Mild Winter - Goose Island Beer Co.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

budgood1

Minnesota

4.3/5  rDev +15.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

pours out an extremely dark auburn colour with a an brown egg shell coloured head that permanently skims the top of the beer and leaves some fine lace. light dark malty aroma...some choco and toffee aromas and some light spiciness. a light hop aroma is detectable, also. the flavour of this brew is of the mild variety, pleasantly malty with a definite spicy kick due to the rye used. the spiciness lingers on and then gives way to a herbal and earthy hop bitterness that seems so perfect for this ale. it really tastes good. the body is medium....and the mouthfeel crisp and refreshing. about perfect for this take on the mild or bitter style. finishes dry. drinkability is fantastic. definitely in the english tradition with a wry (rye) twist. loved it!

what makes this even better is that it has a quenching aspect to that would make it a perfect quaffer after an outdoor winter activity where a thirst may have been worked up. certainly sessionable...crazy quaffable...fantastically flavourful. another great beer from GI.

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

01-08-2009 01:02:47 | More by budgood1

morimech

Minnesota

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

Pours a clear, dark copper with two fingers of white head that had excellant retention. There is a lot of lacing left on the glass. Has a nice aroma. The rye definately is detected in the aroma along with some additional spice from the hops. Interesting flavor as well. Malty base with a little spice from the rye and hops. Hints of ginger. Bitterness is low. Mild flavor but overall interesting. Lighter body with moderate carbonation. It has a nice semi-creamy texture. A little more flavor than a typical mild ale. The addition of rye malt was a good choice. Very sessionable. I might want something a little more robust for a winter ale but this is still a good one.

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

01-06-2009 23:13:32 | More by morimech

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
@ Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago

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

roadhouse

Florida

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

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

Appears a nice crystal clear dark copper color with a two inch off-white head that continues to rise due to the lively carbonation. Leaves some moderate lacing.

Aroma is sweet with caramel notes mostly, with the rye coming through as a mild spiciness. Not overly complex but very nice.

Taste is sweet and caramelly up front with a stong fruity note that diminishes throughout sips that comes in midway through that is straight up delicious, with a mild spiciness towards the end from the rye. Simple and delicious.

Mouthfeel is medium-light, with a nice smoothness, that is slightly crisp. Nice and creamy.

This one is a definite winner from GI. Highly sessionable beer that I enjoy even more than Honker's or IPA. I will be putting down a few of these tonight they are just too good.

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

12-31-2008 08:13:36 | More by roadhouse

BretSikkink

Mexico

4.05/5  rDev +8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Amber-brown in color, with a tanned head. Lots of highlighting, okay, swirly retention, and some pretty fair legs for style.

The aroma is relatively complex but not hugely aromatic. My first thoughts were of mild barley malt sweetness, a light spiciness, and maybe a touch of apple. Peppery hops complement the rye.

Definitely malty, but not overpoweringly sweet. There is a great balance with the sweet barley and peppery rye flavors that puts this above the rest in this category. A little bit of toffee here, and a finish of apple.

Dry finish with a hint of spicing; medium in the body. Not a bad little sipper at all - Mild Winter is very well balanced, if not terribly exciting.

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

12-31-2008 01:14:17 | More by BretSikkink

prototypic

Ohio

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

Appearance: This one pours a really nice looking clear, bronze color with a strong garnet hue. It's topped with vanilla colored head that reaches two fingers tall. Retention was good and a very nice sticky coat of lace lined the glass.

Smell: The nose is good, but a little lacking in strength and depth. It's mostly malty and sweet smelling. Smells like a good mix of caramel and toasted malts. There is a distinct spicy aroma to it which is easily attributed to the rye. There's a faint yeasty or doughy aroma. All in all, it's good, but could be improved.

Taste: The flavor profile mimics the nose and suffers from similar (small) flaws. It is indeed sweet and malty. Toasted malts taste a little stronger than the caramel variety, but not by much. Rye spiciness attacks the palate and adds a lot of zeal to the flavor. I like it. A yeasty biscuit-like aroma emerges toward the end. It's not strong, but is noteable. Hops are faint and could use a little bump. It finishes spicy and dry. It could use a little more depth and character, but this is a solid beer.

Mouthfeel/Drinkability: It features a medium body and holds together well. Nice smooth feel. Carbonation is active and prevents it from reaching a creamy, lush feel. But, it's good. Drinkability is actually very good. It goes down very easy, has a nice flavor, and features a modest abv. I could happily handle a few of these.

Mild Winter is a nice addition to the winter arsenal of great brews. It's unique and I like that aspect of it a lot. It could use a little work across the board, but not much. This is a nice beer as it is. Certainly one I'll pick up again during this time of year. Recommended.

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

12-30-2008 03:14:04 | More by prototypic

Redrover

Illinois

4.13/5  rDev +11%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12 oz brown longneck with a bottled on date of 10/27/08. Poured into a pint glass, the beer is a medium brown with subtle red highlights. There is a big creamy beige head & great lacing.

The nose is of malts, citrus, caramel and you can also pick-up the rye which adds a spice note.

The beer tastes of lightly roasted malts, some citrus and the rye which adds a nice finish. The beer is slightly bitter with great balance. It's a bit earthy and a bit juicy. Nice combo of flavors.

The mouth is pleasantly thickish and creamy. Very easy beer to session. Great taste and low ABV add up to a winning brew. I'm glad to see this one added to the seasonal rotation!

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

12-30-2008 02:27:25 | More by Redrover

wheatyweiss

Wisconsin

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

Poured into a pint, Mild Winter is a nice dark rust color with a full head that dissipates quickly. Aroma is of strong caramel malt and dark roasted grain. Flavor is exactly to style. Roasty and grainy, with a mild hop bite. The Rye makes it's way to the front as the predominant grain and the sourness tells you so. Dusty and husky as it should be.

Excellent and refreshing, Goose Island fails to disappoint.

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

12-28-2008 03:32:23 | More by wheatyweiss

jar2574

Missouri

3.33/5  rDev -10.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A rye beer. That's something new for me. It does smell slightly like a rye whiskey, but there isn't much to the smell. The appearance is only average. Flat, little head, brownish color.

The beer is nice though. Sweet, almost syrupy. Not a lot of hops or malts detected. I think it's loaded with wintery spices, so much that it drowns out any maltiness or hopiness. Feels a little artificial, and lacks earthiness as a result.

Doesn't sit that well after a few, because the sweetness will get to you eventually.

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

12-28-2008 01:56:14 | More by jar2574