Produced by New Zealand's largest craft brewery, Big John is listed as a "Special Reserve" Ale, with Bourbon added to the mix. This strong dark, listed at a mid-ranged 6.5% alcohol, is a welcome reprieve from the low alcohol and NA trend that permeates the beer industry in NZ and AUS.
The beer is coffee colored and dense, holding its color well even in a thin glass. The head is creamy and thick as to be expected, though not overly carbonated as many ales of its type tend to be. The taste is creamy coffee with vanilla notes on the finish (as the bourbon would appear to add). Quite good on this cold summer's day.
