From the Cellar - Bells Batch 7000

It's been maturing quietly in the dark recesses of my hallway linen closet since November, 2005.
Now it is time for this bottle of Bell's Batch 7000 to fulfill it's divine destiny.
How has 5 years of slumber amongst the towels and pillow cases affected this once grand imperial stout?

It certainly has held it's carbonation, and that beautiful beige froth is exactly as I remember. 
The nose however, has changed dramatically. My 2005 notes say "huge coffee, burnt malt". Those aromas have yielded to dark dried fruits, molasses and anise as well as some very barrel-like vanilla and wood notes. 



Creamy, chewy, big bodied, concentrated, muscular, and beautifully focused. 
Medium dry. Roasted barley and some black patent malt astringency.
The hops in the finish have been tamed, but their flavor remains the same. 
No sign of the 12% ABV once responsible for a fiery finish.
Kind of like a liquid 70% cocoa dark chocolate bar mixed with a shot of fine espresso, and hops.  


Drink or Hold?
Both. It's excellent drinking right now and would be a great bottle to share over the holidays. If you have another, let it continue to rest. Despite many opinions that this beer has peaked, I can easily see it improving over the next 1 - 2 years.