Mild Winter - Goose Island Beer Co.

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

Fatehunter

Oregon

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

Almost two fingers of lightly tanned head. Clear, but not transparent, brown colored body.
Smell is roasted malt, chocolate and caramel. Really nice.
The taste is bitter beginning, roasted malt sweetness, solid chocolate ending.
Texture tends towards silky, low carbonation and medium body.
A good winter drinker.

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2012 02:24:31 | More by Fatehunter

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

3.73/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Very dark red, leaning to brown. The inch-and-a-half of head has practically solidified. Looks luxurious.

Toasted grains with some bitter aromas married with light spicing in the nose. Hoppy aroma of citrus and wildflower mixes in.

Hearty bitterness with both malt and hop contributors. Light spices with a tad bit of heat. Perhaps a bit attenuated, but nice and soft in its maltiness. The heavy roastiness would be too much if not for an earthy hop note that combines for savory. Spices are only really implied, at this point. Nothing mind-blowing flavor-wise, but above-average in execution.

Extremely smooth with a great swish in the mouth. The carbonation is at a medium level and adds to the overall feel.

Good English ale with a cold weather twist. An ambitious seasonal worth trying.

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2012 15:17:51 | More by thecheapies

greybeardloon

Rhode Island

4.05/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

bottled 10/9/12

A: Not much head or lacing, but perhaps I started too cold.

S: Metallic rye notes, herbal hops, some roasted, bready malt.

T: Bread and faint chocolate, herbal/vegetal hops are surprisingly prominent for the style (but not out of balance), rye comes through with a metallic pumpernickel flavor, especially on the finish. A nice, moderately hopped brown ale with rye.

M: Creamy, nice.

O: Easy to drink a few of these.

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2012 02:12:52 | More by greybeardloon

TheOtherBob

New York

4.53/5  rDev +21.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This reminds me of the old, long-mourned Goose Island Nut Brown that I used to drink in college, with perhaps more of a rye note. The Nut Brown was one of my favorites, so I'm glad to see a similar beer make an appearance.

The appearance is dark brown, with a good head that sticks around. I walked away for a bit while it warmed, and when I came back there was still a solid head. Nice.

The smell is a little nutty, with some raisin -- and clearly some malt hanging around.

Taste is what you expect -- malty, solid, smooth.

And it certainly felt good to me going down.

Overall, I don't think this is the best beer I've ever had -- but it's familiar, it's comforting, and it ...I mean, can I say this? It makes me happy. It's like an old friend. So for me it's a great beer -- even if it's not necessarily anything special.

Serving type: bottle

11-05-2012 02:26:25 | More by TheOtherBob

Phocion

Minnesota

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

Bottle poured into 16 oz. nonic glass. Dark golden brown with a finger of beige head and good retention. Nice lacing sticking throughout the glass.

Smells of roasted malts, bready, and spices. Is that rye? Nice surprise. Somewhat raisiny. Light earthy hoppiness in the background.

Caramel and bready malts. Definitely a big hit of rye - and that's not a bad thing. Slight touch of nuttiness. Light bitterness at the end adding a nice touch of balance.

Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation. Reasonably soft but with a nice dry bitter/spicy finish.

I like it. This is NOT a mild by any stretch of the imagination; I have no idea who would label it as such. The carbonation is far too high and the flavor is more of a well-hopped brown ale with rye. It's not a bad beer by any means. Actually, I'm disappointed I only picked up one in a mixed six-pack; it would be an excellent session beer for a cold Minnesota fall night like this.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2012 02:16:18 | More by Phocion

SerendipitousTaster

3.25/5  rDev -12.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

I am new to this forum and wish that I could post reviews privately as it is not my intention to influence or inform others but to remind myself. I am not a beer tasting expert and do not know the proper etiquette or vocabulary.

That said, I found the first taste uncomfortably bitter but happily discovered the flavor mellow as I continued to drink. It did not quite reach the comfortable buttery body and flavor that I was hoping for because, labelled a "mild ale brewed with rye," it is too light for that level of body. this lightness, though, and warmth after the first few sips, makes it a comfortable beer to drink several glasses.

This is not an everyday beer for me but several pours would be a tasty treat on a winter afternoon or evening.

