Goose Winter Ale
Goose Island Beer Co.
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Brown Ale - American
Ranked #611 - ABV:
- 5.3%
- Score:
- 83
Ranked #41,799 - Avg:
- 3.65 | pDev: 11.23%
- Reviews:
- 72
- Ratings:
- From:
- Goose Island Beer Co.
- Illinois, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 5
- Gots
- 138
SCORE
83
Good
83
Good
Notes:
Layered with rich, nutty chocolate notes and malty, roasted caramel flavors, our brown ale gives you plenty to contemplate on long winter nights.
Reviews: 72
| Ratings: 325
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IronLover from Pennsylvania
3.78/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Dark chestnut brown in color with excellent clarity. Poured with a short, creamy, off-white foam with medium retention. Light sweet malt aromas with hints of nuts and bread crust. Medium Light bodied with medium carbonation and a light creaminess through the middle. Grainy and sweet dark malt flavors up front followed by medium light hop bitterness. Grainy malt follows to the end. Finished with a lager-like cleaness with light grainy malt notes. Well balanced. Overall malt character was pretty light. This is easy drinking but doesn’t have a whole lot of character.
Jun 10, 2018
3.78/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Dark chestnut brown in color with excellent clarity. Poured with a short, creamy, off-white foam with medium retention. Light sweet malt aromas with hints of nuts and bread crust. Medium Light bodied with medium carbonation and a light creaminess through the middle. Grainy and sweet dark malt flavors up front followed by medium light hop bitterness. Grainy malt follows to the end. Finished with a lager-like cleaness with light grainy malt notes. Well balanced. Overall malt character was pretty light. This is easy drinking but doesn’t have a whole lot of character.
Jun 10, 2018
nicholas2121 from Ohio
4.02/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Goose Winter Ale brewed by Goose Island Beer Co., With an ABV of 5.30% This American Brown Ale pours out a nice brown color with a small off white head. This brew has the look of cola, not saying that is a bad thing. The smell is rich with roasted grains and malts and sweetness. You also pick up on some nice hop bitterness in the smell as well. There is a lot going on in this brew, so far. Between the look and smell this is one inviting brew. Now for the taste, it is bold with roasted goodness. You first pick up on roasted grains and malts then a mild sweetness, with mild hop bitterness. The chocolate and caramel are a nice touch to this brew. There is nothing overpowering about this brew, it has a super nice balance to it. The body of Goose Winter Ale is a soild medium. I really enjoy how smooth this brew goes down. This brew would go nice with a dinner or a winner day. The mouth feel of Goose Winter Ale is Bold, Sweet, Rich, Roasted, Clean and Refreshing. Overall I am going to give this American Brown Ale a 4 out of 5. I would definitely look this brew up again giving the opportunity to. Goose Island Beer Co., Did a real nice job with this brew.
Apr 09, 2018
4.02/5 rDev +10.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Goose Winter Ale brewed by Goose Island Beer Co., With an ABV of 5.30% This American Brown Ale pours out a nice brown color with a small off white head. This brew has the look of cola, not saying that is a bad thing. The smell is rich with roasted grains and malts and sweetness. You also pick up on some nice hop bitterness in the smell as well. There is a lot going on in this brew, so far. Between the look and smell this is one inviting brew. Now for the taste, it is bold with roasted goodness. You first pick up on roasted grains and malts then a mild sweetness, with mild hop bitterness. The chocolate and caramel are a nice touch to this brew. There is nothing overpowering about this brew, it has a super nice balance to it. The body of Goose Winter Ale is a soild medium. I really enjoy how smooth this brew goes down. This brew would go nice with a dinner or a winner day. The mouth feel of Goose Winter Ale is Bold, Sweet, Rich, Roasted, Clean and Refreshing. Overall I am going to give this American Brown Ale a 4 out of 5. I would definitely look this brew up again giving the opportunity to. Goose Island Beer Co., Did a real nice job with this brew.
