pantanap (793), Chicago, Illinois, USA Jul 26, 2008 draft at GI clybourn....pours a darker caramel brown than the celebration ale with a thin white head..... aroma of grassy hops and very lightly spiced.... flavor had more grassy malt that took a backseat to a strong foundation of toasted malt.
Rastacouere (5409), Montréal, Quebec, Canada Oct 8, 2008 Objectively speaking:
Spicy, malty and cerealic ale that lacks a bit of the usual Goose Island focus.
I like:
Interesting (and surprisingly soft) orangey, earthy, tea-like hoppiness. Chewy cerealic maltiness. A bit chaotic fruitiness (grape, apricot) leans toward leather.
I dislike:
Rather dull dark copper hue. The fun hops could certainly be bolder, the heavy rye would hold it up. More simple than expected.
laguerita (81), Chicago, Illinois, USA Sep 10, 2008 Pretty copper pour. lots of spice in the nose. The taste doesn’t really reflect the spicy nose. lots of fruits, light on the bitter and hops. decent NobleSquirrel (688), Chicago, Illinois, USA Aug 30, 2008 Tap at Clybourn. Pour is a really deep brown red. Nose is spicy with a touch of American hops to come through. On taste, not near as bitter as expected, nor as spicy, given the hop choices. Actually tastes quite subdued for a rye beer. Rich and malty with a euro tone. Nice and soft. BBB63 (3810), La Porte, Indiana, USA Aug 15, 2008 Tap at Clybourn and served in a MBA pint glass, My #100 Goose Island rating!
Coppery to deep brown hue with a small lasting frothy off-white head and very good lacing. The aroma has notes of caramel, rye, papery and chalky oxidization, hint of apple, and spicy hop vapours. The taste is twangy acidic fruits and snappy rye bread. Some grassy and herbal hops balance the palate. The finish is part bread and allspice. The mouth feel is lively and sharp, very refreshing. Outside a weak nose this is a very good brew. General_Gao (2579), Iowa City, Iowa, USA Aug 6, 2008 Draft at Clybourn. Poured a muddy dark orange color with an off white head. Smelled of toffee, toasted bread, and light flowery hops. Light to medium bodied and slightly sweet. Somewhat spicy and citrusy with a toffee note. There was also some distinct tobacco. Very tasty.
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