The Bottom Line
Goose Island's IPA is one of the really great ales brewed here in the US. Rather than being all about the hops as so many US IPAs often are, this has enough malt balance for a well rounded beer.
Pros
- Full of fresh hops
- Plenty of malt depth
- Premium example of IPA style
Cons
- Too hoppy for some
Description
- Hops, beginning to end
- Well rounded with plenty of supporting malt flavor
- Excellent representative of the style
Guide Review - Goose Island's India Pale Ale
If you've ever smelled fresh hops you'll recognize the aroma immediately. It is the first and lasting impression of this beer.
The head is dense and white. The body is golden amber - the color of bourbon according to GI's website and I don't disagree. The hops used in this beer are most likely Cascade as they contribute that distinctive citrus/grapefruit aroma. There is also a wonderful fruity aroma from the ale yeast buried under the hops giving the beer a wonderfully complex nose.
The flavor doesn't stray a bit from the aroma. It is full of hops but not overwhelming. With plenty of malt flavor to support the hoppiness, this is a well rounded IPA and deserves the recognition that it's gained.
The head is dense and white. The body is golden amber - the color of bourbon according to GI's website and I don't disagree. The hops used in this beer are most likely Cascade as they contribute that distinctive citrus/grapefruit aroma. There is also a wonderful fruity aroma from the ale yeast buried under the hops giving the beer a wonderfully complex nose.
The flavor doesn't stray a bit from the aroma. It is full of hops but not overwhelming. With plenty of malt flavor to support the hoppiness, this is a well rounded IPA and deserves the recognition that it's gained.
