Gillian
Goose Island Beer Co.
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- Farmhouse Ale - Saison
Ranked #120 - ABV:
- 9.5%
- Score:
- 93
Ranked #2,361 - Avg:
- 4.17 | pDev: 8.39%
- Reviews:
- 123
- Ratings:
- From:
- Goose Island Beer Co.
- Illinois, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 90
- Gots
- 220
SCORE
93
Outstanding
93
Outstanding
Notes:
Formerly Scully
White Pepper Strawberry Saison
After a free rise fermentation with our Saison yeast strain, we add crushed white pepper, mashed fresh Michigan strawberries and Local Farmer's market honey to create a dry, drinkable yet complex Saison variation.
Named in honor of Gillian Anderson who worked at Goose Island Brewpub in Chicago, IL while a student at DePaul University.
25 IBU
White Pepper Strawberry Saison
After a free rise fermentation with our Saison yeast strain, we add crushed white pepper, mashed fresh Michigan strawberries and Local Farmer's market honey to create a dry, drinkable yet complex Saison variation.
Named in honor of Gillian Anderson who worked at Goose Island Brewpub in Chicago, IL while a student at DePaul University.
25 IBU
Reviews: 123
| Ratings: 809
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brendanbeer from New York
4.5/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This is another great option in the wild ale line from Goose Island. I'm having the 2018 vintage. It's a beautiful color with a light fizzy head. Up front is the white pepper, which provides a good bright kick and a little bitterness which surprisingly compliments the fade into strawberries. Fresh strawberries is the dominant mid-palate taste, which isn't overly sweet, and balanced by a lot of carbonation. The ending note is honey, not thick, or strong, just subtly sweet and a nice way to finish a bright and exciting ride of flavor. This is probably my favorite wild ale from them so far, along with the raspberry one. There's a pleasant bitterness that lingers with the strawberries which lends some complexity to the bubbly treat.
Thanks and cheers!
Jul 04, 2020
4.5/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This is another great option in the wild ale line from Goose Island. I'm having the 2018 vintage. It's a beautiful color with a light fizzy head. Up front is the white pepper, which provides a good bright kick and a little bitterness which surprisingly compliments the fade into strawberries. Fresh strawberries is the dominant mid-palate taste, which isn't overly sweet, and balanced by a lot of carbonation. The ending note is honey, not thick, or strong, just subtly sweet and a nice way to finish a bright and exciting ride of flavor. This is probably my favorite wild ale from them so far, along with the raspberry one. There's a pleasant bitterness that lingers with the strawberries which lends some complexity to the bubbly treat.
Thanks and cheers!
Jul 04, 2020
Billolick from New York
4.24/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Large capped bottle, 765 ml. "bottled on 15FEB16" "Develops in the bottle over 5 years"
Pours hazed, lighter amber, with a soft orange hue. Lifts a lasting khaki cap. slowly fading to a thicker film and leaving slippery strands and bits of lacing.
Faint floral, sweet and perfume notes on the nose.
Simply over the top delicious offering, deeply flavorful, complex and highly enjoyable. Notes of yeasty funk, earthiness, crisp and tart lime, fruity berries. Super yeasty and nutty final pour.
Thank you to the bottle shop for aging this one nicely for over 4 years for customers like me...drinking great and well worth the $8.99 (!) it was marked down to.
May 22, 2020
4.24/5 rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Large capped bottle, 765 ml. "bottled on 15FEB16" "Develops in the bottle over 5 years"
Pours hazed, lighter amber, with a soft orange hue. Lifts a lasting khaki cap. slowly fading to a thicker film and leaving slippery strands and bits of lacing.
Faint floral, sweet and perfume notes on the nose.
Simply over the top delicious offering, deeply flavorful, complex and highly enjoyable. Notes of yeasty funk, earthiness, crisp and tart lime, fruity berries. Super yeasty and nutty final pour.
Thank you to the bottle shop for aging this one nicely for over 4 years for customers like me...drinking great and well worth the $8.99 (!) it was marked down to.
