Review of Goose Island Summertime Beer
Posted By Ken Sunday, 03 August 2008 14:38
Here is another summer seasonal beer, this time from the Goose Island line of brews. We've only done one review of Goose Island to this point, so when Zach and I were at the liquor store last night and saw this seasonal, I had to get it. Read on and see how it stacked up.
Ken's Review
Taste: B+ Much like the other summer seasonals tried so far, Goose Island Summertime basically uses spice and fruitiness and mixes it with beer. There isn't anything overly special about the taste of this, but it is a very smooth and clean tasting summertime beer. There is a hint of spice to it, and if there is some citrus or other fruitiness to it, you really have to focus to find it. The aftertaste is not bad, and finishes nicely. While this isn't the greatest summer beer I've had, it certainly isn't terrible. I would maybe recommend going with something else if you are looking for more subtance to your seasonal.
Packaging: B- Nothing too overly special here. The label has the Goose Island logo in the center, with the trademark goose head. The background of the label has a very-well blocked view of a beach. Only a small margin around the logo shows the background. Not too sure why the beach scene was covered up so much, but the packaging would have been nicer with more to look at than the goose.
Value: C+ A sixer of this ran me $7.99. I understand it is a seasonal, but the value isn't there in this one. I would definitely see spending this much on a Leinenkugel's or Sam Adams summer seasonal, but this one doesn't really deserve that high of a price tag. Also given the alcohol content (see below) it is especially not worth it.
Drunkenness: C- Goose Island Summertime runs at a 5% flat alcohol content, making it a poor option if you want to get a good buzz/drunken state going on. Unless you really have to have a summer seasonal, go with something cheaper with more content to it for those party nights. Or go with a seasonal that can top 5%.
Overall: C- I was a big fan of the Goose Island Urban Wheat, and while I'm not a hater of the Summertime, this beer could have delivered more to make me happy. I just didn't get out of it what I was expecting. The Urban Wheat had some nice kick to it, and that's what I was hoping for here, but it just didn't happen. It's decent enough to try once, but better summertime options are out there.