Big John

Drank from a bottle with date of 2011-03-25 numbered 2005. Poured opaque with an inch of deep tan foam. Frothier as it recedes, which is average, while leaving almost no lacing. Aroma is big on the licorice. Heaping helping of roasted malt is there and some mild chocolate. Smoke and molasses come in there too. Each quaff brings something new and interesting. Taste is a sweet throughout, something that could get better with age. Licorice, molasses, chocolate, and more each excite the palate in varying degrees and times. Thick and heavy with light carbonation. A bit sticky on the lips. A bit of heat but not as hot as I expected. This is fairly fresh and drinking nice, a year or more of age could easy make this beer fantastic. If you aren't a fan of sweet beers, stay away and/or wait. Enjoy!

Pours a deep black color with a nice tan colored two finger head. Head dissipates quickly leaving a thin swirl of tan foam floating on top. Very little lacing. Aroma is a punch of burnt malts, cocoa, molasses and licorice. Has a sweet aroma. Taste is a gentle and sweet. I am getting a lots of cocoa, some burn malts on the palate that works its way into a warm molasses and licorice Mouthfeel is incredible. Big body with light carbonation. Very creamy, milky and smooth. Overall this is a very impressive beer. It all works together perfectly. The aroma, the taste and the mouthfeel are right on the money. For a beer with a high ABV, I am impressed with a lack of alcohol that is coming through on this beer. Another top notch beer from Goose Island!

A: Shiny black with deep tan & copperish really thick foam head. S: Mass of many flavors melted together to form an intriquing and unique aroma. Licorice, molassases, burnt malt are just the starters. T: Yeah it's a tad sweet. Spicey heat of alcohol swirls around dark sugars and smoky malt notes. O: Probably a tad young, but I appreciate the fermentation check-in. Label says "develops in the bottle for up to five years." I can't wait.