Bell’s Brewery- 25th Anniversary Ale: A beautiful and joyous silver engagement.

I recently had the privilege of attending my Grandparents surprise 50^th wedding anniversary party. Despite a 12 hour long, 800 mile weekend road trip, It was worth every mile to see the look on my grandmother’s face when she finally saw us all hiding in the garage. It was a great moment to share with family. So it only seemed fitting to bring a bottle of Bell’s 25^th Anniversary Ale home with me, I mean the spirit was in the air and all.

Bell’s 25^th is offered as follows, “Celebrating 25 years of brewing, this strong amber ale carries on our tradition of flavorful, balanced beers. Brewed with 100% Michigan-grown barley, 25^th Anniversary Ale starts with caramel & light toffee flavors. These are paired with generous kettle & dry-hop additions, yielding a crisp, assertive bitterness and hop flavors ranging from citrus, floral, and piney notes.”

This American Strong Ale lives up to its name.  It has a dark caramel complexion with lively bubbles and a creamy but small, short foamy head. The fragrance is earthy malt and toffee with a pronounced floral punch. This is about as perfect as beer can get, aesthetically speaking.

Thankfully the bite matches the bark. Bell’s 25^th is unequivocally and unapologetically delicious. This is no exaggeration: I believe 25^th is the greatest tasting brew I have ever tried; Maybe not the best ever, but certainly the best tasting. It is big and bold, with traces of malt, coffee, citrus, alcohol and even a warm woody cognac like after-burn. Goddamn, I could bath in this stuff. If you pass on this beer, you should slit your wrists with a rusty razorblade. Seriously this is now tied with two-hearted as my personal GREATEST BEER OF ALL TIME!!!!!

ABV: 8.5%

Consumed: In a Pint Glass, the same way Gollum strokes his precious…

Verdict: Buy a keg, hell buy a truckload.