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2012 00:12:17 | More by SerendipitousTaster

Darkmagus82

Montana

3.73/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from bottle into a pint glass

Appearance – The beer pours a deep copper/mahogany color with a big white head. The big bubbles entrapped within the head pop over time to leave a wonderful level of lacing on the sides of the glass.

Smell – The aroma is a blend of a bready, roasted, and yeasty smells. Mixed with these aromas are a very light spice and nutty aroma as well.

Taste – The taste begins of a bready and slightly caramel and brown sugar sweetened flavor. As the taste advances some roasted and spice flavors then come to the taste. The sweeter flavors lose a big of their ground more toward the end as some hop flavors begin coming to the tongue. With the hop flavors, which are mainly earthy in nature, comes some spice flavors as well which in the end leave a nice roasty flavor on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – The body of the beer is on the average side in terms of thickness and creaminess with a carbonation level that is rather average as well.

Overall- A fairly decent winter ale as it’s not too heavy and yet maintains a nice flavor profile.

Serving type: bottle

10-29-2012 01:23:05 | More by Darkmagus82

wac9

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

a great tasteing beer smells boozy but its not its a great tasteing beer for english dark mild ale if you like these beers s then you will like this low in acl so enjoy drinking it great taste low hop so enjoy this beer great color may be not great taste at frist sip but the rest of the beer it taste great and go down fine

Serving type: bottle

10-25-2012 01:40:26 | More by wac9

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

3.43/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This beer poured out as a deep brown color with a light tan head on top. The retention leaves a bit of film on top of the beer and the lacing is scattered. The smell of the beer is of earthy toasted malt. The taste is also a bit toasted with a very light chocolate flavor and a touch of hop bitterness in the finish. The mouthfeel is creamy, it's smooth and very drinkable. Overall it's a malty brew, it's gives off some nice English elements. It's a good brew.

Serving type: bottle

10-22-2012 02:24:24 | More by Knapp85

jsisko01

Michigan

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

Appearance - Pours a very dark brown color with a centimeter thick, off-white head that dissipates instantly. Has nice lacing.

Smell - The aroma is kind of feint.. I mostly just smell roasted malts and a subtle sweetness.

Taste - Quite sweet with roasted malts, caramel, and a hint of chocolate and nuts.

Mouthfeel - Medium bodied with mild carbonation. Has a creamy texture.

Overall - I was surprised by this beer.. By the title I thought it was going to be a winter warmer but turned out being a dark ale that I actually enjoyed. Which is rare for me to say lol.

Serving type: bottle

06-02-2012 03:07:15 | More by jsisko01

Dave128

Kentucky

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

Poured into a Sam Adam's perfect pint glass. I am reviewing this probably a little after its prime so I will give it bonus points on categories I find lacking.

A - An easy to moderate pour yields about a half finger of pretty fizzy brownish head. The halo sticks around pretty well and there is some lacing. Body is red-amber in color.

S - Smells lightly of dark roasted malts.

T - As with the nose, it has a nice amount of roasted malt. It is biscuity and sweet up front. Finishes a little dry and smoky, but is great for the style.

M - Medium bodied and sticky. Light on the carbonation.

O - An easy going winter ale that's great for a cool night by the fire.

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2012 03:38:08 | More by Dave128

Durge

Connecticut

3.53/5  rDev -5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A dark golden brown color with a substantial oatmeal colored head and strong lacing. Very nice. The aroma brings chocolatey cardboard and mild nutty citrus. Sort of swampy in a decent way. The taste brings out more swampy malt and herbal hops. There’s a vague touch of chocolate and even some citrusy highlights. It’s medium-light bodied with even carbonation. Light caramel-coffee qualities with a midland feel of tingly refreshment that makes a somewhat dry finish. Decent, sessionable, nothing memorable but worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2012 03:25:31 | More by Durge

beagle75

Iowa

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

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle into a tulip pint glass.

A: Clear, dark amber color with over one finger of diminishing off-white foam head. Heavy lacing remains on the glass.

S: Rustic toasted grain is fairly pronounced. British malt qualities add a layer of nuttiness, along with some restrained cooked fruit.

T: Begins off-dry, with brown malt that is soft and refined at first. Nutty and earthy flavors have a touch of herbal spice in tow. Flavors clean up some in the middle where minerality adds an edge that is accentuated by latent acidity. A fine thread of unctuous qualities stretch into the finish, where the profile changes again into nuanced baking spices, huskier toasted malt, scant black tea, and restrained bitterness.

