Star Cluster IPA - Goose Island Beer Co.

mdfb79

New York

3.78/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From 01/21/13 notes.

a - Pours a somewhat clear orange color with one inch of bright white head and moderate carbonation evident.

s - Smells of grapefruit, fruity malts, citrus hops, and light caramel malts. Nose kind of reminds me of fruit loops a little bit; not on the level of that one Leinenkugel beer, but kind of cool.

t - Tastes of citrus hops, grapefruit, fruity malts, some earthy notes. Taste is lighter than the nose so a step down for me, but there is no bitterness.

m - Medium body and low carbonation. No bitterness, easy to drink IPA.

o - Overall a nice IPA. Nice citrus in the nose, though the taste isn't as strong of hoppy. Easy to drink and worth checking out; would probably have it again.

Serving type: on-tap

01-28-2013 16:44:08 | More by mdfb79

tjsdomer2

Illinois

3.85/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75

Appearance: Extremely rosy for an IPA. No carbonation and very little foam. Good lacing. The color is what makes this really special.

Smell: Pretty balanced smell, erring on the side of fruity notes as opposed to bitter hops.

Taste/Mouthfeel: Again, lots of fruit. Star Cluster does have the Fruit Loops flavor that Goose Island advertises. Some faint pine flavors in the finish. The mouthfeel is fairly thin, especially for an IPA.

Overall Drinkability: More of a "girly" IPA, but I think that's actually a good thing. Once again, Goose Island does a pretty decent job tipping a traditional beer style on its head without completely rearranging everything.

Serving type: on-tap

01-09-2013 23:32:08 | More by tjsdomer2

Chaney

District of Columbia

3.3/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I had this on-tap at the Clybourn location.

A: Poured pretty much orange in color, mostly translucent, and with ever the slightest off-white head on top.

S: Muted overall, but I did manage to summon up a mild, yeasty, citrus (orange) flair that smelled fresh.

T: This was basically a paint-by-the-numbers, non-piney, appeal to the masses, fruit beer. Okay, maybe some hop character, but this was basically "Two Hearted" minus the hops.

M: Fine. It was pretty creamy, with a mild prickle, too much sugar, and lots of lacing. Somewhat cloying to my palate.

O: I've gotta admit that I drank my pint pretty fast, but I think I was just thirsty. Overall, this was a big disappointment.

Serving type: on-tap

12-27-2012 03:57:48 | More by Chaney

Florida9

Illinois

3.78/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Mostly clear golden color. Served with a large white head. Moderate lacing. Nice citrusy aroma: orange, lemon and some light tropical fruit. Flavor is similar. Light maltiness, crisp apple, orange, and light grapefruit notes. There is s sweet floral quality as well. Body is on the lighter side of medium, good carbonation, mild bitterness. Overall a decent IPA, very drinkable

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2012 23:08:29 | More by Florida9

inlimbo77

Delaware

3.98/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

16oz glass. Enjoyed at the Clybourn Brew Pub in early April while visiting Chicago. Served in a Pint glass

A: Pours out a Clear amber color. Off white two finger loose bubbles head. Some lacing bits as I drink this one down.

S: I definitely get those fruity hop aromas. Mango and pineapple. Not any malt on the nose. It's a really solid smelling IPA.

T: Nice fruity hop bitterness on the tip of the tongue. There is also some hints of earthy pine hop flavors in there. Then you get nice malt balance in the mid palate. The finish is crisp and dry with lingering hop flavors.

M: Medium bodied.

Serving type: on-tap

06-25-2012 14:44:25 | More by inlimbo77

JTahoe

California

3.88/5  rDev +1.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

At Wrigleyville poured in...a cheap plastic cup.

A - Not easy to get a good look due to the frosted finish of the fine plasticware, but trying to look beyond that and focus on the beer. Amber color, clarity impossible to assess. Light head that disapates pretty quickly...a bit of lace hanging around.

S - Bright and fruity (tropical). Nothing crazy goOng on, but appealing.

T - Following the nose here, tropical fruit (pineapple, mango, the slightest taste of orange). The bitterness creeps in on the back en for me...a nice snap of pine and just a hint of citrus rind. Not a hop bomb by any stretch of the imagination, but more bitter than the standard Goose Island IPA.

M - Medium body, but surprisingly thin on the back end. Low carbonation.

O - I enjoyed this. Didn't rock my world (especially as a West Coast guy) but worthy.

Serving type: on-tap

06-08-2012 22:29:47 | More by JTahoe

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.65/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served in an imperial pint glass at the Clybourn brewpub.

Review #2400. I'd say it's about time for some hope to liven up the proceedings of lightness. This stuff pours a clear tawny-copper topped by a finger of dusty light-tan foam. The nose comprises apricot, ruby red grapefruit, pineapple, mandarin orange, and a light bit of caramel in the background. The taste holds notes of grapefruit rind, light leek, dank greens, pine resin, and orange peel. The body is a light medium, with a light carbonation and a smooth feel. Overall, I feel conflicted about this IPA. It's nicely fruity, especially on the nose, but the bitterness and resiny quality of the taste are slightly off-putting. Still, it's generally enjoyable, so there's that...

Serving type: cask

06-07-2012 01:11:53 | More by TMoney2591