May 22, 2020
VABA from Virginia
4.25/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A-Pours a hazy golden color with a slight head and lacing
A-Aroma has a strawberry, honey and Brett hints
T-The taste follows the nose with a well balanced strawberry, honey and Brett sour flavor
M-A light bodied well carbonated beer
O-A good Belgian Saison
Mar 01, 2020
4.25/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A-Pours a hazy golden color with a slight head and lacing
A-Aroma has a strawberry, honey and Brett hints
T-The taste follows the nose with a well balanced strawberry, honey and Brett sour flavor
M-A light bodied well carbonated beer
O-A good Belgian Saison
Mar 01, 2020
MonDak_Joe1953 from Minnesota
4.21/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
12oz bottle. Bottling date marked on label as '21FEB17'.
Cloudy, deep gold colored body. Minimal fizzy head dissipates rather quickly. No lacing. Active surface.
Aroma of yeast funk and strawberry. Overall has a sweet smell.
Taste has lots of funk, mixing in leather, rubber eraser, and horse blanket. There is a sweetness from the honey and a fruitiness from the strawberry. The funk wins out in the end. The end is dry, with pepper.
Medium mouth feel. Excellent carbonation which bubbles in the mouth.
Interesting concoction of a saison with honey and berry.
Jan 28, 2020
4.21/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
12oz bottle. Bottling date marked on label as '21FEB17'.
Cloudy, deep gold colored body. Minimal fizzy head dissipates rather quickly. No lacing. Active surface.
Aroma of yeast funk and strawberry. Overall has a sweet smell.
Taste has lots of funk, mixing in leather, rubber eraser, and horse blanket. There is a sweetness from the honey and a fruitiness from the strawberry. The funk wins out in the end. The end is dry, with pepper.
Medium mouth feel. Excellent carbonation which bubbles in the mouth.
Interesting concoction of a saison with honey and berry.
Jan 28, 2020
Victory_Sabre1973 from Minnesota
4.3/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a murky, but semi clear golden color. 3 finger white foamy head. The retention isn't the best, and it forms a nice fomay ring around the glass.
The nose hit me as I opened the bottle, and looking at it from a distance. It's wild and quite funky smelling. Up close it is like a sweet, but yet, wild and funky. Very pleasing.
The taste is kinda sweet. I was expecting more wild and funky based on the nose. It is, but more sweet that I was expecting. There's a lot more going on with this beer than I can accurately describe.
Bubbly, and champagne feeling. It's a 9% beer, but not feeling like it.
Wild and funky ale. Damn tasty, and recommended.
Dec 15, 2019
4.3/5 rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours a murky, but semi clear golden color. 3 finger white foamy head. The retention isn't the best, and it forms a nice fomay ring around the glass.
The nose hit me as I opened the bottle, and looking at it from a distance. It's wild and quite funky smelling. Up close it is like a sweet, but yet, wild and funky. Very pleasing.
The taste is kinda sweet. I was expecting more wild and funky based on the nose. It is, but more sweet that I was expecting. There's a lot more going on with this beer than I can accurately describe.
Bubbly, and champagne feeling. It's a 9% beer, but not feeling like it.
Wild and funky ale. Damn tasty, and recommended.
Dec 15, 2019
npolachek from New York
4.25/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Strawberry, pepper, and honey permeate this barrel aged beer. It’s a bit sweet and also has some good complexity. Effervescent with a golden color to it.
Sep 13, 2019
4.25/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Strawberry, pepper, and honey permeate this barrel aged beer. It’s a bit sweet and also has some good complexity. Effervescent with a golden color to it.
Sep 13, 2019
Tucquan from Pennsylvania
4.11/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Had this on 2019-06-21 in Columbia, PA from a 750ml 2016 bottle.
Pale orange with little head. Belgian yeast, strawberry, light wine barrel and touch of white pepper. Light body and effervescent.Very dry. No way to tell it is 9.5% ABV. Enjoyed it.
Jun 21, 2019
4.11/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Had this on 2019-06-21 in Columbia, PA from a 750ml 2016 bottle.
Pale orange with little head. Belgian yeast, strawberry, light wine barrel and touch of white pepper. Light body and effervescent.Very dry. No way to tell it is 9.5% ABV. Enjoyed it.
