Bell's Mars (The Bringer Of War) | Bell's Brewery, Inc.
Brewed by:
Bell's Brewery, Inc.
Michigan, United States
bellsbeer.com
Style: American Double / Imperial IPA
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 10.10%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
Mars is the first beer release in the "Planet Series," inspired by the symphony written by composer Gustav Holst. Mars is a Double IPA with an intense hop profile and malty backbone. The hop flavor and aroma is complex, with notes of tropical fruit, pine, and citrus. A generous addition of Munich malt gives Mars it's toasty, deep malt character.
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the second smallest planet in the Solar System, after Mercury. Named after the Roman god of war, it is often described as the "Red Planet" because the iron oxide prevalent on its surface gives it a reddish appearance. Mars is a terrestrial planet with a thin atmosphere, having surface features reminiscent both of the impact craters of the Moon and the volcanoes, valleys, deserts, and polar ice caps of Earth. The rotational period and seasonal cycles of Mars are likewise similar to those of Earth, as is the tilt that produces the seasons. Mars is the site of Olympus Mons, the second highest known mountain within the Solar System (the tallest on a planet), and of Valles Marineris, one of the largest canyons. The smooth Borealis basin in the northern hemisphere covers 40% of the planet and may be a giant impact feature. Mars has two known moons, Phobos and Deimos, which are small and irregularly shaped.
Added by mothman on 06-27-2014
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 125 | Ratings: 1,158
3.6/5 rDev -12.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Like the remake of Total Recall, or frankly 90% of all Mars-based movies, this trip back to the Red Planet was not worth the voyage – and certainly not worthy of the 2 bottle per person limit at my local shop. I didn't try it first time around, but if I had, I wouldn't have picked the reboot over any other DIPA in the store. The Munich malt sweetens and thickens the flavor a bit too much, especially for a DIPA, the advertised tropical fruit flavors of the hops are little more than the classic apricot/stone fruit mixed with a piney, acidic zing that you get in half the other beers of the style out there. Most interesting part is the vague hint of bubblegum odor. You can certainly feel the heat of the 10% abv, the body is thick and a bit resinous, and the hops and malts both make their presence known, but if there's another strong, semi-sweet hoppy ale on the shelf when this sells out, you'll do no worse picking it up.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Like the remake of Total Recall, or frankly 90% of all Mars-based movies, this trip back to the Red Planet was not worth the voyage – and certainly not worthy of the 2 bottle per person limit at my local shop. I didn't try it first time around, but if I had, I wouldn't have picked the reboot over any other DIPA in the store. The Munich malt sweetens and thickens the flavor a bit too much, especially for a DIPA, the advertised tropical fruit flavors of the hops are little more than the classic apricot/stone fruit mixed with a piney, acidic zing that you get in half the other beers of the style out there. Most interesting part is the vague hint of bubblegum odor. You can certainly feel the heat of the 10% abv, the body is thick and a bit resinous, and the hops and malts both make their presence known, but if there's another strong, semi-sweet hoppy ale on the shelf when this sells out, you'll do no worse picking it up.
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4.33/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pillowy head. Golden color.
The very first thing that came to mind was horehound. Didn't get it after the first sip, but that was my first impression. Later was pineapple and resin.
Mouth is viscous and oily.
Overall, a great offering.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pillowy head. Golden color.
The very first thing that came to mind was horehound. Didn't get it after the first sip, but that was my first impression. Later was pineapple and resin.
Mouth is viscous and oily.
Overall, a great offering.
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4.66/5 rDev +13.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A - Pours a hazy copper, little bit of beige head. I don't really know how a beer can be 'beautiful', but this one manages. Head sticks around for awhile.
S - Lots and lots of citrus hop aroma, just how I like it. Some pine notes as well. Not pine tree strong, but substantial.
T - Same notes as the aroma, pine is more present on the tongue. Alcohol is present and pleasantly strong.
M - Light-Medium body, good carbonation but on the lighter side.
