Barley John's Old No. 8 Porter

Another Barley's John's Brewery Company can, another call back to a Barley John's Brewpub review from a growler. This dates from March of 2004. The website describes it thusly:

Copious amounts of Chocolate and Roasted Barley form a complex Porter with classic chocolate and smoky undertones balanced with a huge malt backbone. 8.0% ABV | 60 IBU’s. Malts Used: 2-Row, Black Malt, Roasted Barley, Chocolate, Dark Crystal | Hops Used: Warrior, Fuggle | Yeast: House Strain.

The Brewing Company website (and the can) describes it thusly: MY PORTER IS A FLAVOR PARTY ON YOUR PALATE. HUGE MALT YUM WITH CHOCOLATE MOCHA SMOKE DANCING WITH HOP SPICINESS AND ZEST. FOR THE GASTROGNOME IN ALL OF US.

8% ABV   |   60 IBUS


And here's what I said about it:

Appearance: fully black, near-opaque, with a short, yet substantial head above, toasty tan. Aroma: roasty, peppery, notes of anise, and bittersweet espresso, and chocolate.
Gritty, earthy taste, solid, rich character, loaded with
malt, just a whiff of hoppiness, full-bodied. Easily drinkable, despite the higher-than-normal ABV. A very pleasurable porter, indeed.

I was just getting used to this one, when along came the waitress, unbidden, with free samples of Alfred's Porter, their step above, weighing in at 14%!

I'll try a full sample of that, next time, if I can, but I'll look forward to this every visit.

And this new canned version is every bit as wonderful!