Cask, Clybourn brewpub (2005 version, snifter): dark tan foam atop a gorgeous opaque-ruby tinted, charcoal body with bronzed edges. Initially sharp aroma of alcohol, sweet prunes and dried red grapes begins to sooth after a brief time. The sticky, vinous notes cling to my nose hairs. Hints of coffee give way by a smooth creaminess to piney cherries, plums and an incredible deep fruitiness. Dusty Baker’s chocolate is evident in the finish along with a gorgeous roastedness. A true winner and when on cask, perhaps Goose’s best offering…catch it if you are lucky.

Cask, Wrigleyville brewpub (2004 version, pint!): deep prune with garnet highlights. Silky and elegant. The head lingered as a beautiful light brown cream the duration of my glass. Flavours covered the tongue and soothed the soul. Nutty, alcohol soaked hops aroma, laced with prunes and gooey honey. A milk chocolate crème filling soaks the mouth. Light piney hops, cedar and almonds offer a pleasant finish for this outrageously easy drinking imperial stout.

On tap @ Stout Fest 2006. Wow! I think this is the Bourbon County minus the bourbon. This is an excellent Imp. Stout.

A bit disappointed I ordered it from draft rather than cask. A great stout for sure, but not as complex as, say, an Expedition. Lots of coffee in the aroma and flavor. A little bit of chocolate too. Great appearance, thick black and a brown creamy head. Very rich and very good.

On tap GI Cly. Now this is a beautiful beer. Pitch black with slight tan head. Slight smole in the aroma with medium rich roast, dark chocolat and a little coffee. Deep burnt roast flavor, definite coffee, sweet dark fruit including plum, nice chocolate and nice hops. Silky, creamy full body. I can really dig on these fresh imperial stouts, this quite the treat and you can’t taste the alc at all.

Cask conditioned: Pitch black with burnt caramel edges. Fat, grayish tan head. Rich, yet soft, mineral aroma. Hints of earth, passion fruit, powdery malts, and dark grape skins. Fairly vinous with oodles of slick fruits. Soft and decadently creamy bubbles. Opens insanely mellow and slightly grainy with an understated balance of mocha, wood, and chalk flavors. Late moist chocolate charge at the center combined with big fruity hops, mineral, and currants. Mezmerizing cocoa, mild must, dark fruit finish and no trace of the 9%+ abv. Delayed licorice, leather, and charred sugars at the very rear alongside a fudge, caramel smattering and just enough negating hop bitterness. Definitive session Imperial.