Mild Winter - Goose Island Beer Co.

dzni

Maryland

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

A - Cloudy dark brown/amber color, no head
S - Prominent malt followed by some spice and possible orange, maybe some cocoa.
T - Maybe some faint apple cider taste to this? I'm not sure, but it vaguely reminds me of that. Slight hops, malts prominent but not overwhelming.
M - Medium bodied, little carbonation.
D - Actually, this is quite drinkable. It's a low alcohol, lighter bodied winter ale that is nice when you don't feel like something heavy.

Serving type: bottle

09-09-2010 23:19:15 | More by dzni

Seeker41184

Illinois

3.03/5  rDev -18.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Date Drunk: 2/27/11

12oz into pint glass

Another let down from Goose Island IMO. Malt flavors are present, but not robust as they should be. Their is a slight hint of smoke but needs more. Leaves an aftertaste of metal almost. The only good thing about the beer was it was smooth, wet, and light, kinda like how I like my women.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2011 19:01:06 | More by Seeker41184

keoki182

Wisconsin

3.93/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Clear medium brown with thinly lacing head. Aroma immediately brought to mind cereal from my childhood...cocoa puffs or cocoa pebbles, but strangely the beer itself didn't smell like cocoa. Something triggered that in my memory, however. The sip was bracing with its incredible rye bitterness. After a few more sips, the rye smoothed out into a very drinkable winter. In the beginning of the taste, there is something similar to very sweet tangerine, but it quickly disappears into malty richness. Nice dryish finish.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2009 05:15:10 | More by keoki182

RankRefugee88

New York

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

Poured from bottle into weizen glass.

A - Amber red colored body with an off white foam as the quarter inch head. Interesting appearance to this beer. Head almost a dirty color to it.

S - Rye, caramel, milk chocolate undertones. Nose mostly consists of bread.

T - Unique but nothing sticks out immediately, although the biscuit flavor eventually comes through. Has a very malty backbone, dark roasted malts to be more specific. Very nice heavy caramel and light chocolate finish. Leaves a very nice after taste, almost like a caramel flavored after dinner liqeuer.

M - Very smooth. Wet and chewy, good mouth feel for a winter style.

D - Good drinkability. I'm only having one but I can see myself drinking a 6.

Overall a unique tasting winter, its good. I rarely feel like I've been let down when I drink Goose Island.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2011 01:47:08 | More by RankRefugee88

Jdmpolk

Florida

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

Thanks to by buddy Adam for brining this back from Chicago!

Dark brown body ranging from golden brown to dark mahogany. A finger amount of tan foam tops the beer leaving large amounts of lacing

Rich bready aroma with spicy notes rye is evident. A hint of yeasty sweetness is present as well.

Sweet and malty bringing to mind the crust of a hearty pumpernolickle or rye.

Mouthfeel is rich and creamy, similar to a cream soda. carbonation makes the beverage seem almost fluffy.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2010 02:47:56 | More by Jdmpolk

MillySox

Illinois

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

Purchased from a grocery store, bottling date on front of twelve pack. I am not sure if Goose Island has always done that.

Dark amber almost brown color. Little if any hop aroma. Dark rich malt flavor, that only lets a little rye flavor through. Not too heavy, not a lot of hop flavor, malt flavors stick around.

Overall a pretty nice beer for sitting by the fireplace or something of that nature, just not Goose Islands finest output.

Serving type: bottle

01-21-2009 00:43:53 | More by MillySox

scot_chale

Minnesota

4.31/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a bottle into a litre mug on 3/22/13 with the bottling date 11/10/12

A- a hard pour produces 3 fingers of what bubbly off tan head. dark copper brown body with lines of carbonation shooting from the bottom of the mug. the head hangs out well and the lacing is thick.

S- some yeast byproduct with a healthy slam of sweet caramel and light coffee notes. it's pleasant and not pungent.

T- it's caramelly sweet with very little bitterness. The bittering hops are there but not obvious. Kind of a smoky, coffee taste lays underneath. It's a nice flavor.

M- It's silky and oily, the carbonation has a nice bite, the body is on the lower side of medium. Rather dry, but a little bit hangs out to keep the flavor going. It's quaffable and easy going.

O- Great beer. Stylistically in check, and for my taste, it's a winter-time session beer for sure. I would buy a case of this to keep on hand any winter. I'm giving it a 4.5 overall only because I haven't tried any other breweries examples of this style.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2013 20:02:12 | More by scot_chale

Thedaver4220

Illinois

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

Pours a deep amber with an off white 1 finger head. The smell is good. It has a light roasted smell. The taste is also good. The roasted malts come through quite well. I would like to have some more spices in it though. Overall a good beer. When goose said mild they ment it with this one. The flavor is not overwhelming, but just enough to give it some uniqueness. Good overall brew.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2011 07:17:32 | More by Thedaver4220

logmacschlog15

Iowa

4.03/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottled on 12/7/10. Drank on 12/29/10. Served in a Dogfish Head Snifter.

