Weekend/Day Beer Adventures

I'm going to try a new line of posts for this blog that will typically revolve around my weekend activities and how they relate to beer. More often than not, these posts will be composed in a "Brewery Review" but for the days when I hit multiple breweries/bars/drinks, I cannot post on them all. So, my "Weekend Beer Adventures" will take the form of everything I did/drank/ate/who-I-met/how-I-got-there kind of heading, compiled with pictures too. These posts are meant to log down some of the fun I have, to retain some good memories and for you to relate to. Enjoy!

Friday (6/8/12): I got off work around 4:00 and headed home to pack. With only 25 minutes before my bus (Indian Trails) left for Chicago, I figured that was enough time to get in a quick post (See: Bedlam). Done. I walked the half mile to the bus with a nice buzz and arrived 4 hours later at the Greyhound Station on the South-Central side of Chicago. After several minutes of figuring out where I was, arranging a ride and seeing who else was in town, I figured I'd walk to Rock Bottom. Definitely a difficult 2 mile walk carrying a backpack full of beer! I got there and started with their Brown ale ( I forgot the name, though it started with "Amazingly") standing at 4.0% ABV. I recognized some of the bartenders there too. Oh, and I didn't mention this, but I was wearing my New Holland Long sleeve work shirt...for an extra credential. I talked with a lady about beer and running a bit. Tasted RB's Wit, and both IPA's. The normal one was a bit grassy, while the Belgian, well, I got a pint of that soon after too. I was there a bit over an hour until Jeff came and picked me up and we headed back to Lincoln park. Discussion of going out for another pint commenced, but I was too tired.
Saturday (6/9/12): Woke up early, downed 3 cups of tea and packed Jeff's car. We were heading to Evanston to move the remainder of his belongings into the new apartment. Didn't take very long, and I got a measly workout in carrying stuff up and down the stairs. Upon finishing, I decided to test out the foot and go for a run (My foot has been hurting for about a month and a half from my work boots). It was about 85 degrees and humid. Got in 7 though and a quick 6:15/mile clip. Rounded out the run with cracking open the growler of New Holland's Sundog though for some replenishing recovery.
A couple hours later Jen arrives with a $17 Growler (ridiculous) of Emmett's Red Ale and a couple bottles of Pale Ale. Here we contemplated our next stop. The decision landed on Half Acre, my favorite brewery in Chicago. We got there and waited for the tour to finish, whereupon Adam enthusiastically showed us around. I've been to HA a couple times and each time it is slightly different - something you can expect with all microbreweries these days. They had renovated their back room to become their production area, while it made room for the new 60 bbl fermenters that were to arrive in the next couple weeks. We were served pints of their new Shogun Wheat and talked to a couple of the remaining tour participants. I wish I had brought some beer to give them, but as we headed back to their tasting room, Adam handed me a case of lowfills of the New wheat! (It was shared with the NH crew, which was held in high regard). Down the street was "Chicago Ribfest" but it was already 3:30 and we needed to head to my sisters.
We arrived, unpacked, shared the rest of the Sundog growler with Monte, who just moved back from Colorado Springs, CO. He was gracious enough to let me borrow his bicycle so Jen and I could bike the town the rest of the weekend. The plan for the evening was to have our final destination in Andersonville for dinner at the Ethiopian Diamond with Jeff and April. We still had time, however so we took off and headed to Goose Island on Clybourn.

Taster at Goose Island

We arrived and ordered a taster of their Dortmunder (awesome!) Summer Wheat (not great) Bitter (decent) and Greg Halls new endeavor: Virtue RedStreak Cider. We found the guest draft list to also include Dragons Milk (good to see) but tapped at $9/pint! (not good). Finishing our tasted we rounded out with a traditional pint of the Green Line (I always get this as the final beer during my visits). We learned that Todd Britt, who graduated Augustana 2 years ahead of me (and was a brewer/assistant brewer) no longer worked at the pub but had gotten a Head Brewer position at a brewery opening up sometwhere in Chicago! Nice work man.
We finished our pint (got industry discount!) and headed North to Broadway for dinner. Note: 4.5 miles is a LONG way on a thick tread mountain bike on the streets of Chicago. Travelling at a quick clip, we arrived at 7:00pm and I was drenched.

