Goose Island The Illinois
Last week, I received a package from Goose Island. In it were samples of 312 Urban Wheat Ale (which I have had several times in the past), their new year-round offering 312 Urban Pale Ale and The Illinois. The new pale ale was tasty with a solid hop character. This 9% ABV and 95 IBU imperial IPA, however, packs so much more hoppiness and balance than it smaller sibling ever could.
The imperial IPA is not foreign to me. I’ve had my share of them throughout the years. Some range from full-on liquid hops while other are overly sweeet or too boozy. Few have mastered that smooth balance while still bringing a good amount of hop bitterness to the table. The Illinois is one of those that not only packs a punch, but also a surprising amount of balance.
Appearance
The Illinois pours a deep amber in color with a crown of light beighe foam that left behind decent lace work as it dropped.
Aroma
Pine, resin, grapefruit, light orange, caramel and soft bready notes combine for a smooth and even keeled aroma.
Taste
As with any good imperial IPA, the hops lead the way with this beer. Pine, resin, a spicy character and loads of citrus combine wonderfully with a moderate malt sweetness. The bitterness builds slowly until it swells with a moderate-to-high bite before fading smoothly to the lightly warming and lasting finish. There’s a solid amount of bready malt that helps temper the hop presence and bring about some balance to the experience. The brew has a medium-to-full body with an oily texture that glides effortlessly over the tongue.
Overall
Ever since Goose Island was purchased by A-B Inbev, folks that I know have derided them and avoided their products. From what I’ve experienced with my own purchases and promotional samples received, it looks like the conglomerate has left the brewers of Goose Island to continue doing what they want and churning out some excellent beers.
Whether it be an incredible Gillian or this impressive offering, the company hasn’t let up on quality or craft. The Illinois isn’t the best imperial IPA out there, but I’ll be damned if I didn’t thoroughly enjoy the two bottles I received.
Rating: 4.25/5
This is a review of a promotional sample from the brewery.
