Recently while walking along 9th Avenue in midtown Manhattan, I came across a small bodega that had on display in its front window a long line of my favorite craft beers.  I was so mezmerized that I had to go in – knowing very well I could miss my ferry back home and face the rath of my wife and daughter for being late for our dinner plans.

As I opened the bodega’s front door, I could swear I heard harps playing and angels singing.  I was the proverbial kid in the candy store.  I found my favorite Bourbon Barrel Stout and grabbed as many bottles as I could carry.  No sooner did my taste buds start salavating over the thought of drinking my favorite stout, did I hear one of the angels sing to me…..well, ok, it was the bodega manager.  He said, “hey, if you like that beer, I have something even better.” “Go on,” I said – as the harps continued to play.

The bodega manager asked if I ever heard of Bell’s Brewery out of Michigan.  I never did.   I had no clue who they were. Thankfully that was about to change.  He said that they make the best Bourbon Barrel stout there is:  Bell’s Black Note Stout. Unfortunately, he had only one.  I took it and ran to my ferry…..I made it!  I was not going to be late for my evening with my girls AND I picked up some amazing brews.  What a wonderful way to end the work day.

While on the ferry making my way home, I texted a friend – who just happens to be an award winning home brewer AND from Michigan.  I asked if he ever had heard of Bell’s Brewery – specifically their 2016 Black Note Stout.  He immediately texted back asking where I found it.  I told him where and he said this is the white elephant of beers.  I wasn’t sure what he meant.  He explained that everyone knows it’s out there – lurking in the night – but you never see it.  I realized I had something special.  So, I decided to save it for a special occasion:  Friday evening!  What better way to celebrate the end of the work week?  I hoped I would not be disappointed.  Could I wait the three days until Friday?  Somehow I did.

So, before I tell you about the beer, let me tell you a little bit about the brewery. Bell’s is located in Kalamazoo, MI (Derek Jeter’s hometown) with a second, newer facility in Comstock, MI. Bell’s first began selling beer in 1985 under the name Kalamazoo Brewing Company and in 2005 changed its name to Bell’s Brewery.  In its first year it brewed 135 barrels of beer and by 2012, it was brewing over 500,000 barrels per year. 

Not only has Bell’s upped its annual productuon, it’s upped its game.  In 2011, the American Home Brewers Association voted Bell’s Two Hearted Ale (an IPA) the second best beer in the ENTIRE United States.  Given such an accolade, it comes as no surprise that Bell’s Black Note Stout is simply AMAZING!!!

So Friday finally arrives.  I run home after work and celebrate the weekend by cracking open my only bottle of the 2016 Black Note Stout and pouring it into my favorite beer chalice.  I immediately notice the dark night sky color and brown but very thin lacing.  I let it sit for a minute or two letting it airrate and open up like you would with an aged, old-world Burgundy or Bordeaux wine.

The bourbon flavor is prevalent starting with the first sip and continuing to the last.  There are notes of dried fruit – mostly dried figs and dates.  I have had many a bourbon barrel stout in the past and a good number of them felt like I was drinking mud or Turkish coffee: not this time.  This has to be the smoothest bourbon barrel stout I have ever had. The burboun flavor and notes of dried fruit were complimented by hints of dark chocolate and some light bitterness – very much like an Italian espresso. Saluti!

As you would expect, like most great bourbon barrel stouts, it packs a punch. It offers an ABV of 10.8% and 315 calories per 12 oz bottle.  If you are wondering what food I paired with this GRAND statement to the art of bourbon barrel stout beers, I ordered pork tacos from my favorite little taqueria.  What a great way to celebrate Friday!

I give this “white elephant” of beers a 4.65 out of 5.0 on the Viduch Scale (the highest rating I’ve ever given to date). Despite having wonderful bourbon flavoring, if it had just a little more, I would have given it a rating even closer to 5.0.  I love bouron barrel stouts – so the more bourbon flavor, the better as far as I am concerned.  Otherwise, this wonderful beer is as close to perfect as it gets.  Thank you to the manager of that little midtown Manhattan bodega on 9th Avenue!!!

Stay Hoppy my Friends!!!

Cheers!!!

Viduch

Remeber to always drink responsibly and only after reaching legal drinking age!!!