Halia | Goose Island Beer Co.
Brewed by:
Goose Island Beer Co.
Illinois, United States
gooseisland.com
Style: Saison / Farmhouse Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 7.50%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
Brewed with the Saison and farmhouse ales of Belgium in mind, we added fresh Georgia peaches and Brettanomyces claussenii to a fresh white wine barrel and aged the Saison base for 9 months. Stretching the boundaries of the traditional style, we decided to put our own little spin on it.
Formerly known as Mae.
Added by sidetracked on 04-24-2011
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Reviews: 140 | Ratings: 881
4.34/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours an effervescent & slightly chill-hazed gold and a finger of pearl colored head. Sheets of lacing & good head retention
S: Grassyness & pears; A little must & funk as this warms, white grapes & green melon
T: Follows the nose, some golden delicious apple & tart peach up front. Tartness & sourness mix with peach & pear & a little lemon as this warms. Finishes tart with lemon & peach & little vinegar acidity late with pineapple saving the day!
MF: Medium body, firm carbonation
Good offering, not too extreme, except the price, well worth a go though...
★ 571 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours an effervescent & slightly chill-hazed gold and a finger of pearl colored head. Sheets of lacing & good head retention
S: Grassyness & pears; A little must & funk as this warms, white grapes & green melon
T: Follows the nose, some golden delicious apple & tart peach up front. Tartness & sourness mix with peach & pear & a little lemon as this warms. Finishes tart with lemon & peach & little vinegar acidity late with pineapple saving the day!
MF: Medium body, firm carbonation
Good offering, not too extreme, except the price, well worth a go though...
★ 571 characters
4.19/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
32 oz growler pours a mostly clear gold color with a fair cap of white head, decent retention and a smattering of lace.
Rubbery brett, green grapes, Smartees candy and a nice sourness. Smells very good.
Taste is excellent as well. The white wine really shines and the peaches are a nice complement, though I dont think I would be able to pick them out blind. Sour level is about 6.5, maybe 7/10 The brett leave a bit of an odd finish that is a little distracting, but a minor complaint. Id drink this again for sure, but dont think Id want to drop 20+ bucks on a bottle.
★ 572 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
32 oz growler pours a mostly clear gold color with a fair cap of white head, decent retention and a smattering of lace.
Rubbery brett, green grapes, Smartees candy and a nice sourness. Smells very good.
Taste is excellent as well. The white wine really shines and the peaches are a nice complement, though I dont think I would be able to pick them out blind. Sour level is about 6.5, maybe 7/10 The brett leave a bit of an odd finish that is a little distracting, but a minor complaint. Id drink this again for sure, but dont think Id want to drop 20+ bucks on a bottle.
★ 572 characters
4.34/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25
Pours a pale golden straw color, very thin ring of foam lace at the crown with a persistent champagne carbonation. Aroma has the typical GI "sisters" lacto-yeast funk uptop, with undernotes of grape must & oak. I was dissapointed with lack of discernible peach considering that's one of the main ingredients.
You can pick that note up a little better on the tongue, but it is still rather faint. Lots of tart yeast upfront, with more of the oak / wine flavors with that dabble of peach & dry champagne yeast. The tart fades quickly & it finishes semi-dry, which I prefer versus some enamel destroying sour bombardment. It does it's just and doesnt overstay its welcome (unlike in Lolita). The supporting flavors aren't mind-blowing but it melds nicely & is a very drinkable, refreshing sour. It has a vigorous carbonation & tongue tingling throughout.
★ 855 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.25
Pours a pale golden straw color, very thin ring of foam lace at the crown with a persistent champagne carbonation. Aroma has the typical GI "sisters" lacto-yeast funk uptop, with undernotes of grape must & oak. I was dissapointed with lack of discernible peach considering that's one of the main ingredients.
You can pick that note up a little better on the tongue, but it is still rather faint. Lots of tart yeast upfront, with more of the oak / wine flavors with that dabble of peach & dry champagne yeast. The tart fades quickly & it finishes semi-dry, which I prefer versus some enamel destroying sour bombardment. It does it's just and doesnt overstay its welcome (unlike in Lolita). The supporting flavors aren't mind-blowing but it melds nicely & is a very drinkable, refreshing sour. It has a vigorous carbonation & tongue tingling throughout.
