Bell's BBA Batch 9000

3rd Annual Stoutuary Bell's Kick-off @

Hackney's in Printers' Row - Chicago, IL

I went to Hackney's in Chicago during their 3rd Annual Stoutuary Bell's Party featuring several Bell's stouts and brews on tap, including a Rye Stout, Oatmeal Stout, Expedition Stout, BBA Cherry Stout, BBA Batch 9000, Hopslam, Special Double Cream, Smitten and Third Coast Ale.  It was a packed house, which for a Thursday was somewhat surprising, but a fun environment to drink and be merry.  I was excited to try the Bourbon Barrel Aged Batch 9000 and hoping to do a full review, but it was a party atmosphere and i may have gotten caught up in the Hop-la (get it!).  

Anyway, here's a quick review of Bell's BBA Batch 9000:

It poured black with little head, though I'm sure the bartender did that purposely.  When i swirled it around, it livened up and showed a nice dark khaki head, though it didn't last long.  The taste was very smooth, rich and flavorful, featuring tons of bourbon alcohol notes.  Creamy vanilla, caramel, roasted malts, oak, dark fruit sweetness, honey and maple.  Tons of flavor!  The mouthfeel was smooth, chewy and decadent, it was definitely a sipper beer.  A nine ounce snifter of this 14.9% ABV brew was fantastic and provoked a very talkative Terry.  I couldn't recommend this more, if you see it, get it because it won't last long.  Bell's is my favorite brewery and this is another exceptional beer from their labs. 

I also got at an Expedition Stout, which i want to review later, but here's a look:

 A glance at the menu:

Tons of fantastically drinkable ales, sometimes i wish i had two livers...i got a sample of the Rye Stout and found it to be a little watery compared to the thicker, more chewy BBA 9000 and the Expedition Stout...there was some rye bite, but it was more the consistency of a dark ale than a stout...it wasn't bad, but after trying BBA 9000, i think only the sternest stouts could match up in potency and awesomeness...