Fleur - Goose Island Beer Co.

LambicPentameter

Kansas

3.29/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

Poured out of a brown 22 oz bomber into a tulip glass. Bottling date of 2/18/2011, so this bottle is from the last batch ever produced.

Appearance - Body is a deep pinkish-amber color with minimal head, likely from the long cellaring time. About a half-finger of head at best dissipates quickly leaving little to no lacing. Settles into a rim of quarter-finger head around the edge of the glass.

Smell - Sweet and cloying, like you might expect from fermented juice. Reminds me of graham crackers and honey with some generic floral notes and yeast in the background.

Taste - Less sweet than the smell would let on, but certainly not dry by any means. Here, the hibiscus and kombucha tea really shine through with just a touch of sourness. Seems like the overall flavor profile is faded, like it could be more robust, but that does make it pretty drinkable.

Mouthfeel - Light bodied with minimal carbonation. Clean finish.

Overall, a beer I wish I'd been able to sample fresh. By no means a bad beer with 2 years on it, but the kombucha really influences the aroma and flavor of this beer in a way that isn't preferable to me. Might appeal to anyone who likes tea in general, but that's not me.

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2013 15:15:56 | More by LambicPentameter

langchops

Illinois

3.78/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Bottle poured into FFF Teku

2010 Vintage

A - Golden orange pour with pinkish white head. A lot of carbonation on the pour

S - Nice floral nose with some citrus and a little funk. Overall a great nose.

T - Not sure if this past it's prime but the floral notes fell off quickly. From the nose I was expecting more, but it does go down smooth

M - Light and carbonated. A great summer brew

O - I was hoping for more, but the taste never developed with warming. I would give it another try, but not going to seek this out.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2013 16:54:28 | More by langchops

yamar68

Minnesota

4.23/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Big thanks to alelover for this one - 2011 vintage:

Pours beautifully... burnt honey gold with a healthy dose of off-white head... great lacing, great retention. I'm starting to think that hibiscus does wonderful things for a beer's appearance.

Think Hops n Roses, just less aggressive.

Muted floral bits, honeysuckle... so fresh and so clean clean. I split this bottle with a buddy but I could easily pound the whole bottle in a sitting. Super smooth, mellow.

Very tasty - thanks Joel!

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2013 20:03:56 | More by yamar68

cfrances33

Illinois

4.03/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

2011 bottle, poured into a Goose Island wine stem.

Pour: Clear golden orange, with a finger and a half of white foamy head. Leaves a lot of sticky lacing.

Smell: Big floral aspect up front, with a lot of bright brett flavors. Some tropical mango and banana notes.

Taste: Follows the nose, but is even more powerful in taste. Really big floral and tropical fruits, but on the border of too much juiciness. Lots of bright brett, and some breadyness. Mildly earthy. Finishes with a lingering juicy aspect.

Mouthfeel: Rather syrupy. Nice carb, but the flavors make this one thick.

Overall: This had nice flavors, but just wasn't my type of beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2013 00:40:23 | More by cfrances33

BedetheVenerable

Missouri

3.89/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Presentation: 22oz brown pop top with classy, simple label. Bottled 9/17/10. Poured into my Petrus chalice. Sad to see this go from Goose Island, so I've been holding onto a couple of bottles.

Appearance: Golden amber hue with a large ivory crown with medium-retention. Fairly high clarity, with steady, streaming carbonation.

Smell: Tons of Bretty funk up front, with some dark berries and the slightest hint of malt. Not crazy levels of depth, but a really nice Brett beer.

Taste: Wonderful blend of Brett and berry fruit, with the slightest hints of pale malt and sweet tarts in the background. Not crazy-deep, but this is the best I've tasted it.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied and silky, with low carbonation. Doesn't feel like 7%, but in a good way.

Overall: Simply THE best Brett/wild/funky brew I've ever had for the price. You could score a bomber of this for $7.99 and it was widely available back in the day. This is a great wild beer if you like funk but no sourness and very little tartness. In terms of bang for the buck in 'wild' brews, this is almost up there at the level of Rodenbach Grand Cru (though I'm not comparing those beers head-to-head in any sense other than value).

