Honker's Ale - Goose Island Beer Co.

moulefrite

Massachusetts

3.95/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This is simply a good, clean, crisp and mostly a super tasty fresh offering that is easy to enjoy as I am just down the street from the brewery. The color is light creamy caramel and sports just enough, but never alot of head and stick. The aromatics are super fresh and are nicely in balance showing first a bitter side then a soft malty side. In the mouth the same thing, flashes of pine needle then a washing of creamy, lightly sweet caramel malt in a light to medium bodied style. This is a hell of an easy beer to drink and a stellar value at 5.99 a sixer! I'm supportin the local team no doubt, and you should too when in town!

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2003 01:42:18 | More by moulefrite

brewdlyhooked13

Ohio

3.65/5  rDev -2.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Appearance - Poured a pleasing amber and orange color into a Belgian glass. It was slow to form a head, so I roughed it up a bit halfway through. Still, I only got a half-finger or so and that didn't hang around long. Ended up with an incomplete covering and the thinnest of crowns.

Aroma consists of a bright orange citric smell. Trace of malt base under that. A bit weak but pleasant.

Taste - A light malt presence has no time to develop before being burned away by some solid carbonation. Citric, slightly sour hops move in and carry the taste to a clean and mildly bitter finish. An earlier comment that this is similar to Sam Adams Boston Lager is well-taken. Similar, but with a noticeably more floral hop presence.

Mouthfeel - sturdy legs on the body of this pale ale helps the taste linger. Good bubbles enhance overall appeal.

Drinkability - More tasty than refreshing, I'd prefer it mostly in autumn and winter, methinks.

Serving type: bottle

09-26-2003 15:51:25 | More by brewdlyhooked13

StevieW

Florida

4/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottles at my brother MikeyW's house.
Clear shiny copper color. Tight off-white beige bubbly head. Good malty, biscuit rich smells. Taste is nice and balanced. Toasted malty goodness with a snappy hop bitterness. Slightly "english" flavor to me. Not sure what variety hops, but it has a kind firm hard water snap to it. Lightly toasted malt adds richness and body in my opinion. Light to medium bodied. Not watery, stays together to the end. A notch above an average session brew in my opinion. A real keeper. Very good pairing with Montgomery Inn Ribs.

Serving type: bottle

09-26-2003 00:33:10 | More by StevieW

RonfromJersey

New Jersey

4.1/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a bright orange, with a touch of gold, fighting through the chill haze. Topped by a sticky, foamy white head. A sweet orange (fruit, not color this time) aroma rises from the glass. Sweet caramel hits the tongue first, but is quickly topped by a blanket of balancing citric hops, which linger as the malt fades away. Good carbonation in the mouthfeel. While not necessarily a "wow" kind of beer, this can be a great "everyday" ale.

Serving type: bottle

09-22-2003 02:32:41 | More by RonfromJersey

rastaman

United Kingdom (England)

3/5  rDev -20%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A fair bit of sweetness at the start, dried out a bit by some piney, fruity hops, ever so slghtly sticky, and some bitterness. Relatively clean and easy going. A little to sticky sweet perhaps, as a lot of American Pale Ales tend to be, but....quite tasty.

Serving type: bottle

09-08-2003 03:06:48 | More by rastaman

beerguy101

California

4/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Medium brown color, small head. Aroma is fruity and slightly sweet. Roasted, nutty malts, floral hops with very little hop bitterness. Nice balance. Finish is clean and crisp. Aftertaste is crisp and clean. Aftertaste is malty, no bitterness. The malts shine through on this beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2003 00:23:33 | More by beerguy101

granger10

Wisconsin

3.73/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

This is one solid beer from Goose Island. Nothing spectacular but definitely a well crafted brew. Doesn't have that hop bitterness that a lot of pale ales have but the hops are strong. There are a lot of citrus hops in it and some spicy hops too. Sweet roasted malts and caramel malts complement the hops. Begins and finishes with some hoppiness but the middle is malty. Makes for a good mix. This beer doesn't strive for greatness it's just a quality beer that's well balanced.