Apr 09, 2018
NeroFiddled from Pennsylvania
3.85/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Goose Island Beer Co. "Goose Winter Ale"
12 FL. OZ. brown glass bottle, "BOTTLED ON DATE: 06OCT17..." and sampled on 12MAR18
$2 @ Giant, Havertown, PA
Notes via stream of consciousness: I thought I'd better get this one in before spring begins. It's poured a crystal clear chestnut brown body with a ruby colored sheen to it. Unfortunately the fizzy light tan head dropped immediately. Perhaps I have a dirty glass here? I'll have to give it the benefit of the doubt. The aroma delivers a light bit of chocolate and caramel, and some apple and berry-like fruitiness backed by earthy, leafy, and gently spicy hops. The flavor follows the aroma but with the fruitiness take more of center stage than I'd expected it to. The caramel remains, as does the chocolate - well it's actually more like a light dusting of cocoa powder - and there is a nice touch of nuttiness to it as well. A median bitterness balances it (the bottle label lists 25 IBUs), and it finishes a little sweetish but mostly dry with some of the aforementioned hops lingering. It's light-medium in body which might explain the lack of head retention, and it's lightly crisp. Overall it's a nicely made, well balanced brown ale that's got some character to it but just doesn't have that certain je ne sais quoi that makes a beer magical.
Mar 12, 2018
3.85/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Goose Island Beer Co. "Goose Winter Ale"
12 FL. OZ. brown glass bottle, "BOTTLED ON DATE: 06OCT17..." and sampled on 12MAR18
$2 @ Giant, Havertown, PA
Notes via stream of consciousness: I thought I'd better get this one in before spring begins. It's poured a crystal clear chestnut brown body with a ruby colored sheen to it. Unfortunately the fizzy light tan head dropped immediately. Perhaps I have a dirty glass here? I'll have to give it the benefit of the doubt. The aroma delivers a light bit of chocolate and caramel, and some apple and berry-like fruitiness backed by earthy, leafy, and gently spicy hops. The flavor follows the aroma but with the fruitiness take more of center stage than I'd expected it to. The caramel remains, as does the chocolate - well it's actually more like a light dusting of cocoa powder - and there is a nice touch of nuttiness to it as well. A median bitterness balances it (the bottle label lists 25 IBUs), and it finishes a little sweetish but mostly dry with some of the aforementioned hops lingering. It's light-medium in body which might explain the lack of head retention, and it's lightly crisp. Overall it's a nicely made, well balanced brown ale that's got some character to it but just doesn't have that certain je ne sais quoi that makes a beer magical.
Mar 12, 2018
josanguapo from Spain
3.29/5 rDev -9.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
From Hopt. In Teku glass. Playing Al Emmo's. Nutty with some caramel. Pleasant but a bit unidimensional, lacking something that outstands, that makes me want to repeat
Jan 22, 2018
3.29/5 rDev -9.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25
From Hopt. In Teku glass. Playing Al Emmo's. Nutty with some caramel. Pleasant but a bit unidimensional, lacking something that outstands, that makes me want to repeat
Jan 22, 2018
damndirtyape from Ohio
3.73/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
12oz bottle, bottled on Oct 10, 2017 with a BF0720 batch stamp. Served in a Libby stemmed porter glass.
Appearance: Clear dark brown to dark amber color when held up to the light. Initial white foam died back rapidly with no lacing.
Smell: Toasted malt, some caramel notes, some brown sugar and molasses.
Taste: Toasted malt, quite sweet with sugary notes and a hint of molasses. Finish is lightly bitter; a little bit leafy and a little bit English hop.
Mouthfeel: Light but prickly carbonation that comes across a little bit as fizzy. A little thin. Dry finish.
Overall / Drinkability: A bit of a no frills brown ale. Good, but not great. But easily drinkable and I think would pair really well with food.
Dec 29, 2017
3.73/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
12oz bottle, bottled on Oct 10, 2017 with a BF0720 batch stamp. Served in a Libby stemmed porter glass.
Appearance: Clear dark brown to dark amber color when held up to the light. Initial white foam died back rapidly with no lacing.
Smell: Toasted malt, some caramel notes, some brown sugar and molasses.
Taste: Toasted malt, quite sweet with sugary notes and a hint of molasses. Finish is lightly bitter; a little bit leafy and a little bit English hop.
Mouthfeel: Light but prickly carbonation that comes across a little bit as fizzy. A little thin. Dry finish.
