April 27, 2010
Bell's Sparkling Ale
Tonight’s beer is one that I picked out myself when I was at Bell’s Eccentric Café In Kalamazoo Michigan. One of the beers I chose was Bell’s Sparkling Ale by Bell’s Brewery in Comstock, MI.
It comes in a standard 12 oz brown bottle. There is a white label with a bluish/green border. There is a symbol in the middle that looks like a golden S with wheat and hops wrapped around it. The back label explains a little bit about the beer and states the beer has a 9% ABV.
It pours a nice golden amber color. Light passes through, but there is some haziness to it. A quarter inch white foamy head formed, but it faded quickly to a ring around the edge of the glass. There is some very minimal lacing. .
The smell starts off with a yeast scent that is quickly overcome with a strong sweet fruit scent. Citrus, pear mix to form a kind of pineapple smell. There is a touch of spicy hops to it. The flavor echoes the scent. A fruit flavor of pear and grapes. There is a nice touch of coriander and cloves. A slight grassiness rounds out the flavor. For having such a high ABV, you can’t taste the alcohol.
This is a medium bodied beer with strong carbonation. There is a slight creaminess to it that coats the mouth.
I enjoyed this beer. I don’t know that I would drink too many of them in one sitting, but I could see enjoying one or two with friends. I think this is definitely a good outdoor beer, sitting on the porch or around a campfire. I give it 5.5 out of 10.
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