Chocolate Salty BBLS
The Bruery

Initial Impression:
One last pour before calling it a night—pulled this cellar beast at 18.1% ABV and eight years old. I went in equal parts excited and cautious, wondering if time had elevated it or pushed it a bit too far.
Appearance:
Served at 54°F in a tulip. Pours inky black with deep burgundy highlights, essentially opaque. A dark tan, frothy head forms with moderate retention and minimal lacing—appropriate given the high ABV. Visually solid, though not head-forward.
Aroma:
Highly complex with clear signs of age. Rich layers of dark chocolate, vanilla, medium-roast coffee, bourbon, and oak lead, supported by molasses, caramel, and dark fruit (fig, raisin, plum). Oxidative notes are evident—sherry-like, lightly papery, with touches of tobacco and anise. Additional nuances of toffee, char, light smoke, earth, and Maillard depth emerge as it opens.
Flavor:
Deep and integrated, though showing advanced aging. Dark chocolate and molasses anchor the profile, layered with coffee, bourbon, oak, caramel, and dark fruit (raisin, date, subtle cherry). Mid-palate reveals oxidative complexity—sherry, light paper, and anise—alongside toffee, vanilla, and faint smoke. Oak and light resin add structure, with a long, warming finish.
Mouthfeel:
Full-bodied and viscous with low carbonation. Chewy and coating, with a smooth but noticeable alcohol warmth that stops short of being harsh.
Overall Impression:
This beer sits just past its peak but remains highly enjoyable. Initial oxidation is prominent, yet it integrates with time in the glass, contributing to a more Old Ale–like complexity rather than detracting outright. The rich chocolate and malt backbone still carry the beer, supported by layered barrel and aged characteristics. A contemplative nightcap—imperfect, but still deeply satisfying.

Another 375ML bottle with way too much alcohol. But at least the sexual innuendo is almost veiled. Almost.

The pour is dark with red glinting around the edges & a few bubbles that look like they don’t appreciate one another. Nose is a .200 hitter with a bit of caramel & sweet malt. Meh.

Chocolate Salty BBLS is leaking interest like a bad oil seal. Everything is here, but muted. Decent barrels, some chocolate (there’s never enough for this borderline cocoa addict), vanilla chips in a bit of sweetness, & the salt is distant in the background. Full, but not what a curmudgeon would expect considering the massive ABV. Weirdly drinkable though, if you don’t want to wake up in the AM.

A letdown considering the price & the brewery/pedigree. Still, a good brew.

Chocolate Salty BBLS pours an almost back, with a small tan head. The aroma is filled with vanilla and a hint of salt. The flavor is rich, sweet, vanilla, a hint of chocolate, and a pinch of salt to bring everything out. Good feel. Overall, very sweet, very full of flavors, and the 18% ABV is very sneaky.

12.7 ounce bottle, 20025 edition, looks like it says bottled 01/02/25. Served in a snifter, the beer pours dark brown/black with about a half inch or so tan head. Head retention was decent enough, and there's a small amount of lacing. I like the aroma, the brew smells like vanilla, cacao nibs, bourbon, sea salt and a bit of roasted malt. For the most part the taste is similar to the aroma, but there's also some caramel, dark bread and oaky flavors noticeable too. Seems to pack a little more of a punch as compared to the aroma and has a good amount of barrel character. Mouthfeel/body is full, it's slick and a little creamy with a moderate amount of carbonation. It's strong but pretty drinkable for being 18.1% ABV. If you're a fan of The Bruery's big barrel aged imperial stouts then you'll probably like this one. Definitely worth trying if you get the chance!

 

I loved this one. Black color with a good-looking beige head. Chocolate, vanilla, cocoa, and bourbon in the aroma. Rich, chocolaty taste with well-hidden alcohol.

 

 

Look: deep dark ruby. Sparse mocha head
Smell: rich salted chocolate, bourbon.
Taste: much like the nose. Delicious, decadent gourmet chocolate. Another great massive stout from the Bruery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bottled 11/24/15; drank 10/20/16 @ Harvest Hop Haus.

Black/brown appearance.

Minimal tan head; minimal lace.

Vanilla, milk chocolate, oak & faint bourbon heat notes in the nose.

Thick mouthfeel.

Milk chocolate, vanilla, oak & molasses flavors up front; mild brandy heat notes on the finish.

A delicious, substantial dessert treat.