goose island

New Beer Blog Goose Island Rasselbock

In this beer blog, we are going to get into the first beer from Fulton Street beer series from Goose Island Brewery for this year. This is the first of four in the series that are in package. There are four beers on the package and draft. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Midwest craft brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know this craft brewery. Let us get into this Dark Rye Bock beer.

It has a cloudy light brownish copper color with a white constant head. The aroma has a sweet malty with a heavy banana notes. The taste has a heavy banana notes with a sweet malty to rye notes. The aftertaste has a dry finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Brewer’s Notes

There was particular attention to the malt bill using pale munich, wheat and rye. There was no fruit harmed in the making of this beer, however you can’t avoid the beautiful banana esters and clove phenals that the Weihenstephan weizen yeast expresses. Rasselbock is a German style Dark, Rye, Wheat beer.

Recipe Information

Style: Dunkelroggenweizenbock 

Alcohol by Volume: 6.8% 

International Bitterness Units: 28

Color: Pumpernickel 

Hops: Hallertau

Malts: Munich, Rye, Wheat, Midnight Wheat, Rice Hulls

Here is a their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.gooseisland.com

Twitter: @gooseisland

Closing, I remember when the Fulton Foods series started. It was like six to seven years ago. These beers are spin-off from that series of beers. They renamed it Fulton Street beers. They are doing package and draft. I am pretty happy that they are releasing these beers outside of the Chicago market. This gives other markets something new and exciting for Goose Island. When I heard about this beer, I was looking forward to trying this beer. This complex ale has many tasting notes in it. It is drinkable but perfect for a Midwest spring and summer season. I highly recommend this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Goose Island 4 Star Pils

In this beer blog, we are going to get a new beer, which is 4 Star Pilsner, from Goose Island Brewery. When this beer was first released it was known as Blue Line Pils. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Chicago base craft brewery.

It has a clear golden color with a white constant head on this pilsner. There is really no smell. It is hard to pick up. The taste has a slight sweet malty to a dry crisp hop aftertaste. It is extremely drinkable.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.gooseisland.com

Twitter: @gooseisland

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

Brewer’s Notes

This golden-hued pilsner has a light, fresh body and clean finish. Bright, refreshing carbonation mingles with German and American hops to give this pilsner a unique Goose Island spin.

Recipe Information

Style: Pilsner

Alcohol by Volume: 5.1%

International Bitterness Units: 44

Color: Light Golden

Hops: Meridian, Equinox, Mt. Hood

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.gooseisland.com

Twitter: @gooseisland

Closing, I am not a huge fan of pilsners. Just like lagers, I am always looking for the best craft pilsner. I believe 4 Star Pils is in my top three best craft pilsners. I am fan of Rochester Mills Pine Knob Pils. Goose Island did a great job matching the classic beer style. I know there will be people that will love this beer. I can see others hating this beer. This is a pretty good brew. It all comes down to the price. There is cheaper and good pilsners and lagers on the market. I highly recommend this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Goose Island Fulton St Blend Coffee Ale

In this beer blog, we are going sample another beer from Goose Island Brewery. It was a special release from Fulton Woods series. It is their Fulton Street Coffee Blend Golden Ale. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Midwest craft brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Illinois craft brewery. Let us get into this Golden Ale.

It has a clear golden color with a semi on constant white head. The aroma has a heavy nice coffee notes. The taste has a smooth balance coffee notes with wet coffee bean aftertaste. It is pretty drinkable beer.

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

Brewer’s Notes

Goose Island is proud to introduce Fulton St. Blend, a coffee ale aged with House Blend beans from our neighbors at Intelligentsia. Named for the street in Chicago that we both call home, Fulton St. Blend is a golden ale infused with rich coffee flavor and aroma.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.gooseisland.com

Twitter: @gooseisland

Closing, everyone knows that I am a huge fan of Goose Island Brewery. It was a no brainier to pick up this new beer from them. The coffee beans that they use are the same ones that they use in their Bourbon County Coffee Stout. I knew that the coffee part will be awesome. I have to say this beer did not disappointment at all. This is a great beer. The coffee is not in your face but it is not fade. It has a nice balance. I love it. I highly recommend this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Goose Island Oktoberfest

In this fall beer blog, we are going to get into fall seasonal, which is Oktoberfest, from Goose Island Brewery. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this oldest craft brewery in Chicago. If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Midwest craft brewery. Let us get into this Oktoberfest.