Jun 21, 2019
keithmurray from Connecticut
3.83/5 rDev -8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
12 oz bottle bottled in February of 2017
Appearance - dark golden amber color with white head
Smell - apple cider, pear, strawberry , white wine, vinegar
Taste - Cider like, apple, pear, strawberry, lime, white wine, vinegar
Mouthfeel - medium bodied, medium carbonation, tartness upfront, wine and cider qualities in the middle, moderately sour on the finish, dry finish
Overall - decent wild ale here, would be great on a hot summer's day
Price Point - $2.50/12 oz single
Apr 08, 2019
3.83/5 rDev -8.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
12 oz bottle bottled in February of 2017
Appearance - dark golden amber color with white head
Smell - apple cider, pear, strawberry , white wine, vinegar
Taste - Cider like, apple, pear, strawberry, lime, white wine, vinegar
Mouthfeel - medium bodied, medium carbonation, tartness upfront, wine and cider qualities in the middle, moderately sour on the finish, dry finish
Overall - decent wild ale here, would be great on a hot summer's day
Price Point - $2.50/12 oz single
Apr 08, 2019
GuyFawkes from Illinois
4/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bottled 9/12/13; drank 8/16/14 @ the Palace.
Murky mango hue.
Fizzy white head which quickly dissipates; no lace.
Funk, strawberry & mango nose. Nice!
Medium mouthfeel.
Strawberry, mango & mild pepper heat up front; a dry soda/champagne finish. Unique & effervescent.
Apr 01, 2019
4/5 rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Bottled 9/12/13; drank 8/16/14 @ the Palace.
Murky mango hue.
Fizzy white head which quickly dissipates; no lace.
Funk, strawberry & mango nose. Nice!
Medium mouthfeel.
Strawberry, mango & mild pepper heat up front; a dry soda/champagne finish. Unique & effervescent.
Apr 01, 2019
drtth from Pennsylvania
4.37/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Bottled 21 Feb 2017, so just over 2 years of bottle age.
The bright clear golden amber colored beer is poured gently out into a Duvel glass with a 1/2” white head that begins to visibly recede to a cap and then a ring and an irregular island of foam while leaving no lacing on the sides of the glass. Sipping creates a couple of arches and some scattered small patches of foam, most of which slide back down to the liquid.
The aromas include some light tartness along with some strawberry and some light floral character up front. In the background there’s a touch of barnyard funk and some light white pepper notes.
The flavors are much as expected from the nose with some light but definite strawberry tartness blending well with some sweetness from the malt. The other flavors include some floral notes, a bit of funk and some white pepper, but no bitterness.
The mouthfeel is medium bodied and both smooth and lightly prickly with the moderate persistent finely bubbled carbonation. The finish begins as the sweetness, the floral, the strawberry and most of the tartness recede to leave the long dry finish showing some light tartness, a bit of funk and some white pepper notes.
Overall the aromas/flavors are fairly complex and enjoyable in that none of them dominate the others and each shows in its own way. I’ve enjoyed drinking this unusual beer and I’m glad there is another resting quietly in the fridge.
Mar 31, 2019
4.37/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Bottled 21 Feb 2017, so just over 2 years of bottle age.
The bright clear golden amber colored beer is poured gently out into a Duvel glass with a 1/2” white head that begins to visibly recede to a cap and then a ring and an irregular island of foam while leaving no lacing on the sides of the glass. Sipping creates a couple of arches and some scattered small patches of foam, most of which slide back down to the liquid.
The aromas include some light tartness along with some strawberry and some light floral character up front. In the background there’s a touch of barnyard funk and some light white pepper notes.
The flavors are much as expected from the nose with some light but definite strawberry tartness blending well with some sweetness from the malt. The other flavors include some floral notes, a bit of funk and some white pepper, but no bitterness.
The mouthfeel is medium bodied and both smooth and lightly prickly with the moderate persistent finely bubbled carbonation. The finish begins as the sweetness, the floral, the strawberry and most of the tartness recede to leave the long dry finish showing some light tartness, a bit of funk and some white pepper notes.
Overall the aromas/flavors are fairly complex and enjoyable in that none of them dominate the others and each shows in its own way. I’ve enjoyed drinking this unusual beer and I’m glad there is another resting quietly in the fridge.
