Gonzo - Barrel-Aged
Flying Dog Brewery

Tony210 from New Jersey

4.25/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Pours pitch black, nearly impervious to light. Fluffy mocha head is slow to recede. Aroma is light, mostly chocolate and boozy. Flavor is rich milk chocolate, dark brown sugar, sweet yet very bitter espresso finish. Bourbon barrel addition really adds a nice depth and complexity. Carbonation lends to a. Ready mouthfeel. Overall a very good BA imperial porter, worth trying.

3/25/19
Draft at Tommy’s
4.25 rating

Mar 25, 2019

BJB13 from Maryland

4.23/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Growler poured into a nonic style pint glass.

Dark brown like oil. Three quarters of an inch of solid, medium-brown foam sit on top. A sheet of micro-bubbles along with oily residue cascades down the side of the glass with every tilt.
Nose is moderate with nice aromas of vanilla, oak barrel, cola-like caramel and biscuit malt that carry through
in the flavor with some roasted malt and a small amount of woody hop flavor. Low to medium bitterness. Finishes with a little warmth.
Medium body with moderate to high carbonation. Smooth and a little creamy.
Get some.

Apr 02, 2018

DanO1066 from Maryland

3.89/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

On further review. Following another draught 8oz snifter at the Brass Tap here in Baltimore, I've revised my original ratings in a uniformly upward direction. Still NOT my favorite barrel-aged imperial porter, but definitely better than my original impression.

Could this just be a difference in the 2017 & 2018 "editions"?

Feb 10, 2018

RyanK252 from California

4.08/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Spokeasy Public House

A: Pours basically black with a frothy light brown head that settles to a thin layer and leaves somelightlacing.

S: Nice bourbon and toffee, pine, roasted malt, dark chocolate, molasses, dried fruit, and a hint of alcohol.

T: Bourbon, toffee, and molasses fighting with a piney bitterness and a little char up front, some roasted malt, dark chocolate, fig, a hint of berries, oak, peppery spice, toasted bread, with a noticeable though not entirely unpleasant touch of alcohol.

M: Full body, moderate carbonation, noticeable alcohol but not harsh.

O: I've been hoping to try this one for a while. It's good fresh, but I would imagine that if it was given more time to mellow out it would be even better.

Feb 28, 2017

Lucular from Maryland

3.45/5  rDev -16.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Really disappointing. Gonzo is fairly hoppy and the hoppiness was the predominant note in this version - more so than booze, barrel, vanilla, chocolate, sweetness, or anything else you'd expect with a barrel-aged stout/porter. Not very good.

Nov 08, 2016

Stevem68 from Ohio

3.68/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Pours a dark chocolate color with minimal head. Aroma is a touch of oak and booze. Flavor is lightly roasted malts with a some warm booziness on the finish. It's a very smooth drink but overall this is just ok. Nothing memorable about this just an ok porter with some booze.

Apr 17, 2016

rodbeermunch from Nevada

3.83/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Black pour, brown towards the edge. Nice beige head, 1/2" on it. Aroma was hefty whiskey, wet barrel addition for sure.

Not as much heat on the taste, still substantial, but not overwhelming, there is still some chocolate malt and a tiny bit of smoke to round it out. Carbonation on point. Super fractional amounts of vanilla and anise.

Decent, but I don't think I want an entire bottle of this to myself. Its good, but I dunno about 750ml of good. Better an ounce or two at a time.

Feb 16, 2016

foundersfan1 from Missouri

4.34/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Not a common event for me to write a rview for a beer, but since I happened upon a 2011 Vintage I figured it would be interesting to see the results after 4 years.

Oak and bourbon have really had their way with the aroma. Some chocolate in the background, but it is near imperceptible in comparison to the main flavors.

Suprisingly the roast and chocolate are the most gripping portions of the flavor. The bourbon still plays a pert but is not featured in anywhere the same way as the nose would indicate.

Overall, this has far surpassed my expectations for a Flying Dog beer, but can't help but feel the optimal aging is 2 1/2 to 3 years to retain all relevant flavors

Sep 01, 2015

Rammed96 from Maryland

4.51/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

Looks dark and rich black.
Smells like chocolate but I dont get a bourbon smell. But I cant taste the bourbon in the back of my mouth with chocolate on the roof of my mouth. Pretty great experience with no flavor being over powering.