Overall / Drinkability: A bit of a no frills brown ale. Good, but not great. But easily drinkable and I think would pair really well with food.
Dec 29, 2017
feuematt from Pennsylvania
3.75/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Dark brown colored beer with a slowly fading tan head. Taste is nutty toasted malts and caramel malts. Overall smooth and tasty. In my opinion a good beer.
Dec 26, 2017
3.75/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Dark brown colored beer with a slowly fading tan head. Taste is nutty toasted malts and caramel malts. Overall smooth and tasty. In my opinion a good beer.
Dec 26, 2017
Franziskaner from Missouri
3.9/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Mahogany brown in color with a fingernail of beige on top. The aroma is of chestnuts and caramel. I taste chestnuts, caramel with a light grassy hop bite at the finish. The mouth is light, smooth, and crisp.
Dec 22, 2017
3.9/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Mahogany brown in color with a fingernail of beige on top. The aroma is of chestnuts and caramel. I taste chestnuts, caramel with a light grassy hop bite at the finish. The mouth is light, smooth, and crisp.
Dec 22, 2017
SaltofOH from Ohio
3.56/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Bottled 9/21/17. Dimpled mug.
A: pours a dark Amber or reddish brown, cola-like with one finger Sandy head that quickly fades. Very active visible carbonation. Clear, though visibility is hard because it's dark.
S: some mild roastiness, but a pretty mild affair. Less hoppy than the other browns I've had lately.
T: surprisingly light and crisp arrival; hints of roasted malt, chocolate malt, and fuggle hops, but it remains light and ethereal.
M: true to appearance, the carbonation is high. This feels really watery, lager-like.
O: wow, what a disappointment. This is not a bad beer; it's not even missing the right flavor notes for the style - it has them - it just feels like you took a really good English brown and watered it down. I've had Milds with less than 4% ABV have more traditional English flavor (looking at you, Uncle). Overall, it scratches the itch, but I'll take Turbodog over this 7 days out of 7.
Dec 15, 2017
3.56/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Bottled 9/21/17. Dimpled mug.
A: pours a dark Amber or reddish brown, cola-like with one finger Sandy head that quickly fades. Very active visible carbonation. Clear, though visibility is hard because it's dark.
S: some mild roastiness, but a pretty mild affair. Less hoppy than the other browns I've had lately.
T: surprisingly light and crisp arrival; hints of roasted malt, chocolate malt, and fuggle hops, but it remains light and ethereal.
M: true to appearance, the carbonation is high. This feels really watery, lager-like.
O: wow, what a disappointment. This is not a bad beer; it's not even missing the right flavor notes for the style - it has them - it just feels like you took a really good English brown and watered it down. I've had Milds with less than 4% ABV have more traditional English flavor (looking at you, Uncle). Overall, it scratches the itch, but I'll take Turbodog over this 7 days out of 7.
Dec 15, 2017
MichaelProcton from North Carolina
3.37/5 rDev -7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Nice look to this beer, particularly if we're just calling it a brown. Very dark brown, though it shows some ruby tones under light, and though you can probably credit my accidental-ish superpour, it brought up thick, creamy dark khaki head. I frankly didn't like the nose, though it was probably well past its prime as a Sheetz discontinued markdown. I did get some nuttiness. The flavor is certainly more redeeming; you get the welcome, fullness of coffee and dark chocolate, but without much bitterness. Also a very smooth mouthfeel for the flavor, though perhaps a bit thin. I bet this would be great on tap by a fireplace.
Jul 15, 2017
3.37/5 rDev -7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Nice look to this beer, particularly if we're just calling it a brown. Very dark brown, though it shows some ruby tones under light, and though you can probably credit my accidental-ish superpour, it brought up thick, creamy dark khaki head. I frankly didn't like the nose, though it was probably well past its prime as a Sheetz discontinued markdown. I did get some nuttiness. The flavor is certainly more redeeming; you get the welcome, fullness of coffee and dark chocolate, but without much bitterness. Also a very smooth mouthfeel for the flavor, though perhaps a bit thin. I bet this would be great on tap by a fireplace.