Appearance: Pours one finger of creamy, toasted marshmallow colored head. Dark brown, almost black. Tints of cherry cola and amber when held up to light. Lively carbonation and beautiful lacing.

Smell: Toasty notes of caramel and toffee, as well as a slight hint of cocoa.

Taste: A mellow, caramel sweetness followed by notes of chocolate. Subtle bitterness of piney, earthy hops on the finish. Very well balanced.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied. The creamy head and lower carbonation make this a smooth drinker and a pefect match to the caramel sweetness.

Drinkability: Very smooth and very drinkable. A well balanced mild and overall a good beer to enjoy in the winter.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2010 19:31:13 | More by logmacschlog15

smbslt

Illinois

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

A - Nice, rich auburn color with enough carbonation to keep the tan head from disappearing entirely and let some light lacing to occur for the majority of the glass.

S - Malty sweetness with mossy/woody hints.

T - Caramel and alcohol are upfront with the rye in the finish. residue on the lips reinforces the rye.

M - A bit viscous with delayed the finish. May benefit from some more carbonation.

O - A good beer with the right amount rye to make it worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2012 01:31:35 | More by smbslt

b3barron

Illinois

4.13/5  rDev +11%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Poured into a Rowland's pint glass.

A - An aggressive pour yields a small, bubbly off-white head with little retention. Light amber color.

S - Very earthy with caramel malt and a nice but subtle herbal hop aroma. Smells of toasted dark bread.

T - Lightly toasted malt up front. Rye bread and herbal, earthy hop flavor. Finishes dry which rounds out this beer nicely IMO.

M - Rather light bodied with a good amount of carbonation.

D - Extremely drinkable. I picked this up last night looking for a session beer for when I tire of IPAs. This really does the trick. I could easily drink a 6 pack and would if I didn't have to hop on a train soon.

It is a straightforward beer but very well-balanced and a low ABV means there is good chance I will be seeking this out again.

Serving type: bottle

12-20-2008 21:11:07 | More by b3barron

Jekster

Indiana

3.98/5  rDev +7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: The beer pours a dark mahogany to dark cherry brown with only a slight off white lacing of head.

Smell: I smell caramel with a slight rich spiciness. There are hints of walnut and pine with a slight hint of orange zest. In the background is the smell of smoky extinguished campfire (in a good way) along with a slight musty smell (again, in a good way).

Taste: This beer has a robust smoky initial flavor followed by a sweet mango fruit flavor. The beer lingers into more of a mellow mango flavor and finishes with a distinct nutty after tone. There is a slight spiciness from the rye along with a very festive plum and cherry flavor. Despite all the prominent fruit flavor the beer is still very savory and does not come across as overly sweet.

Mouthfeel: This beer has a light to medium body with a medium to medium high carbonation. It is easy on the pallet and thirst quenching.

Drinkability: This beer is very drinkable for people looking for a beer that has a malt and fruit forward profile. It's easy mouthfeel and body make it pleasent and I could see myself drinking quite a few of these beers at home around a nice fire.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: When I saw this beer at the store I had high hopes. I would say it did not blow me away but did not make me unhappy. I would easily go out to buy a six pack to drink at home or share with my friends for fun. I think the predominant dried fruit flavors are appropriate for a "winter" beer while not being overly sweet and unapproachable by someone who prefers dry, hoppy beers. If you are an English Ale fan or enjoy a good Brown Ale, definitely give this brew a try for something different and unique.

Serving type: bottle
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

01-12-2009 02:13:05 | More by Jekster

GrindFatherBob

New York

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

Poured into a pint glass this beer is a clear ruby with an inch of pillowy white head, and moderate lacing. It smells of toasted grains and fresh rye bread. Malty up front with a crisp rye finish, delicious. Mouthfeel is slightly thin and very carbonated. Overall a great winter session beer.

Serving type: bottle
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

03-30-2011 10:41:52 | More by GrindFatherBob

midworken

Nebraska

4.2/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Nice rustic brown body with shades of orange.
Smell characteristics are quite good... low amount of hop bitterness with malt sweetness of fresh baked bread throughout the scent.

Taste was not as robust as the smelll, but carried much of the same notes as the scent but with a better balance between the rye and hops.

Lower levels of carbonation and not-too-heavy body allowed for a drinkable beer to enjoy next to a fire.

If the body were as delightful as the aromas, this would be a better beer although there isn't too much to complain about.

Serving type: bottle
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

01-17-2011 22:27:55 | More by midworken

Chiefy770

Illinois

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

Enjoyed straight from the bottle.

Appearance: Bottle has a season-appropriate label. Typical Goose Island cap.

Smell: A rich smell. A hint of sweetness but a dominant toasty malt scent.

Taste: Carmel is very well present in the aftertaste. A nutty taste is picked up right off the bat. This beer gets the 'mild' title from the mild hops used. They create a very light, yet bitter malty taste.

Mouthfeel: Light on the carbonation, but it is present. Leaves a slight bitter-dry feeling in the mouth.

