Imperial Brown Goose - Goose Island Beer Co.

overvolting

4.83/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I sampled this for the first time at a craft brewfest in 2012.
Goose island said they recently recovered some bourbon casks they had misplaced and this was in them, aging for 6 years instead of the usual 8 months, in the casks. Yes this was batched in 2006.

Wow.
I felt bad with every sip that I was depriving the world of tasting this nectar but like that last dorito in the bag, it was impossible to resist it.

Very smooth and dozens of flavours delivering bourbon like an irish car bomb wrapped in a psychedelic amazing techicolour dreamcoat.

I tried other bourbon stouts and they were not in the same ball park. In fact, this one almost ruined the beer show for me because nothing compared to it.

Edit: I forgot to mention that according to goose island, I killed the last sip. This no longer exists in their possession.
Sorry!

Serving type: on-tap

07-08-2012 03:59:33 | More by overvolting

johnnnniee

New Hampshire

4/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A nice little surprise found its way on tap in front of me. Pours a clear dark brown with a thinnish off white head that quickly dissipated. Wow that's got some bourbon going on in the nose! Hints of sweet caramel and a chocolate try to round out the aroma but this is quite the bourbon bomb. Flavor is what you expect brown sugar and caramel malts layer underneath a mountain of oak and sweet bourbon. Long lingering alcohol burn long after every sip. Medium body with a light level of carbonation and a sweet and hot kind of mouthfeel. This is definitely a d sipper, but I could see myself enjoying this on a cold winter night.

Serving type: on-tap

06-03-2012 21:42:53 | More by johnnnniee

ne0m00re

Ohio

3.98/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

09/11/10- Had this one on-tap at Jackie O's barrel-aged release party.
A: A funny copper brown dullness, the nice cream head died to a good film.
S: Bourbon caramel, brown sugar and raisins, mild vanilla wood, mild earthy green hops.
T: Everything expected from aroma. Nice.
M: Frothy, slightly syrupy.
D: Really good.

Serving type: on-tap

09-19-2010 17:54:14 | More by ne0m00re

TurdFurgison

Ohio

3.58/5  rDev -14.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I had this on tap at the Jackie O's barrel aged festival, served in 4oz pours. The beer was lighter colored than I expected, being that the base is an "imperial" brown ale and all. It was light tan colored, fairly clear, with a few large bubbles on top, not covering the entire liquid.

The beer smelled more neutral than you'd think, a little bourbon mixed with sweet malts and caramel. It's definitely a pleasant aroma, just more muted than what you normally get from a bourbon aged dark beer. It tastes kind of subtle too, on the sweet side but in a light way, with a nice lingering hint of bourbon after each sip. Maybe even some vanilla too, possibly from oak (not sure). The alcohol isn't really noticeable with the exception of the bourbon flavors, everything is sort of subtle.

The body is very lightly carbonated, just shy of flat really, and this is probably why the head looked so flacid. The beer has a smooth and easy drinking feel to it as a result.

I've never tried Imperial Goose before so I can't speak to how the bourbon barrels change it, but nevertheless I'll guess that it removes some carbonation and adds nearly every flavor that I tasted. I was glad to get the chance to try this, but I wouldn't recommend anyone search too hard for it.

Serving type: on-tap

09-12-2010 13:54:42 | More by TurdFurgison

professorninja

Illinois

4.97/5  rDev +19.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I had this after trying a few local porters and stouts at the Bomb Shelter in Milwaukee. Awesome, awesome beer.

A - Dark, rich brown. Like a melted beer bottle.

S - Bourbon cake.

T - Carbonated bourbon. I love these bourbon barrel aged beers. This one tasted like it was beer barrel aged bourbon. Soooo good.

M - I have to go back to the cake metaphor. Like drinking liquid cake.

D - Can I have some more? Seriously? If I didn't have to drive that night, I would have bought three or four more glasses, easy. Shit was pricey, too.

Serving type: on-tap

04-08-2010 15:12:38 | More by professorninja

chaz01

Ohio

4.03/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

On tap for another great beer event at Chappy's Tap Room in Dayton, OH. Served in a short wine glass.

A: Dark Brown, Mahogany color, small head that quickly recedes.

S: Brown sugar, molasses, rum and alcohol along with dark fruits of plums and dates.

T: Sweet, very very sweet, molasses and sugar with a hint of coriander. Lots of boozy whiskey and alcohol flavors as well, although I tasted more straight whiskey and alcohol than more complex flavors of bourbon.