★ 855 characters
3.96/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
First had poured from 25.87-oz. bomber, label stamped bottled on "02FEB16," into tulip. This newly-released Halia, fermented with peaches in wine barrels, drinks somewhat like an excellent dry Vermont cider. It will be interesting to see if cellaring adds complexity.
★ 269 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
First had poured from 25.87-oz. bomber, label stamped bottled on "02FEB16," into tulip. This newly-released Halia, fermented with peaches in wine barrels, drinks somewhat like an excellent dry Vermont cider. It will be interesting to see if cellaring adds complexity.
★ 269 characters
4.63/5 rDev +11.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
750ml bottle poured into snifter, this is the 2015 version drank on 8/11/16
A: Had a quick small head soapy in appearance, that was gone in a flash. Body is gold to light amber with great clarity.
S: Slight vinegar, hay, funk, a touch of peach, very faint clove and nutmeg
T: Tastes like soft vinegar, apple, honey, spices, and a very little bit of hay
M: Very light, crisp, smooth, it tingles on the tongue but yet feels low on carbonation.
O: It is amazing, excellent Belgian wild ale. It has such a soft silky feel and it envelops your tongue in honey and sourness. The peach comes more across as apricot but it is perfect. I wish I would have bought the rest even at $30 a bottle.
★ 690 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
750ml bottle poured into snifter, this is the 2015 version drank on 8/11/16
A: Had a quick small head soapy in appearance, that was gone in a flash. Body is gold to light amber with great clarity.
S: Slight vinegar, hay, funk, a touch of peach, very faint clove and nutmeg
T: Tastes like soft vinegar, apple, honey, spices, and a very little bit of hay
M: Very light, crisp, smooth, it tingles on the tongue but yet feels low on carbonation.
O: It is amazing, excellent Belgian wild ale. It has such a soft silky feel and it envelops your tongue in honey and sourness. The peach comes more across as apricot but it is perfect. I wish I would have bought the rest even at $30 a bottle.
★ 690 characters
4.09/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a mildly hazy golden yellow. White fizzy cap fades fairly quickly to a thin collar. Strong scent of lactic acid. Clean lactic acid. No acetic or other off scents. Mildly fruity with a touch of vanilla. Some mild rustic notes possibly from Brett.
The flavor has a fairly assertive lactic acid that creates a puckering and warming sensation. Again, clean acid profile. Lemon pith and orchard fruit with a mildly sweet honey and vanilla tone. Finishes dry with more lactic acid. Lingering hint of strawberries, but it's subtle. Mouthfeel is light with effervescent carbonation. Acidity provides a warming impression.
Overall enjoyable, but a little heavy on the acid. The acidity may be dominating some of the more complex tones of the oak, fruit and brett.
★ 764 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a mildly hazy golden yellow. White fizzy cap fades fairly quickly to a thin collar. Strong scent of lactic acid. Clean lactic acid. No acetic or other off scents. Mildly fruity with a touch of vanilla. Some mild rustic notes possibly from Brett.
The flavor has a fairly assertive lactic acid that creates a puckering and warming sensation. Again, clean acid profile. Lemon pith and orchard fruit with a mildly sweet honey and vanilla tone. Finishes dry with more lactic acid. Lingering hint of strawberries, but it's subtle. Mouthfeel is light with effervescent carbonation. Acidity provides a warming impression.
Overall enjoyable, but a little heavy on the acid. The acidity may be dominating some of the more complex tones of the oak, fruit and brett.
★ 764 characters
3.77/5 rDev -8.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Cloudy pale gold with a two finger white head which fades quickly, leaving a small collar of foam. The aroma has tart peaches, Brett, oak, and tannin's.
Tastes like it smells. More tart than sweet, but not overly tart. Does not have as much of the peppery taste or funk as some of the best Saisons. The tart peaches overpower everything else. Neutral wine barrels were used, and it shows. There is not the taste of any one specific type of wine.
