Better Drinking

On a recent business trip to Chicago, I had the very good providence to be taken to Goose Island Brewery, where nothing remotely related to business was discussed. The topic of conversation, unbelievably, was beer. My own likes and dislikes, the technique of brewing (of which I am an amateur), and styles of beer in general. Needless to say after several days of travel, meetings, hotel rooms, and rental cars, it was quite pleasant to take a break, especially so in the form of a brew pub. I don't really know much about Goose Island Brewery, but if you happen to be in Chicago, make the effort to visit and quaff a few beers.

I ordered 8 different 5 oz samples, which is really the best way to try a variety of new beers. I didn't write down notes (even I'm not that much of a geek) but here are the mini reviews:

Summertime Kolsch Bier - light and fruity, this one was very refreshing but not as crisp as some kolschs I've have. A good warm weather beer.

Nut Brown Ale - sweet but clean, this is a good drinking beer without surprises or fanfare.

India Pale Ale - not being a hop-head, I don't usually favor the IPA style, but this one was relatively subdued making it good for my palate, but not necessarily best in class

Myebock - With the addition of rye to the mash, this is their version of a German maibock, except they used an ale yeast for a lager style beer, something that Rogue does with Dead Guy Ale. The rye made it interesting, but not terribly unique. I think a lager yeast would have brought out those flavors more distinctly.

Matilda - this is their version of a Belgian Pale Ale; good, but not very descript in terms of flavor or aroma. It was good, but it tasted like a homebrew. This is not an insult, just an observation.

Trippel - Better than Matilda, this one is an American interpretation of a Trippel, high gravity, sweet and clean, but not clean enough since the spiciness was way too quiet. Maybe 5 oz was not enough...

18 year ESB - Not an 18 year old beer, but their anniversary brew, cask-conditioned at that. Very smooth and balanced. Not a lot of carbonation, which is just perfect for a cask-conditioned ESB. I could have drank some pints of this.

Oatmeal Stout - Very dark, with a nice creamy head, this one was thick and loaded with malt, coffee, and chocolate flavors. By way of taste, the oatmeal is mostly hidden (not unusual), but manifests itself in mouthfeel and head retention. Good stuff.

Overall, I can't complain. One of my vendors was paying, so I was happy to drink. Of course, I'm happy to drink even when paying for my own. If you live in place that has them, support your local brew-pub.