Goose Island Dortmunder

Tap at HDG. Cloudy yellow with a sturdy white head. Aroma is subtle malts with some tangerine. Taste is spot on what I expect. Nice tasty malts are the highlight. Body is smooth with a snappy hop bitterness in the finish.

Last of the afternoon. Had a great time at Clybourn. As the afternoon progressed the notes were less involved. Go Figure? Clear and pale golden. Heardly noticeable nose. Dry and crisp. Sweet. Easy drinking, yet unimpressed.

A tasty brew though I would say that w/ it’s hop character and ABV, it’s closer to Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold than a traditional Dortmunder export--not that there’s anything wrong w/ that. It’s a slightly orange golden--maybe a touch darker than I would expect--w/ a foamy white head and lots of lace. The nose is mostly hoppy--slightly citric w/ a definitely funky earthy undertone. The malt character is subdued and mostly limited to a simple sweetness with some bready character which is complimented by an earthy bitterness in the finish.

Decent Dort. Not as bready as I’d like, a bit overhopped perhaps? Earthy body with a bit of musk and some bitterness coming through. I bit thin for as big as it’s supposed to be. Decent, but not outstanding.

Clybourn. Clear gold with a big, fluffy, pillow-like white head and lacing that mimics a blanketing snow drift. Crisp lemons, subtle spicy floral hops, spray starch and fresh, staunchy baguettes make-up the aroma portion of the show. Crisp and semi-musky flavor tendencies help to elevate this one to a position of power that challenges Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold from the get-go. Big, bready currents. Charming, subtle and spicy hop profile. Baguette crunch is furthered with decorative flour powder. Never acidic or astringent. Medium-bodied and we’re doing great. Balance is achieved to-a-tee, finishing with baguettes, potato bread and yeasty flour assertions. Best of class, no doubt.