Mild Winter - Goose Island Beer Co.

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

nrbw23

Ohio

2.38/5  rDev -36%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

A- Pours a reddish brown color with a nice foamy cream colored head. Head has good retention and leaves some nice lacing.

S- Smell is rye, a touch of toffee, a bit of hops and ceral smell.

T- Not really digging this one. Rye is every where here. Seems like a bit of a mess between sweet and bitter with nothing really in between.

M- Medium in body and carbonation. Has an overly dry feeling to it.

D- I'm going to pass on this one.

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

12-28-2010 22:04:07 | More by nrbw23

wrightro07

Minnesota

2.6/5  rDev -30.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A: Dark amber with a red tint. Good head retention with a tan colour.
S: Not much aroma, only slightly nutty.
T: The taste is a lot like the smell. A nutty malt flavour that opens up as the beer reaches 60 degrees F.
D: Good appearance on goose islands part, but the flavour and smell was not up to their regular standards. Overall a pretty average beer from GI.

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

12-17-2010 03:03:25 | More by wrightro07

aasher

Indiana

2.73/5  rDev -26.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2

This one pours a rich hazelnut in color with a light white head. It smells of bread, bread, and more bread. I know it's a rye beer but it smelled like nothing but oat bread. Unfortunately it also tasted like nothing but oat bread. I like oat bread, but not as a beer. It lacked complexity and didn't offer anything appealing. It drank fine, well carbonated and smooth but I wouldn't drink this one again. It's too bad because I love Goose Island.

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

12-06-2010 14:01:00 | More by aasher

EwaldEichstaett

Jordan

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

Had this on a seasonal tap. It is basically a darker version of the honkers ale. The smell is really the same as either GI honkers or harvest ale. The roasted malts have simply been added into the background.

The flavor is nice, I like the roasted flavor. Interestingly, the roast does not have coffee, chocolate or smoke notes, it is just an earthy roasted flavor.

Mouthfeel is light with light carbonation. It is a good beer; but I hope you know what you are getting when you buy it. It is no winter warmer... essentially a dark ESB.

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

11-14-2010 03:32:23 | More by EwaldEichstaett

megahurts4

Louisiana

4.1/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Goose Island Mild Winter (Seasonal) served on tap

Appearance: Reddish amber in color with a medium head and good lacing.

There was a nice warm malt and nut smell.

Taste: The spicy hop flavor is prominent. That is followed by a warm malt finish.

I had to wait for this brew to warm up. It was served in a frozen mug (not by request). It was very tasty and left me wanting more.

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

10-09-2010 03:05:56 | More by megahurts4

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
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

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
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

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
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

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
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

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
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

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