M: Medium viscosity, slightly creamy on the palate, with low carbonation.

D/O: Definitely not a winter warmer--this late-season ale follows the road less-traveled down the path of obscure English ales. It seems to be as much an English brown ale as it is a mild, but either way it is a mannered success. The flavor profile is well established, but its the small details that seem to shine brightest. It promises to serve well as a cooking ingredient, but it really deserves to be enjoyed by the glass.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2012 23:03:34 | More by beagle75

WastingFreetime

Wisconsin

4.08/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Reviewed from tasting notes.

A. Looks like a brown ale in color, has a receding white foam collar for a head, minimal lacing left behind.

S. Very light rye and noble hopping spice on top of caramel malt and a minimal amount of breadiness. Some small amounts of yeast ester appear as the beer warms up.

T. Almost exactly as the nose would predict: A mild noble spice-hopping kiss on top of bready and caramel malts. Gets a sprinkle of dark fruit character in the middle palate from time to time. If I imagine what the beer love-child between an English Mild and Winter Warmer parents would be like, it does sort of match up with how I imagined it. Creatively uses the rye as a sort of suggestive 'grace note' of winter warmer spicing without ever actually entering full on into spicing.

M. Smooth texture results from that dash of rye malt on a medium body with OK carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2012 16:50:10 | More by WastingFreetime

tempest

Pennsylvania

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

This beer doesn't fit the ABV for a dark mild, but the character seems to. It a sense, it was sort of a like a roasty brown. There was a mix of bitter grain with subtle, herbal citrus hops. The malts were creamy up front and then quickly lighten and dry out. There are hint of cola and cocoa with the darker bread and toffee. Overall, a very cool beer. I might have to go back for more.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2012 04:17:50 | More by tempest

dbrauneis

New Jersey

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

A: Pours a clear brownish amber color with a very thing off white head which quickly dies down. Moderate amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Aromas of malty sweetness with some hints of spices (possibly rye).

T: The overall flavors of this beer are slightly subdued but the beer is delicious - great complexity in the flavors. Dark malts, toasted grains, and hints of caramel.

M: Light to medium bodied with low to moderate amounts of carbonation.

O: Interesting flavors and quite easy to drink - definitely a session beer that I would have no trouble enjoying again and again. It is rather unfortunate that this is not such an easy style to get since I find these beers to be right up my alley.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2012 15:44:02 | More by dbrauneis

metter98

New York

3.83/5  rDev +3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: The beer is clear brownish amber in color. It poured with a thin off white head that quickly died down but consistently left a thin layer of bubbles covering the surface.
S: There are aromas of dark malts with hints of spices (from the rye), caramelized malts and sweetness.
T: The flavor is good but subdued, having flavors of toasted malts with hints of caramel. There is some sweetness in the initial taste.
M: It feels light- to medium-bodied on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This beer is quite flavorful and is also very sessionable.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2012 15:05:34 | More by metter98

JEdmund

Kansas

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

Dark cranberry red, clear; good head formation and lacing

Really inviting aroma of milk chocolate, caramel, and bread; nothing big or assertive, but soft and just right; a dash of herbal hop, too

Flavor is mild, even more so than I recall from this last year, but it’s a total winter session beer in my opinion. Just so easy to drink. The flavor is comforting, with slight sweetness coming from the chocolate, caramel, and toasty bread notes. Just a bit of hops to dry the finish and keep me coming back for more. Fine level of carbonation, body is light-medium--not thin, but certainly light

This beer goes down quickly! It’s a treat and makes me think I’ll be buying more very soon. One of my favorite Goose Island Beers.

Serving type: bottle

02-12-2012 03:22:52 | More by JEdmund

nukem5

Pennsylvania

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

A: Pours a great dark coffee color with a great pillows tan foam cap on top. Awesome lacing down glass walls.

S: Aroma is a bit lighter than I thought or hoped for,still, sweet malts are dominant with some smooth earthy hops scents. Nicely balanced for the nose.

T: Big sweet caramel malts with an awesome balanced happiness to it.