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2003 19:45:05 | More by granger10

Kongquistador

Illinois

3.88/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

My first pour on this beer seemed to have gone wrong, with what little head formed disappearing almost instantly. Drank that and gave a second pour to get a better idea. The second pour was a little better, but I'm going to conclude that this beer pours with a very quickly disappearing head. It also left me very little lace, all of which makes for a mystery as to why there was so little topping, given the amount of carbonation. It looks very nice with a beautiful reddish brown hue, amber around the edges. Smell is a nice citrusy hops, with a distinct malt scent lurking underneath, but no discernable alcohol.

Great taste. That sums this beer up, but in the interest of making the review readable a little more ought to be said. The first sip hit me with a really nice citrus burst, which persisted throughout the swallow. Actually felt a little thin on the end, but it still had a good hoppy feel. There is also a nice caramel malt taste, which balances well with the hops. As the beer warmed I feel like it has thinned out a bit, and the first bite of flavor has mellowed out, not to the point where it could be described as bland or anything like that, but not as full and exciting either. The finish is hops, and good amounts of them, with that ever present citrus twang holding out to the last.

The mouthfeel on the Honker's isn't quite what I might like, but it is still very passable. The carbonation is heavy, and the beer isn't quite as smooth as it might be, given that it doesn't have an overwhelming character in any particular direction. However, the overall balance of the beer is very drinkable, and certainly worth a purchase if you find some.

Serving type: bottle

08-05-2003 06:16:20 | More by Kongquistador

SheepNutz

Kentucky

4.13/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5

12oz. bottle poured into my Goose Island pint glass. It pours a light copper color with one finger of white foam. There is just a little lacing left on the glass. The smell is a nice mix of honey and hops. A fairly sweet smell, pretty pleasant. The taste is fairly sweet with honey and a hint of caramel and pine. There is a nice crisp, fairly hoppy finish. The mouthfeel is just a little light, but it is very smooth, and one of the most drinkable brews I've ever had. A favorite session beer of mine, and even better on tap.

Serving type: bottle

08-05-2003 04:26:43 | More by SheepNutz

ZAP

Minnesota

3.95/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Certainly not an American style west coast Pale Ale..definitely English in style...more of a bitter..very tasty and worth buying if you like English style ales...pours a cloudy reddish orange.....nice lacing along the glass....nose is spicy..with a bready/biscuity note..On the light side of medium in body feel..a tich watery....taste is heavy on the bready malt and spicy hops...a pretty nice beer that I will reach for again when in the mood for an English style bitter or ale...

Serving type: bottle

07-21-2003 02:52:24 | More by ZAP

johnrobe

Tennessee

3.5/5  rDev -6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A pretty tasty brew but to me it had some qualities more indicative of a bitter than a pale ale. In the taste, fruity esters and caramel are in the fore front rather than hoppiness...which to me seems more bitter-ish. It pours a bright orange amber with a scant white head, no lace. Some non-descript fruitiness dominates the aroma backed by some sweet, bready malt. A good session quaffer.

Serving type: bottle

07-12-2003 19:16:36 | More by johnrobe

Shiloh

Ontario (Canada)

3.63/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A nice offering.
Pours a hazy deep caromel with light tan crown. Appearance is highlighted by its exceptional glass cling as this sample progresses.
Slight scent of yeast.
Carbonation is active.
The body is a medium/full.
The taste is very nice...starts a malty sweetness which is quickly replaced by an attack of the hops. Lingering bitterness to finish.
Recomended.

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2003 19:14:54 | More by Shiloh

BobLuvBeer

Illinois

3.78/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Deep amber color with very good carbonation. Head pours thick and lacing lasts through glass.
Slightly roasted malt presence, with hops as the primary characteristic. They have reached a balance with the hops, where you taste them through out, but where they do not over power you. Finishes with a slightly citrusness which is unexpected, but adds favorably to the over all experience.

Serving type: bottle

06-22-2003 06:19:09 | More by BobLuvBeer

Sixpack595

Michigan

3.75/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Pours a nice clear copper, with a fair head that dissipates quickly leaving no lacing. Aroma has a strong spicy hop note with malt also evident. Taste is much more mellow, with the malt backing up a balanced hop bitterness. Much more balanced than I expected, not like many of the out of balance hops for hop's sake beers out there.

