Third Coast Old Ale
Bell's Brewery - Eccentric Café & General Store
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- From:
- Bell's Brewery - Eccentric Café & General Store
- Michigan, United States
- Style:
- Barleywine - American
Ranked #74 - ABV:
- 10.2%
- Score:
- 92
Ranked #5,645 - Avg:
- 4.11 | pDev: 9.98%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Apr 12, 2022
- Added:
- Feb 28, 2002
- Wants:
- 272
- Gots:
- 592
SCORE
92
Outstanding
92
Outstanding
Notes:
From Bell's website:
"Third Coast Old Ale is a cellerable American-style barleywine that has notes of dried fruit and caramel embedded in a rich malt background that will grow more complex over time."
"Third Coast Old Ale is a cellerable American-style barleywine that has notes of dried fruit and caramel embedded in a rich malt background that will grow more complex over time."
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
2.48/5 rDev -39.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
by grumpyskolman
Holy cow, this is extremely hoppy. So if you like very, very hoppy ales, go for it. For me, I couldn’t finish it. Way, way too hoppy for me. Like overwhelming. But, if hop is your gig, maybe you’ll fall in love. I
Apr 12, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5
by grumpyskolman
Holy cow, this is extremely hoppy. So if you like very, very hoppy ales, go for it. For me, I couldn’t finish it. Way, way too hoppy for me. Like overwhelming. But, if hop is your gig, maybe you’ll fall in love. I
Apr 12, 2022
3.94/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by DucksFan16 from Tennessee
Bottled on 09/23/2021. Enjoyed on 02/24/2022.
Feb 24, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by DucksFan16 from Tennessee
Bottled on 09/23/2021. Enjoyed on 02/24/2022.
Feb 24, 2022
4/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Blogjackets from Ohio
The beer pours a murky brown with a good head, though the head diminished quickly and I saw no lacing throughout the tasting.
The nose of brown sugar and caramel proves to be the sheep's clothing for this 10.2% wolf. There is a hop presence in aroma which became more pronounced as the beer warmed.
The taste is a nice combination of sweet and bitter. The maltiness approaches the path of cloying, but never gets there. The mid-swallow hop bite is significant but short-lived. Caramel returns to smooth out the finish.
Jan 30, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Blogjackets from Ohio
The beer pours a murky brown with a good head, though the head diminished quickly and I saw no lacing throughout the tasting.
The nose of brown sugar and caramel proves to be the sheep's clothing for this 10.2% wolf. There is a hop presence in aroma which became more pronounced as the beer warmed.
The taste is a nice combination of sweet and bitter. The maltiness approaches the path of cloying, but never gets there. The mid-swallow hop bite is significant but short-lived. Caramel returns to smooth out the finish.
Jan 30, 2022
4.52 by Argail from Louisiana on Nov 22, 2021
4.1 by TLA from Pennsylvania on Nov 21, 2021
4.44/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Mdog from Minnesota
Appearance: Deep brown, huge head.
Smell: Dark fruits abound, raisin, prune.
Taste: Moderate sweetness, browned caramel, mild bitterness. Smooth feeling sipper.
Overall: I can't believe I've never had this in 20ish years of craft beer drinking, I suppose I just passed over it for other barleywines through the years. I've been missing out, this is a very nicely balanced sipper, not too sweet and not too bitter, just nice dark fruits and warming alcohol. Awesome!
Nov 14, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by Mdog from Minnesota
Appearance: Deep brown, huge head.
Smell: Dark fruits abound, raisin, prune.
Taste: Moderate sweetness, browned caramel, mild bitterness. Smooth feeling sipper.
Overall: I can't believe I've never had this in 20ish years of craft beer drinking, I suppose I just passed over it for other barleywines through the years. I've been missing out, this is a very nicely balanced sipper, not too sweet and not too bitter, just nice dark fruits and warming alcohol. Awesome!
Nov 14, 2021
4.13/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by LesDewitt4beer from Minnesota
*Notes from May 1st, 2017
12 ounce bottle poured into a snifter glass.
The maltiest beer I've had up to this point. Once in the snifter for 5 to 7 minutes it unfolds and gets better. This particular batch was bottled on Oct. 2, 2015. Rather creamy and has been in my fridge for three months now. This is obviously an ale that needs re-visiting.
Nov 01, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by LesDewitt4beer from Minnesota
*Notes from May 1st, 2017
12 ounce bottle poured into a snifter glass.
