Attention, Houstonians: There is a new beer in town- a beer harboring from the Midwest and ready to spread its influence to the Lone Star State. The beer is Goose Island, recipient of dozens of awards and now available on draught throughout the Houston area. Since the company was purchased by Anheuser- Busch, it has increased its footprint and is now offered in many new markets nationwide.
What is Goose Island?
Goose Island is a Chicago- based craft brewing operation that has been around since 1988, serving the Chicago area and nearby states. Its products have won awards at the Great American Beer Festival, World Beer Championships, World Beer Cup, and other prestigious taste competitions. It is one of the most popular breweries in the Midwest and, thanks in no small part to its acquisition by Anheuser- Busch InBev, it is now enjoying newfound popularity as its products are distributed nationwide for the first time.
Which Beers are Available?
Goose Island is launching the following products across the USA:
Annual Goose Island beers
- 312 Urban Wheat Ale- A crisp wheat beer with citrus hops
- Honker’s Ale- An English style bitter known for its balance and drinkability
- India Pale Ale- A hoppy beer with a fruity aroma and long hop finish
Seasonal Goose Island beers
- Mild Winter- An easy to drink ale with caramel and rye flavors
- Summertime- A German Kolsch beer made for the warmer weather
- Harvest Ale- An ESB made with Cascade hops
Consumer demand for the beer is expected to be high and to help meet the demand, Goose Island products will be brewed at two large breweries: The Anheuser- Busch brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado and the Anheuser- Busch brewery in Baldwinsville, New York. Brewmaster Brett Porter (can you think of a better last name for a brewer?) will lead the production of the beers at both breweries to ensure quality.
“We’re beyond excited to bring 312 Urban Wheat Ale, Honker's Ale, IPA and our seasonal beers to consumers across the country,” said Porter. “At the same time, the original Chicago brewery is increasing capacity for barrel aging, and expanding availability of high-end, experimental and specialty beers like Bourbon County Brand Stout, Sofie and Matilda. Now, more beer lovers will be able to regularly enjoy Goose Island products that showcase our brewing quality, imagination and skill.”
Goose Island products are available nationwide only in draught form at the moment, but this will change in the spring when bottles make their way to area stores. I checked with a Goose Island representative and was told that the Houston area can expect to receive bottled beer as early as March, 2013.
Time to Make Your Move:
America’s craft beer boom shows no signs of slowing down and Houstonians can now add Goose Island to the growing list of craft beer options. Look for it at your favorite restaurant or tavern today and enjoy the many fine malt beverage products brewed and sold by this award- winning Midwestern brewery.
Want to read more about the world’s greatest beverage? Visit Great Beer Now!
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