M: Surprising and welcomed the smooth medium body on this should read awesome winter brown

O: Overall a true great example of winter brews hope to get more of this one before to long.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2012 02:55:41 | More by nukem5

jazzyjeff13

United Kingdom (England)

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

A 355ml bottle with a BB of Nov 2012. Purchased a few weeks ago from my local beer specialist. As this weekend has seen the coldest weather of the winter here so far, I thought I'd consume this in anticipation of a swift improvement.

The label says to serve in a Willi glass. As I don't have any suggestively shaped glassware to hand, a Sam Smith's pint glass will have to do. A hazy coppery-red hue with low carbonation. Forms a decent head of creamy off-white foam that lasts for a couple of minutes before reducing to a surface layer. Aroma of sweetish, earthy malt with a sour hint; notes of grain, caramel and yeast.

Tastes of sweet caramel malt with a mild bitter finish. Notes of rye, grain, caramel, sugar and dry yeast esters. Slightly sour. A whisper of aromatic citrus in the background, and faint stewed hops. Mouthfeel is thick and smooth; great body. Subtle tingly carbonation. Aftertaste of sweetish, grainy malt.

Rather nice - a satisfying winter beer. Many winter brews I've tried have been notably lacklustre, so this is a pleasant change. Subtle, well-balanced flavours and a fantastic body for the style. The ABV is a tad high for an English mild, but this is very drinkable. Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2012 23:15:30 | More by jazzyjeff13

frankiepop

Pennsylvania

2.63/5  rDev -29.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

I like the handsome bottle. Goose is always kind of classy looking. Ahhh, let me think, Mild Winter is an ok looking beer. A nice soft translucent type of beer, and it smiells nice.

Taste: I can say many nice things about this beer, but the finish falls down for me. Goose brews are often on the hoppy & rye side and bitter. Admittedly I love the sweeter maltier brews. Mild Winter rides with a mild watery bitter, almost anti-sweet finish as you swallow. The swallow is soft and nice, just bitter.

If IPAs are your thing, then go for this. This brew maxs out on the hop rye side.

So what complements this bitter ideal? I would ask you one little thing. What goes with a bitterish beer for these little bitter beer lovers. I might suggest go with some dark folk music like Townes Van Zandt or Greg Browns Songs of Innocence and of Experience or Covenant. If you're more into jazz then go with Ran Blake all the way.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2012 00:31:17 | More by frankiepop

jsprain1

Minnesota

3.7/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Red-brown with a thick light tan head that retains at a slick. Fair amount of lacing.
S- Aroma is a bit peculiar but the rye is definitely there with a spicy and dark fruit aroma.
T- Sweeter than the nose indicated and less rye presence. Sweet toasted bread, a bit spicy, and a raisin flavor in the finish.
M- For a 5.6% body it sits pretty firm on the tongue and has assertive carbonation.
O- A tasty winter beer and one that could make it into my regular winter rotation.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2012 02:40:15 | More by jsprain1

sommersb

Tennessee

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

Tasted On: 01-31-2012
Freshness: Bottled 11-22-2011
Packaging: 12 oz. brown bottle
Glassware: Dogfish Head signature glass
Purchased: 6-pack from Greenwood's, Bowling Green KY

A: Clear beer, dark brown with hints of orange. Very good lacing is left behind from the finger of tan head. Good head retention as well.

S: Clean aromas of caramel malts, dark bread and floral hops.

T: Nice malty sweetness, with caramel and vanilla, along with spiciness from the rye and a low hop bitterness.

M: Body is medium with a moderate amount of carbonation. The finish is lightly sweet, but also has some bite from the rye grains.

O: Very likable, easy drinking session ale from Goose Island

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2012 04:39:54 | More by sommersb

Jason

Massachusetts

3.73/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

12oz brown bottle with a bottled on date.

LOOK: Nearly clear dark brown, healthy looking head

SMELL: Toffee, herbal, rye, yeast, fresh bread, faint dired plums

TASTE: Caramel, buttery, spicy rye, smooth, medium body, leafy hop, deep toasted grain, mild chocolate, faint raisin, brown bread

Very much a winter beer from look to taste, the rye adds a uniqueness and some depth. I know they are calling it a Mild of sorts but this one would do better with a bit more strength which would amp up the maltiness and fruitiness. We all know Milds can be bigger.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 03:27:31 | More by Jason