Overall this is a good holiday beer. Suitable in cold climates. This is not a beer that will satisfy a thirst. I could not imagine reaching for this on a hot day, which is clearly why it is seasonal. Fairly filing. A great contender to other winter season brews.

Serving type: bottle
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

12-10-2011 06:34:32 | More by Chiefy770

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 Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

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

Morbo

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a slightly hazy light brown with copper at the edges and a small, white, foamy head.

The nose is spicy rye, some nuttiness, and a hint of herbal hops on top of a caramel malt foundation.

Doughy, nutty, and mildly sweet. Rye spiciness comes through nicely without being overpowering. There is a touch of smoke and just a bit of tea-like hops in the finish.

Medium bodied with a nice creamy mouthfeel and a dry finish that urges you on to take another sip.

Incredibly smooth and sessionable. I can't think of a goose island six pack I would rather drink.

Serving type: bottle
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

12-04-2008 05:57:54 | More by Morbo

reallyhoppie

Illinois

3.8/5  rDev +2.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured a 12 oz. bottle into a pint glass where it produced an amber/copper color with a 1cm tan head that didn't last long. Nice lacing though.

Smells faintly of malt and sweet rye bread.

Tastes wonderfully smooth and creamy for a rye. Mild malts and hoppiness, it's the creaminess that makes this beer.

Decent mouthfeel that seemed to get a lot better as the beer went on.

A very drinkable beer. I hosted my family Thanksgiving this year and when I do that I always get a lot of Miller Light and something decent for myself. I ended up having to go back to the liquor store to get more Mild Winter because that's all anyone was drinking.

Serving type: bottle
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

01-16-2009 05:24:33 | More by reallyhoppie

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

BikeChef

District of Columbia

4.03/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a dark amber with a nice head. Not a strong nose-- smells mainly like malty goodness. Very drinkable-- kinda like a dark ESB, with the rye lending some nice heft to it. A winter session beer... I like this idea a lot. Goose Island has really been brewing strong lately.

Serving type: bottle
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

11-02-2010 23:36:07 | More by BikeChef

bearsxco

Massachusetts

4.68/5  rDev +25.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured in a pint glass. Poured amber in color with a one finger light beige one finger head, almost white in color. Slight reddish copper color when held up to light. nice mild smell, plum and light nuttines, winter smell. A lot of retention as glass empties. Very little carbonation. Slight plum and nutty flavor. Great balance of spices and flavor. A perfect winter session beer. One of my favorites that I always have on hand during the winter.

Serving type: bottle
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

01-01-2012 17:26:01 | More by bearsxco

knowledge

New York

4.18/5  rDev +12.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Very interesting brew; at first pour, you admire the beautiful head on the pour. Generally, I do this only for first time beers as I only drink from the bottle when I get used to what I'm drinking.

Very hoppy with a mild bitterness. Enjoyable, worthy of your time and a good session. Goes well with cigars!

Serving type: bottle
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

11-25-2010 02:46:57 | More by knowledge

Newkie

Maryland

4.15/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Nice, big frothy head. Beautiful, brown-ruby color that plays nicely with the tan head that's leaving some lace and sticking around.

S: Smells sweet and toasty. Lots of breadiness in the nose. Some spiciness comes in underneath too. Rather nice.

T: Bready malt with some chocolate flavors and plenty of seasonal spice brings up the back. Some caramel. Some gingerbread-like flavor too. I like the seasonal qualities this beer has.

M: Very drinkable. Rather light in the body, but some great carbonation and mouthfeel.

D: I'll have this one again for sure. A great seasonal session beer from a great brewery.

Serving type: bottle
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

01-11-2010 20:34:36 | More by Newkie

homersimpson67

Minnesota

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

Pours a beautiful dark chocolate with a giant frothing 3-4 fingers of thick malty foam.

Very inviting ale that smells terrific, malt and cocoa and perhaps a smidge of nutmeg, reminds me of Christmas in the 70's.

Taste is quite enjoyable, definately mild as the name implies but very satifying and quite drinkable, maybe its the rye that is so inviting, quite delicious.

Mouthfeel is nothing special but the overall mild flavor and smell make it a real nonfactor, at least for me.

Overall a very nice winter ale that was a pleasant surprise at the small town local liquor store. Haven't always been a huge fan of Goose Island but they seem to have gotten something right with this one. Don't remember trying a beer with rye before but it is definately something I'll look forward to trying again.

Serving type: bottle
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

11-17-2011 02:57:38 | More by homersimpson67

kristenrae8

Illinois

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

Poured from bottle to beer goblet/snifter

A: Medium dark amber. 1/2 - 3/4 foamy cream colored head. Fair amount of lacing.

S: Subtle rye. Pumpernickel + Carmelazation + Pistachio/Nutty-ness.

T: Malty - Wintery. Carmel and Hazlenut present. Very drinkable. Perfect for Friday night.

M: Average- not over carbonated

O: This is a good beer. I'm looking forward to trying other beers from this brewery.

Serving type: bottle
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

12-17-2011 01:22:00 | More by kristenrae8