SOFIE ~ GOOSE ISLAND

Labelled as a saison, Sofie is 80% new Belgian style saison and 20% aged in wine barrels with orange peel. Sampled from a 750 ml bottle this beer poured a bright, slightly hazy, straw yellow, with a moderate white head, which left some lacing as the foam fell. The nose is a little peppery, with Belgian yeast, slight citrus, barnyard funk, white wine, and coriander. – from the smell I thought the beer would be sweeter and darker. The taste profile is bright and refreshing with a certain amount of complexity. It is sweet to begin with lemon and orange flavours, followed by a mild pepperiness, wine, and a little wood from the barrels. The finish is dry and somewhat tart. The carbonation was effervescent and crisp. Easily quaffed, highly sessionable.

6.5% from Chicago, Illinois

IPA ~ GOOSE ISLAND

Again we discovered this one at a Blue Jays game on a very  hot evening.  For the price this sure beat the other domestic offerings.  The nose was quite hoppy with grapefruit and other citrus, pine and subtle florals.  The tastes were citrus and pine with a little spice and a bitter finish. Clean and very palatable.

Hops: Pilgrim, Styrian Golding Celeia, Cascade, Centennial

Malts: Pale

5.9% from Chicago, Illinois  IBU 55
-beer 100-

 ~HONKER'S ALE ENGLISH BITTER ~ 

GOOSE ISLAND

It was really nice to discover Goose Island at a baseball game. (By the way the Jay’s won)  When you are paying $11.50 a beer I really do not want to drink Coor’s, or Canadian domestics.  This was a great little find, albeit quite expensive.  An enjoyable beer, very quaffable. The sweet malts with satisfying but not aggressive hop bitterness compliment each other.  Not super special but a pleasant session beer, perfect for a game on a very hot day.

Hops: Pilgrim, Styrian, Golding Celeia   

Malts: 2 Row, Caramel, Wheat, Roasted Barley

4.3% from Chicago, Illinois       IBU 30
-beer 99-