Mild Winter - Goose Island Beer Co.

Florida9

Illinois

3.28/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

A: Served in a conical pint glass with about a 1/2" of creamy smooth light tan colored head. Beer itself is a beautiful clear chestnut brown - the color of quality furniture.

S: Not much going on here. Just some malts.

T: Sweet caramel malts and a bit of wood (which I will presume is the rye). Quick, clean finish.

M: Medium in weight with appropriate carbonation. A little sweet malt in the mouth, but actually quite clean.

D: This beer is exactly what it says it is: A mild, mass market craft beer. It brewed exactly how it is supposed to be brewed, but, that doesn't mean I have to like it and I don't. Personally I find it too light and rather one dimensional. Not my style of beer and not one I will be searching out for again.

Serving type: on-tap

03-24-2010 01:51:03 | More by Florida9

mwa423

Ohio

3.48/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A - Nicely clear reddish brown color with very little head, but what is there is sticking to the glass nicely.

S - Rye malt some spiciness.

T - Mild malt flavors, but the rye spiciness comes through and makes this an interesting winter beer.

M/D - Mouthfeel is smooth, drinkability is ok but the rye actually chases me away from this one. Usually I down rye beers like water, but this one just isn't doing it for me.

Serving type: on-tap

02-18-2010 21:16:59 | More by mwa423

DavidSeanNJ

New Jersey

3.9/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Had this one on tap. Poured into a standard pint glass...

A- Ruby brown color. Beautiful lacing throughout the glass. Bubbly white head with very nice retention. Very nice looking beer.

S- The smell was malty and fruity. Clean and refreshing. Strawberry bubblegum.

T- This was very tasty. A nice fruit kick followed up by a bitter rye punch. Nothing overwhelming. Nothing too sweet or too bitter, perfect blend. I could very well see why they call this one a "mild" winter as the powerful flavors are cut back in half.

M- Chewy and syrupy but still retaining a medium body.

D- Easy drinking beer. I could session this for sure. Good stuff.

Serving type: on-tap

02-14-2010 14:41:44 | More by DavidSeanNJ

chilidog

Ohio

4.08/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had thisone by surprise, on tap, one of seven taps amongst a sea of macro's at Kieths Landeck Tavern. The grand opening week.

It arived a dark ruby with a thin off white head that did disapate. Lace was little at the glass top.

Aroma's of toasted bread and malts with winter spice.

Taste carries that toasted bread, ya alittle rye. Buttery malts add a sweet, nut hint while a nice small hint of hop balance.

The mouth is left alittle dry but yet a nice coating from the malted toast.
Drinks really well, I could order more. The 5.6% is nice, not to heavy, not to lite. I wouldn't of put this as a rye if I didn't learn it here.

Serving type: on-tap

01-17-2010 15:32:54 | More by chilidog

lester619

Wisconsin

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

Orangish-brown with a thick solid tan head. Nice little stream of bubbles flow from top to bottom. Earthy-sweet chocolate malty smell with rye and hops detectable. Nice flavors in this beer. A good mix of sweet malty caramel dark chocoalte, and tangy sour rye notes. Not a huge hop presance, but there is a nice herbal bitterness in the finish. Good tasting beer. The rye is detectable without becoming overpowering. Very subtle complex flavors come out. Good beer with a foot of snow outside.

Serving type: on-tap

01-08-2010 15:39:52 | More by lester619

BeardedBoffin

Minnesota

3.98/5  rDev +7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap on New Year's Eve. A dark amberish brown ale with a wispy head out of the tap. A light malty aroma with a touch of chocolate.

On the palate, smooth and medium bodied. Sweet grains and roast malt on the palate. It certainly has the taste winter beer, with the touch of rye. After the juicy center a touch of true bitterness signals the end.

This is a balanced, fine-tasting, and drinkable winter offering.

Serving type: on-tap

01-01-2010 03:22:39 | More by BeardedBoffin

NicholasCasber

Iowa

3.95/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: This beer, was consumed by myself and my friend at Beck's on The Hill in Cedar Falls, and was in a pitcher before entering a pilsner glass. The color is a dark amber with hints of brown, producing a fairly white head, but the head itself had sort of a amber tint.

S: This is one of my favorite things about the beer, and I noticed it once I poured it into my glass. I got the strong smell of egg nog which I'm assuming is the dark rye used in the brewing process coming out.

T: The taste was absolutely brilliant with a nice, almost sweet finish.

M: Mouthfeel was off the charts with a nice little shimmer on the pallet to really brighten the flavors.

D: The drinkability was superior to other winter ales I've tasted, and would drink it again in a heart beat.

Overall, outstanding beer, almost wish it was around all season. I've always thought that Goose Island brewed some mighty fine beers, and after Matilda, this would be my second favorite. Cheers.

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2009 00:07:01 | More by NicholasCasber

Hornet2003

British Columbia (Canada)

4/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-Tap at Goose Island Clybourne.