Medium bodied with higher than average carbonation. A good, but not great Saison.
★ 529 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Cloudy pale gold with a two finger white head which fades quickly, leaving a small collar of foam. The aroma has tart peaches, Brett, oak, and tannin's.
Tastes like it smells. More tart than sweet, but not overly tart. Does not have as much of the peppery taste or funk as some of the best Saisons. The tart peaches overpower everything else. Neutral wine barrels were used, and it shows. There is not the taste of any one specific type of wine.
Medium bodied with higher than average carbonation. A good, but not great Saison.
★ 529 characters
4.54/5 rDev +9.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Poured from a 750 ml bottle into a stemmed tulip. 2016 Bottle.
Appearance: Pours a bright golden orange with a lot of rising bubbles. Slight finger of white head that settles into a thin patchy layer.
Smell: A tart, fruity, and spicy Belgian style aroma with a scent of brett, fruit, and wine. Belgian yeast with a scent of peppers, clove, and farmhouse funk. Big scent of wild brett lacto yeast. Wine barrel hints of tannins, white grapes, and oak. Good scent of peaches along with other fruit hints of green apple, apricot, orange, pear, and lemon. Malt hints of cracker and straw. A very nice wine like aroma.
Taste: Like it smells, a tart, fruity, and spicy Belgian farmhouse style taste with notes of brett, fruit, and wine. Belgian yeast with notes of peppers, clove, and farmhouse funk. Big presence of wild brett yeast with some good funk. Good white wine barrel presence with notes of white grapes, oak, and tannins. Lots of fruit notes with some peaches, green apple, pear, orange, apricot, and lemon. Malt notes of straw, grains, and cracker. A very good tart and fruity taste.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with a fairly high level of carbonation. Tart and juicy with a drying finish.
Overall: A very good spin on a Belgian style Saison. Good blend of yeast, spices, fruit, and wine barrel notes. Pricey but very well done.
★ 1,342 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Poured from a 750 ml bottle into a stemmed tulip. 2016 Bottle.
Appearance: Pours a bright golden orange with a lot of rising bubbles. Slight finger of white head that settles into a thin patchy layer.
Smell: A tart, fruity, and spicy Belgian style aroma with a scent of brett, fruit, and wine. Belgian yeast with a scent of peppers, clove, and farmhouse funk. Big scent of wild brett lacto yeast. Wine barrel hints of tannins, white grapes, and oak. Good scent of peaches along with other fruit hints of green apple, apricot, orange, pear, and lemon. Malt hints of cracker and straw. A very nice wine like aroma.
Taste: Like it smells, a tart, fruity, and spicy Belgian farmhouse style taste with notes of brett, fruit, and wine. Belgian yeast with notes of peppers, clove, and farmhouse funk. Big presence of wild brett yeast with some good funk. Good white wine barrel presence with notes of white grapes, oak, and tannins. Lots of fruit notes with some peaches, green apple, pear, orange, apricot, and lemon. Malt notes of straw, grains, and cracker. A very good tart and fruity taste.
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with a fairly high level of carbonation. Tart and juicy with a drying finish.
Overall: A very good spin on a Belgian style Saison. Good blend of yeast, spices, fruit, and wine barrel notes. Pricey but very well done.
★ 1,342 characters
4.1/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2016 vintage
~5 months from bottling date
Appearance- Pours a pale yellow color, bright transparency, fast rising carbonation bubbles. Half finger thick, soapy, white colored head, dissipates quickly. Small spotty head lacing on glass.
Aroma- Tart fruits, apple, lemon, sweeter peach and apricot notes. Mild funk, hay, grass, spicy yeast notes. Dry oak, vinous, white wine grape.
Taste- Juicy, tart fruits, peaches, apricots, apples, hints of lime. Slight acidic vinegar quality. Funk, hay, grass, spice, clove and belgian yeast phenols. Oak, sweeter white wine grape, slightly vinous.
Feel- Medium bodied, moderate tartness and slightly drying. Moderate carbonation.
