Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter

Brewed by Flying Dog Brewery
Style: Imperial/Strong Porter
Frederick, Maryland USA

re-rate-i just bought another 4 pack of this stuff and its definately mellowed out in the flavors. lots of roast and chocolate dominate now with the hops fading away very fast. I should try to find another fresh bottle. the flavors are less hoppy as well and the malt profile is not oxidized like it was fresh-it tastes more full and smooth around the edges now. Im not going to raise my rating just yet. I will sample another and let you know. 12 oz bottle-I was suprised that this came in 4 packs and not a 750. A good thing it is! damn, this beer pours obsideon black with a sudsy tan head that was huge with some lacing. The aroma is bigtime hoppy, but i must admit, its not in a good way. smells like a big copper penny with some pine and abrasiveness of pine sol. fresh hop aromas but not in the right combination. flavors of roast, toffee, and somewhat cardboardy chocolate. it tastes like the special B malts and the other dark malts were old when they brewed this beer. Then, they tried to cover up the oxidized malt flavors with a ton of hops both in the boil and dry hopped. I must admit, the alcohol is very well hidden. As the beer warmed, the offensive notes started to fade on all levels. I think this beer may have some aging potential-it will be interesting nonetheless.

Bottle at RFD - Coal black, dark tan rocky head. Nose was interesting and pretty complex with roasty, vinous, boozy, soft chocolate and coffee notes up front, and a late soft vanilla, citric hop, and smoke tone as it continued to warm. A good hopped up citric bitterness hits you up front flavor wise, but it melds nicely with the chocolate, roasted coffee, and vinous notes that are found throughout. Nice balance if you’re asking me. Ultra full bodied, soft carbonation, smooth ,velvety, bittersweet finish. I seem to be going against the grain here, but I thought this brew was very good, and I’m certainly no fan of FD. This could be their best effort to date...

Draft at San Diego Brewing Co. Dark Dark color with a nice tan head that left nice lacing too. Deep aromas of coffee, alcohol, and dark malts. Flavors were rich. Chocolate, Sweet malts, and more alcohol. Very Tasty.

Sampled at flying Dog: Poured a thicker dark opaque black colour with a large brown head. Aroma initially is of alcohol and oak. Heavily roasted malts, nutty and dark chocolate characteristics. Very satisfying brew.

Dark with a milky brown head. Nose is chocolate and fruity sweetness. Flavor is bitter chocolate, lots of hops. Some sourness. Finishes very dry. Leaves kind of a weird film in the mouth.

Draught. Pours black with amber edges and a smallish tan head. The nose is quite malty with lots of raisin, chocolate, caramel, and a faint hint of espresso. Chewy mouthfeel. It has a strong smoky steak flavor with chocolate and obvious Cascade hops. The hops leave a sticky citrus aftertaste. Pretty good, but the cascade and chocolate combination lingered in my mouth literally for hours after drinking it and became annoying after a while.

GABF 2005: another highlight for me at the GABF. Poured black with a huge brown head. Surprisingly hoppy, grassy aroma This is a hoppy, chocolatey rich porter. Very full body. Really nice.

Pours a black body with a small head. Aroma is roasted chocolate with notes of coffee and caramel. Flavor is the same, some bitterness. Had no idea this was a 9.5%er, guessed woulda been 5-7. Good job. Flying Dog finally made something good, and I finally found it.