 Gregis (884), Overland Park, Kansas, USA
Nov 3, 2007
Bottle packaged on 10/12/07. Pours jet black with a thin, creamy mocha head that diminishes to a ring clinging to the edge of the glass. A swirling single layer of tiny bubbles creates a morphing "island" in the center of the glass. The nose on this beer is huge: bourbon, vanilla, oak, chocolate, plums and potent alcohol. Full-bodied and slick with tongue prickling carbonation and significant alcohol warmth. The flavor is bourbon forward and fairly hot at this time. Also present are vanilla, chocolate and plum notes along with a woody vinous quality. This is a really nice beer as it is, but I have to think that this will mellow nicely with time. The possibility of toning down the alcohol note and allowing time for the flavors to better integrate compels me to sit on my remaining 3 bottles. I’ll re-rate one in about a year.
DTM (361), Winters, California, USA
Aug 20, 2008 Bottle aquired in a trade with StFun. Poured black with absolutely no head. Smelled of a mint chocolate and bourbon. Tasted of chocolate and the tasted lingered at the back of my throat. I was very impressed. This beer would be great on a cold winter night. I was very surprised that the ABV was 13%!!
DasGrau (9), Topeka, Kansas, USA
does not count  Aug 20, 2008 This stuff pours like syrup and is ultra dark. It sort of smells like dark chocolate and a little whiskey warmed up together. WOW! it tastes like it smells. I will have one of these instead of dessert, please. Awesome.
dwaggs2 (63), Warrensburg, Missouri, USA
Aug 19, 2008 2007 Bottle. Pours a thick black color with a small thick creamy head. Smell is of bourbon and oak. Taste is very bourbon. Also in the taste is caramel. Very thick beer, you can taste the alcohol.
slimchill (616), Austin, Texas, USA
Aug 19, 2008 2007 Bottle. Bourbon and oak in the nose, light fruit and some chocolate deeper down. Inky ruby-black, still with no head. Very bourbon-heavy, but balanced with some roasty/smoky tones and chocolate. Amazing palate, chewy and engulfing. A bit boozy, but in good taste, appropriately emphasizing the bourbon flavors.
AndrewKScott (319), Lemont, Illinois, USA
Aug 19, 2008 2006 vintage. Pours jet black with a small brown head. Aroma is sharp from the strong suggestion of bourbon, with hints of chocolate, soy, and oak. Taste is heavy on the bourbon, with dark chocolate, vanilla, caramel, marshmallow, and maple syrup notes. Lots of alcohol make it a slow drinker, but at 11% that is to be expected. Mouthfeel is thick and syrupy. Finish is long. This is the most impressive of the Goose Island reserve series and is ultimately very worthy of its high rating. Great beer.
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