Tasting Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat

Now that AB/InBev/Evil Empire has gobbled up Goose Island I figured I'd better start sampling from my reserves before the craft beer Mod Squad (just dated myself) tells me I'm breaking some independent brewery loyalty law. Ahhhhh, let them try to get my Bourbon County Stout. They'll have to pry it from my cold dead hands. As long as Goose Island continues to produce a quality product I see no reason not to enjoy it. I'm always for the little guy and I've read and seen enough on AB/Inbev to understand why the distaste exists, though I have a hard time grasping some of the extreme hatred. However the powers that be at GI made a business decision they believe is beneficial to the company. Remember, it wasn't some kind of hostile takeover. We can only hope that AB doesn't infect the Goose with too much negative macro influence, ultimately screwing up a good thing. I'm more curious to see what all the beer heads will say if AB/InBev actually makes improvements, i.e., a boost to the standard product lineup, expanded distribution, more experimental beers or lower prices. Will those who have already sworn off Goose Island have a sudden change of heart? I'm sure many will still have a difficult time seeing anything good about a company that has been touched by the so called Evil Empire of brewing.

AB/InBev's purchasing power allowed them to get Goose Island for approximately $38.8 million. My purchasing power brought home a sixer of Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat from Whole Foods in NYC. With spring here and summer not far off it's time to roll out the wheat beers. 312, without trying to sound overly cliché, is spring/summer in a bottle. The pour is a slightly hazy yellow with a white, fluffy 2 finger head. The visual is a perfect lead in for the taste; mild, mild, mild. The hops are toned down and there's no big flavor rush. The crisp clean wheat, biscuit, lemon and grassy flavors never go beyond mellow. It's nothing fancy and may even swing macro drinkers over to the craft beer side. This 4.2% abv session beer will preform best on a summer day once the thermometer reaches 90 and a serious refresher is desired.

AB/InBev Aquires Goose Island

Yesterday the mysterious Kelleigh returned from NYC with Goose Island Matilda, 312 and IPA.  This morning I read from Jack and Lew that the Goose has been gobbled up.  The masters of macro muck have wrapped their hands around Goose Island Brewing and added it to their portfolio.  I'm sure that many craft beer fans will have a problem with this.  I can already hear the mass chant of,  "No more Goose Island, no more Goose Island".  For me the Matilda goes on a shelf in the cellar and the IPA and 312 are already cooling in the beer fridge. When the time comes I doubt I'll have a problem enjoying them.

Below are several links for more information on the subject and a letter from Goose Island Founder John Hall posted on the GI website.

Chicago Tribune

HuffPost Chicago

Chicago Breaking Business

Time Out Chicago

March 28, 2011


Dear Friends,

When I first started Goose Island Clybourn in 1988, drinkers were just beginning to explore new beer styles and "craft beer" was a term that no one had even thought of. I couldn't imagine the explosive growth that craft beer has had in the last few years, or the amazing creativity of so many new brewers, and the discovery of the amazing possibilities of beer by a whole generation of drinkers.

I am very proud of Goose Island's contribution to this craft beer movement, of the many awards won by our brewers, our growing number of employees, our support of the communities and life of Chicago, and the friendship of so many beer lovers in Chicago and elsewhere.

Over the past five years our partnerships with Craft Brewers Alliance and Anheuser-Busch have enabled Goose Island to reach a growing number of beer drinkers. This has fueled our growth to the point that demand for our beers has outgrown the capacity of our brewery. Recently, we’ve even had to limit production of some classic and medal-winning styles. To keep up with growing demand from drinkers we’ve explored a variety of paths to secure new capital to support our growth.

Today’s agreement to consolidate ownership of Goose Island under Anheuser-Busch will provide us with the best resources available to continue along our path of growth and innovation.

I am more excited than ever about Goose Island’s future. With the support and financial backing of our new partner, we will continue to brew our authentic classic styles, develop new amazing beers, and serve our drinkers.

Cheers!

John Hall