Aug 12, 2015

EmperorBevis from England

4/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Probably one of tge finest examples of easily aquired big us stouts
Nice coffee and big booze on the nise and tongue
I can't believe I used to pick this up from my local Tesco!

Apr 10, 2015

MattSweatshirt from Texas

3.87/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Draft across the pond in Amsterdam

Almost black. Red highlight at the bottom point of the glass. Brown head that sticks around.

Chocolate, molasses, roast, warmth and the barrel comes through with wood, vanilla, and a flash of spirit. Medium bodied.

Never seen this at home so thought I'd try it abroad. Pretty nice.

Dec 18, 2014

chefhatt from Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -3.6%

Poured a black color body with a very little head.
aroma has a roasty chocolate notes.
The taste has a roasty, chocolate flavor with a little oak, and a nice whiskey flavor
Mouthfeel is smooth and overall a darn good beer.

Dec 11, 2014

ThisWangsChung from Maryland

4.02/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12 oz bottle into a wine glass. 2011 vintage, methinks.

Appearance: Pours a nearly pitch black color. The head, unsurprisingly, is over two fingers high and tan in shade. Retention is quite good, but perhaps not amazing. A large amount of lacing is left on the glass. (4)

Smell: Whoa. This is REALLY bringing both the whiskey and the oak barrel. It's also as vanilla-laden as any bourbon barrel aged imperial stout I've encountered. A subtle remnant of this beer's powerful hoppiness still remains, hiding behind lesser notes of chocolate, sherry, and dark fruits. No doubts here, this has the perfect amount of age on it - ergo, it smells as enchantingly decadent as the best in the field. (4.5)

Taste: It's not really surprising given its relative age, but the main flavor is big on sherry-soaked dark fruits. Still, a subtle whiskey flavor is the first note to hit the palate. A mild hoppy kiss enters the midtaste, while it finishes with some chocolaty roast. Lot of stuff going on here. Maybe the dark fruits are too intense, but this is a very good barrel-aged beer otherwise. (3.75)

Mouthfeel: Slightly thin, but with a mouthfeel similar to liquid velvet. The lightness means it's pretty drinkable (despite the lingering sweet aftertaste), but about 10% more body would make it feel positively orgasmic. Still, with the gentlest warming sensation going down the esophagus, it has a wonderful feel regardless. (4)

Overall: There are a few niggles that keep it from properly challenging the barrel-aged elite (BCBS, this year's Parabola) - and one of those might be the fact it has TOO much age on it. Given the relative oxidation this brew shows, I could imagine a 2012 vintage right now would be absolutely phenomenal. Still, it's drinking very well right now. (4)

3.99/5: Does everything a proper barrel-aged beer should accomplish

Sep 20, 2014

Alieniloquium from Florida

3.5/5  rDev -15.7%

12 oz. bottle poured into a snifter. Vintage 11AA, whatever that means.

Appearance - Black body. Medium khaki head. Thin collar.

Smell - Sharp spicy oak. Bourbon. Booze. Some chocolate and molasses.

Taste - The oak is just as strong. Seasoned wood flavor. Bourbon dominates the flavor of the beer. Sweet chocolate once the tingle of bourbon dies off. A little bit of a tart twang from the wood. Cola-like flavor. Roasty and sweet finish.

Mouthfeel - Medium body. Very boozy. Medium carbonation.

Overall - It's intense on the barrel, which in some ways is good, because bourbon tastes great. But it also makes this a little rough to drink.

Sep 08, 2014

Ozzylizard from Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Undated bottle at 45 degrees into imperial pint glass
Aroma of roasted malt, oak
Head small (<1 cm), light brown, rocky, mostly lasting
Lacing good – many small islands and reefs with small bubbles
Body dark brown, opaque
Flavor begins with a light sweetness with vanillin and tannin coming through, as well as roasted malt.
No alcohol, no hops, no diacetyl.
Palate medium to full, creamy, soft carbonation.

Overall, a pleasant experience. This is better than the already great Gonzo IP – barrel aging seems to improve most beers.