Jul 15, 2017
57md from Pennsylvania
3.85/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours a lovely dark chocolate color with well over a finger of head. The nose is both bready and a shade astringent. The flavor is slightly nutty but a touch thin to be frank.
Jul 02, 2017
3.85/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours a lovely dark chocolate color with well over a finger of head. The nose is both bready and a shade astringent. The flavor is slightly nutty but a touch thin to be frank.
Jul 02, 2017
flaskman from New York
3.93/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Yet another 3.99 sixer from my favorite ghetto grocery store. Drank it while grilling in 24 degree wind. Poured into an IPA glass. The beer was very cold due to being in the garage over night. Poured a deep transparent reddish amber with a decent head that dissipated fairly quickly. It left good lacing. The taste was a spicy caramel with a sweet maltiness. It had just enough complexity to call it a seasonal without overdoing it. I often dislike brown ales due to the sweetness of some but found this offering to be very balanced and not overly sweet. It was well carbonated but I have to say in this type of beer I like it that way. I enjoyed it and would purchase it again. Especially at 3.99 :-o
Feb 04, 2017
3.93/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Yet another 3.99 sixer from my favorite ghetto grocery store. Drank it while grilling in 24 degree wind. Poured into an IPA glass. The beer was very cold due to being in the garage over night. Poured a deep transparent reddish amber with a decent head that dissipated fairly quickly. It left good lacing. The taste was a spicy caramel with a sweet maltiness. It had just enough complexity to call it a seasonal without overdoing it. I often dislike brown ales due to the sweetness of some but found this offering to be very balanced and not overly sweet. It was well carbonated but I have to say in this type of beer I like it that way. I enjoyed it and would purchase it again. Especially at 3.99 :-o
Feb 04, 2017
Tsar_Riga from Indiana
3.92/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A - Lovely semi-transparent brown body, with thin tan head fading to a ring. Moderate lacing.
S - Hints of bread, malty aspect, and spicy hop notes.
T - Open is sweet, molasses notes, caramel, and a mild bitter close of peppery hops.
M - Brisk carbonation and just enough drying to scrub a sticky open.
O - A very nice brown. Tasty and pleasant.
Jan 13, 2017
3.92/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
A - Lovely semi-transparent brown body, with thin tan head fading to a ring. Moderate lacing.
S - Hints of bread, malty aspect, and spicy hop notes.
T - Open is sweet, molasses notes, caramel, and a mild bitter close of peppery hops.
M - Brisk carbonation and just enough drying to scrub a sticky open.
O - A very nice brown. Tasty and pleasant.
Jan 13, 2017
beerguy04 from Illinois
3.2/5 rDev -12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Pours a dark brown with a finger length tan head. Smells of carmel and roast malts. The taste did have vanilla and a carmel taste. But, this beer is a little watered down. Mouthfeel has a watery feel. Overall, I want something with a heavier taste, for a winter seasonal.
Jan 09, 2017
3.2/5 rDev -12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
Pours a dark brown with a finger length tan head. Smells of carmel and roast malts. The taste did have vanilla and a carmel taste. But, this beer is a little watered down. Mouthfeel has a watery feel. Overall, I want something with a heavier taste, for a winter seasonal.
Jan 09, 2017
smcolw from Massachusetts
3.61/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Deep brown color and clear. Small head which dies to fine rim bubbles. Minimal spotty lace.
Strong dark caramel aroma, much like nearly burnt sugar. No alcohol, otherwise it could be a barley wine based on the smell.
Very much a dark ale, sweeter than a Brown, approaching a Bock. No notable hop. The body is rich like most sweet beers. Lower carbonation level. The finish is brief with a bit of brown bread and treacle.
Jan 07, 2017
3.61/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Deep brown color and clear. Small head which dies to fine rim bubbles. Minimal spotty lace.
Strong dark caramel aroma, much like nearly burnt sugar. No alcohol, otherwise it could be a barley wine based on the smell.
Very much a dark ale, sweeter than a Brown, approaching a Bock. No notable hop. The body is rich like most sweet beers. Lower carbonation level. The finish is brief with a bit of brown bread and treacle.