B+ 88-9

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2013 02:46:55 | More by BedetheVenerable

hardy008

Minnesota

3.38/5  rDev -13.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Amber with a 3 finger light tan head, with good retention an lacing. The aroma has tart strawberries, green apple. yeast, and barnyard funk.

The taste is much like the aroma, but is weaker than I thought it would be. There is some sweetness and tartness from the taste of tart strawberries, green apple, yeast, barnyard funk, and biscuit malt.

Light to medium bodied with below average carbonation. Finishes somewhat dry. Not a bad beer, but not in the top echelon either.

Serving type: bottle

11-29-2012 03:17:22 | More by hardy008

BlurryVisi0n

New York

3.93/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Served in a tulip glass. Vintage 2011 (02/18/2011) bottle poured 11/13/2012.

Appearance: Straight amber with almost no bubbles on the body. Head is a little thick, white maybe 1/3" off the body.

Smell: Has a yeast and tangy smell, and it does give you the itch to keep sniffing a little more but keep this in mind great scent but very light.

Taste: I mentioned it above I am tasting oranges or tangerines with a hint of yeast. it is a little sweet and well offset with a malty banana. For a beer with average ABV level taste alcohol, very very satisfying.

Mouth: Medium carbonation, an after-taste that leaves your tongue wanting a notch more. Little dry but still great.

Overall: Not sure if this brew is meant to be aged but it is. I find it just right, no where near perfect but has elements that this place beer at what real beer is supposed to be. A little tweaking and you have yourself a gem. Salud!

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2012 08:54:20 | More by BlurryVisi0n

Stinkypuss

Pennsylvania

3.93/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Goose Island
Fleur
Style: Belgian Pale Ale

APPEARANCE: Pours a dark golden color, almost light orange in hue. Large lather like foam forms and leaves lace down my favorite hommel snifter.

SMELL: Floral, tea like aromas upfront with a little bit of musty yeast coming through. Green apple, a touch of spice, and sugary malt also very present here.

TASTE: Smooth, creamy malty flavor with an influence of Brett. Sweet, savory and tangy with a bit more apple cider like fruitiness. Just a kiss of earthy hops do a nice job to balance. A bit floral and grassy, and chalky tangy yeast pulling through strongly as the beer warms. Notes of earthy tea are well integrated to the point of subtlety. Bready pale malts provide a softness to the body. For 5.2% abv, this really packs in the flavor.

FEEL: Medium bodied, soft silky feel. Most of the yeast was reserved in the bottle but still a bit chalky with a lingering tartness. Well carbonated and semi dry in the finish.

OVERALL: An impressive Belgian pale ale with a good deal of complexity. Aged over a year, I am sad to see this is the last vintage.

Serving type: bottle

11-03-2012 22:35:54 | More by Stinkypuss

davey101

Connecticut

4.33/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2010 vintage into a tulip glass. Bottled: 09/17/10 1652.

A - Pours a hazy amber body with some floating yeast bits. Two finger white head forms. Thin cap with decent lacing.

S - Heavy notes of lemon, dried strawberry, hay, and socks. Some herbal and flowery elements on the finish. Very clean and fresh. Smell is amazing.

T - Lemons and hay. The finish is of soft and pleasant oily flower pedals and baby powder. Tasty and refreshing. Mouth feel is crisp and well carbed. Long flowery aftertaste.

O - Seems like a more delicate version of Hops n Roses. A very elegant and beautiful beer that will hopefully be lifted out of retirement sometime in the future.

Serving type: bottle

11-01-2012 03:28:20 | More by davey101

superspak

Michigan

4.2/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22 ounce bottle into tulip glass, bottled on 2/18/2011. Pours a lightly hazy pale orange color with a nice 2-3 finger foamy off white head with good retention, that reduces to a small cap that lingers. Minimal spotty lacing clings to the glass. Aromas of huge strawberry, tart apple, cherry, peach, floral, herbal, earth, grass, funk, and light yeast spiciness. Fantastic aromas with great balance and complexity. Taste of strawberry, tart apple, pear, floral, herbal, cherry, pepper, light funk, and light yeast spiciness. Slight tartness on the finish; with lingering notes of strawberry, tart apple, pear, cherry, floral, herbal, pepper, grass, light funk, and light yeast spices on the finish for a bit. Great flavor complexity and balance; slightly dry on the finish with no cloying flavors at all. Medium-high carbonation and medium bodied; with a fairly crisp and lightly prickly mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with hardly any warming noticed at all after the finish. Overall this is a highly excellent Belgian pale ale! Great complexity and flavor balance; and extremely crisp and smooth to sip on. Really enjoyed this one, hopefully I can grab some more before they are all gone.