O - Really a great imperial IPA. Definitely a winner. Unfortunately I could only get 2, but at $3, I still think it was worth it and I'll pick up more if I can find it.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A - Pours a hazy copper, little bit of beige head. I don't really know how a beer can be 'beautiful', but this one manages. Head sticks around for awhile.
S - Lots and lots of citrus hop aroma, just how I like it. Some pine notes as well. Not pine tree strong, but substantial.
T - Same notes as the aroma, pine is more present on the tongue. Alcohol is present and pleasantly strong.
M - Light-Medium body, good carbonation but on the lighter side.
O - Really a great imperial IPA. Definitely a winner. Unfortunately I could only get 2, but at $3, I still think it was worth it and I'll pick up more if I can find it.
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4.33/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25
Clear amber color with a dense finger of head that slowly settled to a thin cap. Heavy lacing is left down the glass. Aroma is a combination of citrus and tropical fruit. Some dankness and raw green hop smells as well. The flavor is quite bitter and dominated by the hops. Notes of grapefruit, pineapple, and mango with a little pine and earthiness. Full bodied IPA and wonderfully carbonated leaves an outstanding texture on the palate.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25
Clear amber color with a dense finger of head that slowly settled to a thin cap. Heavy lacing is left down the glass. Aroma is a combination of citrus and tropical fruit. Some dankness and raw green hop smells as well. The flavor is quite bitter and dominated by the hops. Notes of grapefruit, pineapple, and mango with a little pine and earthiness. Full bodied IPA and wonderfully carbonated leaves an outstanding texture on the palate.
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4.4/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
i struck up a little gustav holst as the label recommends and set about sipping this marvelous wonder of a brew. as the glass turns upward, an ethereal toffee and flowery nose perflectly complements the surprisingly balanced pounding of fresh hops. red as its namesake and wonderfully smooth, though boasting almost no head despite a normal pour (mine was bottled this month). overall a magnificently peaceful experience from the bringer of war. thanks bell's!
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
i struck up a little gustav holst as the label recommends and set about sipping this marvelous wonder of a brew. as the glass turns upward, an ethereal toffee and flowery nose perflectly complements the surprisingly balanced pounding of fresh hops. red as its namesake and wonderfully smooth, though boasting almost no head despite a normal pour (mine was bottled this month). overall a magnificently peaceful experience from the bringer of war. thanks bell's!
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4.24/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from 12-ounce bottle into a snifter. Unsurpassed in appearance. Gorgeous hazy reddish amber in color, reminiscent of the Red Planet itself. Thick, white, long-lasting head that leaves lots of sticky lacing as it recedes. Big aromas and flavors of citrus, tropical fruit, and pine, with a malt backbone that provides sweetness and balance without becoming obtrusive, The high ABV is present without being overly assertive. Finishes clean, with some resiny bitterness. Overall, well balanced and an excellent beer.
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look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from 12-ounce bottle into a snifter. Unsurpassed in appearance. Gorgeous hazy reddish amber in color, reminiscent of the Red Planet itself. Thick, white, long-lasting head that leaves lots of sticky lacing as it recedes. Big aromas and flavors of citrus, tropical fruit, and pine, with a malt backbone that provides sweetness and balance without becoming obtrusive, The high ABV is present without being overly assertive. Finishes clean, with some resiny bitterness. Overall, well balanced and an excellent beer.
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4.18/5 rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a bottle into a Lost Abbey Teku. The pour is slightly hazy and a beautiful light amber color with about a finger of rocky white head. Average retention. On the nose I get cedar, grapefruit, lavender, fresh linen, and lemon.
The beer has a medium body and a silky feel. There is a fair amount of sweetness supporting the hops. I get fresh toast and marmalade, then orange, lemon candy, grapefruit, and apricot. Very balanced and drinkable. There is no booziness, just a little cedar on the finish along with sweet orange and lemon.
