Goose Island India Pale Ale

May 7th, 2013 by Scott in Other Beer Reviews

In 2011, the Goose Island brewery was sold by its owner to AB-InBev for $38.8 million because they couldn’t meet demand for their products. Until recently, Goose Island wasn’t available in Texas at all. However, three of their beers have now been introduced in stores. The three I saw in the store the other day were Honker’s Ale (currently being served at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival), 312 Urban Wheat, and their India Pale Ale.

Production for all three beers available at the store was moved out of Chicago after AB-InBev purchased the beer in order for capacity for other beers to increase at the Chicago brewery, such as the wildly sought after Bourbon County Brand Stout. This India Pale Ale was brewed in Fort Collins, CO.

As far as how different the beer tastes coming out of Fort Collins instead of Chicago, I’ve never had a Goose Island beer before so I can’t be the judge. I did, however, get a beer with an upside-down label which made me question AB-InBev quality control a little bit. Yes, that’s from our Instagram account; if you like random pictures of beer and sometimes other things, be sure to follow us!

Goose Island India Pale Ale has a light copper color with a white head. Not a whole lot of a scent to it in my opinion; a little bit floral, a little bit spicy, but nothing big. The taste is also pretty light; a little bitter, a little spicy, some malty, bready taste. Nothing offensive but nothing very exciting either. It might be a good session beer.

The other night I had an Abita Spring IPA and this beer back to back. I definitely preferred the Spring IPA to the Goose Island IPA.

Honker’s Ale at the Epcot Food and Wine Flower and Garden Festival, coupled with the increased output at the Fort Collins brewery and the AB-InBev connection, may be a sign that we may see more Goose Island at Walt Disney World.

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Goose Island India Pale Ale

Goose Island Honker’s Ale

Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout 2013

Goose Island Mild Winter

Goose Island – Honker’s Ale