M: Rich, thick full bodied beer.

D: This isn't something you would drink a lot of, but makes a great nightcap or desert beer.

Serving type: on-tap

03-27-2010 05:24:23 | More by chaz01

MbpBugeye

Ohio

4.22/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On-tap at The Pub in Polaris. Any time I see those bronze and black goose heads I go for a glass.

A- Deep brown, and very murky looking. Not much head at all. The beer looks thick as you see it sliding down the sides of the glass.

S- Boozy and sweet. Lots of dark fruits. Malty, raisiny, figs, bread, brown sugar and toasty.

T- Pretty much straight up whiskey. A very smooth and sweet whiskey.

M- Thick, almost syrupy at times. Hot and boozy.

D- This one is a hot boozy beer. If you dont like whiskey or brown liquors you wont really like this one. I happen to love big boozy and hot beers. I found this beer to be delicious.

Serving type: on-tap

02-09-2010 20:40:37 | More by MbpBugeye

csmiley

Ohio

4.28/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

10 ounces served in a snifter

A - Looks to be a deep brown that reveals some reddish tint when held to the light. There is really no head on the beer to speak of. A decent sized ring around the glass sums it up nicely. Lacing is average. This category could probably use a little tweaking.

S - Starts out with lots of vanilla and sweet bready aromas. The vanilla dominates at first but it is quickly followed by doughnuts. Alcohol is definitely noticed around midway and has a nice warming affect. Finishes up with some fig and a little more vanilla.

T - This is where the Imperial Brown Goose really stars to show it's potential. Vanilla and cinnamon get things going. Once they fade, this one reveals itself to be a fairly sweet and malty brew. It's a little spicy with hint of black pepper and maybe some allspice. Fruit comes and goes with hints of black cherry and fig. Alcohol is just right, warm and inviting.

M - Medium bodied with a carbonation level seems rather active on the palate. It kind of works though. There is a smooth creamy quality that works to balance things out nicely.

D - Drinkability is good. I'm surprised the 10 ounces disappeared so quickly. Goose Island has a winner in my book with the Imperial Brown Goose. The balance is flavors is done nicely. It's warm overall but that just adds to the enjoyment. Yes, I'll be having this one again.

Serving type: on-tap

01-30-2010 14:56:33 | More by csmiley

grub

Ontario (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

sampled on tap at hopcat jan 22/2010 as part of their 2nd annual extreme beer fest.

pours hazy pale brown with a thin layer of fine off-white head. the head quickly drops to a thin ring around the glass and leaves a few spots of lace.

aroma is good. big barrel character. tons of vanilla. coconut. raw oak. very faint alcohol. biscuit. multi-grain bread. bit of tropical fruit coming from the barrel too.

taste is great. the barrel comes through big again. vanilla, coconut, bit of pineapple and tropical fruit. light raw oak. hints of alcohol, but not overwhelming or really even warming. biscuit and multi-grain bread with just a slight toasting. bit of earthy character too.

mouthfeel is great. sooth well integrated medium carbonation level. just over medium body.

drinkability is good. excellent balance. a little heavy on the barrel, but it still works. i liked this one a lot and will definitely be keeping my eye out for bottles.

Serving type: on-tap

01-24-2010 23:21:05 | More by grub

jampics2

Ohio

4.72/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at the Winking Lizard. Holy smokes, how did the Beermeister score these kegs? At any rate, thanks for providing such a nice exclusive for a cold January night.

After a bad parking lot scene, I was excited to get in a seat and try this. Waitress got the glass quickly, much appreciated. A nice goblet with a murky brown and plum liquid with a nice head.

I could smell it before I even thought to lift the glass. Bourbon, vanilla, caramel, sweet malt, wow, this smells amazing.

Taste is INCREDIBLE. This may be the best wood aged beer I've ever had. Complex, perfect layers of taste, just amazing. Starts off with a nice bourbon taste that dances with some caramel, then a bit of hops and an amazing wood taste. The wood gives a nilla wafer taste with a dash of coconut. Just exceptional wood aged balance and depth of flavor.

Mouth was good. Nice level of carb, a pleasure to drink! Just a bit of a workout for the taste buds, a bit heavy, but worth it for the great taste.