April and Jen at Hopleaf

After dinner we made our way to April's apartment, just blocks away, to set up camp. Once we were settled, and done playing with her new kitten, we left for the HopLeaf, which was only a couple blocks away. Fortunately Midsommerfest was in the works and the place was unusually empty (Yes!). We went upstairs and I got a Pale ale from some brewery I hadn't heard of, Jen got Three Floyd's Zombie Dust, and April ordered Lindmans Framboise (she hates beer). Called it a night after finishing those pints.

Haymarkets Dry-hopped Belgo-pale ale

Sunday (6/10/12): Woke up, performed the same daily routine (Downing large amounts of tea and some yoga) and we hit the streets on our bikes (following a brief look at the local organic grocery store). Jen and I attempted to check out Metropolitan, but as usual, they tend to passively shun people away by fences, closed doors and vicious attack dogs (jk about that last one). We then turned around down towards the Lakeshore bike path. Found a spot on the rocks, drank a Fat Tire, attempted to swim (too cold) and headed down the lakefront. Again, mountain bike on path = too difficult to be a practical means of transportation. We made it all the way down to Buckingham Fountain for a quick break and then found ourselves at Haymarket Brewpub. I ordered their Dryhopped Belgo-pale ale and en had the Pilsner. Haymarket is a bit on the expensive side, but with boastful alcohol and loads of Amarillo, I can understand from an industry point of view. Finishing our pints we ordered (and blew the tap) of Solemn Oaths Ultra-high-frequency Red ale, which was apparently gaining quite a reputation already around Chicago for being fantastic. I agreed. I asked for a quick look-around of the brewhouse, where Janna attended and answered any questions we had. By the way, this place has an incredibly innovative set-up for their tap system. We got on the topic of cans, and how I had never had Sunking before. Janna thought that was absurd and sent us on our way with a couple cans of Chaka: Belgian-style ale made through a collaboration between Sun King and Oskar Blues. We headed out from there and made a stop at the Green Grocer to pick up some food/dips and check out the beer selection (they have a great local one). We then went and sat on Aubrey's new patio and enjoyed lunch and some recovery from the already long day. We arranged our next plans to hit Revolution Brewery in enough time to make it back in time to meet the rest of the family for dinner. Back on the bikes!

Sunking/Oskar Blues in a CAN (like-thing)

The ride was longer than I expected, but we got there and sat down at the front bar. The place was packed for a Sunday evening. It was here that we ordered the Anti-Hero IPA and the Gold Ale. I was greeted by Matt, Revolution's first employee and now brewer whereupon he invited us to take a tour! The establishment was a lot larger than I had expected. We were shown the typical brewery equipment and process's and their barrel cellar.  We headed back up to the bar and discussed a few more things with Matt and his friends who also attended the tour with us. We ordered one more pint to try their Rosa Hibiscus Ale - which was pretty good, definitely tending away from the tea flavor, but enough to get a nice bite of floral fruit. Need I say Industry discounts are great? Thanks Matt and the Revolution!
We hopped on our bikes and headed back to Aubrey's. The ride was better, but the day of biking was beginning to tax us both - even Jen on her roadbike!
Once we were back, I made a quick trip to Green Grocer once again to pick up beer I need to buy for people back in Holland. We ate dinner, napped. Jen headed back to RI and I went back to Jeff's. Being as I work 2nd shift the upcoming week, I could afford to stay one more night.
We drove back to Holland the next morning

Christmas Ale

Thanks to Joshua Schipp for getting a 4 pack of this Goose Island Christmas Ale on Friday night for our weekly beer tasting. We had a good turnout with numerous Christmas ales, including Schlafly's (thank you Matt Bowman) and Bell's. Tasted Sunday afternoon following a quick 16 miler at just over 6 flat pace and while waiting to make our way to the MUGZ Christmas party. No longer sold in bomber's, I find myself enjoying the new look and 12Oz size.

