Bell's Bourbon Barrel Aged Expedition Stout 2018

I generally prefer no adjuncts in my stouts. Just a well BA stout well executed works for me. That is why BAE and most of Pipeworks BA are some of the best around.

 

Started cold, 45 degrees, and let it warm. I only had the last batch. It never really mellowed to me as it warmed. Hopefully as it ages.

 

I’m glad Bell’s makes both BN and BAE.

 

Sorry, when you show up in a thread dedicated to the potential release of a specific beer just to shit on it, you ARE that guy.

I think you've nailed the extremes, and the ordering of the 3 in the middle isn't worth quibbling about.

Totally agree. BA30th is magic.

Don't torture yourself. I'll give you a bottle of BBPT5 and a Black Note for each BA Expo you have. Just let me know where you are located.

 

I'll play

CBS > BAE b2 > BAE b1 >> KBS >>>> BBPT5 & BN

 

Maybe we are not the only ones:

CBS - 4.66, #18
KBS - 4.60, #46
BN - 4.54, #100
BBPt5th - 4.53, #108
BAE - 4.48, #216

 

There may be a little to take away from those...but PT5 had an infected year, '17 CBS is a shell of itself, even at 10 months old and KBS vintages typically fall off and do not necessarily develop over time. BAE is adjusting and drinking very nice [b2 that is]. I can't speak much on black note. I've only had a couple times over the last few years.

 

I can confirm that BAE B1 is still drinking very, very nicely ...

 

Does BA take into account age of rating? Seems like some older beers (CBS/KBS) would have older ratings skew the result. Back then those beers were the cat's meow.

 

I don't believe they do. I've seen people say something about it before and how they should. Because I highly doubt that KBS would still be where it is on the top 250. But then again that's why there is a "Top Rated Beers: New"

 

I think its awesome that Larry Bell came here to announce the release. I hope everyone is able to get as much as they want. Enjoy!!!

 

I want it all?

 

Yup. My primary targets this stout season are the Bourbon County set and the Revolution Deep Wood set, but as soon as this announcement dropped it shot to the top of the shopping list. I try to budget, but brewers always seem to have better ideas of what I should do with my money. Lol

 

Your post inspired me to crack one tonight and I agree. Subtle barrel and pure chocolate roastiness. I am not even sure roastiness is a word but it should be.

 

Them's fightin' words! Get 'em 'Paw!!!

 

If you like expedition, you'll like BAE. It's that simple. Roast, dark fruit, and earthy bitterness in a stout isn't for everyone. Sure some of these elements might mellow over time, but they won't dissipate completely. It's perfectly reasonable for people to love that flavor combo or not so much.

 

Y'alls posts inspired me to join the party and am sipping a 17 BAE right now. Loved this one fresh and even found it to be smoother and more well-rounded fresh than the 16 was with a year on it when I did them side by side. My particular 6/2/17 bottle is drinking damn near perfectly right now. Absolute expedition into a jungle of fudge-led amazingness to get lost in as it clings to my whole mouth. Toffee, chocolate, caramel, & roast are all there balanced by a charry oak finish completely lacking bitterness. I can't taste any alcohol at all let alone 12.8%. As to the great debate, I drank a '17 Black Note 2 nights ago and this has without a doubt become far more smoothed out by time in the basement. They are both awesome, but this is my beer guys. Might have to marry this one. 2 more bottles. We'll see how much longer they have to live...

 

Had a '17 a few nights ago as well, and it was outstanding! Anyone sitting on any 2017 BAE should crack one this weekend, no way these are going to get better from here on out. Everything was in perfect balance, and @Number1Framer nailed the description.

 

I've got one left, and it just has to survive until the end of the month so I can introduce him to his brothers for a side by side.

 

I have never had BA Expedition, so I am really looking forward to this release (and BA Third Coast Old Ale). Regular Expedition is potentially my favorite no-frills Russian Imperial Stout.

As for rankings, I am maybe the biggest dissenter here:

Black Note > BB Plead the 5th >>>>> CBS >>> KBS