Barrel Aged Gonzo Imperial Porter | Flying Dog Brewery
Brewed by:
Flying Dog Brewery
Maryland, United States | website
Style: Baltic Porter
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 9.50%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by DogFood11 on 04-14-2007
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 327 | Ratings: 744
3.83/5 rDev -6.4%
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.
★ 494 characters
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.
★ 494 characters
4.34/5 rDev +6.1%
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
★ 672 characters
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
★ 672 characters
4.51/5 rDev +10.3%
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.
★ 233 characters
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.
★ 233 characters
3.87/5 rDev -5.4%
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.
★ 321 characters
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.
★ 321 characters
4/5 rDev -2.2%
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.
★ 222 characters
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.
★ 222 characters
4.02/5 rDev -1.7%
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
★ 1,845 characters
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
★ 1,845 characters
3.5/5 rDev -14.4%
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.
★ 657 characters
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.
★ 657 characters
3.85/5 rDev -5.9%
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.
★ 538 characters
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.
★ 538 characters
4.18/5 rDev +2.2%
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
★ 940 characters
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
★ 940 characters
4.14/5 rDev +1.2%
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.
★ 279 characters
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.
★ 279 characters
4.3/5 rDev +5.1%
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.
★ 1,534 characters
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.
★ 1,534 characters
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.
★ 1,022 characters
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.
★ 1,022 characters
4.5/5 rDev +10%
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.
★ 909 characters
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.
★ 909 characters
4.37/5 rDev +6.8%
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.
★ 1,422 characters
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.
★ 1,422 characters
3.38/5 rDev -17.4%
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.
★ 385 characters
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.
★ 385 characters
4/5 rDev -2.2%
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.
★ 416 characters
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.
★ 416 characters
3.89/5 rDev -4.9%
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.
★ 503 characters
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.
★ 503 characters
4.08/5 rDev -0.2%
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.
★ 1,705 characters
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.
★ 1,705 characters
4.02/5 rDev -1.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle poured into a pint glass
A: Pitch black with a full two-finger mocha-colored head
S: Molasses, cocoa and oak
T: Matches the nose. Lots of molasses up front, burnt caramel, bourbon, some cocoa & plums/raisins on the finish
M: Full-bodied, the alcohol is a touch noticeable but hidden overall
O: Good beer but I'm not sure I'd pay $6 for a 12oz bottle again
★ 367 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
12oz bottle poured into a pint glass
A: Pitch black with a full two-finger mocha-colored head
S: Molasses, cocoa and oak
T: Matches the nose. Lots of molasses up front, burnt caramel, bourbon, some cocoa & plums/raisins on the finish
M: Full-bodied, the alcohol is a touch noticeable but hidden overall
O: Good beer but I'm not sure I'd pay $6 for a 12oz bottle again
★ 367 characters
4.39/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
12oz bottle poured into snifter.
Vintage11AA whatever that means, I'm thinking a couple years old.
Appearance-pours black with a thin slightly darker than khaki head, head disappears very quickly. 4
Aroma-right up front huge bourbon aroma, vanilla and oak. Cocoanut, fig, plum round out the aroma. Some hints of chocolate in there too. 4.25
Taste-surprisingly, I'm getting mild chocolate coming thru first. Vanilla and figs sweetin things up a bit mid palate. Turning to more of a bitter cocoa powder finish. 4.5
Feel-heavy side of medium bodied, coats palate well, ABV is perfect for this style. 4.75
Overall-I picked this bottle up on a whim and it turns out it is probably a couple years old, which is great. This is defiantly one of the better porters I've had, the barrel aging improved the quality tremendously. I would consider this a lighter option for someone who loves a big bold barrel aged RIS. I will seek out the newer bigger bottles for sure. 4.25
★ 969 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
12oz bottle poured into snifter.
Vintage11AA whatever that means, I'm thinking a couple years old.
Appearance-pours black with a thin slightly darker than khaki head, head disappears very quickly. 4
Aroma-right up front huge bourbon aroma, vanilla and oak. Cocoanut, fig, plum round out the aroma. Some hints of chocolate in there too. 4.25
Taste-surprisingly, I'm getting mild chocolate coming thru first. Vanilla and figs sweetin things up a bit mid palate. Turning to more of a bitter cocoa powder finish. 4.5
Feel-heavy side of medium bodied, coats palate well, ABV is perfect for this style. 4.75
Overall-I picked this bottle up on a whim and it turns out it is probably a couple years old, which is great. This is defiantly one of the better porters I've had, the barrel aging improved the quality tremendously. I would consider this a lighter option for someone who loves a big bold barrel aged RIS. I will seek out the newer bigger bottles for sure. 4.25
★ 969 characters
1.98/5 rDev -51.6%
look: 2 | smell: 4 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 2
Paid $38 for a 12oz-ish sized bottle at Queens Head in Stockholm, Sweden. Smelled like madeira/port, very similar smell to Utopias but a little less smooth. Poured very dark, but it had absolutely no carbonation and no head. Not a single bubble. I wonder if the bottle had maybe been previously opened and then resealed when the purchaser found out it was so expensive because the other reviewers claim there is normally carbonation. I invited 7 differen people to sample it, to make sure I wasn't crazy. NOBODY could drink this. it was like a ruined glass of port-type wine. DISGUSTING.