Overall, an excellent IIPA. I really like the malty sweetness that balances out all those hops. It doesn't create a medicinal note, just citrus candy. I'm glad Bell's brought this one back ('cause I missed it the first time). I hope they bring it back again.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a bottle into a Lost Abbey Teku. The pour is slightly hazy and a beautiful light amber color with about a finger of rocky white head. Average retention. On the nose I get cedar, grapefruit, lavender, fresh linen, and lemon.
The beer has a medium body and a silky feel. There is a fair amount of sweetness supporting the hops. I get fresh toast and marmalade, then orange, lemon candy, grapefruit, and apricot. Very balanced and drinkable. There is no booziness, just a little cedar on the finish along with sweet orange and lemon.
Overall, an excellent IIPA. I really like the malty sweetness that balances out all those hops. It doesn't create a medicinal note, just citrus candy. I'm glad Bell's brought this one back ('cause I missed it the first time). I hope they bring it back again.
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4.24/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
BO 04/07 consumed 04/17. Pours a hazed dark golden color with some yellow highlights with a small cream colored head, and very little lacing. Smell is white fruit, and tropical fruits with some citrus some caramel. Taste is tropical hop forward,pineapple ,mango, papaya, mix with grapefruit,orange and melon, nice sweet malts in the finish. mouth is sweet and soft and hoppy with very little bitterness, and ANBV well hidden ,very tasty , a top tier 2IPA here.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
BO 04/07 consumed 04/17. Pours a hazed dark golden color with some yellow highlights with a small cream colored head, and very little lacing. Smell is white fruit, and tropical fruits with some citrus some caramel. Taste is tropical hop forward,pineapple ,mango, papaya, mix with grapefruit,orange and melon, nice sweet malts in the finish. mouth is sweet and soft and hoppy with very little bitterness, and ANBV well hidden ,very tasty , a top tier 2IPA here.
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4.22/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from 12oz bottle into Bell's Hopslam Tulip. Bottled on April 7th 2017.
L: Hazy copper, finger width light beige head. Great retention, eventually fades into a thick ring and thin layer. Beautiful lacing. Quite a beautiful beer. Head retention isn't 100% but very close. Also would look better if it was clear.
S: Lots and lots of citrus hop aroma here. Grapefruit, pineapple, mango, guava. Some pine notes as well. Faint malt presence.
T: Again, lots of citrus, same notes as the aroma, pine is more present on the tongue. Malt is also more pronounced. Alcohol is present but not overwhelming. Pleasant.
F: Light-Medium body, good carbonation but on the lighter side. Residual hop oils sit on the tongue but are nice and pleasant, slightly dry finish.
O: Really a very good beer. I love Bell's and they definitely have a winner here. Not my favorite DIPA but damn near.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from 12oz bottle into Bell's Hopslam Tulip. Bottled on April 7th 2017.
L: Hazy copper, finger width light beige head. Great retention, eventually fades into a thick ring and thin layer. Beautiful lacing. Quite a beautiful beer. Head retention isn't 100% but very close. Also would look better if it was clear.
S: Lots and lots of citrus hop aroma here. Grapefruit, pineapple, mango, guava. Some pine notes as well. Faint malt presence.
T: Again, lots of citrus, same notes as the aroma, pine is more present on the tongue. Malt is also more pronounced. Alcohol is present but not overwhelming. Pleasant.
F: Light-Medium body, good carbonation but on the lighter side. Residual hop oils sit on the tongue but are nice and pleasant, slightly dry finish.
O: Really a very good beer. I love Bell's and they definitely have a winner here. Not my favorite DIPA but damn near.