The maltiest beer I've had up to this point. Once in the snifter for 5 to 7 minutes it unfolds and gets better. This particular batch was bottled on Oct. 2, 2015. Rather creamy and has been in my fridge for three months now. This is obviously an ale that needs re-visiting.
Nov 01, 2021
3.54 by bschmidt_37 from Illinois on Nov 01, 2021
4.01 by StoutAtTheDevil from Alabama on Oct 20, 2021
3.97 by Meddwol from Michigan on Oct 03, 2021
4.24/5 rDev +3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by scotorum from Massachusetts
BELL'S THIRD COAST OLD ALE 5/5/21
Bottled 10/10/15! Poured from the 12 oz. bottle into a Samuel Smith English tulip.
a: Murky brown with loads of floaties and a quarter inch thick tan head which receded to thin even surface foam and dense to spotty lacing.
s: Strong caramel malt and alcohol.
t: Heavy toffee with a moderate bite, semi-sweet finish.
m: Heftier side of medium, very good body and some carbonation tingle.
o: No shortage of flavor over some sharpness, excellent except for the floaties which do give one pause but might be expected from a six year old brew.
May 06, 2021
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by scotorum from Massachusetts
BELL'S THIRD COAST OLD ALE 5/5/21
Bottled 10/10/15! Poured from the 12 oz. bottle into a Samuel Smith English tulip.
a: Murky brown with loads of floaties and a quarter inch thick tan head which receded to thin even surface foam and dense to spotty lacing.
s: Strong caramel malt and alcohol.
t: Heavy toffee with a moderate bite, semi-sweet finish.
m: Heftier side of medium, very good body and some carbonation tingle.
o: No shortage of flavor over some sharpness, excellent except for the floaties which do give one pause but might be expected from a six year old brew.
May 06, 2021
4.07/5 rDev -1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by Hopheadjeffery from Illinois
2014 vintage tasted in a snifter from draft at Consume on February 6, 2021.
Apr 28, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
by Hopheadjeffery from Illinois
2014 vintage tasted in a snifter from draft at Consume on February 6, 2021.
Apr 28, 2021
4.18 by GregSemenza from Connecticut on Apr 13, 2021
3.92/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by lastmango from Pennsylvania
Poured a hazy copper brown with a two finger frothy tan head with moderate lacing. Very weak nose of caramel and brown sugar. Sweet malt, caramel, dark cherry with a hoppy pronounced bitterness finish that lingers. Moderate-heavy body and moderate carbonation.
Apr 03, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by lastmango from Pennsylvania
Poured a hazy copper brown with a two finger frothy tan head with moderate lacing. Very weak nose of caramel and brown sugar. Sweet malt, caramel, dark cherry with a hoppy pronounced bitterness finish that lingers. Moderate-heavy body and moderate carbonation.
Apr 03, 2021
4.22/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
by zac16125 from South Carolina
A: Pours an opaque dark mahogany in the glass, with some translucency and ruby hues when held to light. Large and dense light khaki colored head dissipates slowly.
S: Aromas of burnt sugar, fruity esters, and phenolic spice. Subtle brown sugar, white pepper and another distinct spice that I cannot place, perhaps cardamom. A bit of floral and earthy hops to round it out.
T: Taste different than the aroma, definitely a much bigger hop presence. Lots of earthy notes, dead leafs, floral and herbaceous. Bitterness is prominent throughout the drink. Sweet characters are very mild, would appreciate more of that candied sugar and fruity esters coming out in the taste. Even the caramel notes are very subtle.
M/D: Mouthfeel is fully bodied, very very smooth, surprisingly so, not sure the ABV assuming it’s high, but it’s not harsh at all. Great mouthfeel on this.
O: Overall, this is a very good beer. For me, Big Foot remains the epitome of the style, but this is quite good. I have no doubt this gets better with age and I will be cellaring some for sure.
4.5/4.25/4/4.75/4.25
Apr 01, 2021
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
by zac16125 from South Carolina
A: Pours an opaque dark mahogany in the glass, with some translucency and ruby hues when held to light. Large and dense light khaki colored head dissipates slowly.
S: Aromas of burnt sugar, fruity esters, and phenolic spice. Subtle brown sugar, white pepper and another distinct spice that I cannot place, perhaps cardamom. A bit of floral and earthy hops to round it out.