★ 587 characters
look: 2 | smell: 4 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 2
Paid $38 for a 12oz-ish sized bottle at Queens Head in Stockholm, Sweden. Smelled like madeira/port, very similar smell to Utopias but a little less smooth. Poured very dark, but it had absolutely no carbonation and no head. Not a single bubble. I wonder if the bottle had maybe been previously opened and then resealed when the purchaser found out it was so expensive because the other reviewers claim there is normally carbonation. I invited 7 differen people to sample it, to make sure I wasn't crazy. NOBODY could drink this. it was like a ruined glass of port-type wine. DISGUSTING.
★ 587 characters
3.98/5 rDev -2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle: Poured a pitch-black color porter with a deep brown color head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma consists of whiskey notes are dominant with light vanilla and some nice black chocolates are also noticeable. Taste is also dominated by strong whiskey notes with some wood notes with nice creamy black chocolate notes and some light vanilla. Body is quite full with good carbonation and no apparent alcohol. Solid beer with quite dominant barrel-aged characteristics.
★ 481 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle: Poured a pitch-black color porter with a deep brown color head with good retention and some lacing. Aroma consists of whiskey notes are dominant with light vanilla and some nice black chocolates are also noticeable. Taste is also dominated by strong whiskey notes with some wood notes with nice creamy black chocolate notes and some light vanilla. Body is quite full with good carbonation and no apparent alcohol. Solid beer with quite dominant barrel-aged characteristics.
★ 481 characters
4.18/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
On tap at The Public House in La Jolla. Dark brown, near black in the small nonic with a long-lasting foam. Rich and powerful with a great whiskey taste. Deeply flavored with the nicest vanilla taste. Silky and smooth with a tangy mouthfeel.
Boozy glow spreads in the chest after a couple sips of this. Powerful flavors with a deep spiciness. Hot with alcohol, but pleasingly so, like a liqueur. Hops give some balance without any excessive bitterness. Surprised to see 85 IBUs listed by the brewer, it is just not a hop bomb with an excellence balance without hops begging for atention.
Hints of coffee and chocolate from the many shades of dark malt. One of the best barrel aged beers I've had. The Baltic Porter style seems well suited to the treatment.
★ 758 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
On tap at The Public House in La Jolla. Dark brown, near black in the small nonic with a long-lasting foam. Rich and powerful with a great whiskey taste. Deeply flavored with the nicest vanilla taste. Silky and smooth with a tangy mouthfeel.
Boozy glow spreads in the chest after a couple sips of this. Powerful flavors with a deep spiciness. Hot with alcohol, but pleasingly so, like a liqueur. Hops give some balance without any excessive bitterness. Surprised to see 85 IBUs listed by the brewer, it is just not a hop bomb with an excellence balance without hops begging for atention.
Hints of coffee and chocolate from the many shades of dark malt. One of the best barrel aged beers I've had. The Baltic Porter style seems well suited to the treatment.
★ 758 characters
3.61/5 rDev -11.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle. Vintage 11BB, so I assume bottled in 2011. Served in a Burnt Hickory snifter.
Pours a deep dark brown, almost black with a finger and a half capucinno head.
I'm getting scents of whisky, lightly charred malts, cocoa powder and wet wood.
Strong whisky, richly sour dates, cocoa, burnt carmel and a hint of smoke. Very little noticeable booze.
Soft, smooth medium feel with light carbonation.
One of the best I've tried from Flying Dog. Nothing ground breaking however this is quite solid.
★ 510 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
12oz bottle. Vintage 11BB, so I assume bottled in 2011. Served in a Burnt Hickory snifter.
Pours a deep dark brown, almost black with a finger and a half capucinno head.
I'm getting scents of whisky, lightly charred malts, cocoa powder and wet wood.
Strong whisky, richly sour dates, cocoa, burnt carmel and a hint of smoke. Very little noticeable booze.
Soft, smooth medium feel with light carbonation.
One of the best I've tried from Flying Dog. Nothing ground breaking however this is quite solid.
★ 510 characters
Barrel Aged Gonzo Imperial Porter from Flying Dog Brewery
4.09
out of 5
based on 744 ratings.
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.
★ 274 characters