Issue #11: Gonzo

Flying Dog Brewery draws a lot of inspiration from the late Hunter S. Thompson. From their slogan (a Thompson quote, "Good people like good beer.") to the artwork on their bottles; so what better name for one of their beers than Gonzo, after the king of gonzo journalism. I'm drinking the barrel aged version that takes a three month nap in Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey barrels.

Flying Dog Brewery - Wild Dog Barrel-Aged Gonzo - 9.5% ABV
Imperial/Strong Porter
12 oz bottle poured into a pub glass
Bottled 2012

Appearance - Pours black with a fizzy tan head with decent retention.

Aroma - Whiskey, cola and chocolate. Lots of cola. Reminds me of a whiskey and Coke or even that old Coke energy drink, Coke BlāK.

Taste - As expected from the nose, lots of cola and whiskey with some chocolate and coffee, roasty and sweet.

Mouthfeel - Thinner than expected but smooth and silky, good carbonation.

Overall - Wonderful beer. I normally prefer bourbon barrel over whiskey barrel, as strange as that may sound since the two spirits are so similar, but I think bourbon has a richer, sweeter flavor. I think it tends to lend itself better to enrich the flavor of beer but this one knocked it out of the park. A definite must -- 5/5

Drink On,

Dan