Good beer. Much like the Brooklyn Scottish Winter Ale. I liked it, due to it's mellow nature. Great stuff. I had this in a taster and I loved it. An excellent session beer.

I had this in the taster flight but over the course of an evening I could have had it all night long. Much easier drinking than those BCS type brews...Matilda included.

Serving type: on-tap

11-25-2009 02:38:40 | More by Hornet2003

OttoBomb

Illinois

4/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served on tap in 16 fl.oz. pint glass, (Nov 17, 2009).

Eyes: Quite dark, offers a small head. Not impressive looking.

Nose: Very solid malt/bread aroma, the rye particularly pushes the "bread" presence. Hops almost not identifiable, but is not a problem with this particular style.

Tongue: On first sip, my first impression is smooth, very smooth. A mild sweetness follows the pleasant bread/yeast character. Almost a complete lack of hops, but this does not detract from the overall offering. A hint of mild spice.

Mouth: Smoother and cleaner that I expected, especially with respect to the dark appearance. It is thicker that a standard brew, but not overly syrupy. Very pleasant sip after sip.

Libation: Very drinkable and a great winter session beer. Zero unpleasant aftertaste which makes me eager for the next sip.

I tend to enjoy hop-heavy beer, so this is certainly not a brew I thought I'd enjoy, but I was pleasantly surprised. I wouldn't call this brew delicious, but it's quite savory and pleasant. I do not taste the variety of spices that others here mentioned, but I'm not sure any spices would improve this ale. I'll be having a few more of these and looking forward to it each time winter rolls in.

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

11-19-2009 06:38:13 | More by OttoBomb

spointon

Illinois

3.9/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this one on tap at Cemeno's Pizza in Joliet, IL on 3/24/2009.

A= This ale poured a mostly clear dark red-brown color with a 1/2" creamy tan head. The head slowly settled to a thin creamy cap and left loads of lace down my glass.

S= Aroma was a nice but muted mix of dark malts, sweetness, and earthy English hops.

T= Lots of dark malts and a syrupy treacle sweetness up front. Nice spicy rye character all through the middle. Faint earthy hops add a nice character. Reminded me of some winter warmer ales I have had. The finish was a little spicy and nicely malty.

MF= Medium bodied with a soft carbonation and chewy rye mouthfeel.

D= A very drinkable ale that I will drink again gladly. Paired very well with pizza.

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

03-25-2009 05:08:18 | More by spointon

JohnQVegas

Tennessee

3.45/5  rDev -7.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Draught @ BTAH.

Pours clear, dark amber, with a fluffy off-white head.

Nose is a bit toasty, just a bit of breadcrust, hint of dark brown sugar sweetness. Hard to get a handle on.

Taste is toasty, breadcrust, with a nice lush, slightly roasty finish. There's a sweetness there from the rye that's held in check by the dryness. Slight hop character, blends in with the rye.

Restrained carbonation, medium body.

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

02-15-2009 15:04:22 | More by JohnQVegas

gford217

Georgia

3.4/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Johnathan's Bistro in Appleton, WI.

Pours a dark, clear copper with a thin off-white head that left decent lacing as it lingered as a ring.

The aroma is very tame with some sweet malts and maybe a hint of rye spiciness and hops, but not a lot standing out in the nose.

The taste is slightly bigger than the aroma and has a some earthy hop bitterness up front before giving way to the mild caramel malts. The rye comes around in the finish and leaves a slight spiciness that lingers for a while.

The mouthfeel is smooth but very prickly with the hops and rye spices.

This is a decent beer that doesn't really offer anything too original and the rye is really subdued.

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

01-28-2009 02:54:05 | More by gford217

robbyc1

Illinois

3.18/5  rDev -14.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

At the Clybourn brewpub in December, Somewhat light brown look with decent head, not much on the nose other than decent malt and a bit of hops, no rye notes, taste is the same, not complex, very light, finishes easy, overall better than average but not one to seek out.

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

01-27-2009 17:29:45 | More by robbyc1

MrMcGibblets

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

tried this on-tap and was pleasantly surprised. a clear chestnut brown with a creamy light tan head and lacing. aroma was nuts, holiday spices, and brown sugar. taste followed suit w/a nice rich malt sweetness for a session beer, but managed not to be cloying despite a minimal hop presence. nicely carbonated and a good body for a lower abv beer, also complex and interesting with the spicy rye. overall rich and malty for this abv. well-balanced and could have a few of these.
pretty good via bottle as well.

