Brewery: Goose Island Beer Co.
Style: English-style IPA (American interpretation)
ABV: 5.9%
IBUs: 55
Availability: Widely distributed
Goose Island IPA is a staple in the American craft beer market, especially for those just getting into IPAs. Originally brewed in Chicago in the mid 90s, it helped set the stage for the craft beer boom. Although Goose Island was acquired by AB InBev in 2011, the IPA has remained largely consistent and continues to be well liked by drinkers looking for a balanced, accessible hop-forward beer.
Appearance
Pours a deep golden to light amber color with good clarity and a thick, off-white head that sticks around. Decent lacing on the glass as it goes down. The carbonation is lively, and the beer has an inviting, polished look.
Aroma
Moderate citrus and floral hop notes right off the top with hints of grapefruit peel, orange zest, and a touch of pine. There’s a solid caramel malt backbone that gives it a slightly sweet, bready scent, rounding out the aroma nicely.
Taste
It starts with a mild bitterness that quickly opens up into classic citrus flavors such as grapefruit, lemon, and a touch of apricot. The malt base comes through in the mid-palate with biscuity, caramel tones that balance the bitterness. The finish is dry with a lingering resinous hop bite, but not overwhelming. It’s not as aggressively hopped as a modern West Coast IPA, but it doesn’t try to be. This one leans more toward an English-style IPA in terms of malt and hop balance, even though it uses American hops.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a smooth, slightly dry finish. The carbonation is moderate…enough to keep it refreshing but not overly sharp. It’s smooth and drinkable without being too heavy or too thin.
Overall
Goose Island IPA is not the most explosive or experimental IPA out there, but it’s consistent, well-made, and reliable. It’s a gateway IPA…approachable enough for new drinkers, yet flavorful enough for seasoned fans who want something sessionable. It won’t satisfy hopheads chasing double dry-hopped haze bombs, but it doesn’t pretend to.
Ratings
- Appearance – 3.9/5
- Aroma – 3.8/5
- Taste – 3.8/5
- Mouthfeel – 3.7/5
- Overall – 3.8/5
Goose Island IPA isn’t trying to reinvent the style, and that’s okay. It’s a respectable, if unspectacular, IPA that delivers what it promises. If you’re after a dependable, balanced IPA with classic hop character, this one is worth trying.
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