T: Taste different than the aroma, definitely a much bigger hop presence. Lots of earthy notes, dead leafs, floral and herbaceous. Bitterness is prominent throughout the drink. Sweet characters are very mild, would appreciate more of that candied sugar and fruity esters coming out in the taste. Even the caramel notes are very subtle.
M/D: Mouthfeel is fully bodied, very very smooth, surprisingly so, not sure the ABV assuming it’s high, but it’s not harsh at all. Great mouthfeel on this.
O: Overall, this is a very good beer. For me, Big Foot remains the epitome of the style, but this is quite good. I have no doubt this gets better with age and I will be cellaring some for sure.
4.5/4.25/4/4.75/4.25
Apr 01, 2021
4.5 by Dillpickle315 from Colorado on Mar 27, 2021
4 by jschott75 from Illinois on Mar 18, 2021
3.92 by DOCRW from Washington on Mar 18, 2021
3.93 by micada from New York on Mar 18, 2021
4.31 by DarrellK from Florida on Mar 05, 2021
4.21 by Taenim from New Jersey on Feb 08, 2021
3.57 by Chipwells from Georgia on Jan 31, 2021
4.21/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by defunksta from North Dakota
Appearance: Pours a deep amber color with a bronze hue. An moderate off-white head. SRM of 19-20. (3.75)
Aroma: Strong aromas of caramel and nuts, more than I have ever detected. Some sweet and malty caramel struedel with icing.
Flavor: Deep, dark, sweet aromas of caramel, pastry, strudel, with some icing and hints of milk chocolate. Malty, smooth and sweet. An extremely sweet and malty beer. Minimal bitterness.
Feel: Heavier-bodied as expected
Compared to Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot Barleywine 1/9/21: Pours an identical appearance. Stronger aromas/flavors. More caramel, chocolate, struedel, malts. Less orange, pine, and bitterness. More malty and less hoppy overall.
Overall: Not sure if this is a barleywine, In fact, this is only my second barleywine behind Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot. These are sure different. This one is much more malty with a huge caramel and strudel flavors. Some milk chocolate in support. Tons of nuts, brown malt, and caramel here. This one drinks almost like an imperial brown ale. Not roasty nor bitter. Big and malty. Just what you need for a cold winter's night. A delicious beer and old ale. (Final Rating: 4.21)
Jan 10, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by defunksta from North Dakota
Appearance: Pours a deep amber color with a bronze hue. An moderate off-white head. SRM of 19-20. (3.75)
Aroma: Strong aromas of caramel and nuts, more than I have ever detected. Some sweet and malty caramel struedel with icing.
Flavor: Deep, dark, sweet aromas of caramel, pastry, strudel, with some icing and hints of milk chocolate. Malty, smooth and sweet. An extremely sweet and malty beer. Minimal bitterness.
Feel: Heavier-bodied as expected
Compared to Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot Barleywine 1/9/21: Pours an identical appearance. Stronger aromas/flavors. More caramel, chocolate, struedel, malts. Less orange, pine, and bitterness. More malty and less hoppy overall.
Overall: Not sure if this is a barleywine, In fact, this is only my second barleywine behind Sierra Nevada's Bigfoot. These are sure different. This one is much more malty with a huge caramel and strudel flavors. Some milk chocolate in support. Tons of nuts, brown malt, and caramel here. This one drinks almost like an imperial brown ale. Not roasty nor bitter. Big and malty. Just what you need for a cold winter's night. A delicious beer and old ale. (Final Rating: 4.21)
Jan 10, 2021
4.02 by robotic_being from Florida on Jan 02, 2021
4.57 by soarinsteven from Illinois on Dec 24, 2020
4.5 by bigred89 from Maryland on Dec 20, 2020
3.97/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by jernjawn from Pennsylvania
Born 9/2020. Drank it from a wine glass.
Look is crimson/burgundy with a tan head.
Smell is mild carmel, apple, apricot. Boozy.
Taste develops over seemingly an eternity. carmel and strong tartness, booziness, gives way to really incredible, if subtle, cherry and some bitterness.
Feel is smooth, alcohol bite, dry.
Overall there's a lot here and it's very good. Some of the more aggressive characteristics overpower the whole. Imagine this will be incredible in a couple years. Will be putting a few in the cellar.
Dec 20, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by jernjawn from Pennsylvania
Born 9/2020. Drank it from a wine glass.
Look is crimson/burgundy with a tan head.
Smell is mild carmel, apple, apricot. Boozy.