Mar 31, 2019
weareallfalafel from Virginia
4.32/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2016 vintage bottled Feb. 2016 and poured a spot over two years later. Pours hazy golden-amber with a tall fluffy head that falls quick and leaves some spotty lacing. Nose is big and complex. Smell that acidity and the fruity/floral aspect right off the bat, with some funky tones to it too. Taste is first sour, then sweet, then dries out nicely, but the more nuanced flavors come almost in waves. You get classic saison, then sour, then floral honey, then strawberries, then the pepper really comes through, and that kinda complexity is really enjoyable. Feel is average for the style. Smooth carb, medium body, good stuff. Overall, good stuff through and through. Wish I’d had a fresh bottle for comparison, but maybe age brought out some complexity, not to mention it had sat on the shelf so long, I got to buy it at cost, and there is no way I’d have shelled out 25 dollars for AB/InBev product. All in all, if you can get this at a decent price, I’d highly recommend.
Jul 18, 2018
4.32/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2016 vintage bottled Feb. 2016 and poured a spot over two years later. Pours hazy golden-amber with a tall fluffy head that falls quick and leaves some spotty lacing. Nose is big and complex. Smell that acidity and the fruity/floral aspect right off the bat, with some funky tones to it too. Taste is first sour, then sweet, then dries out nicely, but the more nuanced flavors come almost in waves. You get classic saison, then sour, then floral honey, then strawberries, then the pepper really comes through, and that kinda complexity is really enjoyable. Feel is average for the style. Smooth carb, medium body, good stuff. Overall, good stuff through and through. Wish I’d had a fresh bottle for comparison, but maybe age brought out some complexity, not to mention it had sat on the shelf so long, I got to buy it at cost, and there is no way I’d have shelled out 25 dollars for AB/InBev product. All in all, if you can get this at a decent price, I’d highly recommend.
Jul 18, 2018
Phyl21ca from Canada (QC)
3.63/5 rDev -12.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Bottle: Poured a hazy yellow color ale with a medium size white head with limited retention and no lacing. Aroma of tart and acidic notes with some light fruity notes. Taste is also a mix of tart and acidic notes with light vinous feel with some subtle fruity undertones. Body is somewhat fuller than average with good carbonation. Enjoyable but unfortunately acidic notes are overwhelming and limits the flavours profile.
Jul 17, 2018
3.63/5 rDev -12.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Bottle: Poured a hazy yellow color ale with a medium size white head with limited retention and no lacing. Aroma of tart and acidic notes with some light fruity notes. Taste is also a mix of tart and acidic notes with light vinous feel with some subtle fruity undertones. Body is somewhat fuller than average with good carbonation. Enjoyable but unfortunately acidic notes are overwhelming and limits the flavours profile.
Jul 17, 2018
ChicagoJ from Illinois
4.09/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
6/2/18: 765 ML Bottled 3/29/15, multiple pours into Goose Island Chalice. Murky golden pour, heavy carbonation, thin white lacing. Very sweet aroma, strawberry, cherry, very tart. Very dry finish, taste strawberry and cherry. Thin texture, carbonation holds, easy drinking. Overall very good offering.
Jun 02, 2018
4.09/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
6/2/18: 765 ML Bottled 3/29/15, multiple pours into Goose Island Chalice. Murky golden pour, heavy carbonation, thin white lacing. Very sweet aroma, strawberry, cherry, very tart. Very dry finish, taste strawberry and cherry. Thin texture, carbonation holds, easy drinking. Overall very good offering.
Jun 02, 2018
Buck89 from Tennessee
4.26/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
On tap at the source. A slightly hazy golden amber color with a small off white head. Killer aroma on this one: Oak, red wine, berries, and a faint funky aspect. The taste followed with all of the above. Really impressed with the wine barrel aspect. Dry finish with a bit of heat. Very interesting and fun beer.
May 06, 2018
4.26/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
On tap at the source. A slightly hazy golden amber color with a small off white head. Killer aroma on this one: Oak, red wine, berries, and a faint funky aspect. The taste followed with all of the above. Really impressed with the wine barrel aspect. Dry finish with a bit of heat. Very interesting and fun beer.