Overall- Nice balance between fruity tartness and funk, while still allowing some of the saison qualities to come through. Beer has a good amount of fruit sweetness as well, definetly get a lot of the peaches. Spice, oak, saison yeast give the beer a dryer finish despite the tartness and sweetness up front. Enjoyable and different.
★ 1,006 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2016 vintage
~5 months from bottling date
Appearance- Pours a pale yellow color, bright transparency, fast rising carbonation bubbles. Half finger thick, soapy, white colored head, dissipates quickly. Small spotty head lacing on glass.
Aroma- Tart fruits, apple, lemon, sweeter peach and apricot notes. Mild funk, hay, grass, spicy yeast notes. Dry oak, vinous, white wine grape.
Taste- Juicy, tart fruits, peaches, apricots, apples, hints of lime. Slight acidic vinegar quality. Funk, hay, grass, spice, clove and belgian yeast phenols. Oak, sweeter white wine grape, slightly vinous.
Feel- Medium bodied, moderate tartness and slightly drying. Moderate carbonation.
Overall- Nice balance between fruity tartness and funk, while still allowing some of the saison qualities to come through. Beer has a good amount of fruit sweetness as well, definetly get a lot of the peaches. Spice, oak, saison yeast give the beer a dryer finish despite the tartness and sweetness up front. Enjoyable and different.
★ 1,006 characters
3.89/5 rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Found this beer on the vintage menu at Goose Island - Clybourn. Didn't but the 750ml bottle priced at $40 at the BrewPub.
Conveniently found this beer a local grocery store later for $24.99, I was sold after that. Chilled this beer to a bit below cellar temperature and poured into a Wide Mouth Pint and the rest into a Tulip glass.
L - Pours very light somewhat hazy golden amber color, small amount of head. Very nice carbonation and minimal lacing.
S - The smell was awesome, a bunch of spicy and peppery tones coming through with this beer. Getting small amount of the peaches, wish it had a bit more. Some wine-y undertones as well. Very crisp and refreshing scent with this beer.
T - Not what the smell was giving me and surprisingly less sour than I was expecting as well. But by all means not a let down, just different. The tartness was very nice and easily tolerated by those whom may not enjoy sour / tarts or just getting into them.
F - Mouth feel with the Halia was pleasant. The carbonation was a little stronger than I would have liked, but I think it brought out some of the peach tones (which was more subtle than I expected), but it works. The carbonation lightens this beer and makes it very pleasant and easy to drink.
O - I enjoyed this beer a lot, expected a little bit different, but wasn't a disappointment by any means. Knocks on this come from the overly steep price point set by Goose Island, but the beer itself I highly recommend trying. Won't be a regular for me simply because of the price, but again a very pleasant, funky and fun beer.
★ 1,590 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Found this beer on the vintage menu at Goose Island - Clybourn. Didn't but the 750ml bottle priced at $40 at the BrewPub.
Conveniently found this beer a local grocery store later for $24.99, I was sold after that. Chilled this beer to a bit below cellar temperature and poured into a Wide Mouth Pint and the rest into a Tulip glass.
L - Pours very light somewhat hazy golden amber color, small amount of head. Very nice carbonation and minimal lacing.
S - The smell was awesome, a bunch of spicy and peppery tones coming through with this beer. Getting small amount of the peaches, wish it had a bit more. Some wine-y undertones as well. Very crisp and refreshing scent with this beer.
T - Not what the smell was giving me and surprisingly less sour than I was expecting as well. But by all means not a let down, just different. The tartness was very nice and easily tolerated by those whom may not enjoy sour / tarts or just getting into them.
F - Mouth feel with the Halia was pleasant. The carbonation was a little stronger than I would have liked, but I think it brought out some of the peach tones (which was more subtle than I expected), but it works. The carbonation lightens this beer and makes it very pleasant and easy to drink.
O - I enjoyed this beer a lot, expected a little bit different, but wasn't a disappointment by any means. Knocks on this come from the overly steep price point set by Goose Island, but the beer itself I highly recommend trying. Won't be a regular for me simply because of the price, but again a very pleasant, funky and fun beer.
