Goose Island 17 Year ESB

On tap at the clybourn location...Poured a rich brown with a thick lasting tan head. Left great lacing all the way down. Aromas were very malty with hints of orange and citrus. Flavors were similar to aromas with added hop notes and a bold mouthfeel. Very characteristic of a good ESB, very enjoyable from start to finish.

Light mahogany in color with a creamy, ecru film that stayed and produced an excellent lace. Heavy malt aromas were roasted and cookie-ish with a light citrus undertone. Very well-balanced (aroma to flavor) with the taste showcasing the hops, starting moderately sweet but ending heavily bitter with a light, citric acidity. Smooth. Creamy. Excellent.

<font size=-4>On tap at <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/Places/ShowPlace.asp?PlaceID=16>Goose Island Beer Company (Clybourn), Chicago, IL<font size=-1>

Tap. Deep cloudy amber. This was a big one, and not at all what I expected. Very high hop character, thick and chewy body. This was a surprise. Smell was hoppy in an English way, very nice and pretty to look at. Taste was clean malts, a little fruity. No dust, which was good. Hops were a combination of the best English coupled with Bold Americans, I’d guess. Bitter and fresh. Well balanced across the tongue. A damn fine ESB from GI.

On tap at the brewery: Dark orange/brown, earthy/chewy goodness with a solid mouthfeel and rich bitterness. Excellent big beer.

Cask: picturesque off the beer engine – slightly hazed darkly bronzed body with a full and retentive, thick tan cream. Perfect serving temperature. Dusty, soft malted fruit aroma with strawberries, hone suckle & sweet caramel. Palate is a bit too thin, but is soft and smooth. Flavours of lightly toasted grains, sticky fruits (berries & pears) and a nice long, dry finish of bitter grapefruity hops. Another stellar showing from the Goose Casks….