India Pale Ale - Goose Island Beer Co.

TheBishop

Montana

4.01/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75

This IPA is all over my town locally now on tap. It is a good representation of the style, not over the top very drinkable and sessionable but with a good hop bite to it. The color of this beer is very nice and darker then alot of IPAs out there. Lacing of the glass is exceptional. Mouthfeel is a little thin for an IPA but not bad. Are there better IPA's? Of course. But this is a good fall back that won't let you down.

Serving type: on-tap

02-27-2013 15:42:40 | More by TheBishop

BladeRunner

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into a 20oz pint glass.

It pours a dark golden/orangish color, with a cream/white bubbly head. It smells of sweet tangerine. Taste is also sweet, with a decent amount of carbonation. It feels really airy in the mouth, and goes down smoothly, so that is why I gave it's drinkability so high.
(Though, I would have preferred a bit more thickness in regards to mouthfeel.)

A pretty good IPA, and another great beer from Goose Island. I've yet tasted a bad beer from GI.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2007 03:52:13 | More by BladeRunner

djwilson

Ohio

3.68/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured a slightly cloudy copper color with a nice creamy off white head. Head lasted quite a while leaving a nice Belgian lace on the glass.

aroma was a light citrusy, slightly piney fresh hop with maybe a hint of grapefruit.

Taste has a smokey carmel quality, with a nice hop bite hitting the back and sides of the tounge. Thought the hop flavor would be more up front but it is a nice balance of flavors that many IPA's seem to overlook. Very traditional representation of the style.

Mouthfeel was smooth and silky with a long lingering finish that stays with you for several minutes.

I could have several of these any day of the week, not cloying on the palette like many other IPA's comming on the market just to try and make hop heads happy

Serving type: bottle

08-05-2007 22:23:16 | More by djwilson

adamks

District of Columbia

3.7/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

a: pours slightly hazy light copper with sticky one-finger head.

s: like an IPA should--spicy hops, pine, maybe hints of citrus in the malt.

t: pinier than i thought it would taste, not much of a hop bit to balance the fruity malt.

m: light and creamy, medium carbonation.

d: pretty good but unbalanced in a way i just didn't dig as much as other IPAs.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2009 00:41:58 | More by adamks

MysticRuler

New York

3.78/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Strong Hoppiness on nose. Assertive bitterness on tongue with lingering sweetness behind, which causes it to lose a bit of the refreshing character which reflects the best IPAs. A nice effort, but seems a bit manipulated; everything is in the right place, but it seems almost contrived.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2010 02:29:25 | More by MysticRuler

CorvetteMike

Rhode Island

4.2/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

First introduced to this IPA on vacation in Florida.

a: Orange color with a 2 finger white head
s: Spicy grapefruit smell
t: Smooth spicy grapefruit taste, no bitterness, or aftertaste
m: Medium body with smooth taste
o: Very good IPA would recommend this brew

Purchased single bottle to sample, will buy a 6 pack in the future

Serving type: bottle

04-29-2013 20:04:42 | More by CorvetteMike

RockAZ

Arizona

4.13/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Fresh keg just tapped, full carbonation evident then and still three days later. Nice aroma, I like the hop scent. There are those that reviewed this and commented it is closer to an English style IPA and I agree with that but the nose has a bit more aroma to it from the " Styrian, Fuggle, Cascade, Centennial" combination than the usual from that island nation. This is not a phenomenal beer to me, very drinkable 5.9%abv and not offensive in any way. Gotta like the price too. So I rate it over 4 points on every item, I just like good IPA's and appreciate the occasional changeup from the higher ABV suds I have had lately.

Serving type: on-tap

01-22-2013 23:34:33 | More by RockAZ

Dave412

Missouri

3.58/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A. Pours a hazy orange color with lots of carbonation, small but lingering head.
S. Strong, wonderful smell to the beer. Slightly pine, slightly citrusy, mostly typical ipa scents are present.
T. Solid taste, hits you right up front, bitterness is present as it goes back, weaker bitterness than some but overall well balanced.
D. Drinkable, tasty IPA at a small price.
Good six pack in a night IPA. Overall - Good. However the finished bottle left me wanting to find a stronger, better taste than this IPA provided.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2010 02:28:51 | More by Dave412

stxp

New York

3.15/5  rDev -17.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2 | overall: 3.5

appearance: head is thin, not much lacing, caramel color, foggy

smell: light fruity smell, sweet

taste: citrusy, flowery, bitter

mouthfeel: dry towards the end, beginning smoothish

overall: looks better than it tastes, slightly disappointing

(reviewed by bethany)

