Beer Review: Batch 10,000

Reviewing the Batch 10,000 from Bell's Brewery Inc. out of Kalamazoo, Michigan. This brew is billed as a "strong brown ale."

Score: 90

Bottled on 11/16/10 according to Bell's Batch Finder. Served in a Portsmouth Brewery snifter and enjoyed on 02/24/13. I shared this one with my friend Wes. Review is from iPhone notes

Appearance: Barleywine-like in color. Pours a thin layer of bubbly tan head that totally settles. Not much lacing or retention to speak of. 3/5

Smell: Toffee, berry-like oxidation, leather and caramel. Hint of vanilla. Old bookshelf-like smell. Fig and dates too behind the oxidization. 4/5

Taste: Lots of caramel and toffee. Ample dark fruit. Much less berriness than nose; the oxidation is very faint on palate. Bitter hop finish that is not quite stale, but not fresh either. Dates and fig and dark fruit is more prominent on palate 4.25/5

Mouthfeel: Malty, sticky. Medium-plus bodied, low carbonation. 4/5

Overall: I had low expectations going into this beer, but I found I enjoyed it more than Batch 9,000 and my very aged bottles of Batch 7,000 and Batch 8,000.

Cost: $18 for a six pack.