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4.34/5 rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This beer pours a hazy red-orange color. The head is a half inch in height, and recedes into nice lacing. The aroma is grapefruit, pine resin, blood orange, and a faint floral thing. The taste is quite juicy with low perceived bitterness. There is a lot of tangerine, some grapefruit, and hints of passion fruit and mango. The mouthfeel is full bodied with a silky texture, and appropriate carbonation. Overall, this is a really good DIPA. I would much rather drink this than any of the batches of Hopslam I've had in the past half decade.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This beer pours a hazy red-orange color. The head is a half inch in height, and recedes into nice lacing. The aroma is grapefruit, pine resin, blood orange, and a faint floral thing. The taste is quite juicy with low perceived bitterness. There is a lot of tangerine, some grapefruit, and hints of passion fruit and mango. The mouthfeel is full bodied with a silky texture, and appropriate carbonation. Overall, this is a really good DIPA. I would much rather drink this than any of the batches of Hopslam I've had in the past half decade.
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3.54/5 rDev -13.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
I originally gave this beer a 2.5 eating but maybe because I was drinking it too fresh. I've always believed in drinking IPA'S fresh but perhaps it's just too Damn balanced when fresh. In an IPA I like tongue numbness and pine and after about 3 weeks this starts to shine. Ihave 2 left and will drink them next week with hopes it'll taste even better. Perhaps it's a beer out of this world...Perhaps Mars. As it ages in it's1st month you get more hops, oily resin, sticky, mango, and pine. Now starting to taste like a DIPA, glad I gotva 6 pack. Below is my original take @ 2.5:
L: misty head, orange (not red) body, tiny bubbly hop carbonation
A: starts off fruity, ends with rubbing alcohol scent
F: heavy but not imperial 120 IPA heavy but still heavy, mildly bitter but not bitter enough for a good IPA. Very boozy.
T: bitter, mild grapefruit, scotch like boozy, grassy, sugary, dry finish
O: after Hopslam and so many good Stone IPA'S along with the high hopes of anticipation of deliciousness for this beer I'm left with nothing but disappointment. very balanced but not what I want out of a DIPA, i want tongue numbness, wish I only got 1 but I will still try to enjoy the other 5.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
I originally gave this beer a 2.5 eating but maybe because I was drinking it too fresh. I've always believed in drinking IPA'S fresh but perhaps it's just too Damn balanced when fresh. In an IPA I like tongue numbness and pine and after about 3 weeks this starts to shine. Ihave 2 left and will drink them next week with hopes it'll taste even better. Perhaps it's a beer out of this world...Perhaps Mars. As it ages in it's1st month you get more hops, oily resin, sticky, mango, and pine. Now starting to taste like a DIPA, glad I gotva 6 pack. Below is my original take @ 2.5:
L: misty head, orange (not red) body, tiny bubbly hop carbonation
A: starts off fruity, ends with rubbing alcohol scent
F: heavy but not imperial 120 IPA heavy but still heavy, mildly bitter but not bitter enough for a good IPA. Very boozy.
T: bitter, mild grapefruit, scotch like boozy, grassy, sugary, dry finish
O: after Hopslam and so many good Stone IPA'S along with the high hopes of anticipation of deliciousness for this beer I'm left with nothing but disappointment. very balanced but not what I want out of a DIPA, i want tongue numbness, wish I only got 1 but I will still try to enjoy the other 5.
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4.17/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Not overly bitter as some reviews have made it out to be, but very hoppy. I know bells uses mostly pellet hops so I think in the case of DIPAs it has that limiting effect on it. Aroma is mainly citrus. Nice finish. Medium body.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Not overly bitter as some reviews have made it out to be, but very hoppy. I know bells uses mostly pellet hops so I think in the case of DIPAs it has that limiting effect on it. Aroma is mainly citrus. Nice finish. Medium body.
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4.2/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4.5
Pours a hazy orangish amber color with a thick ivory head with an aggressive pour. The aroma is citrus fruits and pine. Flavor is grapefruit at first with pineapple and a bitter pine finish. Doesn't have quite enough carbonation in the feel for me. Overall a great beer that's a little overpriced compared to some equally good DIPA's out there.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4.5
Pours a hazy orangish amber color with a thick ivory head with an aggressive pour. The aroma is citrus fruits and pine. Flavor is grapefruit at first with pineapple and a bitter pine finish. Doesn't have quite enough carbonation in the feel for me. Overall a great beer that's a little overpriced compared to some equally good DIPA's out there.