Serving type: on-tap

01-23-2010 16:31:52 | More by jampics2

adamette

Ohio

4.58/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

From notes at the Winking Lizard: Our friends at Goose Island are providing our first small batch draft selection of 2010. Bedford Hts, Peninsula, Macedonia, Independence, Canton, Gateway, Fairlawn, Avon, Brunswick, Mentor, Crosswoods and Bethel Road will offer Goose Island Imperial Brown Goose Friday, January 22nd. This very limited selection from Goose Island is a bourbon barrel aged Old Ale. Bourbon, vanilla, caramel aromas are most noticeable. Flavors of brown sugar, raisins, wood and vanilla are more prevalent than the bourbon notes.

Review from notes taken about 45 minutes ago at Winking Lizard in Mentor, Ohio. Poured from tap into a clean, clear tulip glass, probably about 10 ounces for $6.00.

A Creamy head over an absolutely gorgeous opague caramel body in which I can see sediment floating about. Just a great look. 5.0

S Nice strong malt and bourbon smells in an ultimately delicious smelling beer. I don't know how it can be improved. 5.0

T Great bourbon based sweet malt taste with nearly no hops bitterness. This is a hell of a great tasting beer! 4.5

M Full, thick, syrupy, creamy. A dream feel for a beer. 5.0

D Really good for the style and ABV level which does not normally lend itself to drinkability. I found the bottom of the tulip within 3 minutes. 4.0

Notes: I am thoroughly impresssed with this beer crafted by the masters at Goose Island. I only wish that there was more beer produced like this!

Serving type: on-tap

01-23-2010 04:08:38 | More by adamette

MPLS

Minnesota

4.03/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Had a 10 oz pour of this @ the Muddy Pig in St. Paul. Was almost ready to set up a trade for one of these pricey $30 virtually Chicago exclusive bottles.

A: Dark brown in color with the smallest of head. The head was like a thin layer of saliva that quickly faded, but continued to leave a small ring around the glass. Carbonation looks tame. I very tranquil looking brew.

S: The smell is perhaps the best part of this beer. First and foremost it's heavy on the bourbon, but following that is a big sweetness vanilla + caramel + brown sugar + alcohol.

T: The beer has a mellow taste compared to the nose. There is the bourbon component that frolics with its friends nutty brown, caramel, vanilla, and alcohol. The nutty flavors and somewhat chocolaty tones weren't as prevalent in the nose of this beer. There is a big alcohol bite to this beer.

M: Medium bodied at best. The carbonation was sparse and it despite the sweetness lacked a real full body that I was expecting. A good creamy element makes it enjoyable though.

D: The smell of this beer made me think I'd love it. It's a good beer that falls short of greatness for it's thin is in body and slight lack in the depth of it's flavors. A damn good beer that I'd order again come a cold day. Interesting Goose Island offering, their small batch beers are impressive.

Serving type: on-tap

01-12-2010 06:03:59 | More by MPLS

darklordlager

Wisconsin

4.47/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had at the Muddy Pig in St. Paul on 1/09/10.

A: Very dark brown, appears to be clear when held up to the light. No head to speak of.

S: Bourbon! Rich chocolate malt, dwarfed by caramel, vanilla, and marshmellow.

T: Vanilla, caramel, and bourbon. Malty backbone. Nice sweetness to balance the bourbon in the finish after it warms. Crispy, bready malt presence as it warms as well. Great.

M: Not syrupy, but oddly thin and heavy at the same time--velvetty. Medium carbonation.

Glad I had the chance to try this one.

Serving type: on-tap

01-11-2010 02:16:13 | More by darklordlager

KeefD

Minnesota

4.5/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap at the Muddy Pig in St Paul. Served in a Leffe goblet, ruddy brown, small white head that was gone in an instant, no lacing. Very nice aroma on this beer. Fantastic mixture of bourbon, vanilla, oak, caramel, brown sugar, and sugary sweetness. Really digging the oak on this one. Flavor reminds me of Extremely Naughty Goose in that it has a roasted marshmallow-like sweetness which is delicious. Some light chocolate, more of the bourbon, some vanilla, and all around delicious. Medium bodied, light carbonation. I'm usually not a huge fan of brown ales, but this is simply outstanding.

Serving type: on-tap

01-10-2010 23:35:44 | More by KeefD

Orangeman

Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer lets you know what it's all about right from the beginning. As soon as it was placed in front of me, the smell of whiskey and bourbon hit my nose. The taste was surprisingly mellow, but still with a heavy taste of bourbon and some maple syrup. This beer reminded me, to a small extent, of Sam Adams Utopias. This however, is far more "drinkable," not to mention far more affordable.

