Blueberry Ale
Goose Island Beer Co.

 

 

Had this at a recent visit down at Goose Island Clyborn location. A buddy and I brewed a Blueberry Wheat over the summer that turned out really well and I was excited to see how this one was. Usually the Blueberries are very underwhelming and kind of tart. Drank from a Goose Island pint glass.

Appearance- Pours a golden straw like color with hints of pink and a decent half finger foamy white cap. The head disappears very quickly leaving zero cap and collar and no lacing.
Smell- Amazingly inviting nose. Softly fruity with some blueberry sweetness that seems very fresh and floral. Not sure how they achieved the blueberry nose with just fresh blueberries (they made special mention on the tap list that ONLY fresh blueberries were used. I'd never believe it otherwise). Lightly sweet with some yeasty tones and graininess.
Taste- Starts with a nice light sweet maltiness that is somewhat toffee-ish and raw. The blueberry is more pronounced and natural that I expected. No tartness to be had. Just fruity and nice and in the perfect balance with the rest of the beer. They must have used quite a few pounds of blueberries per gallon of this stuff. Finishes with a light citrus bitterness and a tiny bit of fruitiness.
Mouthfeel- Very crisp and clean with a fairly light feel and a semi dry finish.
Drinkability- Easily the best blueberry beer that I've had to date. The blueberries actually play a significant role and are fruity instead of tart. I LOVE fruit beers when they are done right and this one was done right. Tasty stuff!

Had this at the Goose Island Clybourn on-tap. Served in a pint glass to me. It was a nice golden color with a slight head. There was not much lacing to speak of as I drank it.

Smell- The malt is pretty subdued in this one; a hoppiness comes through much more, somewhat floral. I also can smell the blueberry very well.

Taste- This has a very crisp taste to it, and a nice hoppiness. Blueberry is in the background, and lends a certain sweetness that balances well with the bitterness of the hops.

Mouthfeel- A very good mouthfeel. Crisp, a bit carbonated, and the blueberry comes through after I swallow.

Drinkability- A very drinkable beer. I'll be getting this one again when I go to Goose Island. It isn't so sweet that I couldn't drink two in a sitting, and not too light so that there is not substance.