★ 1,590 characters
3.81/5 rDev -8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
No label information. Halia is brewed in the style of a Farmhouse Ale aged in white wine barrels with peaches added. Available in limited release 750ml. bottles and on limited draft.
Poured from a 750ml. bottle to a tulip glass. 2013 vintage.
(Appearance) Pours a crisp, fizzy head of an off white tone, short lived, over a hazy golden amber body with abundant, lively carbonation. Retention is below average and there is no visible lacing. 3
(Smell) Pale and lightly toasted bread malts, spicy and peppery yeast characters and a mellow tartness and acidity. Fruit notes of peach and apricot juices and vinous white grape undertones for a tangy and drying delivery. Very slight pinch of grain alcohol. Potency is moderate. 3.75
(Taste) Many of the characteristics of the aroma, very light malt profile of pale malts, stone fruit characteristics of apricot, peach, and white grape juices, medium dry. Soft yeast characters with light peppery and spicy flavors, slightly dry, very little funk, moderate acidity and tartness. 4
(Mouthfeel) Texture is smooth, slick, silky, medium dry. Carbonation is moderate, generating a medium frothiness and a moderately crisp finish. Body is medium for the style, shy of medium overall. Balance is nearly even tangy and acidic to sweet. Alcohol presence is light and there are no off characters. 3.75
(Overall) A tasty saison offering, but surprisingly not nearly at the caliber of their more readily available Belgian saisons, like Sofie. Decently balanced and the fruit is certainly there but there are really very few high points that distinguish the peach and white wine characters out from the spicy and peppery qualities of the saison yeast. Enjoyable overall but arguably not worth the hefty price. This would be a more reasonable buy and worth a sampling if put into 12 oz. bottled 4 packs like Sofie. 3.75
Goose Island Beer Co.'s
Halia Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale
3.81/5.00
★ 1,924 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
No label information. Halia is brewed in the style of a Farmhouse Ale aged in white wine barrels with peaches added. Available in limited release 750ml. bottles and on limited draft.
Poured from a 750ml. bottle to a tulip glass. 2013 vintage.
(Appearance) Pours a crisp, fizzy head of an off white tone, short lived, over a hazy golden amber body with abundant, lively carbonation. Retention is below average and there is no visible lacing. 3
(Smell) Pale and lightly toasted bread malts, spicy and peppery yeast characters and a mellow tartness and acidity. Fruit notes of peach and apricot juices and vinous white grape undertones for a tangy and drying delivery. Very slight pinch of grain alcohol. Potency is moderate. 3.75
(Taste) Many of the characteristics of the aroma, very light malt profile of pale malts, stone fruit characteristics of apricot, peach, and white grape juices, medium dry. Soft yeast characters with light peppery and spicy flavors, slightly dry, very little funk, moderate acidity and tartness. 4
(Mouthfeel) Texture is smooth, slick, silky, medium dry. Carbonation is moderate, generating a medium frothiness and a moderately crisp finish. Body is medium for the style, shy of medium overall. Balance is nearly even tangy and acidic to sweet. Alcohol presence is light and there are no off characters. 3.75
(Overall) A tasty saison offering, but surprisingly not nearly at the caliber of their more readily available Belgian saisons, like Sofie. Decently balanced and the fruit is certainly there but there are really very few high points that distinguish the peach and white wine characters out from the spicy and peppery qualities of the saison yeast. Enjoyable overall but arguably not worth the hefty price. This would be a more reasonable buy and worth a sampling if put into 12 oz. bottled 4 packs like Sofie. 3.75
Goose Island Beer Co.'s
Halia Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale
3.81/5.00
★ 1,924 characters
4.24/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
On tap:
Pours a light golden with some chill haze that, once dealt with reveals maybe only a light haze. White lacing remains from the fluffy white head that doesn't last too long.
Nose reveals all about the beer that I read: Brett, light note of peaches, barnyard funk.
A lightly tart and (psychology in effect) "fuzzy" opening. The light tickling carbonation expands the peach note, but a slight lean of a lemon spritz is also I there. Farmhouse notes come next, with a crisp white wine impression, then a little barrel (or farmhouse floor) effect.