Serving type: on-tap

01-05-2010 18:09:50 | More by Orangeman

jbrown1

Illinois

4.9/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Requested 1/2 pour at Bad Apple located on Lincoln Avenue.

Knowing this was a bourbon barrel ale had come to expect the powerful Bourbon County Stout, but no, this was an elegant surprise. While Goose has some hits and passes, the Imperial batch is a standout.

This pours a bright golden brown and was served in a snifter. In fact, the Imperial demands a snifter. It offers the sweet peat and aromas of bourbon coupled with the fine drinkability of a pleasant beer. I 'thought' that Bad Apple advertised this at 10% APV, but it is strong regardless and pleasantly easy to drink.

This is one of finest beers.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

12-14-2009 04:13:04 | More by jbrown1

quinnsi

Illinois

4.43/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Served on tap at Paddy Long's

Appearance is matte brown with a faint film of tan head, most likely due to the 9% abv. The first whiff is a joy, and I found myself plenty happy just to sit and sniff the wonderfully complex nose in anticipation for several minutes. Malt and oak blend play perfectly together on one side, while bourbon, hops and slightest sour aromas work equally well on the other.

Awesome malt and slight vinegar flavors, with a hint of oaky vanilla. Bourbon presence adds to the beer without ever taking too large a roll. Crisp finish with a nice warming afterglow from the whiskey.

Nice full mouthfeel, this beer goes down incredibly well considering the ABV. I'll have to watch myself, because I could drink these all night. A joy to drink, this beer managed to walk the tight rope in balance some pretty big flavors.

THIS is how bourbon/ aging should be done!

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

11-23-2009 04:31:15 | More by quinnsi

ChuggyMcBeer

Illinois

4.43/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at the brewery. Served in a snifter.

A: Dark caramel with a small head that clings to the glass.

S: Buttery vanilla and oak. The bourbon asserts itself without being dominant.

M: Caramel and brown sugar up front, cut off by oak and a subdued vanilla taste. Tastes like the topping for apple crisp, but served over oak chips.

M: Light and sticky at the same time

D: Very drinkable for a barrel aged beer.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

11-20-2009 03:00:54 | More by ChuggyMcBeer

BedetheVenerable

Missouri

3.9/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Presentation: 10oz pour on-tap into a Matilda goblet

Appearance: Dark burnt orange beer, slightly hazed, with a beautiful dense ivory cap with good retention.

Smell: Tons of rich butter toffee, semi-sweet chocolate, and bourbon...this aroma fairly leaps out of the glass at you and is so rich you can almost cut it with a knife

Taste: The flavors show heavy vanilla and bourbon notes, with plenty of brandy-soaked dark fruit as well; a strong raisin presence stands out above the rest. The alcohol is warming and as the glass warms becomes ever-so-slightly aggressive, but is not overdone at all...if you're not a fan of bourbon-barrel aged beers, this one might not be for you, but it's smooth and drinkable and (IMO, as one who likes mild bourbon-aged beers) not overly sharp or harsh

Mouthfeel: Rich and fairly heavy

Drinkability: Really tasty, but a goblet or two is all I'd want in one sitting

Conclusion: I made a special effort to get down to Sycamore when I saw they had this on tap, and I'm glad I did. A very tasty bourbon-barrel aged strong ale; it's rich and malty sweet in the English style, with fairly low hop levels; tally another successful checkmark for Goose Island

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

11-19-2009 22:13:54 | More by BedetheVenerable

capra12

New York

4.08/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Reviewed solo at the gingerman nyc served out of a short snifter glass.

Appearance: slightly cloudy and mohagundy in color. With 1/2 finger of head that dissipated nornmally.

Smell: earthy raisin and vanilla with a hint of honey.

Taste: opens with an earthy vanilla/ raisin profile which becomes malty and slightly alcoholic towards the finish leaving a malty, slightly alcoholic and sweet dark fruit aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: medium bodied with moderate carbonation and slightly course and dry throughout.