Jul 08, 2014

wordemupg from Canada

4.18/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

355ml 2011 bottle poured into tulip 4/7/14, cheers schnarr84 for the bottle

A nearing black, deep cola edge, large foam makes lots of noise as it fizzes out in seconds, perhaps a dirty glass, leaves some color behind after a swirl

S chocolate syrup, charred oak, vanilla, licorice, some booze, bourbon and rye, sour plums and sugar coated raisins

T just a hint of coffee and sour cherry to go with what I smell, lots of barrel considering it only spent 3 months aging on wood, no complaints

M not as thick as the color would indicate, some carbonation, some tannins, a little heat, sticky on the lips, charred wood and whiskey on the finish

O dark roast works well with the barrel, a little sour dark fruit plays a part, a little booze popping up here and there but it suits the beer

I'm a big fan of HST and Ralph Steadman and I kinda just wanted the label for my collection, the fact that the beers great was just an added bonus

Jul 05, 2014

dar482 from New York

4.14/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

The aroma has bright roasted malt, heavy whiskey, lots of sweet caramel, and chocolate.

The flavor has roasted malt, light chocolate, coffee, some sweet caramel and a whiskey throughout. There's a oak on the back with whiskey.

A good barrel aged brew with strong whiskey notes.

May 25, 2014

superspak from Michigan

4.3/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12 ounce bottle into snifter, 2012 vintage bottling. Pours pitch black color with a 1-2 finger fairly dense dark tan head with good retention, that reduces to a nice cap that lingers. Spotty foamy lacing clings on the glass, with a moderate amount of streaming carbonation. Aromas of big dark chocolate, cocoa, roasted malt, coffee, molasses, toast, toffee, vanilla, oak, bourbon, dark bread, light smoke, and roast/oak earthiness. Damn nice aromas with good balance and complexity of dark/roasted malt and bourbon barrel notes; with good strength. Taste of big dark chocolate, cocoa, roasted malt, coffee, toast, molasses, toffee, vanilla, oak, bourbon, dark bread, smoke, light char, and roast/oak earthiness. Fair amount of deep roast bitterness on the finish; with lingering notes of dark chocolate, cocoa, roast, coffee, toast, molasses, toffee, vanilla, oak, bourbon, dark bread, smoke, light char, and roast/oak earthiness on the finish for a while. Incredible complexity of intense dark/roasted malt and bourbon barrel flavors; with a great malt/barrel flavor balance and zero cloying flavors after the finish. Medium carbonation and medium-full bodied; with a moderately creamy, slick, and lightly chalky/bready mouthfeel that is great. Alcohol is well hidden with only a light warming present after the finish. Overall this is an incredible barrel aged imperial porter! All around awesome complexity of intense dark/roasted malt and bourbon barrel flavors; and very smooth to sip on for the ABV. A highly enjoyable offering.

Apr 15, 2014

cjgiant from District of Columbia

4.12/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Re-review/edit from tap pour may, 2015 (original 4.02):
Beer poured dark amber brown with thin bubbles collecting at the side (edit: pour is more dark brown tending toward black, bubbles are almost soda-like but much more sustained than a soda), with little to no lacing. Smell hits you with whiskey barrels accompanied by cherries and a small hint of dark fruit.

The taste was no surprise given the nose. The woodiness of the aging comes through more in the taste. There is a subdued chocolatey sweetness that yields to an alcohol sting that is likely a combination of the ABV and the whiskey flavor (edit: more coffee and charcoal notes than chocolate). This beer would probably get a half a notch higher with just a little more body (edit: depth of flavor is fine, but watery feel).

Solid offering for the style. I would get this again, but caution to myself as well as others to let it warm to a proper temp - drinking this "cold" will not give you the best impression of this beer.

Re-review added .25 to taste.

Mar 26, 2014

jtierney89 from New Jersey

4.5/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Extremely dark with a light brown head that settles down rather quickly. American whiskey on the nose but this is subtle compared to the heavy oak notes that come through.

For being a flying dog beer and a style thats normally a but messy, this beer is not as all over the place as you expect and actually kind of restrained in a really nice way. A little smokey and definitely oaky throughout. The beer avoids some of the unpleasant dark fruit notes that in my opinion don't really work with the style. Notes of vanilla and black pepper, very light notes of roast, coffee and bitter black chocolate. Bourbon is restrained really nicely, pulled back to the back end of the tongue as a nice notes that makes some of the other flavors pop.

A nice change of pace that lets the original beer come through enough while accenting it with notes of oak and using a bit of whiskey for balance and flare. Nicely done.

Mar 26, 2014

MattyG85 from Minnesota

4.37/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a Surly Darkness chalice.

Appearance: Pours a dark oily black with a moderate amount of bubbles. About one finger of tan head that quickly fades away. Leaves a decent amount of lacing around the glass.

