The first time I had heard of the Goose Island Beer Company,
I had grown tired of what in my mind were the big three; Stone, Rogue and
Dogfish Head. Those three extremely talented Breweries were what I considered
the standard. At the time, I took a chance with a Brewery that I had never
heard of, and was amazed. I had no idea that Goose Island had even existed, and
now…I search it out whenever I can. Tonight, we’re reviewing their IPA. I just
hope that it’s not your run of the mill IPA. I hope that it’s different. Here’s
what the website ad to say:
THE BEER:
Our India Pale Ale recalls a time when ales shipped from
England to India were highly hopped to preserve their distinct taste during the
long journey. The result is a hop lover’s dream with a fruity aroma, set off by
a dry malt middle, and long hop finish.
Recipe Information:
Style: English Style India Pale Ale
Alcohol by Volume: 5.9%
International Bitterness Units: 55
Color: Bourbon
Hops: Styrian, Fuggle, Cascade, Centennial
Malts: Pale
Serving Suggestions:
Preferred Glass: Thistle
Food Pairings: Curries, Chicken, Pork
Cheese Pairings: Blue, Aged Gouda
Cellaring Notes: Enjoy within 180 days
Availability:
Year Round
Bottles: 6pks
Draft: 1/6 & 1/2bbl
World Beer Cup Recognition:
Judging Category: English Style India Pale Ale
2010: Gold Medal
Great American Beer Festival Recognition:
Judging Category: English Style India Pale Ale
2009: Silver Medal
2007: Silver Medal
2004: Silver Medal
2001: Bronze Medal
2000: Gold Medal
THE BREWERY:
When the first Goose Island Brewpub opened its doors in
1988, domestic, mass-produced beer was deeply ingrained in Midwestern culture.
The craft beer industry was still in its infancy, with only a handful of
brewpubs in existence in the Midwest. In his travels across Europe, beer-lover
John Hall had enjoyed a distinctive local brew in each region he visited. Hall
was convinced that Midwesterners could produce beers as good or better than
those he’d tasted in his travels. Living on the shore of the largest system of
fresh water on the planet Earth, in a city with rapidly evolving tastes – John
decided that his hometown, Chicago, would be the ideal place to do just that.
The key to building interest in craft beer, Hall decided,
was to allow consumers to watch the brewing process – while providing them with
the then-novel experience of enjoying a wide variety of distinctive beers that
had been produced on-site. Hall wanted to not only cater to his customers’
tastes, but to challenge them as well. Goose Island’s brewers set to work
crafting a diverse selection of unique beers – and on Friday, May 13, 1988 the
Goose Island Brewpub was born.
It turned out that John was right; Chicagoans palates
evolved rapidly once Goose Island’s Brewpub opened its doors and introduced the
city to distinctive craft beer. By 1995, the brewpub had become so popular that
John Hall decided to open a larger brewery and bottling plant to keep up with
demand. Finding still more room for growth, in 1999 Hall opened a second Goose
Island Brewpub just a stone’s throw away from historic Wrigley Field.
Today, Goose Island continues to brew an innovative
selection of over 50 craft beers at the brewpub, the best of which are then
bottled at our Fulton Street brewery. Goose Island beers are now enjoyed in 36
states and Europe.
THE WEBSITE:
THE REVIEW:
WOW, this could very well be one of the finest IPAs that I’ve
ever tasted. With just the right amount of balance between the hops, the spice
and the malt, you wind up with the perfect IPA. I can honestly say that I am
absolutely impressed. Where are these guys on the National stage? Why are they
not distributed out West? People on the Left Coast would be blown away by the
flavor that this brew packs. Awesome!
THE RATING:
10/10 – Awesome
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