May 06, 2018
Dewsby from Kentucky
4.29/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
L) Pours a lovely rose tinted, hazy straw-amber. Has a white head and acceptable retention when poured vigorously.
S) The nose is loaded with ascetic funk, sharp and tart acidity, wild strawberry, deep black cherry, and slight notes of chasis. It is absolutely lovely and the acidity tingles the nose.
T) Everything in the nose is on the tongue, with a very dry finish, and a bit of the white pepper spice. It is absolutely lovely.
F) Has a creamy mouthfeel for the style, decent body, high carbonation. No complaints.
O) I'm actually really surprised with how solid this brew is. Paired with a fromage d'affinois, was a lovely experience.
May 03, 2018
4.29/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
L) Pours a lovely rose tinted, hazy straw-amber. Has a white head and acceptable retention when poured vigorously.
S) The nose is loaded with ascetic funk, sharp and tart acidity, wild strawberry, deep black cherry, and slight notes of chasis. It is absolutely lovely and the acidity tingles the nose.
T) Everything in the nose is on the tongue, with a very dry finish, and a bit of the white pepper spice. It is absolutely lovely.
F) Has a creamy mouthfeel for the style, decent body, high carbonation. No complaints.
O) I'm actually really surprised with how solid this brew is. Paired with a fromage d'affinois, was a lovely experience.
May 03, 2018
BlackBeerPirate from Illinois
2.93/5 rDev -29.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Taste: tart, sour, funky fermented strawberries, wine barrel notes, acidic, wild yeast. Big fruity, woody, boozy nose. Golden/honey hue, mostly unfiltered, with white foam head and delicate lace. Full body. Vinegar sour mouthfeel was a bit much for my palette.
Apr 10, 2018
2.93/5 rDev -29.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
Taste: tart, sour, funky fermented strawberries, wine barrel notes, acidic, wild yeast. Big fruity, woody, boozy nose. Golden/honey hue, mostly unfiltered, with white foam head and delicate lace. Full body. Vinegar sour mouthfeel was a bit much for my palette.
Apr 10, 2018
Ri0 from Wisconsin
4.16/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Poured 12oz bottle into short stemmed wine glass. Color is hazy, deep gold with a fizzy 2 finger white head that quickly fades away. Aroma is fruity with strawberries, apricot and pear juice. There is some light yeast and funk. Flavor is sweet and tart with the strawberries and honey. Finishes with some wet hay, yeast funk, and hints of spice from the pepper. Feel is very light with prickly carbonation and a dry finish. Enjoyable and flavorful Saison.
Mar 25, 2018
4.16/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Poured 12oz bottle into short stemmed wine glass. Color is hazy, deep gold with a fizzy 2 finger white head that quickly fades away. Aroma is fruity with strawberries, apricot and pear juice. There is some light yeast and funk. Flavor is sweet and tart with the strawberries and honey. Finishes with some wet hay, yeast funk, and hints of spice from the pepper. Feel is very light with prickly carbonation and a dry finish. Enjoyable and flavorful Saison.
Mar 25, 2018
Ciocanelu from Romania
4.2/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Hazy golden color with off-white head. Aroma is really fruity with strawberry, citrus notes and yeast funk. Taste is tart, fruity, funky with farmhouse cellar notes. Medium body and carbonation. Quite well integrated ABV.
Mar 05, 2018
4.2/5 rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Hazy golden color with off-white head. Aroma is really fruity with strawberry, citrus notes and yeast funk. Taste is tart, fruity, funky with farmhouse cellar notes. Medium body and carbonation. Quite well integrated ABV.
Mar 05, 2018
Sabtos from Ohio
4.04/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Nearly opaque, but still sparkling, with an apricot-orange hue. No head.
Smell is apricot, strawberry, orange and peach with a little oaky funk.
Taste is quite sharply sour, but also balanced by funky brett, which is bringing horse blanket, hay and that funky strawberry that seems to emerge in these sorts of beers. However, it's not as funky as some of the other wild strawberry beers I've had, like Jester King's or Cascade's--this is a bit more well-made.
Body is medium, crisp and highly carbonated, closing in on champagne levels, with a semi-dry finish.