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4.29/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
12 oz bottled 4/7/17 poured into a snifter at fridge temp 10.1% ABV. The beer is a golden copper color with about an inch of khaki head from an aggressive pour. The beer is not hazy, exactly, but I can only see a shadow of my fingers on the backside of the glass. The head settles into a cap with some lacing. Aroma is tropical fruit and a little sweetness. The taste is a little sweet with the tropical fruit and citrus hitting first followed by a moderately bitter pine finish. Mouthfeel is full with some oily/sticky feel from the hops. Carbonation feels sharp, but that could be partly from the ABV. There is no hint of the ABV in aroma or taste. Overall, great example of the west coast DIPA. Thanks Bell's for bringing this one back around for those of us who missed it the first time.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
12 oz bottled 4/7/17 poured into a snifter at fridge temp 10.1% ABV. The beer is a golden copper color with about an inch of khaki head from an aggressive pour. The beer is not hazy, exactly, but I can only see a shadow of my fingers on the backside of the glass. The head settles into a cap with some lacing. Aroma is tropical fruit and a little sweetness. The taste is a little sweet with the tropical fruit and citrus hitting first followed by a moderately bitter pine finish. Mouthfeel is full with some oily/sticky feel from the hops. Carbonation feels sharp, but that could be partly from the ABV. There is no hint of the ABV in aroma or taste. Overall, great example of the west coast DIPA. Thanks Bell's for bringing this one back around for those of us who missed it the first time.
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4.02/5 rDev -2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle dated 4/7/17 poured into a tulip
A: Deep orange with a 1.5 finger head that lingers for ages
S: Pleasant orange, tangerine, tropical fruit and a hint of pine
T: A bit less citrus than the smell, adds some earthy/grassy notes and a solid malt backbone
M: Full-bodied
O: A solid DIPA though there are others I prefer more. Nice to try it again for sure
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle dated 4/7/17 poured into a tulip
A: Deep orange with a 1.5 finger head that lingers for ages
S: Pleasant orange, tangerine, tropical fruit and a hint of pine
T: A bit less citrus than the smell, adds some earthy/grassy notes and a solid malt backbone
M: Full-bodied
O: A solid DIPA though there are others I prefer more. Nice to try it again for sure
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2.16/5 rDev -47.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 1.75
On draft at Hunahpu's Day 2016.
Clear orange with a pretty substantial, sticky head.
BITTER BOMB! Big pine and resin, with maybe some tropical citrus, but just so fully dominated by bitterness that it's just offensive.
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look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 1.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 1.75
On draft at Hunahpu's Day 2016.
Clear orange with a pretty substantial, sticky head.
BITTER BOMB! Big pine and resin, with maybe some tropical citrus, but just so fully dominated by bitterness that it's just offensive.
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4.32/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: clear, bright crimson coloring, under a slimmish, off-white head.
Aroma: Potent and pungent. This would be proper usage of the mis-used term "dank." Smells like Otto's jacket. Deeply piney and resiny, citrus fruit stuffed in liquor bottles, then rolled on the forest floor, in search of your stash.
Taste: Massive mouthfeel. Intense. Fairly complex, floods the mouth with a multitude of sensations. Thick and slick on the palate, oozing hop bitterness and …and everything, man. yum.
Once in a while, you wonder that if after enough imperial IPAs, will you run out of things to say? Will it be more of the same, same ol' thing over and over again? It's true, I do wonder, I worry. But it's worth the worry to get to a good one like this.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Appearance: clear, bright crimson coloring, under a slimmish, off-white head.
Aroma: Potent and pungent. This would be proper usage of the mis-used term "dank." Smells like Otto's jacket. Deeply piney and resiny, citrus fruit stuffed in liquor bottles, then rolled on the forest floor, in search of your stash.