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2003 23:13:33 | More by Sixpack595

aaronh

Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

Light copper colored beer that is slightly hazy pours with a moderate, dark cream head. It slowly fades to a layer of rocky film. A slightly fruity malt note with a touch of grassy hops comprises the aroma. The taste is surprisingly bitter in a good way, with a touch of caramel/biscuity malt notes. Earthy hop flavors lead to a nice bitter but smooth finish. The aftertaste is a lingering earthiness with a touch of sweetness now and then. The mouthfeel is decent, but could be a bit more robust to support the flavors. Drinkability is very good. This is a fine pale ale at a very reasonable price.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2003 16:33:43 | More by aaronh

MJR

Missouri

3.15/5  rDev -16%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Appearance: This one has copper edges around an amber body that seems to have it's own glow. Good overall clarity. The head starts out a healthy size, then shrinks to a small, but persistent, cap.

Smell: The aroma has a nice dose of fresh hops that is well balanced with the malts. There's a bit of a caramel, as well as an interesting roasted character. A touch of breadiness too. Unfortunately, the main thing that stands out to me is a strange, off flavor that's hard to describe...maybe a mix of a phenolic flavor and a slighty burnt one.

Taste: Again, that off flavor is distracting and strange. Putting that aside, there's the balance of hops and malt. A touch of bread, caramel, and roasted malt are present.

Mouthfeel: Fairly high level of carbonation, with medium mouthfeel. A bit dry and crisp on the finish.

Drinkability: Hmmm...how to approach this one? The strange aroma and flavor make it a bit hard to enjoy the good balance that I'm sure this brew has. I don't know if it's an off bottle, or if it's part of the flavor profile. I'm leaning towards it being a part of the flavor profile, since I've run into this exact flavor before in an IPA from Magic Hat. I still have a month before the 'best by' date is due, so I know it's somewhat fresh. Whichever it is, I don't care for it.

Serving type: bottle

04-30-2003 20:59:51 | More by MJR

AudioGilz

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

So here is one of my standby's....a go to beer when the mind fails to decide upon something new. It's a beer for all occassions and seasons. It has a nice appearance of clear light amber/orange with a small head and moderate lacing, especially the draught. The aroma is a little but floral hoppiness with hints of caramel malt. As goes the flavor, hints of caramel malt, a little toasty, and a little hoppy in the end. Every flavor is strong enough to enjoy and light enough to drink all day or night or both. This is one highly quaffable brew. When it's on tap, the bitterness of the hops is more pronounced and crisp. Bottle or draught, a wonderful brew indeed.

Serving type: bottle

04-24-2003 21:31:53 | More by AudioGilz

Morris729

Texas

3.85/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours amber in color with a tall and creamy white head that leaves spider webs of lace on the sides of the glass as it recedes. Nose is dominated by floral hops with a bit of sweet malt in the background. Medium in body with a fairly smooth and creamy texture. Taste is sweet toasted malts and caramel up front followed by some woody notes and flavors of unsweetened black tea. A good amount of hop bite is present in the finish. This would make for a fine session beer. Thanks to bditty187 for the sample!

Serving type: bottle

04-15-2003 17:36:55 | More by Morris729

Tballz420

Minnesota

3.95/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Off the pour theres a big slightly off white head, sticks all over the glass. Smells like youre at the garden. Its pretty dark red in color. A really malty beer, not too sweet though, with a hint of hops somewhere in there. My first goose island experience, not my last.

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2003 11:07:45 | More by Tballz420

AtLagerHeads

Ohio

3.7/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured a beautiful clear dark amber with a substantial tan head that lasted a while. Great lacing. The taste included good hop sense and was sweet, but not overly so. The smell, all hops at the start became more caramel bready when warm. The aftertaste was somewhat metallic and astringent.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2003 08:53:43 | More by AtLagerHeads

BeerResearcher

Massachusetts

3.63/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A deep amber color with full malty, fluid body. A nice light floral aroma that fades all too quickly. Medium/High citrusy hops offer subtle contrast to the sweet malt. Balanced, smooth and easy to gulp. Flavorful and lightly sweet. Some Fruitiness. Very nice America ale!

