Beer Review: Batch 7,000

Reviewing the Batch 7,000 from Bell's Brewery out of Michigan.
Score: 87

2005 vintage bottle served in a snifter glass and enjoyed on 08/18/12.

Appearance: Pours a black coffee color with a milk chocolate halo around the center. No head. Horrible lacing and retention. 3/5

Smell: Dark fruit, caramel, molasses and cocoa. Faint oxidization as it warms up. 4/5

Taste: Chocolate, brown sugar and caramel. Slightly sweet malt backbone that grows in presence as the beer warms. Faint oxidation in the finish; nowhere near as oxidized as the Batch 6,000 was. 3.75/5

Mouthfeel: Full bodied, minimal carbonation. Syrup, malty and slightly sweet. 3.5/5

Overall: This one is definitely over the hill, but Batch 7,000 still holding up decently well at this point in it's life cycle (unlike the Batch 6,000).

Recommendation: Open any bottles you are sitting on. I would not trade for another bottle at it's rarity at this point.

Pairings: Coffee cake.

Cost: $17.99 for a six pack.