the nose. A beautiful example that despite being from the state up north.... um... I forget where I was going with this, just, damn, Bell's puts out some amazing brews. The only problem I have with this selection is the price. It's about $3.50 per single from decent beer stores (around $20 a six pack).

4.7/5

-Nathan