Mild Winter - Goose Island Beer Co.

tdm168

North Carolina

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

On tap at Sawmill Tap Room

A - very dark brownish amber with a thin, white lacing of head

S - faint grains, very faint metallic notes

T - caramel, toffee, faintly nutty, mild bitter finish

M - medium bodied, smooth, lightly carbonated

This is a rather simplistic beer. It has decent flavor with a very malty presence. This is a beer brewed to style with caramel and toffee notes and lower, sessionable ABV. This beer has enough flavor to keep one interested throughout a session, but there isn't much here to set it apart from the rest of the crowd. I'm glad I tried this one once, but I won't be seeking it out again.

Serving type: on-tap

01-25-2013 01:40:52 | More by tdm168

Slatetank

Pennsylvania

4.04/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

I had this at Champions, served chilled on tap in a pint.

The color is deep bronze with translucent clarity and thin cap of off white cream with tiny beading. The smell is very nice with grain odor and mild bready scent of yeast with subtle fruitiness and malt augments with a light spice note. The feel is very good with a nice amount of carbonation in the mid range with a hint of sweetness but enough spice to balance things out.

I really like rye beers and this one is great for the very reason I enjoy them, you can taste the rye malt in this, it has a mild toasted flavor with subtle sweet and mild nutty earthiness there is a light herbal hoppiness which is just enough to keep it all balanced, a very flavoral, yet not overdone beer. I really can't imagine many ways to improve upon this except maybe more of the same I really thought this is a great winter beer and would certainly order this any time it is available.

Serving type: on-tap

01-17-2013 17:38:24 | More by Slatetank

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

3.75/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Unsure of the style until about now. It poured quite dark. Minimal head. A thin seam stays with the body the entire time, however. Very light lacing.

S-Nose is deeply malty with some spicy rye zest. Upon the first sniff I thought I smelled some rye but didn't know it was a component. Semi happy with my nose here. Malty and spicy. A bit earthy. Kinda getting some chocolatey notes as well.

T-Again, well malted with toasty and very light chocolate. The rye extends the flavor to new heights. The flavor is more robust than I thought it would be.

M-Fuller bodied. Softer carbonation. Spicy. Not as drinkable as the "mild" name tag initially lead me to believe.

O/D-Not as drinkable as I thought it would be but it was far more flavorful than I expected as well. Well worth a try. I'd actually try it again in a different setting with a bit more time to dissect this beer.

Serving type: on-tap

01-01-2013 18:33:23 | More by VelvetExtract

ummswimmin

New Jersey

3.58/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

I had this on tap while meeting with friends. The bar served this in a tulip glass.

There was a healthy amount of head on the initial pour. The coloring is correct for the style of beer.

The nose is appropriate for the style, but there really isn't much there. The hopping is very minimal with a decent amount of malt from this one.

The flavor with this beer is very minimal. There isn't much happening here. Nothing was bad, but there was nothing exceptional.

It isn't too bad if there is nothing else on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

12-24-2012 20:00:01 | More by ummswimmin

harrymel

Washington

3.5/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Manito Tap House, Spokaloo, WA

Pours a brown ale with some red accents. Occassional foam as I agitate is light tan. Nose is spicy and malty. There are hints of cinnamon and some earthy hops, but mostly a simple bready nose. Taste carries a nice brown ale character accented with a rye ambience. Nicely spicy with a tone of brown ale - not mild ale. Medium bodied with a lighter carb and a nice forgettable finish. This beer is nothing out of the ordinary - which is exactly as it should be. Well executed.

Serving type: on-tap

12-20-2012 10:02:26 | More by harrymel

mdfb79

New York

3.63/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

From 12/13/12 notes. Had a pint of this in NYC at Donolly's; have had it 2 or 3 times lately.

a - Pours a somewhat clear bright orange color with one inch of off white head and moderate carbonation evident.

s - Smells of caramel malts, toasted malts, bready malts, light spice, and biscuit. Super malty, but I like it.

t - Tastes follows the nose. Lots of malts, spice, and yeast, bread, biscuit, and light caramel. More spice than the nose. I like the nose a bit better.

m - Medium body and moderate to high carbonation. Pretty easy to drink but a little over carbonated.

o - Overall a pretty good dark mild ale. As expected, super malty, and a little spice in the taste. Would have it again, especially at a bar with not a ton of craft options.

