February Beer of the Month - Third Coast Ale (Bell's Brewery)

It's not often that I break the bank to bring home a 6-pack of beer, but the impressive history I've had with Bell's Brewery had me curious to try their Third Coast Ale.  This barleywine has an infinite shelf life, and the bottle dares you to "commit some bottles to the cellar to test your patience."  I'm not patient at all, and am currently sipping on the last of the 6-pack.

Pouring it into a goblet revealed a thin head resting atop a dark, syrupy color.   The head quickly diminished.  The first whiff brings cherries to my mind.  It's slightly bitter as it lands on the tongue, but gives way to the dark fruit malts (plum, cherry) along with toffee and caramel flavors.  Boasting a 10.2% ABV, you can't taste it one bit aside from the warming sensation you get as it goes down.  

I'm typically a fan of very hoppy beers, so this is on the other end of the spectrum for me.  I'll definitely look to purchase it again next winter, even with the $15 price tag for a 6-pack.

Find out more at Bell's Brewery.