A nice funky farmhouse that is just a little too fruity for my tastes. Not that it's syrupy or anything, just wonder what it'd be like with the peaches.
★ 711 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
On tap:
Pours a light golden with some chill haze that, once dealt with reveals maybe only a light haze. White lacing remains from the fluffy white head that doesn't last too long.
Nose reveals all about the beer that I read: Brett, light note of peaches, barnyard funk.
A lightly tart and (psychology in effect) "fuzzy" opening. The light tickling carbonation expands the peach note, but a slight lean of a lemon spritz is also I there. Farmhouse notes come next, with a crisp white wine impression, then a little barrel (or farmhouse floor) effect.
A nice funky farmhouse that is just a little too fruity for my tastes. Not that it's syrupy or anything, just wonder what it'd be like with the peaches.
★ 711 characters
4.25/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A: Pours a golden straw yellow color with a fingers worth of head that surprisingly sticks around for a good while
S: Lots of Brett C. and farmhouse funk up front along with a hint of peaches and oak. A light tannic note from the white wine barrels comes through as well. Fruity notes behind the peaches pop in and out as well
T: Follows the nose. Starts off with a light spritzy bit of tart funk and quickly transitions into the peaches, oak, and vinous white wine notes. Fruitiness pops up after the oak fades a little. Tannins quickly dry things out and let the sweetness of the peaches shine a bit more. Finishes with lingering oak and peach notes
M: Light-medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Spritzy and quite dry
O: A very refreshing saison that is quite peach and barrel forward. Brett adds a very light funk and farmhouse note while the barrel really helps integrate subtle oaky and vinous white wine flavors while allowing the peaches to macerate. Great summer sipper
★ 985 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A: Pours a golden straw yellow color with a fingers worth of head that surprisingly sticks around for a good while
S: Lots of Brett C. and farmhouse funk up front along with a hint of peaches and oak. A light tannic note from the white wine barrels comes through as well. Fruity notes behind the peaches pop in and out as well
T: Follows the nose. Starts off with a light spritzy bit of tart funk and quickly transitions into the peaches, oak, and vinous white wine notes. Fruitiness pops up after the oak fades a little. Tannins quickly dry things out and let the sweetness of the peaches shine a bit more. Finishes with lingering oak and peach notes
M: Light-medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Spritzy and quite dry
O: A very refreshing saison that is quite peach and barrel forward. Brett adds a very light funk and farmhouse note while the barrel really helps integrate subtle oaky and vinous white wine flavors while allowing the peaches to macerate. Great summer sipper
★ 985 characters
4.09/5 rDev -1.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a tulip glass. Thanks, Alan!
A: A clear light gold with frothy white one-finger head that spent some time with us.
S: Peaches, Brett, funkiness, white wine.
T: Like drinking a white wine with Brett and peaches. Lightly tart, almost honey-like. Perfect for warm weather.
M: Low to medium with a crisp, dry finish.
O: Glad I got to try this tasty farmhouse. Way too pricey, though. A great sipper with friends.
★ 438 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into a tulip glass. Thanks, Alan!
A: A clear light gold with frothy white one-finger head that spent some time with us.
S: Peaches, Brett, funkiness, white wine.
T: Like drinking a white wine with Brett and peaches. Lightly tart, almost honey-like. Perfect for warm weather.
M: Low to medium with a crisp, dry finish.
O: Glad I got to try this tasty farmhouse. Way too pricey, though. A great sipper with friends.
★ 438 characters
4.44/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from tap into sniffer, light half finger creamy head recedes to a rim along the glass, nice lacing. Clear light golden to look at, nice carbonation. This is a beast of a peach beer. I am somewhat congested and it still comes thru, not picking up any brett characteristic on the nose. Taste is tart on the start with the peaches taking over. Finishes with a dry tart finish. Nice acidity, this is a great beer wish the price point was so high.