Nov 24, 2017
4.04/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Nearly opaque, but still sparkling, with an apricot-orange hue. No head.
Smell is apricot, strawberry, orange and peach with a little oaky funk.
Taste is quite sharply sour, but also balanced by funky brett, which is bringing horse blanket, hay and that funky strawberry that seems to emerge in these sorts of beers. However, it's not as funky as some of the other wild strawberry beers I've had, like Jester King's or Cascade's--this is a bit more well-made.
Body is medium, crisp and highly carbonated, closing in on champagne levels, with a semi-dry finish.
Nov 24, 2017
leantom from Indiana
4.14/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Good beer. A little artificial and spritzy - but still good. Here goes:
A: Very spritzy. That is, the head quickly deteriorates, leaving no lacing. However, the body is a beautiful, cloudy orange-yellow. It looks very nice when held up to a light.
S: Lots of apricot and strawberries - a very fruity concoction, judging by the smell. Though simple, it's rather lovely.
T: On top of the apricot and strawberries - which dominate - there's also pear and sour lemon. In general, the sourness is very lip-puckering. I like it a lot, but it's not for everyone. In general, this is a fruity drink fit for a warm summer day.
F: Light and spritzy.
O: A good brew. Very novel and interesting, at least to me.
Nov 06, 2017
4.14/5 rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Good beer. A little artificial and spritzy - but still good. Here goes:
A: Very spritzy. That is, the head quickly deteriorates, leaving no lacing. However, the body is a beautiful, cloudy orange-yellow. It looks very nice when held up to a light.
S: Lots of apricot and strawberries - a very fruity concoction, judging by the smell. Though simple, it's rather lovely.
T: On top of the apricot and strawberries - which dominate - there's also pear and sour lemon. In general, the sourness is very lip-puckering. I like it a lot, but it's not for everyone. In general, this is a fruity drink fit for a warm summer day.
F: Light and spritzy.
O: A good brew. Very novel and interesting, at least to me.
Nov 06, 2017
SHODriver from North Carolina
4.5/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle from 2013
A: Poured into a Duvel tulip to a light golden orange topped by a finger of dense white head that fades quickly leaving no trace
S: Smells of barnyard, horseblanket, strawberries and some hints of pepper
T: Taste is juicy strawberries up front with a huge dose of horseblanket, band aids and barnyard along with some peppery notes. Honey sweetness as well at times. Slight tartness but definitely not sour. Swallow is more peppery notes, strawberries, band aids, and horse blanket.
M: This beer has a moderate amount of body with a slightly slick mothfeel. Carbonation is nice and effervescent and the beer has a drying finish.
O: Overall this is one very nice saison. Great flavors and complexity but i feel like the base beer is hidden. The yeasty farmhouse notes have taken over. The adjuncts are still there as well. Maybe this tastes different when fresh but I can't complain with how it tastes at four years old.
Sep 12, 2017
4.5/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle from 2013
A: Poured into a Duvel tulip to a light golden orange topped by a finger of dense white head that fades quickly leaving no trace
S: Smells of barnyard, horseblanket, strawberries and some hints of pepper
T: Taste is juicy strawberries up front with a huge dose of horseblanket, band aids and barnyard along with some peppery notes. Honey sweetness as well at times. Slight tartness but definitely not sour. Swallow is more peppery notes, strawberries, band aids, and horse blanket.
M: This beer has a moderate amount of body with a slightly slick mothfeel. Carbonation is nice and effervescent and the beer has a drying finish.
O: Overall this is one very nice saison. Great flavors and complexity but i feel like the base beer is hidden. The yeasty farmhouse notes have taken over. The adjuncts are still there as well. Maybe this tastes different when fresh but I can't complain with how it tastes at four years old.
Sep 12, 2017
Gus_13 from Mississippi
4.21/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Hazy golden in color with a white head full of tiny bubbles. Decent retention but did fade as I drank the glass.
Flavor is tart with a touch of strawberry character and a hint of the pepper. White pepper has a distinct flavor and you definitely pick up some hints of it.
This beer does not drink like 9.5% and could be very dangerous. One of the few beers I pick up every year from them other than Sophie. Not 100% sure it's worth the price of entry but it is a great beer nonetheless.