Serving type: bottle

09-11-2012 04:01:31 | More by superspak

liamt07

Ontario (Canada)

4.15/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle shared by Zach, 650ml into a tulip.

Poured orange/apricot with a substantial white head. Great dense retention and lacing. Floral nose, light tart berry notes with a bit of funk. Taste has some more funky and Belgian yeast notes, raspberry/cherry notes, soft floral qualities again and a bit herbal. Light fruit juice-like tartness. Soft medium feel, and fantastically drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

09-08-2012 15:56:55 | More by liamt07

kylehay2004

Florida

4.08/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: thin head with little retention on a cloudy crimson body. scattered lacing.

S: sweet honey, banana and pineapple citrus, earthy hops and very strong floral presence.

T: belgian yeast and sweet citrus up front moving to clove and earthy hops and flowery finish.

M: medium body and moderate carbonation.

Overall: very nice base Belgian beer with very unique and nice degree of floral character.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2012 00:21:59 | More by kylehay2004

boilermakerbrew

Indiana

4.08/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottled on 9-17-10. Labeled with 7% ABV.

A- Pours a deep, hazy golden hue. Small head with of retention and good lacing.

S- Smells a lot like Matilda, with tons of light, grainy notes. I guess I know what hibiscus smells like now, because there is a definite flower aroma too. Hints of sweet poking in around the edges.

T- Tastes like your typical Belgian Pale most of the way through. Light grain flavors intermingle throughout, then a moderate hit of the hibiscus hits. Tastes like it smells, slightly sweet, and fruity. Finishes a little dry.

M- Light and fairly carbonated. Easy-drinking, and fairly refreshing.

Not sure if age helped or hurt this one, but another solid beer from GI. Very similar to Matilda in my opinion, but the hibiscus is a unique flavor.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2012 01:43:53 | More by boilermakerbrew

cratez

Ontario (Canada)

3.28/5  rDev -16.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Bomber purchased at Plum Market in Ann Arbor, MI. 2010 Vintage.

Pours a burnished amber hue with copper edges, a sliver of bubbly white froth, and strands of stringy lacing on the tulip.

Smell is flower petals, cake dough, yeast, clove, cardamom, cotton candy, faint apple note (Granny Smith?), slight funkiness, bruised stone fruit, and green grape.

Taste is sour candy, apple skin, yeast, and grainy-bready malts. A very basic, underwhelming flavour profile.

Mouthfeel is lighter than medium-bodied with low carbonation and a chalky finish. The palate becomes more watery as the beer warms.

Overall, given its respectable rating on BA, I expected a lot more from this brew. While the aroma is enticing, this ended up being a pretty boring quaff and I probably won't purchase again.

Serving type: bottle

07-21-2012 20:32:14 | More by cratez

pmarlowe

California

4.08/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

(3.5, 4, 4, 4.5, 4.5)

2011 vintage. Thanks to spry for this one. Tulip glass.

A: Pours medium golden with a ring of off white head and a streak or two of lace. Excellent clarity and so-so retention.

S: Subtle, enticing aromas of brett and hibiscus and strawberry and a little spice.

T: Light flavors of hibiscus and some fruity Belgian yeast and malt. The base is saison-like, but I'm not getting any tartness as expected.

M: Medium-light body and medium carbonation. Pretty smooth.

O: Exceedingly drinkable due to light aromas and flavors. A nice treat, this would be great to have in the regular rotation in warmer weather. Like a well made saison with interesting addition of hibiscus tea.

Serving type: bottle

07-18-2012 05:52:33 | More by pmarlowe

ucsbmullet

Colorado

4/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Tried a 2010 version on 6/25/12.

My first impression of this beer was very unfavorable, tough to drink on its own. But with food, I found this very drinkable and complimentary with a chicken dish.