Drinkability: I would definitely have this again and recommend this to those who want to enjoy a less intense BCS and with a lighter body. Its alcohol presents itself stronger than its abv shows.Either way definitely worth a try.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

11-14-2009 03:17:20 | More by capra12

cokes

Wisconsin

4.33/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

It sits in the goblet with a toasted mahogany, trimmed in honey, with a thin beige skim on top.
It noses of bourbon, specifically, toasted vanilla, oak, black cherry, and booze. Underlying tobacco-tinged choco-caramel maltiness.
It rolls into the mouth, and bourbon is all over it from the word go. It blankets everything with toasted oak, vanilla, and caramelized black cherries. The forwardness of the barrel-aging teeters on being uncouth, but yet the malts shine through. Tobacco-y, earthy, dank, rooty semi-sweetness plays off the barreled notes. Sweeter as it goes with dark fruits joining in on the Bourbon cherry suggestions. Some toasty, nuttiness to harmonize with the wood. It you strip Bourbon County Stout of its roastedness, this is what you get.
Thick, gripping body, lowly carbonated, and yet still alluring. This is a hot, riled beast in the mouth. But the booziness never gets out of hand.
BCS lovers will find a kindred spirit here. the barrel-aging adds a great deal of depth. I'd love to try the non-bourboned version. BCS is one of my favs, but Night Stalker was also amazing. As good as this is...and it's very, very good...I think it'd be damn near perfect with a less agressive barreling.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

11-09-2009 08:20:16 | More by cokes

jjayjaye

New York

4.78/5  rDev +14.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at the GI Clybourn brewpub. This batch was listed as 7.2% ABV. Served in a snifter.
Poured a rich caramel color with a shallow head that faded slowly. The smell is full-on bourbon from arms length. Full flavored, primarily bourbon caramel, very similar to Bourbon County Stout, but a little sweeter, more vanilla caramel lighter and less roasted. Tangy lightly carbonated medium body that compliments the lingering caramel aftertaste. This batch is 7.2% ABV and is one hell of a drinker. Comes across as if there's much more to it. Highly Recommended!

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

11-08-2009 14:52:25 | More by jjayjaye

samie85

Illinois

4.08/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Reviewed from notes, consumed 11/06 at The Bad Apple.

A- Brownish color with hints of tawny hues. Very slight head.

S- Smells like whiskey but not really bourbon. There are some vanilla and wood notes to this, but it's lacking that defining bourbon character.

T- Whiskey with a bit of sweet malt, some vanilla, and a burnt sugar taste. The tiniest hint of a hop bitterness.

M- Very smooth and interesting. It was really slick and almost still, seemed more like a liqueur than beer. Not too heavy though, the light side of medium-bodied. I

D- This is definitely a sipper. I'm glad I ordered it, especially as an end to the night. I could see this being very nice on a cold, wintry night, but i don't think I could get through more than twelve ounces in a session.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

11-07-2009 08:51:11 | More by samie85

jhoban19

Illinois

4.08/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, served in a goblet.

A: deep, dark brown with a strong caramel head and good lacing throughout.

S: smells of maple syrup and bourbon. caramel malt and hints of vanilla also present.

T: bourbon and maple syrupy goodness, just like it smells.

M: Full bodied, thick, syrupy. sticky on the lips and fills the mouth will all kinds of sweetness (though well balanced) and warm alcohol.

D: I like this one, but only one. this is a great beer to drink as a nightcap, but not to session. though it is well balanced, still a bit too sweet to drink more than one (ok, maybe two). another great brew from one of my favorite breweries.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

11-06-2009 05:30:56 | More by jhoban19

FernMaster

Missouri

2.78/5  rDev -33.3%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Served on tap, poured into a goblet.

The color on the Imperial Brown Goose was satisfactory, moderately brown, little light shown through, but in the light it had a crimson appearance. However there was less than a finger's worth of head. What little head there was stayed around for some time, but if failed to lace the glass. The smell is definitely in your face, it says that it was aged in Bourbon barrels, but my friend and I were getting whiskey from this. It seems like that it was aged in whiskey, not bourbon. I'm fine with either, but just a heads up if that matters to anyone. The bourbon smell was very very dominating, there may have been some other smells trying to get attention standing on the outskirts of the bourbon, but I couldn't pick them up. The smell is only fitting because the bourbon is the main flavor in this beer. My friend - who's not a beer person, but a hard liquor person - appreciated this, however, I didn't. I'm very fond of beers that are aged in bourbon barrels, or any other barrel, but the Imperial Brown Goose is one that lacks subtly. The bourbon is completely overwhelming of any other flavor in this beer and surprisingly enough, it burned like bourbon. I'm serious about this, it freaking burned to drink! The taste was also too sweet, so much so that I didn't feel like finishing it (come to think of it, I don't believe I finished the entire glass). This beer just lacks balance, so much so that I can't really recommend it to anyone except the most curious of people. I was saddened by this too because I love Goose Island, but every brewery makes a mediocre brew every now and then.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

10-31-2009 21:38:37 | More by FernMaster