Mild Winter - Goose Island Beer Co.

cadizkyguy

Kentucky

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

Poured from bottle into my Sam Adams Sensory Glass and WOW, what a great looking brew. I've had this beer in the past month but this is the first time in my SA glass and it's definitely a 5.0 in appearance. I'm surprised at how few reviews this beer has. All I can say is a lot of people are missing out on a great offering from Goose Island. Smells like fresh baked bread. Tastes very bready, too. You can taste the rye. Mouthful and drinkability are very good, too. Too bad this is only a seasonal offering and I have only two more in the fridge. I purchased this at Santori's Liquors in Lansing, IL and glad I did.

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

02-12-2009 08:26:40 | More by cadizkyguy

birchstick

Missouri

3.88/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - deep copper color with a nice two-finger head
S - smells of caramel malts and grassy hops
T - tastes of caramel malts with some bitter hops and finishes with a very mild peppery, spicy bitterness.
M - rather thin, but very smooth
D - this is pretty good beer from Goose Island. It seems like an interesting, spicier version of their Honkers Ale. Pretty good seasonal, I prefer this over their Christmas Ale.

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

02-11-2009 05:31:04 | More by birchstick

semihobo

Michigan

2.28/5  rDev -38.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

12 oz brewed 11/11/08. Goose Island caps are among the most stubborn twistoffs I have encountered, this bottle was no exception.

Fairly clear reddish brown body, petite head with poor retention and a little lacing.

Smells of caramelized malts, muted herbal hops blend with a bit of spicy rye.

Sweet, gentle taste. Mild, very sugary, the rye is faint, stopping by only at the finish. Minty aftertaste. I like my beers sweet, but this is too much.

Decent heft to the liquid and mild carbonation lead to a dull mouthfeel, although I suppose it syncs well with the sweet taste.

Meh -- too much sugar, not enough rye, below average for the style. If you are in Chicago and want a sweet beer from GI, go to the Clybourn pub and drink a Lake Effect instead.

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

02-06-2009 01:50:18 | More by semihobo

umustdrink

Minnesota

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

A - Deep reddish mahogany brown color, almost completely opaque. Light brown head settles at a thick film, much thicker around the edge. Sporadic dots of lacing.

S - Sweet brown sugary, earthy malts, some green bitterness, light vanilla and toasted marshmallow. A lot sweeter smelling than my previous rye beer experiences.

T - Taste starts out with a light syrupy sweetness and a bit of herbal hoppiness. Sweetness seems to phase in and out throughout the taste. A little peppery spice and a very green, almost minty bitterness carry us through to a finish of a nice toasty sweetness, almost like maple syrup.

M - Consistency was light, medium carbonation.

D - Very easy drinking, I think I'll have another. Interesting tastes keep me coming back.

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

02-03-2009 03:44:21 | More by umustdrink

garymuchow

Minnesota

3.88/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Sweet malt character with a touch of spicy rye. Also hints of hops makes for a subdued but pleasing aroma.
Dense almost white head with extended length and ample lacing, and lines of lacing after each drink. Largely clear amber of brown/gold/red. Good looking.
This might be a little chilled, but the flavors are as faint as the aroma. A largely clean malt character the a mild extended mildly dry finish. Bitterness from hops and a dryness from the malt blend towards the end. As warms the rye flavors show to a level some may find more than enough, but I like what it brings to the drink.
Soft and fully present carbonation round off the feel of a rather light drink.
This drinks very well, but the thinness of the body is a bit distracting. Good flavors.

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

02-03-2009 02:37:06 | More by garymuchow

OatmattStout

Connecticut

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

grabbed a single to test out. Not sure what i was getting but very pleasantly surprised. Had a good head and great lacing down glass.

Mouth-feel was very smooth and velvety. Taste was very mellow. nice balance of malt and a tartness to the rye finish. nicely hopped not overdone. you really get more rye flavor as it warms.

surprised that the abv is this high for mild name on bottle. tatse profile sets up for session brew but abv a bit high to quaff many.