Jan 07, 2017
illpass78 from Maine
3.94/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pint on draft at Parker's in Portland, Maine.
Appearance: Rich brown/amber color with a two-finger eggshell head that dissipates swiftly.
Aroma: Some chocolate note, some herbal hops. Faintly woody.
Taste: More chocolatey than I expected. Caramel is there, too. Pretty rich. Those herbal hops from nose are there.
Mouthfeel: Close to full flavored. More complex than most browns, and most seasonal/main run Goose stuff.
Overall: Very nice flavorful brown. Doesn't scream "winter," but definitely works as a cold weather seasonal. Reminiscent of a Scottish ale, somewhat. Would give this another go.
Dec 13, 2016
3.94/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pint on draft at Parker's in Portland, Maine.
Appearance: Rich brown/amber color with a two-finger eggshell head that dissipates swiftly.
Aroma: Some chocolate note, some herbal hops. Faintly woody.
Taste: More chocolatey than I expected. Caramel is there, too. Pretty rich. Those herbal hops from nose are there.
Mouthfeel: Close to full flavored. More complex than most browns, and most seasonal/main run Goose stuff.
Overall: Very nice flavorful brown. Doesn't scream "winter," but definitely works as a cold weather seasonal. Reminiscent of a Scottish ale, somewhat. Would give this another go.
Dec 13, 2016
chinchill from South Carolina
3.78/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
From a 12 fl. oz. bottle dated 04 Oct 2016 in a snifter on December 6, 2016.
Attractive looking clear ruby colored body with a semi-durable tan head.
Aroma: sweet caramel malts, faint vanilla and chocolate, lightly spicy.
Flavor: lightly sweet; lots of caramel; very mild bitterness at the finish.
Feel: Medium body. Smooth. Medium-light body.
Overall: more Scottish than American Brown Ale.
Dec 06, 2016
3.78/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
From a 12 fl. oz. bottle dated 04 Oct 2016 in a snifter on December 6, 2016.
Attractive looking clear ruby colored body with a semi-durable tan head.
Aroma: sweet caramel malts, faint vanilla and chocolate, lightly spicy.
Flavor: lightly sweet; lots of caramel; very mild bitterness at the finish.
Feel: Medium body. Smooth. Medium-light body.
Overall: more Scottish than American Brown Ale.
Dec 06, 2016
woodychandler from Pennsylvania
3.69/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Well, Winter 2016-'17 may not officially begin for just over two weeks, but there is NO way that it feels like Fall right now! I am ready for a beer and since I am waist deep in eradicating the Chez Woody Bottle Backlog, this seems like a good choice.
From the bottle: "Layered with rich, nutty chocolate notes and malty, roasted caramel flavors, our brown ale gives you plenty to contemplate on long winter nights."; "Hops Grown for Goose Island at Elk Mountain Farm, Bobbers Ferry, Idaho".
I Pop!ped the cap and gave it a healthy pour since I was anxious to get started. I started out with two-plus fingers of fizzy, foamy, light-tan head, but it fell pretty quickly. Color was Dark Brown to Very Dark Brown (SRM = > 27, < 34) with NE-quality clarity and mahogany highlights. Nose had a nuttiness to accompany the caramel maltiness and I was at least intrigued. Mouthfeel was thin-to-medium, not exactly watery, but nothing to be very proud of, either. Taste was kind of odd, with a sweet cherry flavor to go along with the nutty caramel that I noted on the nose as well as a light chocolatiness. Have you ever bit into one of those chocolate covered cherries? That is what this reminded me of! It was really sweet and much more than I was expecting. Finish remained sweet and I was glad to be done with it.
Dec 06, 2016
3.69/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
Well, Winter 2016-'17 may not officially begin for just over two weeks, but there is NO way that it feels like Fall right now! I am ready for a beer and since I am waist deep in eradicating the Chez Woody Bottle Backlog, this seems like a good choice.
From the bottle: "Layered with rich, nutty chocolate notes and malty, roasted caramel flavors, our brown ale gives you plenty to contemplate on long winter nights."; "Hops Grown for Goose Island at Elk Mountain Farm, Bobbers Ferry, Idaho".