It has a clear amber color with a semi constant white head. The aroma has a slight caramel notes. The taste has a sweet candy like caramel notes. The aftertaste has a dry malty finish that does not last long. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

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

Brewer’s Notes

Brewed in the traditional Märzen style, our Oktoberfest pours a brilliant copper over rose color with a bone white head. Notes of toffee and burnt sugar in the aroma and flavors of sweet dried apricots are delivered in a dry malty body with the mild earthy bitterness that is the hallmark of Hallertau hops.

Recipe Information

Style: German-Style Märzen

Alcohol by Volume: 6.4%

International Bitterness Units: 17

Color: Copper

Hops: Hallertau

Malts: 2-Row, Carapils, Munich 10, C-20, C-40, C-120

Availability

Seasonal Release

Cases: 4/6, 2/12 packs,

24 Pack Loose

Kegs: 1/6 & 1/2 bbl

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.gooseisland.com

Twitter: @gooseisland

Ending, I know my readers know that I am a huge fan of Goose Island. I became a fan when I lived in the Chicago market for about eight years. I always look forward to their fall and winter seasonals. This Oktoberfest did not disappoint me this year. It is just like last years. There is many craft breweries that love to change their recipes of their seasonal beers. This brewery is no different. I am happy that they kept this one the same from last year’s version. This is by far best Oktoberfest to me for this season. I love it. I am not a caramel from candy and ice cream topping. I have to say I love caramel notes in the beer. I highly recommend this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter; @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Roak Brewing Visit

In this special beer blog, I had a chance to get by Roak Brewing a few days after their grand opening. They opened just this year but they were founded it in 2014. Let us talk about the beer.

Their goal was to do something different in every beer that they make. If it is higher alcohol level on their Devil Dog Oatmeal Stout, it is same price as rest of their beers in draft to package. It is a huge value. Mean Streets Amber Ale is a hoppy amber ale. They also have a American IPA and session IPA along with Belgian style white ale and Belgian style Dark ale in package and draft. They will have brewpub only beers in the near future.

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.roakbrewing.com

Twitter: @roakbrewing

Closing, they invested a ton of money into brewery and brewpub. They are here to make a stand in the craft beer world. Overall, their beers are really good. I am not a fan of both of their IPA’s. They are pretty weak to me. I can see some craft beer drinkers liking them. I am pretty excited to see what they will come out next. I recommend this brewery. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Beer Stores In Southeast Michigan Part 2

In this beer blog, we are going to talk more about the liquor stores in my area and market. This is a follow-up from a blog that I wrote about year ago. I just find some of these stores do things that are good or bad and craft or import beer drinkers should know. I see some stores that are under charging and there are others that are over charging. Let us get into each of the stores.

Wine palace

If you live in the Livonia or Westland area, you know about this liquor store. They have a great liquor and wine selection. I have been told that they have some gems over there too. We are here to talk about the beer selection. They have a great craft beer and import selection. Just like everywhere else, you do need to watch code dates. If they know you are one of their regulars, you will get some of the one off or limited releases. They have a great Import selection and a nice beer cave. Their prices are one of the best in town. Their prices go pretty well against the Meijer down the street. Overall, this is a place to check out.

Marcus Market

This place is located in the Wayne State area. They have an average to below average beer selection. The huge problem with this store is they are not on top of their stuff. What I mean, they do not know what most of their beer and product cost in their store. Their prices are pretty high or way too low. For example, which I have many, Blake’s 6 pack cans for $19.99, which should be around $9.99 and 10.99 like other stores. Bell’s Planet Series Uranus single bottle (12oz) for $4.99. While other stores are charges $2.99. There is some cider and beer that are under cost. There is a cider from Blakes that other stores charge $24.99. They were charging $9.99. They do not have too many rare beers or ciders, however, they have a great Mead selection just watch the prices. Their little restaurant in the back of the store is a most try. Asides that, stay away from this store.