Taste: Massive mouthfeel. Intense. Fairly complex, floods the mouth with a multitude of sensations. Thick and slick on the palate, oozing hop bitterness and …and everything, man. yum.
Once in a while, you wonder that if after enough imperial IPAs, will you run out of things to say? Will it be more of the same, same ol' thing over and over again? It's true, I do wonder, I worry. But it's worth the worry to get to a good one like this.
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4.15/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from12oz bottle dated 7/31/2014. Might be past its prime but still tastes very good, although a little too malty. I wish I was able to try this fresh. 4.25
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from12oz bottle dated 7/31/2014. Might be past its prime but still tastes very good, although a little too malty. I wish I was able to try this fresh. 4.25
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4.58/5 rDev +11.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
I hate to do/admit this but this review is off of memory. Mars was fanf***ingtastic. I am currently drinking Uranus and once I saw I never reviewed this terrific brew I had to rectify that sin.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
I hate to do/admit this but this review is off of memory. Mars was fanf***ingtastic. I am currently drinking Uranus and once I saw I never reviewed this terrific brew I had to rectify that sin.
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5/5 rDev +22%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I am a huge DIPA fan and although the Planets Series by Bell's has berg very average, MARS was maybe the best DIPA I have ever had! Wish Bell's would mass produce this beer and ease up on The Oracle as I feel like it is jok. Was only able to have a few of these but it is a very special beer!
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look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I am a huge DIPA fan and although the Planets Series by Bell's has berg very average, MARS was maybe the best DIPA I have ever had! Wish Bell's would mass produce this beer and ease up on The Oracle as I feel like it is jok. Was only able to have a few of these but it is a very special beer!
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3.6/5 rDev -12.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: Very murky orange/brown, not very appealing. Plenty of streams of carbonation. Orange-tinted thin head, porous web of light lacing. Bottle art is distinctive but kinda boring.
S: Citrus fruit, syrupy. Hops are pretty limited, but plenty of toffee malt.
T: Bitterness is present throughout, flower and orange peel mix well with the sweet caramel/toffee. Even hints of mild chocolate.
M: A little syrupy, but not unaesthetic. Slightly astringent. A little rough. Does high ABV do that?
O: Very tasty, even though this bottle is past it's best-by date. The hops are more restricted than I would imagine, but that suits me just fine.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A: Very murky orange/brown, not very appealing. Plenty of streams of carbonation. Orange-tinted thin head, porous web of light lacing. Bottle art is distinctive but kinda boring.
S: Citrus fruit, syrupy. Hops are pretty limited, but plenty of toffee malt.
T: Bitterness is present throughout, flower and orange peel mix well with the sweet caramel/toffee. Even hints of mild chocolate.
M: A little syrupy, but not unaesthetic. Slightly astringent. A little rough. Does high ABV do that?
O: Very tasty, even though this bottle is past it's best-by date. The hops are more restricted than I would imagine, but that suits me just fine.
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4.42/5 rDev +7.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
A 12oz bottle about 6 months old
L - Bronze hello with not much clarity. 1 finger of head and lace left all over the glass. Beautiful color for a DIPA!
S - Huge malty backbone and sugarcane sweetness! Citrus hops..
T - Like the smell, malty and sweet with citrus notes. Super malty and sweet for a DIPA. Delicious!
F - Medium bodied, medium carbonation. Smooth and the High ABV is very well hidden
O - Bells can brew IPA's thats for sure. They diversify on this one. Big and malty with this one and not such a focus on hops. Bells Delivers..as always.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
A 12oz bottle about 6 months old
L - Bronze hello with not much clarity. 1 finger of head and lace left all over the glass. Beautiful color for a DIPA!
S - Huge malty backbone and sugarcane sweetness! Citrus hops..
T - Like the smell, malty and sweet with citrus notes. Super malty and sweet for a DIPA. Delicious!
F - Medium bodied, medium carbonation. Smooth and the High ABV is very well hidden
O - Bells can brew IPA's thats for sure. They diversify on this one. Big and malty with this one and not such a focus on hops. Bells Delivers..as always.