Appearance: Deep roasted chestnut brown with a glowing red hue. The overall texture of the beer is hazed but evenly distributed. The head is a light adobe white but is quick to dissipate leaving a cascaded film across the surface of the beer. Lacing is wet and the beer is rather still in the glass.
Aroma: Perfumy and spiced, yet toasted and sweet. I pick up spices of cinnamon, orange peel, but also brown sugar and plums. Malt base is rich of toffee, and caramel. Even faint notes of chocolate
Taste: Brown sugar and sweet kilned barley are immediately prominent in the foretaste of the beer. The malt base is well balanced by a crisp mildly spiced back nine. Some hints of cinnamon and orange peel are present, as noted in the aroma, but also a rich nuttiness and holiday spicing follow. If you want a good idea of what crystal malt tastes like, this is your beer. Fig fruitiness arises from the second half interaction between the bread crust malt taste and the earthy hops. Very complex, but extremely well crafted and balanced. The finish has a subtle hint of grassiness. As the beer warms, more notes of bittersweet chocolate emerge as well as numerous specialty malts. Whatever the alcohol is, it's very well masked.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied and smooth. The carbonation is nice in the front half with a minute bite, but then foams up slightly as the beer flushes over the palate. Very creamy and enticingly crisp for a holiday ale. Finish is dry and slightly resined.
Overall Impression: I'm astounded by the way this beer was crafted. For an American Brown ale, the parallel between the incorporation of spices and finishing hops against the malt base of caramel bread and toffee is fantastic. The texture in sight and feel are likewise favorable. Complex, drinkable and to be enjoyed on every occasion, not just the Holidays. I'm impressed.
Price: $9.99/4-pack


92/100

Pepe Nero

I've seen this beer floating around a lot and was intrigued at the fact it is made with a minute amount of peppercorn. I had tasted it at Finnegan in Plainfield and the Beer fest in Des Moines, yet never had the opportunity to get some notes down on it. Fortunately Jen Misewicz brought a 4 pack up during her visit last week! Thanks.

Appearance: Realized from my first bottle that this beer needs a careful pour - lots of foam. The head is characterized by a beige soft pillowy texture with peaks and the lot, leaving dry lacing caressed along the sides of the glass. The beer itself looks to have a good mount of carbonation as there is a large accumulation of bubbles on the side of the glass. Pours a clear brown but looks primarily black and turbid in the glass.
Aroma: Mild roasted smell, yet encapsulating a choco-toasted element which makes the beer all the more enticing. A sweet carameled and chocolate malt scent permeates through. Some subtle yeast notes present as well. Very nutty and of spent sweet tobacco.
Taste: Foretaste is sweetened with caramel and lightly toasted barley. In no time though the finish is introduced with a phenolic Belgian undertone characterized with clove and stale roasted coffee (though extremely light). The carbonation and foam seem to hinder a lot of the flavor, especially on the back 9. After taste has a tobacco, chocolate and molasses, yet still maintains a drying farmhouse profile. Some pepper may be drawn at the very back of the throat, though even I wouldn't have noticed it without being told.
Mouthfeel: Overwhelmingly carbonated to the point of flavor loss. Rush of micro-biting bubbles across the tongue makes the body seem very light. A bit chalky to the mouthfeel. Finish is tremendously dry and even resinous.
Overall Impression: Given the massive carbonation, I'd recommend opening cold and putting it back in the fridge for a good half hour before drinking...Otherwise you may miss out on some of the complexities. Not as heavy as I expected, still maintains a good Belgian/Farmhouse element.


80/100

Bourbon County Brand Stout (2010)

Thanks to Kate Reis, Tom Reis, Elise Meyer and Logan Beausoleil for giving me this beer on the night of Jens formal back in December of 2010. They were going sledding while we were waiting for the bus when I received this beer. Finally tasted it 6 months later. Enjoyed with Josh Schipp and Jen on a weekday night in May.

Appearance: Coal black with a completely darkened and turbid. Very little head, but in the smaller glasses we poured from this 12 Oz. bottle there was a light brown bubbled head. Otherwise the beer is very still.

Aroma: Huge bourbon smell with a chocolaty nose and a molasses. Very dense. Boozey and effervescent. Somewhat of a woody/oak undertone. A touch of nuttiness embraces the more pronounced scents of this beer. Sweet vanilla and roasted smores.