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

01-18-2009 05:53:18 | More by MrMcGibblets

champ103

Texas

4.38/5  rDev +17.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: Pours a murky brown/amber color. A tiny white cap of foam forms. Some light sticky lace is left behind.
S: A husky grain and musky malty aroma off caramel. Light spice from the rye. Some fruity peaches and pears as well (though very light).
T: At first caramel malt. A light grainy malt flavor. Light fruitiness. Plenty of spice from the rye and cinnamon. The rye spiciness and the malt work really well together.
M/D: A medium to full body that is velvety smooth. Very rich and creamy. This is a great beer to session, even if it has a little to much alcohol for a mild. I can drink this all day, and probably will during Christmas.

This beer is really intriguing. A mix between and English Mild and a Rye Beer. This brings out the best of both. Bring this to your next holiday party instead of generic macro lagers. I would recommend this, and definitely purchase again.

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

12-24-2008 03:27:46 | More by champ103

BEERchitect

Kentucky

4.4/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

An incredible surprise currently on tap at Pazzo's.

The beer opens with a bright amber, golden, orangy hue that seems to glow in the glass. A froathy eggshell colored head forms on top of the glass and laced, retained well down to the last sip.

Aromas favor the carmel, toffee, malty notes first with a spicy, malty rye pepperiness that makes a seamless transition into the classic Goose Island floral hop character. Very inviting aroma.

Flavors also portray the malt profile that is caught somewhere between an Amber Ale and a Brown Ale. Again the spicy rye notes provide the perfect bridge going into the hop floral hop notes at mid-palate.

moderate body that seems malty-rich up front, but has an evaproative quality that lifts off of the tongue and whisps into a classic hoppy dryness for maximum drinkability.

The beer tells the same story from the appearance and aroma to the taste and texture. Very consistant throughout and a pleasure to drink.

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

12-09-2008 15:12:43 | More by BEERchitect

pmcadamis

Illinois

3.55/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A - Dark brown, slightly hazy, and supporting a nice sized khaki head.

S - Nutty, yeasty, and a little spicy. Smells like a good brown ale with an emphasis on nuts and spice (from the rye?).

T - Again, brown ale malty flavors with an emphasis on walnut notes and a nice accent provided by the rye.

M - Medium bodied, malty, an mellowly carbonated.

D - A really nice winter beer. The flavors complement the dishes of the season, and the woody-nutty flavors put fireside evenings in mind. Pretty good stuff!

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

11-30-2008 20:30:22 | More by pmcadamis

plaid75

New York

3.78/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On draft at The Blind Tiger.

Poured a deep amber hue with a one finger foamy white head. There was decent retention and lacing.

The smell consisted of a light rye spice with a touch of caramel.

The taste featured a dough malt with a heavy sweet malt. Some spicy hops cleaned up the flavor.

The mouthfeel was toward the fuller side of the style and a touch too sweet.

Overall a tasty ale.

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

11-13-2008 17:38:25 | More by plaid75

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +19.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a slightly clouded amber brown. Creme head. Nose is exactly what I would think a mild to be. Full enough rye/grain character. Flavor brings a hearty rye flavor profile. It doesn't obliterate my mouth, but it's pleasant enough. Feel is smooth on liquid and the carbonation is middle of the road with a slight nip at the tongue. Mmmmm. This is a nice rye. I could go for several of these on a cold, snowy, miserable night. Or any other time for that matter.

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

11-12-2008 19:12:03 | More by RblWthACoz

botham

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +16.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

on tap poured into a tumbler at the Clubourn brewpub in Chicago. pours a dark chocolate brown color with deep amber highlights and a single finger of light tan, creamy head that has great retention.

aroma is a good balance between caramel malt and light and aromatic hops, with a mild spiced character. a bit of the spice could be from the rye as well. light notes of chocolate and bready yeast form the base, with the malt and hop backbone showcasing most of the profile.

taste is mainly of caramel malt up front wih a touch of chocolate, along with a finish of smooth and coniferous hops. a malty base compliments a creamy profile well, along with great proportioning.

mouthfeel is medium bodied with a very smooth and creamy texture. a supurbly smooth finish compliments the malts, along with a creamy backbone. this brew is liquid gold in mouthfeel!

drinkability is great. this is a smooth and creamy brew with excellent drinkability. the rye imparts a subtle spiced quality, along with great balance from start to finish. a great brew from Goose Island Clybourn. cheers!

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

08-17-2008 21:52:27 | More by botham

GbVDave

Illinois

4/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served in a 20oz imperial pint at Goose Island-Clybourn 7/7/08 Thanks to HeatherAnn for the assist!

A: Served a deep, reddish brown mahogany color capped with a creamy and pillowy off white head.

S: Nice toasty aroma along with some caramel, citrus, spicy rye, and floral hops.

T: Tangy-toasty rye, bitter piney hops, black pepper, and a pinch of bitter dark chocolate. A slight citrus hop profile, as well.

M: Prickly and pretty oily. Dry, toasty, and peppery.

D: A very nice rye beer. It's certainly no Red's Rye or Cane & Ebel but it does what it needs to do in a pretty unfussy manner.

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

07-13-2008 00:15:03 | More by GbVDave