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2012 15:35:27 | More by mdfb79

UCLABrewN84

California

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

On tap at the BevMo Holiday Beerfest held at Golden Road Brewing in Los Angeles, CA.

Pours a clear dark brown with a foamy khaki head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Foamy streaks of lace form around the glass on the drink down. Smell is of toasted malt and caramel aromas. Taste is much the same with a mild roasty and hop bitterness on the palate with each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer that is tasty and easy to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

12-02-2012 07:31:49 | More by UCLABrewN84

KickbacksSteve

Florida

3.88/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Kickbacks in Jax. Poured into a snifter. Grey head, moderate retention on a ruby/mahogany body. Aroma includes caramel malt with some light roast, some raisins, a hint of coffee and some candi sugar. Taste includes light coffee, some fig and some candy sugar sweetness. Very easy to drink, no objectionable flavors and should be appealing to most people.

Serving type: on-tap

11-28-2012 03:53:46 | More by KickbacksSteve

Reaper16

Alabama

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

served on-tap @ Egan's, Tuscaloosa, AL, into a pint glass

Pours the color of maple syrup, if not the consistency of it. 3/4 of a finger of cream colored head.

The aroma is pretty close to what a dark mild should be. Toffee notes, brown sugar notes, English ale yeast. But there's a couple of American wrinkles here: the green hop notes and the rye malt. It's far spicier than a typical English Dark Mild would ever be.

Which means that this doesn't end up tasting very much like a true dark mild. Pity, because I was in the mood for one. But I like the toasty, spicy rye and how it matches up with the smoother, more traditional malt flavors. The hops end up being welcome as a compliment to the rye.

The mouthfeel is too carbonated for an English beer style, but it doesn't detract from the beer. It makes this beer even more of a versatile pair with burgers or a rich risotto. Overall I like this beer, I'd be happy to down a pint or three at my neighborhood bar.

Serving type: on-tap

11-24-2012 17:22:47 | More by Reaper16

kylehay2004

Florida

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

2.5 finger frothy head with nice lacing and good retention on a brownish amber cloudy body.

S: strong malt aroma with nutty notes.

T: Much more roasty and smokey than I was expecting. The rye is actually detectable with this one with a musty sweet finish and not to bad of an aftertaste.

M: medium body and moderate carbonation. wet finish.

Overall: Not a bad rye beer. This one actually has a rye note to it and transitions nicely between the malt and sweet finish.

Serving type: on-tap

01-21-2012 01:04:00 | More by kylehay2004

dhannes

Wisconsin

2.75/5  rDev -26.1%
look: 5 | smell: 1 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Had a 16 oz. tap at a local sports bar...didn't realize that this was a rye beer, and, having never had a rye beer, this review is based more on the overall flavor of the beer.

A=Excellent warm reddish amber color with one finger golden foam...very inviting.

S=None...no aroma whatsoever was detected after two tries.

T=Like other winter ales, a sharp bitter taste was present and, despite the lightness in body, it still dominated...thought it was a strong hops presence at the time, but I am now thinking it was the rye.

M=Nice light body, but slightly over carbonated.

O=Not unenjoyable, but not enjoyable either. Not one I'll order again.

Serving type: on-tap

01-17-2012 01:51:25 | More by dhannes

soju6

Missouri

3.63/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Served a dark copper color with a decent tan head and some lacing.

S: Mild aroma of fresh grain, nut and a trace of caramel sweetness.

T: Flavor of fresh grain, bit of nut and a mild sweetness. Has a bit of bitterness and a dry finish.

F: Medium body, clean and smooth. Well balanced.

O: Nice seasonal offering. Has a subtle warming effect. Good for a few.

Serving type: on-tap

12-18-2011 01:48:24 | More by soju6

JizackFH

New York

3.6/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had on-tap at Sunswick 35/35 in Astoria, NY on 11/28/11.
Review taken from notes.

