David Brockington's Tasting Notebook

Goose Island Wrigleyville
(short notes)

Chicago, Illinois, USA
September 13, 1999

I frequent the original Goose Island brewpub, near the North/Clybourn el stop, whenever I'm in Chicago.  I've been there at least a dozen times.  The same can not be said for the newer Wrigleyville location, which I've visited twice, yet this is the one that I have notes on.  Goose Island is one of my favorites.  The following notes are from a lunchtime visit to the Wrigleyville location on September 13, 1999.

Summertime Kolsch
Kolsch is a difficult style to nail, and most American interpretations miss the mark by miles.  This one is perhaps the closest I've sampled.  A subtle maltiness dominates, with a hint of the expected breadiness imparted by the yeast.  A subtle grassy hoppiness mingles.  A well crafted kolsch is all about subtlety and nuance, difficult in the best of conditions to replicate, and there is nowhere to hide your errors.  This one does a damn fine job of it. 

 
Smoke Porter Smoke Porter
A US brewery is on more familiar ground with this one, and GI executes well.  The aroma is busy with coffee, chocolate, and malt.  The flavor is all over the place, opening with malty slightly smoky sweetness, movign into chocolate, smoke, coffee, and finishes with a balancing bitterness.  The smoke is subdued, but omnipresent; overall a perfect balance of competing flavors.  A wonderful pint.