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

02-01-2009 18:15:09 | More by OatmattStout

orbitalr0x

Illinois

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

Pours ruddy brown with garnet highlights and an inch of creamy off white foam that leaves great lacing. Toasted rye bread with grainy accents. Spicy with caramel tones and a subtle creaminess. A touch of coffee moves into an afterthought of hops.

Surprisingly creamy upfront with big maltiness and caramelized grains. Toasty rye bread flavors that are spicy and clean. Mellow hop bitterness on the finish.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and creamy. A lot fuller in body that I expected considering the name and ABV. Overall, a tasty session beer that I can drink quite a few of.

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

01-31-2009 21:53:21 | More by orbitalr0x

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

KTCamm

New Jersey

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

Poured a deep reddish brown into a pint glass. Good foam, held to the glass well.

I didn't get much of a smell here, expected much more from the color and style.

Taste was great - another success from Goose Island. Deep rich chocolate malty beer with minimal hop. Flavorful, ytt smooth. Very enjoyable.

Definitely drinkable - I just had 2 myself.

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

01-26-2009 03:11:07 | More by KTCamm

zeff80

Missouri

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

A - Poured out a semi-opaque, dark burgundy/copper color with a small, foamy, off-white head. It left behind some thin rings of lace.

S - It smelled very malty with nice rye notes.

T - Good rye flavors blend with sweet dark malts and caramel. It has a slight hop bitterness.

M - It was crisp and smooth with a dry finish. A medium bodied brew.

D - This is yet another good beer from Goose Island. This is a nice ale for a winter night.

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

01-25-2009 14:49:23 | More by zeff80

ABOWMan

Ohio

3.9/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Appearance: Nice caramel color with two inches of creamy white head.

Smell: Roasted notes of rye and barley. Very nice, almost smokey.

Mouthfeel: Thin to medium. The carbonation doesn't last long.

Drinkability: Very good. This is a very flavorful beer that isn't overpowering. It's just drinkable.

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

01-23-2009 23:34:33 | More by ABOWMan

PirateUlf73

Illinois

3.2/5  rDev -14%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a Spaten glass of similar shape to the suggestion on the back label.

A: Color is dark red, leaning toward brown and quite clear. Head is off-white and substantial, with considerable staying power and lacing ability. Looks like a cozy winter night, huddled around a fire.

S: Warm, roasted and slightly spicy notes from the malt, balanced with a slightly bitter hop aroma. No doubt the spiciness comes from the rye. Some fruity yeast can also be detected, trying to sneak its way past the aforementioned malt.

T: Malt is singing lead, to the tune of slightly roasted and silk smooth. Bready flavors mingle with a minimal hop bitterness. The rye is noticeable and tends to dominate the other flavors.

M: Smooth and on the lighter side of medium-bodied. Carbonation was adequate, but aftertaste was a little strange.

D: Not too heavy and goes down smooth. Quite the cold weather session beer.

"Mild" turned out to be an accurate descriptor. The color and appearance were great, but the smell and taste ended up being more subdued than I expected. The rye could have made this complex and deep, but ends up making this brew a one-trick pony of sorts. Still, it could make a decent session brew, and I certainly wouldn't turn one down, if offered.

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

01-22-2009 07:09:12 | More by PirateUlf73

cokes

Wisconsin

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

Clear russet brown with glints of copper. The ecru head is high, dense, and enduring.
Note of brown sugar, green raisins, cinnamon, and a notable rye peppery doughiness. Only a twinge of dry, leafy hops.
It enters the mouth with more of that brown sugar, as it immediately dries towards roasted almonds and cashews. A vague, dehydrated peach note lurks in the distance. Rye step forward with bready, prickly, pepper and spice notes. A resurgence of honey-roasted nuts, then the finale of earthy, tobacco-like hops.
Light-medium bodied, fluffed up a bit with a rolling carbonation.
Admittedly, I'm a bit of a sucker for all things rye, as such, this will be a go to winter sessional henceforth.

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

01-21-2009 08:35:27 | More by cokes

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
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

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

nlmartin

Ohio

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

The beer was poured into a pint glass.

