Bells Batch 7000 Ale

Pure black, and topped of a heavy tan foam, it doesn’t get more Stygian than this. The thick, subtly smoky vapor resonates with dark chocolate, hints of soy sauce, peanut and smooth coffee. The nose is languishing and tighter than I had hoped, tiredly breathing alcohol. Eventually, quiet hints of Frosted Flakes, heavy cream and roasted garlic become noticeable. On the tongue, the rich oily liquid is enveloping and suggests dry dark chocolate, touched with coffee bean and allspice. Somewhat plain when compared to the expectations of a modern Imperial Stout, but I must praise its exquisite balance. It remains corpulent and syrupy however, perhaps more suited to lose some of its weight and become a simple stout. The finish, it should be noted, is a phenomenal explosion of smoky steak sauce, a beautifully chewy coating aftertaste that adds a memorable layer of depth. All in all, I was surprised to see this brew chime so strongly among my colleagues, because it isn’t an over-the-top hedonistic (read Dark Lord) experience. It’s a simple, well-made, Imperial Stout. (10/03/07)

Bottle at ZBF 08, thanks to Miketd for this one. Thick toffee aroma. Along with everything else you would expect from an impy stout. It’s a lot of hops. A bit too sweet and thick. I am not really a fan of Bells and this doesn’t really change my mind. Still, pretty competent.

A Mes rate: Bottle at Zythos, big thanks to Miketd.
Black as night with a thick tan head. Awesome hops and sweet sweet cola on the nose with some hints of soy and it’s very slightly oxidised. Rich dark chocolate flavour that is just heavy as fuck and probably a little o.t.t. but still very good. Much too thick in the mouth unfortunately but there is no doubt it was a treat to try it.

ZBF 2008 on the Saturday, this was shared out to us ratebeerians by the very generous Miketd, cheers Mike! Bacon was on the aroma as so accurately spotted by Phil L, but also some smokiness and roasted nuts. Intensely bitter but backed with much sweetness. The bitterness coats ones tongue and stays there for some time, some coffee flavours as well. I liked this but I’m glad that I had a smallish sample as any more and I may have found it just a bit too much for me.

Much thanks to hoppymeal for this beer. Incredibly dark pour that was very still. Virtually no head, and the one that shyly appear left in an instant. Big coffee and chocolate nose along with roasted malts, some licorice and a bit of stale air. Wow...the flavor is truly wonderful. Black licorice, deep roasted coffee, dark chocolate and some black cherry cola as well. Mouthfeel is creamy with good coverage and carbonation. Thanks hoppymeal, this is a great beer!

a full bodied brew with a very dark color, little head. Aromatic flavors of coffee and chocolate. Sits well on the palate with a creamy aftertaste, although a slight texture on your tongue after you swallow.

Pours super dark with a very small bubbly brown head. Tons of roasted coffee, chocolate, and more of both of those. The alcohol is very well enough to enjoy the other flavors involved. I wish it came in a bigger bottle, because I never wanted the glass to end! Can’t wait to try this one again!

pours a thick black used motor oil color with a nice two finger, stiff, very dark brown head. aroma is roasted malt and hops with dark chocolate, coffee, and a touch of citrus. has a full body with clumpy lacing and just right carbonation. flavor is the same as aroma but stronger and has a little black licorice. everything sits on the tongue for a while and the only alcohol present is a little burn going down. very very nice and i think just as good as expedition. aroma does get stronger as it warms. also is oily on the palate with a little creamy mouth-feel.