Taste: Initially it is very chocolate liqueur with a licorice component and a roasted bill. Bourbon obviously dominates, along with a very syrupy. The malt base is of strong coffee, chocolate and toffee. Almost some over attenuated brown sugar with a residual molasses roasted waste sweetness (make sense?). Sticky and with a faint raisin fruitiness. Nevertheless there is more of a grain-like element to this beer than anything. Vanilla, judging from the alcoholic taste helps encourage more of a complex flavor.
Mouthfeel: One of the biggest bodies I've been acquainted with. Little carbonation and a thick syrupy feel. Leaves a tackiness to the lips but a drying finish. The beer seems to get thicker as it warms, almost solidifies in the mouth. Extremely robust.
Overall Impression: I'm still not a fan of the big beer theme. The malt base is bold and syrupy while it boasts a huge boozy component. Roasted. Chocolate. Vanilla. Mix Aunt Jemima and bourbon and you got the same thing.

4 pack: $21

Night Stalker

Tasted on Tuesday evening following practice and during the raging snowstorm that hit the Midwest. I figured a big stout was a worthy candidate against the big storm. Also this was a celebratory beer for my recent internship position.  Jen braved the blizzard in order to try some.

Appearance: Jet black with a densely packed frothy brown one finger head. I allowed this to warm over several minutes having been in the fridge for over 6 months. leaving behind in a dissipated path is a wet bubbly lacing. Still amongst the blackness there are a few carbonated bubbles slowly rising to the surface.
Aroma: Robust and sweet. There is an alcoholic burn against the roasted malt and coffee aroma. In between I discover well mannered hints of oak and wood along with mild earthy undertones. Dark chocolate liqueur may be another term rightfully dedicated to this beer. Finally there are brief hints of dark fruit tannins like those of plums and grapes/raisins. Vanilla may also be a subtle contributive factor intertwined into the boastful complexity.
Taste: After holding off for over 15 minutes to taste this beer, I finally give it a shot. The alcohol is a highly prominent element of this beer. Standing at nearly 12 percent, it surely takes a large chunk of the palate and twists it into a bold imperial. Similarly though, the malt profile by way of chocolate and dark roasted barley are still able to make their way to the surface and still pronounce themselves to the palate. To finish, it becomes a head to head race between the rich hop bitterness and the ever prominent booziness. Unfortunately the alcohol wins, though not by much. This beer establishes a segmented development in flavor by which anyone could taste if they truly thought about it. Molasses and some tobacco tones may be noted as well within the malt complexity.
Mouthfeel: Thick and sticky with a voluptuous body that is outright the epitome of chewy. Very minimal carbonation, but still present in a very micro-form. Tacky to the lips and thick. This would be similar to drinking hot maple syrup but without any thermoreceptors in the mouth. It is certainly a big beer that is quite filling.
Overall Impression: To tell you the truth, I probably would have been very disappointed with this beer a couple months ago, and I'm very glad I waited for tonight to try it. I remember tasting Goose Island Vanilla  Bourbon Country Stout. Though potentially a good beer, I'm still impartial to the current "big beer" trend that is currently making an appearance on the market. The  booziness for me was too much. I want it drinkable, not just high alcohol and a ton of malt and body..


85/100

Goose Island Christmas Ale (2009)

Tasted following a delicious lunch of broccoli, asparagus and carrots steamed in my new (but primitive) bamboo vegetable steamer. I've had this beer sitting in the fridge for about 6 months now (along with Night Stalker) so I felt as Christmas distanced itself, it was about time to get this logged. Pint glass served.

