Wild Goose India Pale Ale

Pros: A very drinkable, respectably hoppy brew.
Cons: Not as much Ringwood character as I would like in a Ringwood ale.

When is a Ringwood beer not a Ringwood beer? When it’s a Wild Goose Ringwood beer. Ringwood, of course, is a special strain of yeast that imparts a uniquely English buttery accent to beers it is fermented with. Notable Ringwood brewers include ...

Pros: Flavorful Hop Bouquet
Cons: Too Bitter for Some Palates

Goose Island India Pale Ale is brewed in the classic tradition of the IPA style of beer. We can credit the British for bringing us the India Pale Ale style. This type of beer is known for its high hop content and spicy taste. Goose Island IPA has a very...

Pros: wonderful example of a classic style
Cons: limited distribution

I recently wrote a review on the great Goose Island Beer Co. This fantastic microbrewery/brewpub from Chicago is an essential visit on any trip out to the Midwest. They have the two brewpubs in the city and I seem to find time to get to ...

Pros: Delicious
Cons: I'll get back to you if I find any!

The term IPA or India Pale Ale describes a beer that was designed to withstand the long voyage to the far reaches of the British Empire. To survive the often harsh journey to the four corners of the earth, particularly the Indian...

Pros: bitter
Cons: wang

Because even the most wishy-washy, I-Just-Wanna-Be-Nice, terminally uncritical rater would have a very hard time giving the bars at the right even a Somewhat Helpful rating for usefulness in this category:
Weight: 3 - Light Body
Flavor: 3 -...

Pros: wonderful, flavorful IPA at a great price
Cons: none

Maybe I don’t appreciate the Goose Island Brewery as much as I should. Sure, they make plenty of varieties of beer, much of it quite good. Still, some of their products have come up short on occasion. Some of the other craft brewers in nearby ...

Pros: A very hoppy beer
Cons: Not as balanced as it could be

Part Two - The Goose Story Unfolds

Last week I sampled the Goose Island Hex Nut Brown Ale and I promised to continue to taste and review other Goose Island beers. Tonight, the India Pale Ale. I fear I should warn you I am just home from...

Pros: Delicious, moderately strong brew from Chicago.
Cons: May be difficult to find outside it's native area

This is my second taste test of a Chicago, Illinois beer this week. My readers may well have looked at my review of Honker’s Ale from Goose Island which is posted above. This one came from the same supermarket trawl. I am posting the reviews side by...

Pros: A fine example of the English style IPA
Cons: Some people might prefer the more highly hopped American IPAs

My fondness for the India Pale Ale style is pretty well documented. There's something about drinking a hoppy IPA that always rings true. An IPA buzz is sure to hit the spot. It's one of the more satisfying of all beer experiences.

Of...

Pros: true to the current IPA style
Cons: bitter, bitter, bitter, bitter, bitter, and bitter

I love the Frederick Brewing Company and their products. They make some very top notch, enjoyable beers and I have had all of them. Wild Goose India Pale Ale is true to the style of IPAs with its strong hop character. This is not a beer for the faint...

Pros: Mildly sweet accents; citrus-like aroma
Cons: Strong bitter taste throughout

This is a hard one to review because I didn't find much pleasure in finishing a mug of this pale ale. Don't get me wrong, I did have high hopes when I decided to try it but was quickly disappointed after the first swallow. Goose Island India Pale Ale has...

Pros: Rich, full-bodied taste
Cons: May be too "bitter" for sensitive palates

As I've grown older, I've taken up tastes, flavors and sensations that I couldn't handle as a kid. I never liked any form of sparkling water, now San Pellegrino (with its bubbles) is my favorite; I drank my coffee with plenty of cream and lots of sugar;...

Pros: Smooth tasting. Flower-like hop bouquet.
Cons: A bit too rich for more than a few.

Although I normally make it to Goose Island Brewery but a few times a year, I've lately been looking for excuses to make my visits a regular event. Why? Their IPA on tap. Smoothed over with a boost from a nitrogen/Co2 blend, the richness and creaminess...

Pros: mild, smooth, with minimal IPA aftertaste
Cons: not many save for I can't find it in CO

Goose Island is reminiscent of Swale Pale Ale, one of the recent Pales to take the Best Beer of Britain. Though not as distinctive as the Swale, the aroma, taste, and finish are nearly identical.
A person must love hops to enjoy this beer, and for...

Pros: Very Close to Style, Great Cascade Aroma
Cons: None

First, an IPA is a high gravity, high alcohol, assertively bitter beer that should be balanced with a good malt body.

This IPA hits you smack in the face with a strong Cascade/Centennial hop nose. The appearance is golden to pale in color...