Goose Island Special Pale Ale

[steveh]

The beer that sold Richard on Chicago.

Cask conditioned, imperial pints served in Goose Island's original brew-pub at 1800 North Clybourn Ave. 6.2% ABV.

This ale arrived with a somewhat generous, pillowy white head which settled to a thin film with nice lacing. Color was clear, deep reddish brown - not Porter or Stout-like, closer to Bass Ale, though probably a shade darker.

Nose was all spicey hops at first with some nice biscuit malt asserting itself and estery characteristics adding complexity.

Flavor was a similar balance of tangy hops then malts, but very well balanced. Hit of bitter hops, followed by smooth, rich, sweet malt and citrus estery fruitiness from warm fermentation - very nice.

Body was medium to heavy - believe it or not - with a smooth, cask conditioned characteristic mouth feel. Residual sugars present too.

A very nice drink that invited gulp after gulp (and pint after pint). Being 6.2% (and well publicized at the bar), one is wary of too many imperials, but the beer is smoothly deceiving.

We were able to sample the non-cask version of this beer too and, while being less complex in body and flavor, is still very tasty.

S.

[chazwicke]

That sounds delightful. My concern would be the alcohol content. Something that tasty could be dangerous. :)

[Stodbrew]

It's great to heat that Wil is making some great beers, cask conditioned or otherwise. He's always been a great brewer.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Stodbrew
It's great to heat that Wil is making some great beers, cask conditioned or otherwise. He's always been a great brewer.

I also had his Pilsner and Kolsch that day - both very nice. It's too bad we didn't get to meet him. On the other hand, John J. Hall was our tour guide and sampling host for the afternoon. John is the head brewer at G.I.'s micro in town (from which comes all of G.I.'s bottled and kegged-for-sale beer) and was very hospitable to our group. I've invited him to join us here on the board, I'll ask him to mention it to Will as well.

To be sure - Will is at the Clybourn (Lincoln Park) pub, not the Wrigleyville pub, correct?

S.

[Stodbrew]

Actually, he does the brewing for both of the pubs. Crazy. I feel his pain, because when we had two pubs, I was the only brewer for both, and it is a hell of a lot of work.

[steveh]

No wonder he doesn't host the Sunday tour! ;)

S.