Bell’s Special Double Cream Stout The "Cream" Without the Dairy

One of the most frequent misconceptions about this seasonal heavyweight from Bell’s is that it contains lactose. Despite the name, it is completely dairy free. The "Double Cream" refers to the texture created by a massive blend of 10 different specialty malts.

Score: 6.8

Location: Comstock, MI

AVB: 6.1%

The Verdict: Smooth, Mild, and Easy-Going

If you’re expecting a motor oil thick, aggressive stout, this isn't it. In my experience, it is a nice, smooth, and creamy pour, but it’s actually much milder than I anticipated.

It drinks more like a high quality milk stout than a punchy imperial stout. While it’s a solid brew that I’d happily drink if it were the best option on the menu, it hasn’t quite cracked my "favorites" list. It’s the kind of beer that’s perfectly reliable, though maybe not one I’d go out of my way to hunt down.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep black with a frothy tan head.

• Palate: Very approachable. You get the roasted coffee and cocoa notes, but they are softened by that signature velvety mouthfeel.

• Mouthfeel: This is where the beer shines—it’s incredibly smooth, mimicking a nitro pour without the extra hardware.

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Who Is This For?

This is the perfect "entryway" stout. If you usually find stouts too bitter or overwhelming, the Special Double Cream is a gentle introduction. However, if you're a "stout purist" looking for a heavy hitter, you might find this one a little too polite.