Forrest

This is another place not far from Wayne State either. Their prices are pretty good. They are little high but not by much. They have a pretty good beer selection for craft beers and ciders. This is a great store when you want some cheap beer with a good craft beer. They get a ton of rare and limited craft beers and ciders. You will need to ask guys behind the counter. They have a nice staff and they are willing to help their customers. I highly recommend this store. If you are in the Wayne State area, come here and not Marcus Market.

Holiday Market Royal Oak

I have been here a few times. I have not been here in a while. I just know if I cannot find a beer in my area. I can take a trip to the east side of the City of Detroit to get it. They have an awesome craft beer and cider selection. I know many of friends said if you are a regular. You will get some of the one off and limited releases. If you live on the east side, I highly recommend this place.

Closing, I know there are so many other stores and I know that I keep forgetting some of them. Please, let me know about them and I will check them out. I will do a write-up on them. I hope you learn something from reading this post. Let me know about your thoughts. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Goose Island Festivity Ale (2014)

In this winter beer blog, we are going to get into the latest version of Goose Island Christmas Ale. This year the brewery has rename the brew to Festivity Ale. They felt calling it Christmas Ale that after the holiday, people stop drinking and buying it. They are correct. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Midwest craft brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know Goose Island Brewery. Let us get into this winter ale.

This brown ale has a nice bronze to brown color with an off white to light tan color head. The smell has a caramel with a slight floral notes. The taste has a creamy caramel with a dry nutty aftertaste. It is a nice sipping beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Brown Ale

Caramel and dark fruit malt flavors swirl inside a creamy toasty brown ale.

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

Festivity Ale

Brewer’s Notes

Every year we brew a brown ale to celebrate the holidays. To make each year’s special, we alter the recipe. This year we wrapped caramel and dark fruit malt flavors inside a creamy toasty brown ale. May your holidays be filled with Festivity.

Recipe Information

Style: Classic Ales – Seasonal

Alcohol by Volume: 7.7%

International Bitterness Units: 50

Color: Ruby Brown

Hops: Pilgrim, English Golding

Malts: Special Pale, Bon Munich, Caramel-60, Caramel-120, Rice Hulls, ECJ Sugar

Availability

Seasonal (November – December) 

Available
Bottles: 6 Pack

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.gooseisland.com

Twitter: @gooseisland

Ending, every year, I get excited for Fall and Winter seasonals. This beer is normally at the top of my list. I will say the last few years. I have been pretty disappointed with this American Brown Ale. This year has been promising for the future years. Goose Island is known to change the recipe slightly every year. I love this year’s ale. They did a great job. It is so much better than last year. This beer will have the malt head of the world wishing for more of this ale. I highly recommend this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Goose Island Rambler IPA (2014)

In this beer blog, we are going to get into another beer from Goose Island Brewery. It is next seasonal release, which is Rambler IPA. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Midwest Craft Brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know Goose Island Brewery. Let us get into this Red IPA.

It has a clear red to amber color with a tan color head. The aroma has an herbal to citrus notes with a slight hint of earthy tones. The taste has earthy to caramel and citrus notes with dry malty hoppy aftertaste. It is a pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a description from the beer bottle:

Red Ale

A bold ale with a mix of herbal, woody, and citrus aromas from Mt. Hood and Amarillos hops.

6.7% ALC. 65 IBU

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

Rambler IPA

Brewer’s Notes

Aroma and Taste:

Herbal, woody, and citrus aroma. Spicy, resinous hop flavors with enough sweetness to balance the Mt. Hood hops.

Mouthfeel:

Medium bodied, medium carbonation. Spicy hop flavor lingers on the palate with a malty, dry finish.