This beer pours a nice dark brown color. There is a finger of light tan head on top of it. The head has some good retention, and it leaves some nice scattered lace behind on the glass. The nose starts of with some nice toasted malt aromas. There is some spicy rye, caramel, chocolate, coffee, mild hops, nuts, and some chocolate and coffee. The nose is quite pleasant. The taste follows the nose pretty well. The toasted malt flavors come out first. There is some caramel sweetness, and a nice bit of chocolate and coffee. The rye makes itself known, and there is a little bit of nuttiness. The flavors are their but they seem a little muted at times. The finish leaves some lingering toasted malt, caramel, and chocolate on the palate. This has a medium body and good carbonation. It goes down easy and has a real smooth feel to it. There is a nice sweetness but there is some roasted bitterness and some mild hops that balance it out. There is some spiciness from the rye here as well. This has good drinkability. It is a nice easy going beer that has good flavor. I could easily drink a few pints of this in an evening. Overall, I think this is a really nice beer, and an interesting rye beer. I definitely think this beer is worth trying, and I would buy it again. Cheers.

Serving type: on-tap

12-05-2011 08:37:38 | More by JizackFH

tewaris

Minnesota

3.5/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Brown hued, good clarity, light tan head with medium retention and lacing. Smells malty-sweet and slightly earthy. A good beer for what is a boring style on its own. Fairly clean finish with medium carbonation. Not a bad beer and worth drinking again.
3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 3.5

Serving type: on-tap

11-22-2011 18:56:27 | More by tewaris

jmvecchio1

Missouri

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

The beer pours out clear and deep brown – walnut – with a nice rich head. The aroma is very light, but is yeasty and reminds us of rising bread and nuts. The taste is of sweet malts and – true to the style – nicely spiced rye. It’s an extremely enjoyable and slightly spiced beer that isn’t overpowering, but is just complex enough. Because it’s not overpowering like some winter seasonals, this really is a great session beer.

Serving type: on-tap

07-16-2011 19:49:15 | More by jmvecchio1

sixerofelixir

Ohio

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

Reviewed on-tap. From the dim bar light, I see that it pours a darkish brown. An off-white head laces around the glass pretty well. Smell is good, rich malts, with a bit of caramel and toffee. Taste is also gloriously malty, the rye acts as a rich, almost syrup-like note to the beer. Very mild on the palette as well. Drinks easy and well. A fine beer for this time of year.

Serving type: on-tap

03-03-2011 07:10:04 | More by sixerofelixir

sonata2008

Minnesota

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

Appearance: Mild Winter was on tap and was served in a 16 oz. glass. It had a dark copper color with light creamy foam and some nice lacing.

Smell: The aroma was filled with toasty, roasty notes. There was also a hint of chocolate and whisper of coffee.

Taste: I could really taste roasted malts in this beer and also a light bit of coffee flavor . Lovely malt taste. I could almost chew the grain.

Mouthfeel: Medium mouthfeel with light carbonation. Dry finish with a bit of fizzy carbonation at the very end.

Drinkability: I love rye beers and I found Goose Island Mild Winter to be a very drinkable beer. Nicely balanced. It would go well with many things - chips, pizza, steak, salad, etc.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2011 19:40:18 | More by sonata2008

wcintula

New York

3.78/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

The style is something newer to me, so once I have a few more, I'll see how they all stack up. The head on this beer was creamy and tan, and lingered for quite a bit. I thought the beer showcased the rye very well as it was present in the smell and the taste. The roasted malts were also very smooth and mellow which allowed the rye to shine through. Other spices are present in the smell and taste, the carbonation is low and it allows for a very easy drink.

Serving type: on-tap

02-03-2011 02:41:14 | More by wcintula

dali27

Illinois

3.35/5  rDev -9.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Served on-tap into a pint glass.

A: Attractive nut-brown in color. Light tan head which clings against the glass.

S: Nothing overwhelmingly strong coming through. Reminds me of a porter.

T: Taste of mild chocolate and coffee. Are you sure this isn't a bland porter? Finishes a little spicy.

M: Medium bodied.

D: These went down really smooth. Easy to drink with dinner in brewpub setting.

I kept thinking that there could have been a little more to this beer. Taste came off a little bland. I didn't know this was a rye beer until I came to review.

I would pass on this one in the future.