Bottled: 10/9/9
Bottle #: 1009

Appearance: Brown clouded copper color with not the slightest transparency (I got the bottom of the bottle with some healthy dreggs). Head was strong tan and foamy upon pour, exhibiting peaks and all. By the time I got to drinking it the head had all but dissipated into a light film and a foamy ring leaving behind it a sticky speckled lacing. Still some turbulent micro-carbonation somewhat visible.
Aroma: Oaky and carmeled sweetness immediately takes the nose and carries with it a mellowed dark fruitiness. The woody sweet aroma is also paralleled with a mild rye spicing that is absolutely fantastic.
Taste: Rich and sticky sweet caramel takes a totalitarian foundation for this beer. Coming up right next to it is a delicious rye spicing that gradually carries out the flavor to a mild spicing with perhaps some nutmeg (but very little). Just as the aroma exhibited, there are some nice oak and dark fruit complexity to it as well as dominant toasted malt. Combined into the midtaste, a nicely balanced roasted flavor emerges as it races into a sweet rye malt and spicy finish. All while tempered with dark cherries. Maybe some English hops contribute to a well balanced and not aggressive finish, while the yeast contributed a phenolic/estery character of Belgium style ales. Cinnamon works in combination to the caramel/toasted malt sweetness to round out the beer.
Mouthfeel: Heavily bodied with a cloying to the cheek with a likewise tackiness to a dried pair of lips. However, Carbonation is light and helps contribute to a smooth feeling on the way down. I wouldn't say creamy, but the beer certainly feels soft and delicately textured
Overall Impression: This beer ages beautifully (from what I can tell with the year old version). It makes me wonder what a fresh beer would taste like, whether the spices mellowed over time, or how time effects the flavor profile and even mouthfeel. Interesting. While working at Binny's I never really got to recommending this beer out to people, and it was more the case the customers were telling me about it. I'm glad I was finally able to taste this beer, as it exhibits a completely different profile than most Christmas ales which seem to be rushed. This beer however, I find myself tasting the care and effort in it to create a well balanced, complex and overwhelmingly flavorful beer.


Tim: 94/100
Jen: 93/100 (Makes Jen's top 5)

312 Urban Wheat Ale

Thank you Michael Gillhouse for this beer. Out of courtesy for letting him stay at our house over Bix weekend, conference and regional he bought my roommates and I a six pack. I've tried this several times before and previously thought it was similar to Shock Top and Blue Moon, but I’ve learned in the past 6 months that this certainly is untrue.

Appearance: A golden straw color with a large and in charge pillowy foam white head that emerges at a nicely maintained fingers worth. Prior to the dregs getting swooshed around the bottom of the bottle and added, this beer was sparklingly clear. Nevertheless after the dreg addition it exhibits a light hazy appearance. Sticky plastered lacing to the side of the glass
Aroma: Light pale malt with a brush of mild wheat sweetness. The beer has a corn like, and pungent lemon/zesty finish at the nose.
Taste: Wheat is the most prominent characteristic in this beer. The lemon zest emerges with a drying finish. Following on into the aftertaste I find a subtle pungent yeast aftertaste. Similarly there is also a resinous zest profile in the end taste as well. Bready but light and fruity. Wheat tannins and crispy sourness complement the basic malt backbone. Bitterness is very minimal, but what is there comes in the form of a grainy taste. Some nondescript funk lingers. Perhaps lemongrass and other spices may be notable upon the end.
Mouthfeel: Light, foamy and smooth, drinkability is at an all time high. Carbonation makes its appearance at every corner of the tongue, extinguishing the sweetness and leaving an undesirable aftertaste.
Overall Impression: A basic wheat but with several other characteristics. The pungent aftertaste may be something to get over, but that may be done easily. The drinkability of this beer in the first place makes it a popular choice among the inexperienced attempting an out of bounds variety. Nevertheless they’ll be left with something more similar in texture to the econo-beers than they thought, though more flavor to offer.


80/100

Mild Winter Ale

Tried mid day Sunday after cleaning up after the honorable celebration party of Matthew Bowman and his All-American title. I tried this previously at one of my visit to Goose Island on Clybourn in early November.

Appearance: Snifter poured. Mahogany brown that lacks much of an appetizing color. Medium white fizzy head. Carbonation visible, but mostly nontransparent from clouded darkeness.

Aroma: Sweet and slightly sour with a brief malt character and a bready pumpernickel character at the nose. Roasted coffee is extremely slight, but still present in the aroma accompanied with a nutty caramel aroma

Taste: Taste is a lot lighter than expected, lacking some flavor yet still bold with the toasted rye and pumpernickel flavors. Initially the beer comes off as quite spicy and almost tart from an underlying fruitiness that presents itself near indistinguishably with the caramel/toffee malt. The beer finishes slightly bitter but balances the sweetness well with an indistinct hop character.

Mouthfeel: Medium body with a smooth texture. Carbonation is limited, but still just enough to enhance some of the flavors on the tongue

Overall Impression: Decent, but certainly not a favorite from the Goose Island line-up. It's nicely balanced, but I find a confusion in a beer that comes off very flavorful but is missing a body or even more sweetness. Balance is fine for what it is, but it lacks something..