Smell: A rich, sweet, and roasty dark aroma with big whiskey barrel hints. Upfront barrel scent with hints of bourbon whiskey, vanilla, oak, and wood. Dark roasted barley malts with hints of sweet chocolate, coffee, caramel, toffee, burnt toast, biscuit, grains, smoke, and yeast. Sweet hints of burnt molasses and syrup. Dark fruit hints of dark cherry, raisin, and prune. Hints of booze as well. A very good rich aroma.

Taste: As rich as it smells, a sweet and roasty dark taste with a big barrel presence. Big barrel taste upfront with notes of bourbon whiskey, sweet vanilla, oak, and wood. Dark roasted barley malts with notes of sweet chocolate, coffee bean, burnt caramel, toffee, toast, smoke, biscuit, grains, and yeast. Sweet syrupy taste of burnt molasses along with a little anise. Undertones of dark fruit with notes of raisin, dark cherry, and prune. A little taste of booze also. A very good dark and rich taste.

Mouthfeel: Full bodied with a moderate amount of carbonation. Rich, creamy, syrupy, and somewhat sticky. A little alcohol heat is felt.

Overall: A very good imperial take on a Porter. Good rich chocolate notes with a very good whiskey barrel presence.

Nov 10, 2013

pants678 from California

3.38/5  rDev -18.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Black with a beige head.

Smells of darker malts, coffee and oak/whiskey.

Comes off unexpectedly sweet, a sort of raisin and wood. Has that whiskey and smoke flavor without being terribly hot. Taking a small shot of vanilla extract might be comparable. Well hopped but not sharp, no spice or coffee notes but still rich and complex.

Medium carbonation, porter as opposed to a stout.

Nov 09, 2013

Arithmeticus from Maryland

4/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured chilled at White house in ale glass

A: solid black, thin head, decent lacing; carbonation not evident
S: oak, caramel, molasses; strong aroma, lingers nicely; notes of vanilla
T: dark malt roast is dominant tone; oaks flavor is prominent; not much bourbon; sour grapefruit peeps through; bitter, resinous; a heavy beer
M: think mouthfeel, heavy but carbonated

Very fine beer, but not for the faint of heart.

Oct 15, 2013

BMMillsy from Florida

3.89/5  rDev -6.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75

Bottle from my dad. Hometown legend. Pours black with a huge creamy brown head. Big bourbon vanilla aroma with hints of chocolate and licorice. Flavor is sweet dark fruits up front fading into a smooth bourbon taste. Ends with a blast of vanilla bourbon, very smooth, and definite heat lingers. It has enough viscosity for the aging--which I find rare for these BA porters--but doesn’t hold up quite like an impy stout does in the barrel. Dry oak hangs around a bit with the bourbon heat. A nice beer.

Oct 11, 2013

Darkmagus82 from Texas

4.08/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Poured from bottle into a pint glass

Appearance –Pours a deep brown color, bordering on black, with a big two finger billowy brown colored head. The head has a decent level of retention, slowly fading over time to leave a very light level of streaky lace on the sides of the glass.

Smell – The aroma is big of roasted and sweet smells. The roasted aromas are a nice blend of toasted malt, coffee, and cocoa with the sweeter smells being a mix of milk chocolate and a strong caramel aroma. Along with these smells comes the barrel aromas of a woody smell as well as a good showing of some boozy whisky. Overall the aroma is of a pleasant roasty and boozy nature.

Taste – The taste begins with a sweet caramel and chocolate flavor mixed with lots of roasted malt taste. As the taste moves on the caramel fades with more roastiness coming to the tongue. The roasted flavors are a mix of a toasted malt and coffee with the coffee taking on a more bitter and intense flavor as the taste moves toward the end. Along with the roasted and coffee flavors getting stronger, a woody barrel and boozy whisky flavor comes to the tongue more toward the middle and the end. All in all, with the mix of flavors, a warming, somewhat bitter, coffee and roasted boozy taste is left to linger on the tongue.

Mouthfeel –The body of the brew is on the thicker and creamier side with a carbonation level that is on the slightly lower side. Bother are quite nice for the roasted and boozy flavors and make for a nice slow sipper with a great warming feel.

Overall – A big robust porter with a sweeter start and more bitter and roasted finish all with a good showing of whisky and woody flavors. A nice slow sipper.

Sep 24, 2013