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2012 02:11:33 | More by stxp

BradMacMullin

Massachusetts

4.09/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Purchased a 6-pack from Walgreens. Walgreens....my new favorite beer store

Poured into a beer glass, Has a slight 1 finger head, and a nice golden color. The lacing is nice and stays consistent as I drank. A nice citrusy smell. A decent amount of fruit at the beginning, and follows with nice malt finish. Nothing overwhelming, but nice composition. Light amount of carbonation, with a lighter body - I'd like this on a hot day. I thought this was a very good beer - not a crazy hoppy west coast beer I generally have and enjoy.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2013 00:32:36 | More by BradMacMullin

MShirokov

Illinois

4/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I don't like IPA's but this one is an exception. It has a nice bitterness to it, but doesn't leave an aftertaste in your mouth the way most IPA's do. I've recommended it to others who are not big fans of IPA's and they like it as well. Maybe this is a nice "transition" beer if you're used to drinking beers which are less hoppy.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2013 01:21:59 | More by MShirokov

knowledge

New York

3.15/5  rDev -17.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

I must say when you present this brew to your lips, a few things should happen, the taste and mouthfeel should be equivalent to the smell. As an India Pale Ale, the major drawback is the pronounced bitterness to the taste itself. I know of other brews that do not reside in this category, however, Goose Island need to improve the taste of this beer in order for it to become palatable to the experienced connoisseur such as myself. Therefore, I will not be entertaining seconds on this brew itself. There are many brews out there much worthier of your time and sessions.

Thanks, but I'll pass..

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2010 22:54:40 | More by knowledge

habanosdarklord

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a nice dark orange color. White bubbly head. Decent carbonation streaming from the bottom. The smell is floral, citrus, malty, overall a very well balanced IPA aroma. Nothing overpowers the other aromas, which I like. The taste is great, starts off bitter, then smooths out to citrus and the malts. Medium body. Overall, this IPA is very well balanced, and I like it a lot. Another great offering from Goose Island.

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2011 22:58:23 | More by habanosdarklord

ElmerBruisery

Maryland

3.9/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Fresh, Bottled a month ago bottle, poured into a pint glass.

Huge almost-white creamy head that rises and sticks around for awhile eventually leaving a rocky cover. Color is golden orange with some murky cloud dancing just underneath the head.

The nose is full of tropical fruity hops with toasted malt in the background.

Flavor is tropical fruit, sweet malt and slight bitter finish. I keep thinking gummy-bear beer.

Mouthfeel is on the lighter side and sticky on the finish.

Overall it's a good and drinkable ipa. It just seems like it's missing something.

Serving type: bottle

09-13-2011 23:04:12 | More by ElmerBruisery

petercmartin1

Wisconsin

4.15/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Goose Island consistantly puts out really good beers, not great, but really good, solid everyday beers. Their IPA is no exception. Pours out of the bottle a golden, almost orangeish hue with a small head that dissapated rather quickly, but left a thin film floating on top of the beer. The color almost looks a little unnatural IMHO.

The aroma is all about the hops with a nice floral and pine aroma backed up by some citrus notes.

Flavor is nice, with hops and bitterness dominating like any good IPA should. But the bitterness is balanced out by a light malty sweetness in the finish that keeps the beer from being one dimensional or palate deadening.

Found the carbonation to be a little on the heavy side, but it is a nice creamy carbonation, not fizzy like soda.

Though IPAs are not my favorite style of beer, this is a beer I will probably drink again.

Serving type: bottle

08-22-2005 22:45:32 | More by petercmartin1

hiphopipa

Maine

3.2/5  rDev -16.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Bottled on 11/20/10. Poured into a Portsmouth Brewing tulip.
Hazy light-orange in color. No head, pour leaves a frothy rim.
Grainy aroma with a smell of bittering hops right away. Definitely an English IPA with Fuggles taking over the hop profile.
Thin mouthfeel, crisp with kind of a dry finish, leaves you with a diacetyl aftertaste.
Kind of neutral on this one. It's good, but perhaps a bit too similar to our typical regional brews for me.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2011 20:21:56 | More by hiphopipa

Jimbo07

Hawaii

4.3/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Amber red color. White head. Smell is superb. Do I smell hops? I think I made a good choice in choosing this for my first IPA.

Also, not like it made a difference in my testing, the bottle was well done in that not only did it show the best-by-date, but it also showed what glass it should be served in. Now that's classy.