I Pop!ped the cap and gave it a healthy pour since I was anxious to get started. I started out with two-plus fingers of fizzy, foamy, light-tan head, but it fell pretty quickly. Color was Dark Brown to Very Dark Brown (SRM = > 27, < 34) with NE-quality clarity and mahogany highlights. Nose had a nuttiness to accompany the caramel maltiness and I was at least intrigued. Mouthfeel was thin-to-medium, not exactly watery, but nothing to be very proud of, either. Taste was kind of odd, with a sweet cherry flavor to go along with the nutty caramel that I noted on the nose as well as a light chocolatiness. Have you ever bit into one of those chocolate covered cherries? That is what this reminded me of! It was really sweet and much more than I was expecting. Finish remained sweet and I was glad to be done with it.
Dec 06, 2016
Bierliebhaber3 from Massachusetts
3.82/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
This pours a very dark brown color with a slight red tint and a medium foamy white head. The smell is malt heavy, with sweet caramel being the predominant scent and some underlying roasted grain character. The taste is quite nutty, with some sweet caramel, although it isn’t as sweet as I would guess based on the smell. The roasted grain character primarily comes out in the aftertaste. The body is medium, which is definitely lighter than I would have guessed based on the color and malt focus of the ale. The flavors are nice and they clearly embody a “winter feel”, however they are a slightly more muted than I would like. I would also appreciate some more body, though I don’t think that the body is uncharacteristic for the style. This isn’t typically the most exciting style for me, but there are many very solid, “good drinking” examples of brown ales, and so this fits the style perfectly as it embodies both of those characterizations in my opinion. Not a bad choice at all for a winter ale at the price.
Dec 06, 2016
3.82/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
This pours a very dark brown color with a slight red tint and a medium foamy white head. The smell is malt heavy, with sweet caramel being the predominant scent and some underlying roasted grain character. The taste is quite nutty, with some sweet caramel, although it isn’t as sweet as I would guess based on the smell. The roasted grain character primarily comes out in the aftertaste. The body is medium, which is definitely lighter than I would have guessed based on the color and malt focus of the ale. The flavors are nice and they clearly embody a “winter feel”, however they are a slightly more muted than I would like. I would also appreciate some more body, though I don’t think that the body is uncharacteristic for the style. This isn’t typically the most exciting style for me, but there are many very solid, “good drinking” examples of brown ales, and so this fits the style perfectly as it embodies both of those characterizations in my opinion. Not a bad choice at all for a winter ale at the price.
Dec 06, 2016
avalon07 from South Carolina
3.65/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
L: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had a dark brown color and a thick consistency. Ruby tints. There was an inch of foamy, off white, fairly long-lasting head. OK lacing.
S: An overly subdued aroma of malt, caramel, and the typical brown ale nuttiness.
T: Tasted of a hint of caramel, a whole lot of malt, light hops presence (fairly low bitterness), the nutty quality, a little bit of chocolate (not quite enough), and some light spices. Not an overly interesting flavor here, but not terrible. A little one-dimensional, but not too bad.
F: A good amount of carbonation with a dry finish. Medium-bodied.
O: More or less, this is a forgettable beer. Good enough, but not one I'll try again.
Nov 28, 2016
3.65/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
L: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had a dark brown color and a thick consistency. Ruby tints. There was an inch of foamy, off white, fairly long-lasting head. OK lacing.
S: An overly subdued aroma of malt, caramel, and the typical brown ale nuttiness.
T: Tasted of a hint of caramel, a whole lot of malt, light hops presence (fairly low bitterness), the nutty quality, a little bit of chocolate (not quite enough), and some light spices. Not an overly interesting flavor here, but not terrible. A little one-dimensional, but not too bad.
F: A good amount of carbonation with a dry finish. Medium-bodied.
O: More or less, this is a forgettable beer. Good enough, but not one I'll try again.
Nov 28, 2016
Vetbidder from Pennsylvania
3.9/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Nice amber look with almost no head from a tap at the Cure Auto Insurance Club(Flyers game). Smells sweet malt and fruitiness. Malted and fruity taste. Decent. Decently carbonated crisp finish with some hop bitterness coming through at the end.