Everything about this beer is light. Light Belgian yeast notes on the nose. Its light, with hints of tea on the tongue. Tea drinkers may enjoy this on its own. I thought it was a little rough to sip by itself, cold or warmer. Just too light.

But I gave it a shot with chicken with broiled tomatoes and tortellini and its paired excellent. The beer seemed to come alive and brighten in my mouth with the food. I tasted more fruit notes and a hint of pucker. This beer drank like a light white wine.

Tough to get through this beer on its own. But it came alive when paired with food.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2012 01:23:11 | More by ucsbmullet

BarryMFBurton

Indiana

3.63/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Been through many of Goose Island’s brews recently, but I’ve only seen this one in one or two liquor stores.

Brewed eight months before the date of this tasting (“10/27/11” on the bottle).

A: Very, very bubbly, just like G.I.’s other Belgian-style beers. Rosy amber in color and a bit hazy, with just the tiniest bit of retention. Sprinklings of lacing everywhere.

S: Where’s the nose on this one? A touch of perfume-like hibiscus before some light, floral hops. Coriander and crisp, lemony malts, but that’s all, folks.

T: Flavor follows the nose; very timid. Flavors of lemon juice, mandarin oranges, and a slight white grape shine out lightly, tasting sweet and fresh. Bright, flowery hops are evident but in no way bold, more tart than bitter. The aftertaste is slickly sweet, smooth hibiscus and lemon pulp for a moment or two afterwards.

M: Pretty bubbly to start, fizzy and intense for a bit. The last half of the bottle is better, but still as foamy and effervescent as ever.

O: Fleur is a very mild beer in every sense. Like all of Goose Island’s beers, it’s good-natured and pleasant, but this one is lacking excitement in some key areas.

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2012 03:09:06 | More by BarryMFBurton

bigfnjoe

Pennsylvania

3.65/5  rDev -6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a bottle into a Dogfish snifter

A- pours a clear shade of orange with a three finger white head that's very puffy. Lots of carbonation. Looks very nice

S- lots of sexy Belgian yeast character coming through...a nice bubblegum aroma, with some flowery notes as well

T- the flavor on this one is very mild. None of the spicy Belgian yeast comes through very well, but I do get the komucha and hibiscus flavors....they're just very, very mild and understated.

M- medium bodied, and actually on the thicker side...I find that most "tea-like" brews are a little thicker, as I got the same sensation from DFH Sahtea and New Belgium's Sahti as well

O- this is a very easy drinking beer, but I can see why Goose discontinued it. The flavors are very mellow and understated, and I don't think it has that POW factors that a lot of Goose beers have

Serving type: bottle

04-24-2012 20:36:05 | More by bigfnjoe

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

4.33/5  rDev +10.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Apparently this thing is retired, which is sad as hell.

What a damn dessert beer. I wanna break this damn thing down by its parts, but it does it no justice. THe pour is deep orange and has a nice thin white head. It smells like watery Belgian yeast. Theres a hint of tartness and Brett. The taste is something of beauty and perfection. Very light all around, like a good summer wine. The hibiscus flowers dominate, and I rather like it.. Slight Belgian tart acidity, like a good Belgian Framboise, but just not all that much. The yeast doesnt really contribute all that much to the flavor, but comes out upon exhale.

It feels watery and slick, like a tea almost. Im thinking the flowers have given it the oily texture, and the age has given it the overall mellowness. The really cool part of this is the exhale. You get the Belgian yeast esters, hint of strawberries, and a nice slight oak presence.

It took me a while to really figure out what the hell I was tasting, and I had to think back to Hanssens Oudbeitje Lambic. Its strawberries. I love them in Belgians, and GI did it perfectly. They add this subtle sweetness that just sets it over the top.

God damn I love this beer, and they need unretire it and brew more.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2012 21:56:38 | More by VncentLIFE

dbossman

Nebraska

4.15/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Apricot hue with a huge, foamy head with good retention; lacing is okay

S: Strawberries, apples, pears, bananas, pineapple--this is a fruity bouquet of awesomeness; somewhat of a grainy backdrop with some subtle peppery, herbal notes

T: Fruity and yet dry--the strawberries are very prevalent but so is a banana and apple quality from the yeast; some bready malts at the heart as well; some grassy, herbal, flowery, weedy flavors shining through the finish as well

F: Effervescent carbonation up front with a creamy texture on the back end

O: Such a nice beer with a refreshing fruitiness that complements the Belgian yeast and bready, toasty grains

Serving type: bottle

04-18-2012 02:34:22 | More by dbossman

Chirpie

Kansas

3.05/5  rDev -22%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Poured into a tulip (I seem to be favoring that one regardless of the brew.)

