One of the most sought-after stouts in Bell's history, Black Note Stout blends the complex aromatics of Expedition Stout with the velvety smooth texture of Double Cream Stout and ages the combination in freshly retired oak bourbon barrels for months. The resulting harmony of flavors captures the finest features of all three components: malty notes of dark chocolate, espresso & dried fruits, all buoyed by the warmth and fragrance of the bourbon barrel. Aimed squarely at the stout and bourbon aficionados, Black Note makes a grand statement about the art of the dark.
Reviews
Sirdubby
@ Pint Please at Home10 days ago
4.5
Barrel Aged Advent Calendar Day #5
Bottled on 11-1-2023
Lots of chocolate hits the nose first, followed by more subtle notes of bourbon, oak and roasted malts. Taste has bourbon first, followed by dark fruit notes, chocolate, roasted malts and oak in the finish. In that exact order, transitioning from one to the next to the next. The aftertaste is primarily oak and the dark fruits (raisins and plum).
The body is medium-full with an appropriately low amount of carbonation.
I feel like I remember the 2017 release being noticeably better, both fresh and aged, but this is drinking beautifully right now. I can comfortably give this a 4.5/5