Taste develops over seemingly an eternity. carmel and strong tartness, booziness, gives way to really incredible, if subtle, cherry and some bitterness.
Feel is smooth, alcohol bite, dry.
Overall there's a lot here and it's very good. Some of the more aggressive characteristics overpower the whole. Imagine this will be incredible in a couple years. Will be putting a few in the cellar.
Dec 20, 2020
3.78 by shreead from Pennsylvania on Dec 18, 2020
4.12 by nruhlig from Minnesota on Dec 05, 2020
4.13/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by q33jeff from New Jersey
**
11/28/20
2018 Bottle to snifter.
LOOK:Brown with some ruby red hues in light. Medium beige head. Fades, but very good retention.
AROMA: fig, apple, molasses, fruitcake, light boozy.
TASTE: molasses, fig, apple, brown sugar, a touch of woody flavors.
FEEL: smooth, low carbonation, medium to full body.
Liked this better than the relatively fresh ones I drank in late 18/early 19. Some age on this is a must. It matures well and mellows.
**
Nov 29, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by q33jeff from New Jersey
**
11/28/20
2018 Bottle to snifter.
LOOK:Brown with some ruby red hues in light. Medium beige head. Fades, but very good retention.
AROMA: fig, apple, molasses, fruitcake, light boozy.
TASTE: molasses, fig, apple, brown sugar, a touch of woody flavors.
FEEL: smooth, low carbonation, medium to full body.
Liked this better than the relatively fresh ones I drank in late 18/early 19. Some age on this is a must. It matures well and mellows.
**
Nov 29, 2020
3.75 by mmilyko from Nevada on Nov 28, 2020
4.29 by FrankCastle from California on Nov 25, 2020
4 by TomBanahan from Kentucky on Nov 21, 2020
3.76/5 rDev -8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Beaver13 from Colorado
12 oz bottle, packaged 9/23/20. Pours dark ruby amber with a big frothy light tan head that retains well and laces the glass some.
The aroma is some soapy gummy floral malts and dark fruit with a little roast.
The flavor is dark fruit and sweet caramel malt with a big roasty alcohol finish. The mouthfeel is medium to full bodied with smooth carbonation.
Overall, it's yummy but a bit hot. I'll have to set some of these down for a couple years.
Nov 21, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by Beaver13 from Colorado
12 oz bottle, packaged 9/23/20. Pours dark ruby amber with a big frothy light tan head that retains well and laces the glass some.
The aroma is some soapy gummy floral malts and dark fruit with a little roast.
The flavor is dark fruit and sweet caramel malt with a big roasty alcohol finish. The mouthfeel is medium to full bodied with smooth carbonation.
Overall, it's yummy but a bit hot. I'll have to set some of these down for a couple years.
Nov 21, 2020
4.15 by craigbelly from Iowa on Nov 15, 2020
4.18 by dnmyrick from Minnesota on Nov 04, 2020
4.08 by Jcarriglio from Florida on Oct 29, 2020
4.34/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by trevormajor from Ohio
5 oz pour at daily growler:
L - caramel colored with an absolutely white head that lingered on the edges of the glass
S - I smell Caramel and believe it or not lemon grass
T - really nice. I’m still growing as a reviewer of beer, And this beer is pretty complex. A little boozy, notes of caramel
F - light to medium mouth feel with minimal carbonation
O- very well-balanced for a barley wine.
Oct 08, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
by trevormajor from Ohio
5 oz pour at daily growler:
L - caramel colored with an absolutely white head that lingered on the edges of the glass
S - I smell Caramel and believe it or not lemon grass
T - really nice. I’m still growing as a reviewer of beer, And this beer is pretty complex. A little boozy, notes of caramel
F - light to medium mouth feel with minimal carbonation
O- very well-balanced for a barley wine.
Oct 08, 2020
4.46/5 rDev +8.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by mschrei from Illinois
Drank a bottle on its fifth birthday, and it was excellent. What I want from a barleywine: rich, and malty with dark fruit and caramel notes. Boozy, bold, big and tasty.
Oct 03, 2020
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by mschrei from Illinois
Drank a bottle on its fifth birthday, and it was excellent. What I want from a barleywine: rich, and malty with dark fruit and caramel notes. Boozy, bold, big and tasty.
Oct 03, 2020
4.16 by Hefsbeercaps from Ohio on Aug 16, 2020
Third Coast Old Ale from Bell's Brewery - Eccentric Café & General Store
Beer rating:
92 out of
100 with
2887 ratings