Recipe Information

Style: IPA

Alcohol by Volume: 6.7%

International Bitterness Units: 65

Color: Auburn

Hops: Amarillo, Mt. Hood

Malts: Special Pale, C-120, Cara Red

Availability

Seasonal (September – December) Bottles: 6 & 12pks

Draft: 1/6 & 1/2bbl

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.gooseisland.com

Twitter: @gooseisland

Closing, I love this brew. This brew is the best of all the seaonals by far. I love their Endless IPA but this Red IPA takes it home. I was pretty impressed with their Ten Hills Pale Ale but after going through the year, it is the weakest of the seasonals. They did a great job on their Oktoberfest this year. I can’t wait to retry their Ten Hills Pale Ale. I might need to remind myself of this brew. I know their Christmas Ale will be out. It is American Brown Ale. This is a nice Red IPA for the fall season. It is not over hopped but just enough to make you get through the cooler fall days or part of the winter months. There is some nice malty notes and Amerillo hops just shine throughout this brew. This is a great brew. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Goose Island Oktoberfest (2014)

In this fall beer blog, we are going to get into the 2014 version of Goose Island Oktoberfest. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on this Midwest craft brewery, you know the history of this 1980’s craft brewery. If you have not, please, read them to get to know this Chicago Orignal craft brewery. Let us get into this fall beer.

It has a dark clear copper color without a head. The aroma has a slight sweet malty notes. The taste has a sweet malty to slight but faded caramel notes. The aftertaste has a dry malty finish. It is pretty drinkable beer.

Here is a their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.gooseisland.com

Twitter: @gooseisland

In the end, I have to say this year’s version is so much better than last years. I was not a fan of last year’s beer. It is night and day compare to these beers. I am pretty stun and impressed. The layer of depth has some notes of caramel notes. I did not really pick up too much of the toffee and apricot notes that is marked on the bottle. I am not too sure and I came up with these tasting notes before reading the bottle. I had a chance to try it on draft and it is pretty constant from bottle to keg. This is a great beer and I highly recommend it. Get it while it last if you are outside of the Chicago market. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser16@gmail.com

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

New Beer Blog Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale

In this beer blog, we are going to get into the flagship beer, which is 312 Urban Wheat Ale, from Goose Island Brewery. If you read my earlier beer blog posts on their beers, you know the history of this Midwest craft brewery. If you have not, please, read those beer blog posts to get to know Goose Island Brewery. Let us get into this wheat ale.

It has a slightly cloudy straw to golden color with a snow white constant head. The smell has a refreshing lemon notes along with yeast to wheat notes. The taste has a wheat to slight lemon notes with a nice refreshing aftertaste finish. It is extremely drinkable beer.

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

Inspired by the city of Chicago and densely populated with flavor, 312’s spicy aroma of Cascade hops is followed by a crisp, fruity ale flavor delivered in a smooth, creamy body that’s immensely refreshing.

Recipe Information

Style: Urban Wheat

Alcohol by Volume: 4.2%

International Bitterness Units: 18

Color: Hazy Straw

Hops: First Gold, Mt. Hood, Cascade

Malts: 2 Row, Torrified Wheat

Here is their website and twitter addresses:

Website: www.gooseisland.com

Twitter: @gooseisland

Closing, as many of you know, I am not a fan of wheat or white ales. It has been forever since I had a 312 Urban Wheat Ale. I would have to say about a year. I picked up a sampler pack and this beer was in it. I am a pretty big fan of the hop Cascade. I would hope so because most beers in the market has that hop in it. Since it has been a while, I was pretty shocked on how much I liked it. Could this be start of liking wheat ales? The second bottle about half way I started having problems finishing it. This is a great refreshing beer. I am just not a wheat ale fan and I might never be. If you are a wheat ale fan, this is the beer for you. I know many people that love this beer and this is their go to wheat ale. I highly recommend this beer. Go get some! Drink it! Enjoy it! Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

Instagram: @djweiser13

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Festivity Ale

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Rambler IPA

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