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4.27/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Just read about the removal of the quick ratings. So this still won't be an old school review. … But I got a little. Bottled July 31, opened Dec 16, 5.5 months young. I likes 'em rich and malty, and this one is. Caramel comes thru loud and proud, rich and smooth. Hops are not so sharp, but they come in a strong wave of flavor, mostly, and bitterness supporting. It all blended real well. Smelled well too. Citrus, caramel, some boozy heat.
At 5.5 months reminds me of Bigfoot when fresh, though I think Bigfoot has sharper hops. Bigfoot could safely be called a DIPA when it is fresh, and for a while after.
I suppose the move back to old school reviews is good. Quick ratings could make a guy lazy. The tone of the message from management makes it sound like there are some douches hanging around here.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Just read about the removal of the quick ratings. So this still won't be an old school review. … But I got a little. Bottled July 31, opened Dec 16, 5.5 months young. I likes 'em rich and malty, and this one is. Caramel comes thru loud and proud, rich and smooth. Hops are not so sharp, but they come in a strong wave of flavor, mostly, and bitterness supporting. It all blended real well. Smelled well too. Citrus, caramel, some boozy heat.
At 5.5 months reminds me of Bigfoot when fresh, though I think Bigfoot has sharper hops. Bigfoot could safely be called a DIPA when it is fresh, and for a while after.
I suppose the move back to old school reviews is good. Quick ratings could make a guy lazy. The tone of the message from management makes it sound like there are some douches hanging around here.
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4.05/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A: The beer is hazy orange amber in color and has a light amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a half finger high beige head that died down, leaving a thin layer of bubbles on the surface, a collar around the edge, and some lacing down the sides.
S: Moderate aromas of pine resin and tropical fruit hops are present in the nose along with notes of caramel malts. The tropical fruits—mostly pineapples—become stronger as the beer warms up.
T: Similar to the smell, the taste has a mélange of different hop flavors and starts out with some pine resin and is followed by pineapples towards the finish. There are strong notes of underlying caramel malts and hints of alcohol in the aftertaste.
M: It feels medium-bodied and rather crisp on the palate with a moderate to strong amount of bitterness.
O: Initially this beer seemed like an aggressive Imperial IPA but once it started warming up and gaining complexity from the pineapple aromas and flavors, it really started peaking my interest. The only drawback is the hints of alcohol in the taste.
Serving type: bottle
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
A: The beer is hazy orange amber in color and has a light amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a half finger high beige head that died down, leaving a thin layer of bubbles on the surface, a collar around the edge, and some lacing down the sides.
S: Moderate aromas of pine resin and tropical fruit hops are present in the nose along with notes of caramel malts. The tropical fruits—mostly pineapples—become stronger as the beer warms up.
T: Similar to the smell, the taste has a mélange of different hop flavors and starts out with some pine resin and is followed by pineapples towards the finish. There are strong notes of underlying caramel malts and hints of alcohol in the aftertaste.
M: It feels medium-bodied and rather crisp on the palate with a moderate to strong amount of bitterness.
O: Initially this beer seemed like an aggressive Imperial IPA but once it started warming up and gaining complexity from the pineapple aromas and flavors, it really started peaking my interest. The only drawback is the hints of alcohol in the taste.
Serving type: bottle
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Bell's Mars (The Bringer Of War) from Bell's Brewery, Inc.
4.1
out of 5
based on 1,158 ratings.
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Pours a slightly hazed & effervescent Amber with 2+ of fingers of fluffed up cream colored head. Great lacing & head retention
S: Breadyness, faint tropical notes, orange peel,
T: Follows the nose, grapefruit & dryness as well up front, along with mango & a little tangerine. Grapefruit peel, breadyness & dryness as this warms, faint breadfruit notes. Finishes with mango, dryness, tangerine, grapefruit pith & dryness
MF: Bready, firm carbonation, warming. stellar balance
Great DIPA, nothing to complain about here
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