76/100

Fleur

I tried this after a day of Brewery touring Chicago, ending at The Green Grocer (http://www.greengrocerchicago.com/) for a beer tasting. Cassie, the owner was kind enough to open a couple bottles of beer that I had not been acquainted with. This was one of them:

Appearance: Robust gold/amber with (a pink and rose tinge - 2011). Complete with visible carbonation. White soapy foam head with quick dissipation. Clarity would be a 7/10. Lacing is minimal but still uniformed and wet.

Aroma: Smells delicately flowery with touches of fruit. Fruitiness takes the form of peaches and other flowery aromas. Slightly yeasty with a finishing soured smell. Kombucha pungency, almost vinegary.

Taste: A bittering flower petal note to the taste is immediately apparent. There is also a light malt flavor combined with the adjunct of extra sugar, flowers (hibiscus), and herbal tea. I find that the combination of these spices and malt make a very refreshing taste. The flavor finishes in the form of floral tea which holds an extremely light contribution to the general taste of the ale. Peaches, cherry, and honey also make slight appearances. Overall funk may describe these sensations. Tartness is restrained by the tea/tannin flavors.

Mouthfeel: Light texture while the body is made a bit heavier due to the swift spiking bite of the carbonation, which doesn't seem to loosen up the liquid. With a light crispy flavor and texture, this ale is a lot different than what was expected. It remains crisp and highly drinkable. Body gradually gives me an impression of being thicker, syrupy like the deeper I go.
Overall Impression: Now that I think of it, the kombucha really reveals itself as a partial contributor to the fruitiness as well as sweetness. I grow my own kombucha (Thanks to the Mad Farmers) and I'm realizing that if I had known this beer contained kombucha tea prior to drinking it I would have reconsidered the beer. The sour Belgian yeast makes many of the funky flavors more pronounced. This would be worthy of a re-try given the conditions (aka plastic cup, rush to log) as well as little understanding as to what this beer really is. Try it for me! - 2010 Me

The Newer Fleur is far more fruitier and has a stronger color aspect to it. Tasting it again, the balance between the subtle kombucha flavor, earthy and fruity hibiscus and attenuation from the Belgian yeast really makes for a fantastic ale!


T1: 10/1/10: 78/100
T2: 7/17/11: 89/100

Demolition Belgian Style Golden Ale

A tasting before my week visit in Chicago at the end of the summer, following Sofie.

Appearance: Snifter pour. Slightly darker orange than Sofie, yet still relatively pale in hue. No head and a hit of haze and yet clearer than Ms. Sofie as well

Aroma: Sweet caramel wheatiness With notes of clove and yeast. Perhaps some citrus mixed in, with a spice nose

Taste: The same malty wheatiness hits the tip of the tongue but then immediately encapsulates a grassy bittered flavor that eventually develops well throughout the remainder of the tasting. As it continues, that same flavor becomes biscuity but the finish transitions more to the taste of lemongrass and ginger, but there are some instilled spices that I find unidentifiable.Coriander perhaps comes through upon the final sips. Slight grassiness makes me think Cascade hops, yet the variety could be anything...Just an inkling.

Mouthfeel: A little more course than Sofie yet still smooth and fluid.
Overall Impression: Don't buy this straight from the brewery (It's $15) you can get it for $7 or $8 at your local Binny's. Overall a drinkable beer. Nothing really stood out to deter me, a definite drink again.

89/100

Brewery Review: Goose Island - Chicago, IL

This will be my first of many brewery excursions. I will list each beer, rate and have a BRIEF tasting description of each one. Some may have been previously tried in another trip and never rated, others I may avoid altogether (though rare). I'll try to do a Brewery every 10 beer posts.

This was a double trip to the Goose, one during a summer weekend home to see my grandparents and uncle in from Australia. The other was with Jen while I spent my last week in Chicago before school.

Here we go:

Chicago Saison: Ambered yellow. Yeasty, yet citrus aroma with hints of malt character.Similar to grapefruit along with some tropical notes.

83/100

Hex Nut Brown: Chocolaty aroma with subtle sweetness. Bitter at the start but strong bourbon/molasses's finishing maltiness.

86/100

Tripel: Yellow with pale cloudinnes. Bright and hoppy throughout, but transitions throughout the tasting to take on many notes. Finishes dry.

