In 2011, Anheuser-Busch (now known as Anheuser-Busch InBev) purchased the Chicago-based craft brewery, Goose Island Beer Company, for an estimated $38.8 million. Founded in 1988 by Honore’Ds Passano, Goose Island Beer Company is credited as being the first craft brewery in Chicago and one of the earliest craft breweries to help create America’s craft beer revolution.
The brewers focused on creating unique and delicious beers by using traditional techniques such as barrel-aging and open fermenters, as well as incorporating ingredients like wild flowers, fruits, spices, and herbs.
In 2015, Goose Island Beer Company became part of Anheuser-Busch InBev’s High End division, a craft-focused arm of the world’s biggest brewer. This gave the craft brewery a wider worldwide distribution while maintaining their innovative approach to brewing.
In addition to the beer-making experience itself, Goose Island Beer Company also offers a variety of experiences to discover craft beer including events, tours, and educational opportunities. As the company grows, they remain focused on their mission of creating quality beers and brewing them in the right place at the right time.
How much did Budweiser buy Goose Island for?
In 2011, Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) purchased the Chicago-based craft brewery Goose Island Beer Company for a reported $38.8 million. In an effort to expand its craft beer portfolio, AB InBev sought to buy the award-winning brewery, which had grown quickly since its debut as the first craft brewery in Chicago in 1988.
The acquisition specifically referred to the purchase of the Goose Island brand, including its brewing facility, three pubs, and other assets. Goose Island would go on to become one of the leading brands of craft beer and it remains a popular choice for many craft beer connoisseurs.
How much was Goose Island brewery sold for?
In 2011, Anheuser-Busch InBev purchased Chicago craft brewery Goose Island for a reported $38.8 million. This transaction marked the first time a major U. S. beverage conglomerate had bought a craft brewer.
Prior to the acquisition, Goose Island had grown to become one of the most successful breweries in the craft brewing industry since its founding in 1988, producing a wide array of award-winning beers such as its highly acclaimed IPA.
Since the sale, Goose Island beer has become increasingly more accessible to consumers, as it is now sold in many major U. S. retail locations, as well as in nearly 30 countries around the world. The brewery has also greatly expanded its production capabilities, allowing it to make more beer styles than ever before.
The move to become part of Anheuser-Busch InBev has allowed Goose Island to achieve greater success while still proudly wearing their independent craft brewer label.
Why is it called Goose Island?
Goose Island is so named because it is one of many islets off the coast of Chicago in Lake Michigan. The island was originally settled by John Kinzie in 1804, and was likely named after a significant population of Canadian Geese that lived on the island at the time.
Over the years, Goose Island has grown in size and is now comprised of three separate landmasses connected by bridges and one causeway. Development of the area began in the 1980s and since then it has become a popular spot for businesses, commercial enterprises, and residential living.
The area is now known for its diverse range of activities, from fine dining, to art galleries, and everything in between. Goose Island has also become a popular destination for tourists, who can spend their days exploring the area and taking in the many amazing sights and sounds along the way.
No matter why people come to Goose Island, the name will forever be associated with this beautiful part of Chicago.
Where is Goose Island Beer manufactured?
Goose Island Beer is manufactured at the Goose Island Brewhouse, located in Chicago, Illinois. The Goose Island Brewhouse has been producing award-winning craft beer since the early 1990s and is known for its barrel-aged beers, sour ales, and traditional styles.
Goose Island Beer is formulated and brewed onsite with ingredients sourced from the Midwest and around the world. They are known for their signature IPA that has won multiple awards and accolades. Additionally, Goose Island Beer also offers seasonals, barrel-aged series, small batch beers, and specialty brews.
Combining traditional brewing with innovation is what sets Goose Island apart from other craft breweries, with countless beers receiving medals at the Great American Beer Festival, the World Beer Championships, and numerous other esteemed industry awards.
What happened to Goose Island Honkers Ale?
Goose Island Honkers Ale was first brewed in 1995 at the original Goose Island brew pub located on North Clybourn Avenue in Chicago. The beer quickly became one of the most popular beers in the city and was available nationally by 1998.
Unfortunately, the beer was discontinued in 2012 when parent company Anheuser-Busch InBev acquired the brewery. The beer was replaced by 312 Urban Wheat Ale, a lighter bodied beer which tapped into the modern craft beer trend.
Sadly, the discontinuation of Honkers Ale was accompanied by the closure of Goose Island’s original brew pub. This decision was met with much anger and disappointment among fans of the beer and Goose Island’s loyal customer base.
Some speculated that Budweiser was feeling threatened by the increasingly popular Goose Island beers, and was purposefully phasing them out.
Since its closure, Honkers Ale has been mentioned quite frequently on beer rating and review websites, with many drinkers noting how much they regret its disappearance. Fans of the beer may still be able to find some bottles of the beer floating around due to the wide distribution, but it is now officially discontinued and will not be brewed again.