Nov 27, 2016
3.9/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Nice amber look with almost no head from a tap at the Cure Auto Insurance Club(Flyers game). Smells sweet malt and fruitiness. Malted and fruity taste. Decent. Decently carbonated crisp finish with some hop bitterness coming through at the end.
Nov 27, 2016
Fee from Pennsylvania
4.27/5 rDev +17%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
This is an extremely good winter all. Nutty and much like a brown ale, this beer has a little bit of spice to it and a nice taste. Not too malty, but smoother than a pale ale.
Nov 25, 2016
4.27/5 rDev +17%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
This is an extremely good winter all. Nutty and much like a brown ale, this beer has a little bit of spice to it and a nice taste. Not too malty, but smoother than a pale ale.
Nov 25, 2016
puboflyons from New Hampshire
3.76/5 rDev +3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
From the 12 fl. oz. bottle dated 24 Oct 2016. Sampled on November 18, 2016.
Attractive looking deep amber ruby red color with a modest tan head that lasts.
Big aroma of sweet caramel malts, mild chocolate, and nuts with the most distant of resiny hops.
Medium body. Smooth.
Overall it is a very sweet caramel rich tasting beer with a mild bitterness at the finish.
Nov 19, 2016
3.76/5 rDev +3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
From the 12 fl. oz. bottle dated 24 Oct 2016. Sampled on November 18, 2016.
Attractive looking deep amber ruby red color with a modest tan head that lasts.
Big aroma of sweet caramel malts, mild chocolate, and nuts with the most distant of resiny hops.
Medium body. Smooth.
Overall it is a very sweet caramel rich tasting beer with a mild bitterness at the finish.
Nov 19, 2016
Parmesan from Colorado
3.24/5 rDev -11.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
L: Dark copper color with a small white head and very little lacing.
S: Slight chocolate note, sweet caramel, slight winter spice, a honey sweetness, very sweet.
T: Very sweet, nutty malt, honey sweetness, a light winter spice. Very sweet once again.
F: A pretty light mouthfeel, somewhat watery.
O: A overly sweet brown ale.
Aug 25, 2016
3.24/5 rDev -11.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
L: Dark copper color with a small white head and very little lacing.
S: Slight chocolate note, sweet caramel, slight winter spice, a honey sweetness, very sweet.
T: Very sweet, nutty malt, honey sweetness, a light winter spice. Very sweet once again.
F: A pretty light mouthfeel, somewhat watery.
O: A overly sweet brown ale.
Aug 25, 2016
a0lbudman from Alabama
3.94/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
L-dark brown color with a red tint when held up to the light, and a light brown head that holds for a while and laces the glass
S-nutty aroma and a sweet smell
T-nutty taste with a hint of chocolate has a little warming and it has a bit of a hop bitterness
F-medium carbonation and medium body
O- this was a good brown ale and love to use these types of beers to cook with
Jul 04, 2016
3.94/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
L-dark brown color with a red tint when held up to the light, and a light brown head that holds for a while and laces the glass
S-nutty aroma and a sweet smell
T-nutty taste with a hint of chocolate has a little warming and it has a bit of a hop bitterness
F-medium carbonation and medium body
O- this was a good brown ale and love to use these types of beers to cook with
Jul 04, 2016
PorterLambic from Florida
3.75/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Pours a deep brown color with a small, light tan head with no real retention, just a thin film.
Smell is nutty, malty, with a hint of chocolate and bourbon. I like it. Good balance.
Taste is malt, nuts, faint bourbon. Well balanced.
Body is almost medium while the carbonation is closer to light. Easily drinkable, warming slightly. A good, middle-of-the-road offering. Solid without being a standout.
Jun 06, 2016
3.75/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Pours a deep brown color with a small, light tan head with no real retention, just a thin film.
Smell is nutty, malty, with a hint of chocolate and bourbon. I like it. Good balance.
Taste is malt, nuts, faint bourbon. Well balanced.
Body is almost medium while the carbonation is closer to light. Easily drinkable, warming slightly. A good, middle-of-the-road offering. Solid without being a standout.
Jun 06, 2016
Goose Winter Ale from Goose Island Beer Co.
Beer rating:
83 out of
100 with
325 ratings
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