When it comes to Goose Island’s (Chicago, Illinois) West Coast Beer Hug IPA, I’ll say right off the bat—it’s a solid choice if you’re a fan of hop-forward IPAs. This brew packs a punch but with some notable quirks that make it both unique and approachable.
First Impressions:
Cracking open the can, the aroma instantly hits you. It’s a bright mix of citrus and pine, a classic West Coast IPA scent that makes you anticipate a big hoppy flavor. The beer pours a nice golden amber with a foamy white head, sticking around long enough to remind you this is a well-crafted IPA.
Tasting Notes:
Right on the first sip, *the hops dominate as you’d expect, but not in an overly aggressive way. It’s got a good bitterness up front, balanced out by citrus notes of grapefruit, a bit of lemon zest, and a nice hint of pine. There’s a subtle malt backbone that offers some sweetness to prevent it from being too one-dimensional. That said, I did find the malt presence to be lighter than expected for a West Coast IPA. For me, a bit more malt could’ve balanced the bitterness even further.
The mouthfeel is crisp, and the carbonation is just right—refreshing without being too sharp. At 7.0% ABV, it’s got a little bit of booziness, but nothing too overwhelming. You get that warming sensation, but it doesn’t dominate the experience.
Positives:
- Hop Flavor: The hop profile is fantastic, delivering exactly what you’d expect from a West Coast IPA—resinous, citrusy, and piney in all the right ways.
- Drinkability: Despite being 7% ABV, it’s surprisingly easy to drink. That crisp finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
- Balance: While hop-forward, there’s just enough sweetness and citrus to keep things from being overwhelming. It’s hoppy, but still approachable for folks who might shy away from the super bitter IPAs.
Negatives:
- Malt Body: For a true West Coast IPA, I personally would’ve liked a bit more malt character. It leans heavily into the hops, which is fine, but the malt balance could elevate it to the next level.
- Lingers on the Bitter Side: The finish is on the dry side, and that bitterness sticks around for a while. If you’re not a fan of prolonged bitterness, this might be a small downside.
Overall Rating:
- Appearance: 8/10
- Aroma: 9/10
- Taste: 8/10
- Mouthfeel: 8/10
- Drinkability: 8/10
Final Thoughts:
Goose Island’s West Coast Beer Hug IPA is a really solid take on the style. It brings a hop-forward experience without being too aggressive or overly complex. It’s the kind of IPA that’s perfect for someone who loves West Coast bitterness but still wants a beer they can enjoy over the course of a casual hangout. With a few small tweaks, like a bit more malt sweetness to balance the hops, this beer could really soar.
All in all, I’d definitely grab another can—especially if I’m craving a no-frills, classic hop bomb. It’s not going to redefine the style, but it does a great job celebrating what makes West Coast IPAs so beloved.
If you’ve tried Goose Island’s West Coast Beer Hug IPA, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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