Who Made This Stuff? Goose Island Beer Co., Chicago, IL
Review Date: 8/27/10
Commentary: I have tried this one before, but that was before the creation of the Root Beer Rundown (around here we refer to that time period as BRBR – Before Root Beer Rundown). Back then, the label was very different. When I noticed this one on the shelf at the store in the middle of our Root Beer Road Trip, I thought I had stumbled upon a completely new brew. Alas, it was just a new label on one I had already tried. Since I had not done a review of it, I decided to buy some. I seem to remember thinking that Goose Island was a pretty good root beer. Well, now I have to chance to drink some more and record my observations for all the world to know. Here goes…
Hey, I remembered correctly. This is some good stuff. When I opened the bottle, I got a little whiff of wintergreen, but not too strong. Smelled like a nice spicy root beer should. It produced a decent head when poured. The head was not enormous, but it was high enough to earn good marks. It stuck around for a little while too. In fact, after several sips, there is still a pleasant ring of foam around the edge of my glass.
Great mouth feel on this one. I can definitely tell it is made with real sugar. Good carbonation here, too. This brew is holding its fizz nicely. The bubbles are small, just the way I like ‘em. There is a good bite in there – just about right. The bite does not arrive until after you get a little creamy hit at first, though. I am really enjoying this one. Nice work, Goose Island!
I would gladly serve this root beer to my guests, and I recommend it to you. I am glad that I have a couple bottles of this stuff left in the fridge. I think I bought it in a four-pack. As a Green Bay native, and die-hard Packer fan, it really pains me to admit that something good can come from Chicago. However, in this case, I have no choice. I will score this one as……………………………………………90.