86/100

Farmers Special: Ambered and uniquely bitter with a toastiness of IPA caramel and toffee, hop combination. notes of raisins. -- Not sure what the special actually was though.

85/100

Shai-Tea: Lighter than the last but very prominent flower tones with lemon-like sweetness. Apparent ginger taste.

77/100

Oatmeal Stout: Black. Uncarbonated. Malty and burnt finish with roasted coffee bitterness. followed by creamy mouthfeel. Well done.

88/100

India Pale Ale: Pale amber. Tastes more like a pale ale. Floral notes. Finishes grassy. Aftertaste long and drawn.

83/100

Black Imperial IPA: Dark and potently robust bitterness. Finishing coffee flavor but overwhelmingly bitter from IPA and stout standards.

79/100

Greenline: Bitter and malty followed with raisin tannin like bitterness, yet somewhat fruity. Finishes smooth and caramel malt with mild carbonation.

88/100

Golden Jet: Crisp and refreshing. Tastes more lagered than anything else to note. Finishes yeasty but a clean aftertaste.

86/100

Goose-A-Peel: Wow. Uniquely delicious with sure notes of fresh orange. Never tasted something like it. Sweetness of clementines complements alcohol.

89/100

Liquid Inspiration Stout: Strong and very apparent coffee and chocolate taste/aroma. More sweet chocolate than other stouts. Finish is plainly bitter.

Hefe-Hawks Win: Rich caramel malt with wheat, banana, clove and raisins apparent with a tart nose. Longing aftertaste. Clouded. Spicy. Good in extremely limited amounts.

76/100

Willow St. Wit: Lightest beer. Lemon aroma and mild yeast to complement. Unique lemon peel, coriander bitterness.

74/100

Honkers Ale: Smells Nutty with toffee. Creamy texture and refreshing taste/mouthfeel. Finishes with a sweet and clean bitterness.

88/100

Grahampagne: Grape overtones. Blonde color. Wheaty taste followed by Belgian style beer aromatics. Flat at first but carbonation comes in to fill. Sugary.

78/100

Pere Jacques: Deep Amber. Really sweet, fruity and caramel malt help balance its complexity. Not even hot! Rich toastiness and biscuits. Finishes clean and refreshing.

93/100

Bordaeux Wheatmiser: Grape wine really penetrates this one. Extremely tart and mellow. Starts sweet and finishes dry. Same color as Pere.

87/100

Overall I really enjoyed the Goose Island experience. Though the service could have been better, their food is fantastic (pub chips) and it's an ideal hangout complemented with a restaurant, fully available bar, stocked apparel and memorabilia section, party room and back side beer room. Both times I got the back area with booths right by the bar. A great place to order a cheese plate and taste beer all day! We spent 5 hours there during one visit. Ultimately what got me the most was the way Goose Island is working things. They're actively incorporating the community with complementary running events and "beer fun runs" and using local ingredients from the farmers market each week and incorporating them into pilot batches for the public. Check them out:

http://www.gooseisland.com/

Brewery experience: 47/50

Sofie

Another beer tasting following the Old Rasputin, but this was to finish off the evening relaxing before my week-long piano-sitting..

Appearance: Poured into a Snifter. Looks golden and hazy, similar to a Saison with a tint of straw. Maintaining a minimal foamed head. Pours thick and leaves a structured lacing on the side of the glass

Aroma: Strong citrus yeast smell to it but a beautiful bouquet of other aromas and spices. Clove and lemon remain at the top of the list with subtle hints of funkiness.

Taste: The initial taste is surely yeasty with perhaps mellow notes of coriander and lemon zest. I find there to also be an underlying gingerness to it as well. Mixed into the complexity are the usual banana and clove from a typical wheat malt beer to the finish. I find there to be a nutty bitterness about this beer as well that really helps distinguish it from other Belgian Wit's Weisss' and Hefe's. The Banana bread flavor is really refined and refreshing by the end

Mouthfeel: Amazingly creamy and balanced. Frothy and highly drinkable. I couldn't imagine this a session beer, more so something you wanna drink right up after a long run.

Overall Impression: An extremely well balanced, crafted ale that is paralleled by few. Amazingly drinkable while remaining extremely complex and gratifying. Well done Goose!


93/100