In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Goose Island.  I am kind of stun this is my second one beer blog since I am a pretty big fan of this local Chicago brewery.  The beer we are going to talk about just took home another Gold Medal from Great American Beer Festive in this years event (2012) and it is called Goose Island India Pale Ale.  If you read my earlier blog on their fall seasonal, you know a little history on this brewery.  If you have not, please read the first part of the Harvest Ale beer post.  Let us get into the beer.

This India Pale Ale has a nice clear copper color without a head on the beer.  The smell is a nice grapefruit to the beer. The taste is a carbonate grapefruit without an aftertaste to the beer.  It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Recognized as among the world’s finest, Goose Island’s India Pale Ale has a spicy hop aroma and an inviting fruity flavor.  This exceptional beer is one you will not soon forget.

Here is a descriation from their website (www.gooseisland.com):

Brewer’s Notes:

Our India Pale Ale recalls a time when ales shipped from England to India were highly hopped to preserve their distinct taste during the long journey. The result is a hop lover’s dream with a fruity aroma, set off by a dry malt middle, and long hop finish.

Recipe Information:

Style: English Style India Pale Ale

Alcohol by Volume: 5.9%

International Bitterness Units: 55

Color: Bourbon

Hops: Styrian, Fuggle, Cascade, Centennial

Malts: Pale

Serving Suggestions:

Preferred Glass: Thistle

Food Pairings: Curries, Chicken, Pork

Cheese Pairings: Blue, Aged Gouda

Cellaring Notes: Enjoy within 180 days

Availability:

Year Round Bottles: 6pks Draft: 1/6 & 1/2bbl

World Beer Cup Recognition:

Judging Category: English Style India Pale Ale

2010: Gold  Medal

Great American Beer Festival Recognition:

Judging Category: English Style India Pale Ale

2009: Silver Medal

2007: Silver Medal

2004: Silver Medal

2001: Bronze Medal

2000: Gold Medal

Here is their webiste and twitter addresses:

Website:  www.gooseisland.com

Twitter;  @gooseisland

In closing, I really enjoy this beer and it is part of my everyday line up of beers.  It is pretty much always in my frig.  This is the staple of any India Pale Ale style.  It is an English style so it is not overly hop like some of those west coast India Pale Ale.  This beer always gives me the break from the over the top hoppy beers on the market.  I realize that AB Inbev brought this beer company and everyone believe that this brewery will go to crap.  It is not the case.  There beers will constant and get better because of the technology that this big brewery will give this small brewery.  They will get the best hops, malt, and anything else this brewery needs and wants to make some great beers.  Goose Island is staying close to the Chicago market.  John Hall, who was the founder and former owner of this brewery, stepped down as president just this last week.  It does not mean this brewery will change.  If it does change, I believe it will be for the best.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser