Best non-specialty Goose beer?

I'm assuming we're also taking out the one-offs at the GI taproom, correct? Basically, we're talking about the best GI stuff that's distributed (currently, so I assume things like Nightstalker are also out), if I'm not misunderstanding.

My votes: Goose IPA (it was one of the first that got me into hoppy beers, and I still think it's a very solid take on the style) or The Illinois. The Illinois fresh was one of the best DIPAs GI has made, in my opinion (although I later had a bottled version that wasn't nearly as good).

For what it's worth, I think they might be close to canning Green Line (I seem to remember something on social media hinting at that), in which case it would be the 3rd beer on my list (in no particular order).

 

Let me put it to you this way--The last time I had Goose IPA, it didn't 100% line up with earlier bottles/pours I've had, and either way, it's definitely not a standout, in my opinion. It's just...what I would imagine a standard IPA should be, and I like it for that.

In terms of Green Line, I tracked down the post. Goose Island posted a pic on Instagram 3 weeks ago with the caption "Some fresh Green Line in the works." Someone commented saying "Need it in a bottle or can Lolol" and Goose responded "you may be on to something..."

So my guess is, yes, it's coming. Hopefully it tastes the same if/when it does.

 

Green Line in bottles just showed up in St. Louis. Here's the link to a local store advertising the release.

http://blog.wineandcheeseplace.com/2016/02/new-goose-island-green-line-pale.html

 

Thanks for making me look better!


Hopefully they'll can at some point, though.

 

Matilda or Sophie are good beers and even better values. The rest of their core beers are so utterly generic/mediocre (312, Goose IPA, etc). I'd rather pay the few extra bucks for something worthwhile.

 

I enjoyed the Muddy to a degree. It was definitely something different.

 

Sofie.

 

Honkers Ale for me. I like it more than BCBS and most of the variants I've tried, but the sisters are my favorite brews from Goose.

 

matilda.
so good fresh and gets way funkier with age.
best budget brett beer... alliteration be damned

 

No sister series beers.

 

Very odd that they're making a locally available, tap-only beer available in St. Louis. How are they gonna explain "Green Line?"

 

I haven't had many from them, but Honkers is solid. Also, when evaluating Goose IPA, one should keep in mind that it is a English-style IPA. (Though I believe that it's merely average by any measure, really.)

 

In that case, I'd rather stuff $10 in a garbage disposal

Though since everyone keeps talking about a Chicago only beer I don't know why I can't recommend a year round nationally distributed 4-pack

 

I always liked Harvest, then the gits went and retired it.

 

Honkers

 

It's hard to find 312, IPA and Honkers fresh in my parts. They are frequently old on store shelves in many stores. When relatively fresh I really like Honkers.

 

Goose IPA is not one I will get for my fridge, but generally an agreeable option when I'm out at a basic bar/pub. Other than that and BCBS's, I've only had Matilda and Sofie, both of which are great for the $$.