Somewhat disappointed. Maybe I got a bad bottle? Really light flavor, kind of skunky even. The head disappeared instantly, no lacing left behind.

The appearance might be the highlight for me. (Not a good sign.) Nice amber yellow look with a lot of floating sedimentation.

Sessionable for sure based off the light flavor, it's just not that memorable.

I see it's retired... glad to have tried so I know I'm not to broken up about it...

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2012 04:24:17 | More by Chirpie

russwbeck

Virginia

4.83/5  rDev +23.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A: Brown pour with orange around the edges and a finger or so of fluffy white head. A really interesting coating of thin, bubbly lacing coats the sides of my New Belgium Globe. A fury of bubbles escape from the bicycle etching and build a circle of white head atop the beer that refuses to leave.

S: The strawberries in the aroma mix with the saison-like backbone and hibiscus flowers very nicely. I'm actually pretty surprised by the amount of fruit in I'm getting here, but it isn't cloyingly sweet which is typical of this style. It's very clean and inviting.

T: This is definitely the deepest, most interesting, Belgian Pale Ale I've come across. The malty base and mild hoppiness provide a palette for berries, very slight barnyard funk, and a nice tartness to work their magic. The differing flavors are subtle, but beautiful. I'd call this a mix of Saison and Belgian Pale Ale. Certainly a taste to be savored.

MF: Light body with a very nice twinge of carbonation. The dry finish lends to a balanced spice and malt profile to make Fleur absurdly drinkable.

O: I can't believe they're going to stop making this beer and I just found it! It was a treat and a very nice surprise. I would advocate Goose Island re-thinks retiring Fleur.

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2012 22:49:18 | More by russwbeck

thagr81us

South Carolina

4.15/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Big thanks goes out to aasher for this one in a past trade! Thanks buddy! 2011 Vintage! Served from bottle into a Goose Island oversized wine glass. Poured yellow-orange with a two finger white head that subsided to one finger very slowly. Maintained decent lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt, tart, sour, fruit, and subtle funk. The flavor was of sweet malt, fruit, raspberry, tart, subtle sour, and funk. It had a light feel on the palate with high carbonation. Overall this was a pretty good brew. This brew definitely brought a really nice aroma and flavor to the playing field. Upon cracking open the bottle I knew I was in for a pleasant surprise based on the aromas coming off of the bottle. This one still delivered in the glass as well which was really nice. The flavors on this one definitely made it easy to drink. A definite must try if you have not done so.

Serving type: bottle

03-30-2012 10:42:29 | More by thagr81us

wisrarebeer

Wisconsin

4.08/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottled 21 May 2010

A: orange-brown color, very n ice rocky creamy head
S: very good nose, traces of Orval, yeasty, fruity
T: fruity from hibiscus, Orval traits of yeast, musty, very enjoyable saison, very enjoyable and true to type
M: good
O: overall a very enjoyable beer

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2012 02:13:14 | More by wisrarebeer

Teleweizen2

New Jersey

3.35/5  rDev -14.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A - pours an orangey amber hue with rose colored highlights. Not much head. Maybe a fingers worth, white in color. Only a spot or two of lacing.

S - at first the nose is delicate. As I swirl the beer it ellicits a apocryphal cinnomin note with lots of floral undertones. As it warms the nose changes drastically. Sweet red and citrus fruit notes meld nicely with yeasty notes of sweet breads and juicy fruit gum to round it out.

T - dry and bready on the front of the tongue. Fruity in the mid palate with notes of sweet orange peel and a vague cherry/strawberry flavor. Dry finish.

M - medium verging on full bodied. Light on carbonation. Creamy enough texture. Slightly watery.

O - a nicely flavored interesting ale. A cool experiment but it was either a little off the mark or its just a bit past its prime.

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2012 03:27:26 | More by Teleweizen2