Serving type: bottle

10-14-2006 23:14:26 | More by Jimbo07

KATE12

New York

4.38/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This is one of my all time favorite beers. It's light but full of flavor. You really get the taste and smell of fresh hops and citrus whenever you take a sip. It's a great golden color with a fairly decent 2 finger head, not bad for an IPA. All in all I would highly recommend trying this beer, especially on tap!

Serving type: on-tap

03-23-2007 14:29:55 | More by KATE12

thisisbigrob

Kentucky

3.93/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz. bottle poured into a large snifter.

A: Poured a bright golden orange that is somewhat hazy with nice white head. Head receeded quickly but there is decent lacing.

S: All of the spicy American hop flavors you would hope for with some malt to balance.

T: Bitterness kicks you in just the right place for an American IPA. The malt is there to balance it out, but you're left with a lingering taste of that initial hop burst. Some alcohol taste is apparant, but it doesn't come close to ruining anything.

M: This is where this beer exceeds my expectations. The carbonation level is spot on, allowing you to enjoy the beer.

D: The alcohol content may catch up with me if I put back a few of these. By the end of the glass I'm getting a little overwhelmed by the hops.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2007 00:51:22 | More by thisisbigrob

Stygr

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +13.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- pours a golden/copper with a finger head and good retention.

S- Citrus hops with orange peel/grapefruit/piney. What a medley of hops harmony. Wakes the nose up, and begs it to dive into the glass for a greater taste, er, smell.

T- Hoppy on the tongue, as it was on the nose. Hop lovers delight.

M- Crisp, fresh, slightly crisp/dry on the finish, begging for another sip.

D- I have enjoyed this IPA in great abundance over the last five or so years. It is a staple in my fridge, as far as IPAs go. Ages VERY well, but rarely ever gets a chance to do so.

This is a favorite of my beer buddies, and has many times been considered the best all around IPA we have tried.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2009 21:36:11 | More by Stygr

Jpatrix

Michigan

3.05/5  rDev -20.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

Poured from bottle to pint glass.
AP - Light orange/honey color. Light head w/lacey residue.
AR - A smokey orange like malt aroma.
FL - Light and citrus with a leaning to grapefruit flavor.
MF - Light brew with a light grapefruit aftertaste.
D - This would be good on a warm afternoon after going to a Cubs game.

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2010 00:22:55 | More by Jpatrix

dyingwrist

New York

3.45/5  rDev -9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

From a bottle into a pint glass. Nice orange-amber color to it. Started off with an inch of head but died down to a small layer on top of the liquid. Left moderate lacing. Smells of earth and fruits. Initially a mild fruity taste that turns into a moderate bitterness. Not too interesting, but not bad. Finish is pretty short. Low to medium amount of carbonation that made it have a nice soft mouthfeel However its easy drinking and people would have no problem drinking a few in a sitting.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2008 18:03:08 | More by dyingwrist

kdpark

Minnesota

4.35/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Please ignore all reviewers who think this is an American IPA, it isn't, its an English IPA and should be reviewed as one.

Appearance: Medium amber color, brilliantly clear, nice rocky white head.

Smell: Little malt, little hops

Taste: Wonderful biscuity malt background, balanced perfectly with the hops.

Mouthfeel: Malty, smooth

Drinkability: On a patio on a perfect summer evening, it was the perfect beer. Very good.

Serving type: on-tap

07-01-2010 22:13:19 | More by kdpark

Mattamue

Iowa

2.68/5  rDev -30%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

Bottle into a pint. Bottled on 12/20/11.

a Tan-yellow without much depth. Constant stream of carbonation keeps the bone-white head about half a millimeter thick throughout tasting. Lacing clings to the sides with a thick beard of bubbles.

s Spicy floral notes fight to overpower a slightly dank hops partner. The color could be fooling me into smelling it, but I get a hint of rice in the grain bill. Some toasted malt is there.

t Bitter hops at the beginning with a tinge of citrus that grows stronger and overpowers the rest of the taste and the aftertaste. The first taste characteristics share the dank smell and hit the front of the bitter hops. Too strong in the citrus.

m Smooth and full body. Rests easily on the tongue before the finish of the taste.

o I would choose other IPAs over this one. Nothing stood out but the citrus, which was too sour.

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2012 00:35:25 | More by Mattamue

robobor

Illinois

4.28/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a nice clear gold with a heap of foamy head on top, which slowly retreated to just a circle at the edges. Nice strong hoppy aroma. What really sticks out here is the balance, the malts stand up to a formidable hoppy bitterness. Also a very agreeable mouthfeel. I'll be buying this again.

Note: I'm reviewing this with a bit of a cold, so my senses of taste and smell are a bit blocked.

Serving type: bottle

12-12-2009 03:08:32 | More by robobor