Brett & Tim, two of The Beer Stooges, recently attended Bell’s Brewery’s 2022 “Roll Out the Barrel” Event which took place on January 30th. This event was held at the famous Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The event usually features many rare beers, including some you may only find at the event. It also usually includes a limited release beer that is also bottled and sold. The event used to be held in October and would draw the masses. Now, it is held to coincide with Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week, a week in which Kalamazoo turns its focus to craft beer, cocktails, and amazing food….to celebrate the college city’s nightlife, historic bars, and brewing history.
Before reading on and checking out our Untappd reviews…this vlog from The Beer Stooges below will give you a terrific idea of what the event was like. It includes some pretty good tips if you plan to attend the event in the future!
The video clipped off part of my verbiage at the end. It should read “Keep Everyone Safe” instead of just “Keep Everyone”
This popular event usually goes get pretty busy. You’ll want to arrive early to ensure not only that you get in, but that you get a table as well. Flights are the recommended way to go so you can try so many different beers. As you can see by the photos below….the line does form quick (photo taken from where the stooges were at in line, then looking back at the Brett and the line behind him).
Another thing to note, in these trying times as we continue to try to move out of the pandemic, Bell’s DOES REQUIRE either a negative test (within 72 hours) or Proof of Vaccination to enter. The easiest way to do this is via the Clear Health App, but they were accepting physical cards, photos, etc…
Another thing that has to be talked about is the FOOD. Craft Beverages may be the focus during the week….but many of the participating locations also have amazing food items. Bell’s was no different! The video talks about it better, but just look at this deliciousness below!
Anyway, let’s get to the nitty gritty (or should we say grain & hops?) and let’s take a look at the beer that was drank. But first, take a look at the amazing menu that was offered:
Brett had the following during the event (all were a part of flights so many different options could be had):
-Madeira Barrel Aged Double Brown Ale (Double Brown Ale Aged in Madeira Wine Barrels)
-BBA Chocolate Vanilla Cherry Stout (Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout with Chocolate, Cherry, and Vanilla)
-Bell’s 30th Anniversary Cherry Stout Reserve (Barrel Aged Imperial Cherry Stout)
-Bourbon Barrel Aged Jupiter (Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Brown….a Bourbon Barrel Aged Version of Bell’s Jupiter from The Planet Series)
-Bourbon Barrel-Aged Black is Beautiful (Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout…a BBA of Bell’s original Black is Beautiful)
-Wisc-y Old Fashioned (Brandy Barrel Aged Scotch Ale with Orange Peel & Cherries)
-Bourbon Barrel Aged Dagger Stout (Bourbon Barrel Aged Dry-Hopped Stout. A BBA of Bell’s Dagger Stout)
-Cinnamon Blackbeard’s Rum Barrel Aged Bear Hug Stout (Imperial Stout Aged with Cinnamon in Rum Barrels)
-BBA Peach Sour (Bourbon Barrel Aged Sour Brewed with Peaches)
-Tripel Lindy (Wine Barrel Aged Belgian Style Triple)
Check out the photo gallery below that showcases Brett’s Beer ratings (plus some photos of the beer)
Tim had the following (once again, all a part of flights). His ratings are included. Some he didn’t rate and forgot to check in afterwards. Those ratings aren’t included.
-Madeira Barrel Aged Double Brown Ale (Double Brown Ale Aged in Madeira Wine Barrels) – 3.75
-BBA Peach Sour (Bourbon Barrel Aged Sour Brewed with Peaches) – 4.25
-Bell’s 30th Anniversary Cherry Stout Reserve arrel Aged Imperial Cherry Stout) – 4.00
-Wisc-y Old Fashioned (Brandy Barrel Aged Scotch Ale with Orange Peel & Cherries) – 5.00
-Bourbon Barrel Aged Black is Beautiful (Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout…a BBA of Bell’s original Black is Beautiful) – 4.25
-Captain Long Haul (Rum Barrel Aged version of Bell’s Black Note) – 4.00
-Cinnamon Blackbeard’s Rum Barrel Aged Bear Hug Stout (Imperial Stout Aged with Cinnamon in Rum Barrels) – 4.00
-Chocolate Cinnamon Stout (American Stout brewed with chocolate & cinnamon) – 4.00
-Wine Barrel Aged Sour Bright White (Wine Barrel Aged Sour Belgian Style Wheat Ale….a WBA version of Bell’s Bright White (formerly Winter White)) – Not Checked-In
-Bourbon Barrel Aged Dagger Stout (Bourbon Barrel Aged Dry-Hopped Stout. A BBA of Bell’s Dagger Stout) – Not Checked-In
Here’s just some photos of the flights, because why not? Once again….it is highly recommended that you utilize tasters
The Beer Stooges also bought special four packs of “Larry’s Last” which is a Imperial/Double Oatmeal Stout that was Larry’s Last official recipe. As many may know, Bell’s was sold to Australian beer company Lion and it’s Asian parent company Kirin. Bell’s will now be partnered with the New Belgium brand, which will create incredible synergy within the market. The future is surely bright.
The two stooges also bought four packs of the Bourbon Barrel Aged Chocolate Expedition Stout, which was the limited release beer of the event. Video reviews on these two will be done at a later date, so make sure you subscribe on YouTube as well as here (it’s simple, just enter your email to the right) for when those are complete and posted.
This is certainly an event that we recommend you have on your calendar if you are a beer enthusiast! Hopefully 2023 will be as amazing.
We’ll end with three final photos. Bell’s had a water main break just outside the Eccentric Cafe just a few days prior to the event. Thankfully, they were able to be open on January 30th so we could have an amazing experience. One of the photos below is of the area where the repairs are taking place.
Until next time, thank you for watching/reading and subscribing. Cheers, everybody!
Like what you read here? Check out our World of Brews. You’ll see some beer ratings, travels, and more!
P.S.
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