★ 455 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from tap into sniffer, light half finger creamy head recedes to a rim along the glass, nice lacing. Clear light golden to look at, nice carbonation. This is a beast of a peach beer. I am somewhat congested and it still comes thru, not picking up any brett characteristic on the nose. Taste is tart on the start with the peaches taking over. Finishes with a dry tart finish. Nice acidity, this is a great beer wish the price point was so high.
★ 455 characters
4.36/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pour: On draft at Smoke and Barrel in D.C. Poured into a snifter. Appearance: The brew is very clear and light golden straw in color. Lots of effervescent bubbles. Big thick white head which reduces as the brew settles. Lots of lacing present. Aroma: Funky and earthy. Brett notes. Has some very tannic qualities due to wine barrel aging. Lists peaches but cant detect much on the sniff...more citrus-like. Taste: Very tart with lots of wild yeast/ Brett notes. It could be more tart but the peach, which shows up on the sip, really does a nice job of mellowing it out. Aftertaste: Balance with some tart funkiness and mellow peach on the back end. Overall: Pretty standard but likable. Really enjoyed how the peach mellows and balances the tart funkiness. Very Good: 4 out of 5.
★ 779 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pour: On draft at Smoke and Barrel in D.C. Poured into a snifter. Appearance: The brew is very clear and light golden straw in color. Lots of effervescent bubbles. Big thick white head which reduces as the brew settles. Lots of lacing present. Aroma: Funky and earthy. Brett notes. Has some very tannic qualities due to wine barrel aging. Lists peaches but cant detect much on the sniff...more citrus-like. Taste: Very tart with lots of wild yeast/ Brett notes. It could be more tart but the peach, which shows up on the sip, really does a nice job of mellowing it out. Aftertaste: Balance with some tart funkiness and mellow peach on the back end. Overall: Pretty standard but likable. Really enjoyed how the peach mellows and balances the tart funkiness. Very Good: 4 out of 5.
★ 779 characters
4.19/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
The beer pours a nice creamy head that dissipates moderately and leaves a nice clear pale gold that borders on a nice straw yellow. The look is pretty nice and pretty appealing.
The smell is very nice and great for a brett saison. The smell has a nice mild tarty funk note that works well among the traditional saison notes. It has the earthy citrus hop notes and the slightly bready yeast notes making the backbone of the smell. The smell also has a nice peach tart to it.
The taste is very good and a bit different than the smell. The taste has the same tart notes but are a bit stronger than in the smell to the point where it slightly overwhelms the traditional saison notes.
The feel is nice and crisp with a dry finish. The biting carbonation provides that nice crisp feel while making the body a bit to the light side of medium bodied.
Overall, this a very good saison with brett in it. It's a unique saison with a tart and funk that doesn't challenge the drinker too much but enough to satisfy someone who enjoy a bit of tarty funk. Go for it.
★ 1,057 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
The beer pours a nice creamy head that dissipates moderately and leaves a nice clear pale gold that borders on a nice straw yellow. The look is pretty nice and pretty appealing.
The smell is very nice and great for a brett saison. The smell has a nice mild tarty funk note that works well among the traditional saison notes. It has the earthy citrus hop notes and the slightly bready yeast notes making the backbone of the smell. The smell also has a nice peach tart to it.
The taste is very good and a bit different than the smell. The taste has the same tart notes but are a bit stronger than in the smell to the point where it slightly overwhelms the traditional saison notes.
The feel is nice and crisp with a dry finish. The biting carbonation provides that nice crisp feel while making the body a bit to the light side of medium bodied.
Overall, this a very good saison with brett in it. It's a unique saison with a tart and funk that doesn't challenge the drinker too much but enough to satisfy someone who enjoy a bit of tarty funk. Go for it.
★ 1,057 characters
3.26/5 rDev -21.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
2/7/16 Chicago (10 oz $6 cask pour into plastic cup at Goose Island Tap Room). Clear light golden hue, light carbonation, medium puffy white head, generous lacing. Peaches predominate aroma, yeasty and citrus scent as well. Mild sour taste, peaches clear standout with citrus and other vague sweet fruits I couldn't pin down. Very thin texture, no carbonation, very easy going down, somewhat like a beer left out. Overall good offering.
