Long before the days of BrewChief.com, there were two friends who seemed completely preoccupied with constantly trying to one up each other in a long standing game of ''I just found a better beer than you''. Through the years there were countless instances of complete and total victory, as well as hilarious and epic failures. Then there were times where we honestly just didn't know what we had gotten our hands on. One such beer that comes to mind is the Third Coast Old Ale from Bell's Brewery. I first bought it in preparation for a camping trip a couple of years ago, and now I have found a left over bottle of it in the back of my cabinet. And while the thinking back then was ''What in the world do you even do with a beer like this?'', I can now sum it up with four words: I am not worthy.

In the glass it has a very dark brown coloration with some deep red coming through around the edges. A few floaties can be seen dancing around after a medium pour, and the fingers worth of light tan colored head that initially forms recedes rather quickly to a thin ring around the edges. Giving it a few swirls really releases some very rich and warm aromas. Burnt caramel, ripe figs, toasted dark bread, spiced apples, and faint alcohol are all easily detected. Notes of toffee and light ginger can be picked out as it warms. There is an overall smooth sense to the nose, and while somewhat deceptive, it does have some validity to it.

Going in for the first taste, I openly admit that I was a bit apprehensive simply due to my first experience with it. I remember it being very bold, and almost overly aggressive. But now it is years later, and I'm here to tell you that this beer absolutely proves that some beers do get better with age. All of the aromas noted in the nose, as well as all of the flavors that I remembered, are there. The only difference is that everything seems to be enclosed in a cocoon of buttery smoothness. The caramel flavors are still rich but very mellow at the same time. The figs come through as very ripe, and they are accompanied by some raisin friends. Burnt sugar makes an appearance, and the subtle and random notes of toffee, hops, molasses, chocolate, and prunes all seem to be just added icing on the cake. As if you couldn't tell by now, the mouthfeel has an incredible smoothness to it, and the aftertaste is slightly sweet, and just a bit sticky.

The running joke here at BrewChief.com is that anytime we review a beer by Bell's Brewery, we should simply be able to say ''It's a Bell's. 'Nuff said''. But Third Coast Old Ale is an instance where even if that were true, I would still want to write a full review of it. Years ago it almost managed to kick my teeth down my throat, and I thought I was showing it who was boss by stashing it away and forgetting about it. Little did I know that I was doing us both a huge favor. The recommendation that I'm about to make for it very well could be a first here. I think that all levels of drinkers should try it under one condition. Unless you have some already cellared, buy a pack of it, put it away, then forget about it. Then wait about 3-4 years and give it a spin. That gives newbies plenty of time to hone their palates, and the veterans need to let it age anyway. As for me personally, I still have two bottles left from my original purchase. I can't wait to forget about them for another year or so and see what else they have to offer then.