Serving type: on-tap

01-31-2011 06:10:25 | More by dali27

CuriousMonk

Virginia

3.6/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Goose Island as well as from a 12 oz bottle poured into a pint glass. A pleasant and refreshing drink (think "peppermint"). Clear medium red amber color with a average, frothy, fair lacing, mostly diminishing, off-white to white head. Aroma is moderate malty, caramel, light roasted - oat, light to moderate hoppy, licorice - anis seed notes. Flavor is moderate to light light heavy sweet and bitter with a average to long duration. Body is medium, texture is oily to watery, carbonation is soft.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Wrigleyville, 3535 N Clark St, Chicago

01-27-2011 22:00:19 | More by CuriousMonk

CMW

Missouri

3.8/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Deep copper color with little or no head or lacing.

S - Sweet caramel malt. I did not pick up much rye and wouldn't have known that was the style had I not read it. Great malt aroma though.

T - Sweet upfront with the caramel malt. I also pick up some spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. Slight bit of hops in the finish for balance.

M - While this beer was fairly light, it had a nice coating effect on the palate.

D - Lower of the alcohol scale and mild taste, good combination for drinkability.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Wrigleyville, 3535 N Clark St, Chicago

01-23-2011 15:37:04 | More by CMW

Lillenk

Michigan

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

Had on tap at Grill One Eleven.

Appearance was a very dark brown into black, sort of hazy with a nice white/cream head.

Smell was very malty.

Taste was very nice. Some really good malty flavors going on.

Mouthfeel was very nice. A lot lighter than I was expecting, which made it very easy to drink. I really liked that it was a winter style beer with a ton of flavor but was still very easy to drink.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Wrigleyville, 3535 N Clark St, Chicago

01-18-2011 00:29:48 | More by Lillenk

patriot76

New York

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

On tap at House of Brews NYC

A- Clear dark amber in color with a tint of red. Very nice head which retains at first. Not much lacing at the beer progresses. Looks inviting.

S- The biscuity malt and rye come right through in the nose. There is also a bit of a fruit, berry undertone in the smell which is pleasant, not overwhelming. Also some spices going on here.

T- The beer tastes just like it smells...good. I have had rye ales before and this one didn't dissapoint. Right off the bat the malt and rye shine through, then the spices such as nutmeg come through. The beer then finishes off very smooth with slightly lingering rye notes. There is a lot going on but it comes together nicely.

M- Light carbonation throughout the taste starts and finishes nice in the back of the palate. Has a creamy feel to it.

D- Overall this beer drinks nicely. It is well balanced and thoroughly enjoyable. I could drink this many more times. I still haven't had anything from Goose Island that I haven't liked.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Wrigleyville, 3535 N Clark St, Chicago

01-16-2011 14:54:07 | More by patriot76

clickpush

Pennsylvania

3.63/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Served on tap into 16oz pint glass. Reddish beer capped by half finger white head which reduces to broken lacing. Almost no visible carbontaion. Faint aroma of mild toasty malt and hints of spice. Flavor is quite enjoyable, lots of good malty flavors, biscuity, spicy, echos of cinnamon toast, complete with raisins. For a beer that identifies itself as a winter beer, this one is quite mild with high drinkability. Mouthfeel is under carbonated making it all the easier to swallow, but perhaps to the detriment of flavor distribution. Good beer.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Goose Island Wrigleyville, 3535 N Clark St, Chicago

01-11-2011 01:52:41 | More by clickpush

rhoadsrage

Illinois

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

(Served in an American pint glass)
A- This beer has a slightly dense brown body with a red glow and a creamy light tan head that last a good bit. There is a gentle carbonation of bubbles gliding to the surface.
S- The aroma of fresh toasted dry malts has some spicy rye notes to it and a biscuit malt note in the finish.
T- The dry lightly toasted malt flavor gives way to a spice malt and biscuit note in the finish. As the beer opens up there is more of a caramel malt flavor but still dry. The hops in the finish compliment the rye spice with a soft green herbal spice flavor. M- This beer has a medium-full mouthfeel with a tight little fizz finish.
D- This is a nice crisp beer that is malt forward with some good depth from the rye and nice support from the hops.

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

01-04-2011 04:00:30 | More by rhoadsrage