312 Urban Pale Ale

Goose Island Brewing Co.

Brewed in Baldwinsville, NY & Ft. Collins, CO

Type of beer:  Pale ale

ABV: 5.4%

Appearance: Clear and deep copper, with a thin white head that disappears quickly.

Aroma: A faint toffee sweetness, some caramel malt as well. Slight spicy hop presence.

Mouthfeel: Moderate carbonation, medium bodied.

Taste: Balance of biscuity malt and spicy-peppery hops. Dry finish with a pleasing bit of bitterness.

Overall impression: This is a pale ale in the traditional sense. It’s not a modern American hop bomb, but rather one that embraces the balance between the grain bill and the hop additions. That makes it versatile, an ale suited for a night out on the town or an afternoon cookout. Expect to see it at both, since Goose Island beers are now being widely distributed across the country by its parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev. It’s an easy drinker but one that doesn’t command attention while being consumed.

John Holl
John is the editor of All About Beer Magazine, the host of The Beer Briefing on iHeart Radio, and the author of three books, including The American Craft Beer Cookbook. Find him on Twitter @John_Holl.