Bell's 30th Anniversary Cherry Stout Reserve

I suspect that the conflicting reviews may have something to do with the temperature at which this is sampled. To me, there was a world of difference between fridge temperature (boozy, harsh, lots of char) and just above cellar temperature (pleasant, warming, cocoa, espresso, lots of Montmorency cherry). I think I'll grab a couple more for the cellar. It really is an exceptional beer.

 

Well the good news is, some of us can't even get this (stupid bell's say they distribute to california but I've not heard of it north of sacramento), and from other posters comments it sounds like it's a beer that could stand to sit for a couple weeks. I will definitely be on the lookout when I'm visiting in MI in a few months.

 

Bells California distribution footprint is currently from the Mexican border to Santa Barbara. They’re looking to expand the territory, but nothing finite has been announced.

 

I’m a total Michigan homer but never loved the regular cherry stout. I was however pleasantly surprised with the BA version so I’ll likely end up seeking this one out.

 

I finally had this tonight, and it's outstanding. Much less sour than their regular cherry stout, more cherry, nice roast malt. If they barrel aged this, man-o-man it would be killer.

 

I had it last night and really enjoyed it.

 

The did age it in whiskey barrels. I prefer this over that one. The whiskey seemed to highlight the sharpness of the tart cherries.

 

No whiskey/bourbon barrel aging in the 30th Anniversary Cherry Stout. It is soaked in oak chips, so it just gets the dry oaky taste.

 

Okay - I see what you meant. I like the BA Cherry Stout more than either the non-BA original or this 30th anniversary. It was still tart, but the BA was great. BA 30th would be even better.

 

I appreciated the feedback and am drinking it now under your suggested conditions. I think you like this a bit more than I do. It's not bad by any means but it's already very well balanced and the only reason to cellar this imo would be to drink it in a cool crisp setting.

 

Tried this a couple days ago-better than regular cherry stout but still not something I would seek out again. I drank a bottle over a couple hours and will say it definitely tastes much better as it warms up but I do not find the cherry flavor very appealing.

 

I like it much more than the Whiskey Barrel Aged Cherry Stout. It's a solid beer.

 

I have tried and enjoyed a couple bottles of this brew.

Cherry and dark chocolate flavors still dominate, but this version is a bit sweeter and slightly less tart then the original. There is more of a roasted malt quality, with oak, vanilla, and espresso flavors also appearing more prominently.

Overall I thought it was a solid brew worth seeking out, it should cellar quite well.