★ 436 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
2/7/16 Chicago (10 oz $6 cask pour into plastic cup at Goose Island Tap Room). Clear light golden hue, light carbonation, medium puffy white head, generous lacing. Peaches predominate aroma, yeasty and citrus scent as well. Mild sour taste, peaches clear standout with citrus and other vague sweet fruits I couldn't pin down. Very thin texture, no carbonation, very easy going down, somewhat like a beer left out. Overall good offering.
★ 436 characters
3.91/5 rDev -5.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Bottle share from Rich. Light, tart, sour, hazy straw color. Tingly finish. Peaches, fruity. All of the sisters, side by side...quite an experience. GI can do some beers right.
★ 176 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Bottle share from Rich. Light, tart, sour, hazy straw color. Tingly finish. Peaches, fruity. All of the sisters, side by side...quite an experience. GI can do some beers right.
★ 176 characters
4.04/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Straw yellow in color with a very hazy complexion. There's just a trace of eggshell white on top. The aroma is of sweet peaches and tart Brett. The taste is sweet and slightly overripe peaches with tart Brett playing a background note. The mouth is highly carbonated and delicate.
★ 284 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Straw yellow in color with a very hazy complexion. There's just a trace of eggshell white on top. The aroma is of sweet peaches and tart Brett. The taste is sweet and slightly overripe peaches with tart Brett playing a background note. The mouth is highly carbonated and delicate.
★ 284 characters
4.45/5 rDev +7.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Lighter tartness present. Slight peach flavor. Smoother easy to drink sour; not overly sour. Lower carbonation. Enjoyable refreshing peach ale. One of my favorites from Goose.
★ 175 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Lighter tartness present. Slight peach flavor. Smoother easy to drink sour; not overly sour. Lower carbonation. Enjoyable refreshing peach ale. One of my favorites from Goose.
★ 175 characters
4.05/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours pale golden in color with a thin fizzy white head. Aromas of musty peach light oak barrel and vinegar wine aromas. More light musty peach vinegar and wine barrel.
★ 168 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours pale golden in color with a thin fizzy white head. Aromas of musty peach light oak barrel and vinegar wine aromas. More light musty peach vinegar and wine barrel.
★ 168 characters
3.98/5 rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
2013 22 oz. bottle.
Was hoping for more sour peach but fell a bit short. Smell was really good and the taste was adaquite. Tart but not sour. Some nice funk and finished clean. Would have again but the price is a bit steep. Would seek out others but glad I got to try it.
★ 272 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
2013 22 oz. bottle.
Was hoping for more sour peach but fell a bit short. Smell was really good and the taste was adaquite. Tart but not sour. Some nice funk and finished clean. Would have again but the price is a bit steep. Would seek out others but glad I got to try it.
★ 272 characters
4.33/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
This is a complex beer that hits the senses on multiple fronts. The peaches appear along with the barrel flavor as it warms. The smell just wafts out of the glass, and people who are not a fan of this style still like the aroma. I passed on this for a long time because it is relatively easy to get for me, but glad I finally grabbed it.
★ 337 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
This is a complex beer that hits the senses on multiple fronts. The peaches appear along with the barrel flavor as it warms. The smell just wafts out of the glass, and people who are not a fan of this style still like the aroma. I passed on this for a long time because it is relatively easy to get for me, but glad I finally grabbed it.
★ 337 characters
Halia from Goose Island Beer Co.
4.14
out of 5
based on 881 ratings.
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
A: This poured a clear straw with quickly dissipating white head.
S: It smelled like tart white wine vinegar, with some funky oak and sour apple and a hint of sweet peach.
T: It tasted like tart vinegar and metallic minerals, with some sour apple and funky oak and unripe apricot. It had a clean, lasting sour aftertaste.
M: It was thin and very carbonated like champagne. Nice bubbly body.
D: This was a nice sour, but the scent and taste didn't have as much peach or complexity as I hoped. The body was fitting, but the finish was a little harsh, so it was better to sip. A fine brew, but not top tier for the style, and ultimately forgettable.
★ 646 characters