Subscribe Feed (RSS)Goose Island Juliet and Sofie
July 14th, 2009 by Aaron Goldfarb | Filed under Brewer: Goose Island, Country: America, Grade: A-, Grade: B plus, Style: Saison/Farmhouse Ale, Style: Wild Ale.Was lucky enough to get to try the two newest releases from Goose Island’s Reserve Series, and here are your reporter’s humble findings.
Juliet
6.7% ABV on tap
It had been a real struggle to find this wild ale that’s been getting magnificent reviews, so when I learned that the very much underrated UWS beer bar George Keeley’s inexplicably had the only keg in the city, I decided to start Happy Hour at 2:00 PM and head up there. So new, a tap doesn’t even exist for it–that’s just a computer label hastily scotch taped onto the handle–Juliet has an absolutely tantalizing description on the brewery website: “Fermented with wild yeasts and aged in Cabernet barrels with blackberries, Juliet is a tart, fruity, complex ale. Notes of wood, tannin, dark fruit and spice make Juliet an ideal beer to suggest to Pinot Noir enthusiasts and beer drinkers who are fond of Belgian sour ales.” Alas, I found that description a tad more erotic than the beer itself, though, don’t get me wrong, this is a very, very good beer. Somewhat lacking in flavor upon first sip, the wild yeasts eventually came through strong, stinging my uvula with every sip for I have neglected to mention that I was nursing a sore throat. It went down harsh but the taste was still great. I probably should have just gargled and spat to prevent the intense throat pain. But that wouldn’t be fair. Oh, what I do for you guys, playing through the pain. I truly am the Willis Reed of beer reviewing.
A-
Sofie
6.5% ABV bottled
The Captain secured this bottle for me, Goose Island’s wild yeasted and aged in wine barrels saison. Wow is it fizzy, foamy, and effervescent. Tingly on the mouth like champagne, a slight sourness from the wild yeast. Tastes of citrus and pepper, this a solid enough saison though perhaps a tad boring. Just like this review.
B+
And thus, my final overall rankings for the Goose Island Reserve Series:
1. Matilda
2. Juliet
3. Pere Jaques
4. Sofie
But they’re all quite swell. Goose Island continues to make some pretty great to even mindblowing stuff and prove they are one of the Midwestern’s finest breweries.
