Bell’s Brewery in Michigan are best known for their Two Hearted IPA, but their Kalamazoo Stout deserves just as much attention. It is a rich, roasty American stout with a distinctive touch of brewer’s licorice, full flavoured and satisfying without tipping into imperial territory. I bought a fresh batch for this guide alongside the rest.
Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout at a glance
| Style | American stout |
| ABV | 6.0% |
| Calories | Around 210 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | Bell’s Brewery, Comstock, Michigan |
| Character | Roasted malt, dark chocolate, coffee, licorice |
| Best served | Lightly chilled, in a pint or tulip |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a full, roasty American stout, richer and bolder than a dry stout but short of imperial strength.
The full review
It pours a deep black with a sturdy tan head. The aroma is rich and roasty, dark chocolate and coffee with a distinctive herbal licorice note that sets it apart.
The flavour is bold and layered. There is plenty of roasted malt, bitter dark chocolate and coffee, a solid body and that signature touch of brewer’s licorice adding a subtle sweetness and complexity. It is a proper, full-flavoured stout.
At 6% it hits a sweet spot. It has the richness and depth of a much bigger beer but stays drinkable enough to have with a meal or across an evening. It drinks bigger than the number suggests.
That licorice note is the signature and it divides people. I love it, it gives the beer a character most American stouts lack. If you like a rich, roasty, characterful stout, this is a hidden gem.
That signature touch of brewer’s licorice gives Kalamazoo a character most American stouts simply do not have.
- Rich, roasty and full flavoured
- Distinctive brewer’s licorice note
- Drinks bigger than its 6%
- From a brewery that knows its craft
- The licorice note is not for everyone
- Less widely available than Two Hearted
Who it is for
If you want a rich, characterful American stout with a bit more going on than the usual roast and chocolate, Kalamazoo is a hidden gem worth seeking out.
Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout FAQs
What does Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout taste like?
Rich roasted malt, dark chocolate and coffee with a distinctive herbal note of brewer’s licorice that adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
How strong is Kalamazoo Stout?
It is 6.0% ABV, a full-flavoured American stout that drinks bigger than the number suggests without being an imperial.
Does Kalamazoo Stout really contain licorice?
It has a distinctive brewer’s licorice character that is part of its signature. It is subtle and herbal rather than sweet-shop licorice.
Where to buy Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout
Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout is available across much of the US in six-packs and singles. Buy it using the button above.
The verdict
Kalamazoo Stout is a rich, roasty, characterful American stout and a bit of a hidden gem next to Bell’s famous IPA. Well worth seeking out for stout fans.
FAQs
Who makes Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout?
Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout is brewed by Bell’s Brewery (owned by Lion Little World Beverages, a subsidiary of Kirin Holdings, since 2021).
What kind of beer is Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout?
Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout is an American stout, at 6.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout?
Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout has an ABV of 6.0%.
How many calories are in Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout?
Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout has Around 210 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout made?
Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout is brewed by Bell’s Brewery in Comstock, Michigan.
What is a good alternative to Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout?
If you can’t find Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout, Deschutes Obsidian Stout is a close alternative in the same American stout category.
How do I open Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout?
Lightly chilled, in a pint or tulip. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