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2003 07:21:46 | More by BeerResearcher

tavernjef

Minnesota

3.98/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Honker's is well rounded good American drinkin ale. Solid copper color with sparatic white head that fizzed out uneven. Nice aroma of lightly done hops and caramel malt, kinda sweet. Taste echoed the smell favorably, nice light mix of hop bitterness and malty caramel. Slightly dry finish that smooths out and makes you want more. Good medium body feel, quite smooth. This stuff is drinkable and very smooth. Nothing to it really that sticks out, its just good.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2003 06:02:51 | More by tavernjef

bditty187

Nebraska

4/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Clear, coppery-tawny-bronze in hue, a white head of a finger in height lasted for a long while, in other words the head retention was excellent. The subsequent lacing was minimal but noticeable. It is an attractive beer. The bouquet has good potency, there is a fruity marmalade of oranges and citrus, these citrus notes blend perfectly with the citrusy and piney hops. Behind this is the malt, very pleasant maltiness, notes of toasty caramel and a bit of biscuit. The bouquet seems to be a perfect blend between an APA and an EPA. In my book that kicks ass, I find it very inviting. I have had this beer on numerous occasions and as I sit-down to update my review I find this hoppier than I remember, now how often do you say that! Now don’t get me wrong this is not over-hopped but I’d say, near perfectly hopped. The bitterness is crisp and refreshing and it imparts flavors of pine and light citrus notes, it is pleasantly juicy. The malt finds a home as well, English biscuity notes, some caramel too, vaguely toasty. The long aftertaste begs to be matched with a juicy burger. Medium in body, firm but appropriate carbonation, the mouthfeel is ideal. I really enjoy Honker’s Ale, IMO it is a bit better than Boulevard’s Pale Ale and I wish I could get this locally. As is I purchase six-packs whenever I am in Sioux Falls, SD. I think it is worth trying.

Updated on May 7, 2004

Serving type: bottle

03-18-2003 13:41:18 | More by bditty187

Mitchster

Michigan

4.25/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Ah, the good ol' reliable Honker's. Clear amber brew with copper accents forms a thin meringue-like light-beige head atop small to medium-sized bubbles. Carbonation and head retention are moderate, with excellent lacing. Mouthfeel is smooth in the finish, with a medium body. Aroma is satisfying with a lager-like cleanliness, a healthy dose of floral hops, toasty malts with a hint of chocolate malt, and very subtle freshly mown hay. Taste begins with a very nice floral flavor hop (jasmine in particular) which is spicy, but completely in balance with the grainy malts. There is a hint of chocolate (or is that biscuit?) malt appearing towards the middle complemented by a warm, bready graininess. The finish is smooth with more toasty grains, well-balanced finishing hops darting on the back of the tongue, and a crisp, lightly-dry mouthfeel. Belches are hoppy and sexy. No alcohol, metals, or caramel noted. One of my favorite examples of the style, and a satisfying session-brew. A great pale-ale, and always a pleasure to drink.
35 IBU, 14.5 SRM, 5.0% ABV

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2003 16:22:36 | More by Mitchster

Quaffer

Nevada

3.68/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: This was a copper beer with an almost white head that rose to two fingers. It settled down into a thin layer that covered the surface of the beer for the entire drink, leaving a lot of lace.

Smell: There were sweet malt aromas combined with an oily hoppiness. Occasionally, I could detect a hint of caramel malt.

Mouthfeel: A smooth, medium-bodied brew.

Taste: Overall, this was a pretty tame beer. There were straightforward malt flavors upfront that slowly gave way to (but were never totally overcome by) a mild hops bitterness. The hops had an oily, clingy aspect to it. The mixture of sweet and bitter lingered for quite awhile.

While this beer was good, it lacked the complexity of many other brews in this style. Very mild, but still pretty darn good.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2003 16:41:24 | More by Quaffer