Apr 17, 2017
4.21/5 rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Hazy golden in color with a white head full of tiny bubbles. Decent retention but did fade as I drank the glass.
Flavor is tart with a touch of strawberry character and a hint of the pepper. White pepper has a distinct flavor and you definitely pick up some hints of it.
This beer does not drink like 9.5% and could be very dangerous. One of the few beers I pick up every year from them other than Sophie. Not 100% sure it's worth the price of entry but it is a great beer nonetheless.
Apr 17, 2017
larryi86 from Delaware
4.19/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
765 ml bottle, 2016, poured into chalice
A- A fairly clear golden yellow with a small white head.
S- Tart strawberries, some honey, touch of peppercorns and funk, oak, brett, some wine
T- Tart strawberries, brett, some peppercorns, some barnyard funk, some oak, touch of honey.
M- Smooth, light to medium body.
O- A solid strawberry sour, worth trying.
Apr 02, 2017
4.19/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
765 ml bottle, 2016, poured into chalice
A- A fairly clear golden yellow with a small white head.
S- Tart strawberries, some honey, touch of peppercorns and funk, oak, brett, some wine
T- Tart strawberries, brett, some peppercorns, some barnyard funk, some oak, touch of honey.
M- Smooth, light to medium body.
O- A solid strawberry sour, worth trying.
Apr 02, 2017
zac16125 from South Carolina
4.6/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Goose Island Gillian
750mL bottle into a tulip
2016 vintage
A: Pouts a golden color, very hazy nearly opaque, small bright white head builds and dissipates quickly. Leaves no lacing. 4
S: Aroma is quite fruity with tons of strawberry notes, prominent funk with burnt plastic and a pungent barnyard character. Its tart and sweet, a bit oaky, very subtle peppery spice. There is a ton going on on the nose here, its very nice. 4.5
T: Taste is super tart, in a good way. It has a puckering sourness, which is great. Its fairly funky as well. Lots of oak. Some citrus notes. Not much fruit at all, subtle strawberry. Faint vinegary wine notes, but overall vinous characters are mild. Exceptional. 4.75
M/D: Mouthfeel is medium body, carbonation is very high but appropriate, ABV which is high for the style is remarkably well masked and drinkability is excellent. 4.75
O: Overall this is a terrific beer. The high price tag makes it a rare treat, but it's worth it. 4.5
Jan 21, 2017
4.6/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Goose Island Gillian
750mL bottle into a tulip
2016 vintage
A: Pouts a golden color, very hazy nearly opaque, small bright white head builds and dissipates quickly. Leaves no lacing. 4
S: Aroma is quite fruity with tons of strawberry notes, prominent funk with burnt plastic and a pungent barnyard character. Its tart and sweet, a bit oaky, very subtle peppery spice. There is a ton going on on the nose here, its very nice. 4.5
T: Taste is super tart, in a good way. It has a puckering sourness, which is great. Its fairly funky as well. Lots of oak. Some citrus notes. Not much fruit at all, subtle strawberry. Faint vinegary wine notes, but overall vinous characters are mild. Exceptional. 4.75
M/D: Mouthfeel is medium body, carbonation is very high but appropriate, ABV which is high for the style is remarkably well masked and drinkability is excellent. 4.75
O: Overall this is a terrific beer. The high price tag makes it a rare treat, but it's worth it. 4.5
Jan 21, 2017
breadwinner from California
4.42/5 rDev +6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
What fun, nose hits all the ingredients promised, honeyed strawberry shortcake with a light bit of pepper. Palate follows suit, sweet, strawberries unmistakable, maybe a light Brett bitterness in the finish. Don't overthink this one - it's just good, fun indulgence.
Dec 28, 2016
4.42/5 rDev +6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
What fun, nose hits all the ingredients promised, honeyed strawberry shortcake with a light bit of pepper. Palate follows suit, sweet, strawberries unmistakable, maybe a light Brett bitterness in the finish. Don't overthink this one - it's just good, fun indulgence.
Dec 28, 2016
Gillian from Goose Island Beer Co.
Beer rating:
93 out of
100 with
809 ratings
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