Appearance: The beer pours a very vibrant dark amber chestnut coloration. The head was a thick biege coloration with a slight orange tint. Head retention was very good. The thick lacing remains on my glass.

Smell: The aroma is nutty, caramel, a bit peppery and vaguely floral.

Taste: Spicey rye caramel faint cocoa, toasted malt flavors, a flash of floral hops bitters this one nicely.

Mouthfeel/Drinkability: The beer has a medium body moderate carbonation. There is a slight oily feel to the mouth. The beer is an easy to drink and definately a worthy session beer.

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

01-19-2009 02:40:46 | More by nlmartin

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

Billolick

New York

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

12 ouncer, bottled on dating on the label. Pours clear darker amber, light tan head that leaves real nice, fine well developed lace. A touch of chocolate, light winter spice and toasty bread in the nose. Smooth, eminently easy drinking, session able offering. Light spice, toast, mild rye and lightly roasted malts. Nice stuff. Pleasant winter sessioner.

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

01-16-2009 23:25:53 | More by Billolick

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

DrJay

Massachusetts

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

Thanks to wintermute for the bottle. Enjoyed on NYE, 2008.
Crystal clear coppery red with a short beige cap. Very sticky with good head retention and sheets of lace. Earthy hop aroma, faint chocolate and roast, toasted malt, biscuit, mild spice and caramel. Subdued bitterness with mild hopping, earthy with a bit of floral character. Caramel and oily rye flavour, some dark malts, plus mild spice in the finish and lingering malts. Just under medium bodied, moderate carbonation, light dryness, a bit of an oily texture. Very good. Lots going on, but everything stayed balanced.

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

01-13-2009 04:16:02 | More by DrJay

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

Mdog

Minnesota

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

Appearance: Clear amber, good head.

Smell: Mildly sweet bread.

Taste: Caramel sweetness, nice spicy rye kick that's not too strong.

Drinkability: Seems quite good, I only had a single to try.

Called an American Mild on the label, this is another nice beer that doesn't bludgeon you over the head with alcohol or strong flavors, just a nicely balanced drinkable beer. Goose Island seems to be moving up my list of breweries.

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

01-10-2009 20:52:45 | More by Mdog

mdm46410

Indiana

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

Poured from a 12oz bottle (Bottled on 11/11/08) and served in a pint glass. This beer poured a lightly hazy copper brown hue with a quickly fading head of tan foam that settled into a lasting ring. Decent lacing. The aroma was made up of sharp rye, caramel, a bit of chocolate, a hint of dark fruit skins, and very mild noble hops. The flavor consisted of spicy rye, rich caramel, toasted nuts and grain, and a very mild, earthy hop note. Rich and malty. The mouthfeel was medium-bodied and had crisp, moderate carbonation. A nicely made winter session ale. I've already gone through a couple sixes this winter.

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

01-09-2009 01:29:50 | More by mdm46410

CHSLBrew

Minnesota

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

Poured into a pint glass.

A-Clear semi-dark amber beer. Tan head on top, moderate retention as it reduced down to patchy bubbles.

S-Rye spiciness comes through with a mild bready malt character underneath.

T-Prominent spiciness showcases the rye character, while a nice and hearty malty structure, nutty and toasty, keeps everything in line. Bitterness is present and melds in well with the other flavors.

M-On the lighter side of a medium body, in a refreshing way. Medium-high carbonation.

D-It's enjoyable with it's smooth flavor and wintery taste and feel. I'd go for this one again.

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

01-08-2009 20:32:41 | More by CHSLBrew

lhaqq

California

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

A: Copper-ruby body with a fluffy tan head.
S: Some corn and malts. A but of rye but not much from what I can tell.
T: Rye malts a lot more apparent up front in the taste. Shifts into a subtly sweet malt ending.
M: Good level of carbonation, but nothing terribly interesting.
D: Alright, but nothing amazing. Think I prefer Bear Republic's Hop Rod for a rye beer.

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

01-08-2009 07:48:42 | More by lhaqq