Is Goose Island 312 discontinued?
No, Goose Island 312 is not discontinued. The 312 Urban Wheat Ale is a staple in the Goose Island family of beers and continues to be produced and enjoyed today. Launched in 1990, 312 has become an iconic beer since its release, with its crisp wheat finish and no bitter aftertaste.
Goose Island’s 312 is brewed with a selection of specialty hops and a blend of two-row, pilsen, and wheat malts, giving it a light, fruity flavor. The response to 312 has been incredible, with people from all over the world asking for it by name.
Because of its popularity, 312 is available in different countries, as well as throughout the United States. If you’re looking for a great wheat ale with no bitter finish, look no further than Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale.
Is Goose Island Independent?
No, Goose Island is not independent. The Chicago-based brewery was founded in 1988 and was an independent, family-owned brewery until 2011 when it was purchased by Anheuser-Busch InBev. Following the acquisition, Anheuser-Busch InBev has maintained the Goose Island brand and the beer continues to be brewed in the original brewery in Chicago.
Despite the acquisition, Goose Island has continued to release innovative beer recipes, expand distribution, and extend its reach around the world.
Is Goose Island a lager?
No, Goose Island is not a lager. Instead, it is a craft brewery that produces a variety of different beer styles, including ales, lagers, pilsners, IPAs, sours, and other experimental varieties. The brewery is located in Chicago and has been in operation since 1988, making it one of the oldest craft breweries in the United States.
While the brewery does produce a few styles of lagers, the majority of their beers are ales. Some of their most popular types of ale include the popular ‘312 Urban Wheat’ Ale, the ‘Honkers Ale’, and their ‘Sweetwater IPA’.
Additionally, they are known for continually experimenting with new flavor profiles to bring unique and interesting flavors to their beer.
What kind of drink is a Goose Island?
Goose Island is a craft brewery located in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in beer and other alcoholic beverages. Founded in 1988, Goose Island is one of the most well-known craft breweries in the United States, and the beers it produces are available all over the country.
The brewery’s flagship offering is Goose Island IPA, which has a medium body, citrus and hop aromatics, and a malt-forward taste. Other popular Goose Island offerings include Honkers Ale, 312 Urban Wheat Ale, and Pepe Nero, a Belgian-style saison.
Beyond beer, Goose Island also offers Goose Island Hard Cider, as well as two barrel-aged variants of vodka and gin known as Goose Island Ginn and Vodka. The brewery also produces seasonal and limited-edition special releases throughout the year.
What does Goose Island beer taste like?
Goose Island beer has a variety of flavors and styles that all offer something unique for beer drinkers. Their wheat and pale ales are light and refreshing with subtle hints of citrus and fruit. Heavier beers such as the India pale ales have a strong, hoppy taste accompanied by distinct notes of pine and spice.
The stout offerings from Goose Island have a smooth, creamy mouthfeel with a hint of roasted coffee and cocoa. Complex flavor profile that has hints of whiskey, oak, and molasses. Despite all of these different flavor profiles, all of Goose Island’s beers still have a delicate balance of sweetness and bitterness that makes them satisfying and enjoyable.
Is Goose IPA A bitter?
Yes, Goose IPA is a bitter beer. It is an English-style India Pale Ale that has a fairly traditional hop bitterness with a balanced malt character. The hop flavors and aromas of Goose IPA are floral and citrus-y, while the malt provides lightly toasted grain and biscuit notes in the background.
The hop bitterness is robust yet smooth, with a lingering dry finish. Along with its medium body and pleasant, drinkable bitterness, Goose IPA is a great choice for those looking for a traditional, hop-forward bitter.
What kind of beer is Sierra Nevada hazy little thing?
Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing is an American IPA. It is an unfiltered and hazy beer, as indicated by its name. It features Citra, Mosaic, and El Dorado hops, providing flavors citrus and tropical fruit notes.
This is complemented by a soft malt body and slight caramel sweetness. It has a light, easy drinking body and a moderate bitterness. Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 6.
7% and an international bitterness unit (IBU) of 40.
What is Goose Island famous for?
Goose Island is a brewery based in Chicago, which is famous for producing premium craft beers. They are a spin-off of Anheuser-Busch InBev, and they have been in business since 1988. Their most popular beer is their flagship, the Goose IslandIPA, which is a hop-forward beer that is balanced and easy-drinking.
They are also known for their barrel-aged beers, such as Bourbon County Stout, which is a bourbon-barrel-aged stout that is a fan favorite. They also produce a variety of other beers, such as sours, lagers, and more.
Along with the craft beers, Goose Island also produces craft sodas and a variety of food, including pretzels, popcorn, and pizza.
Does anyone live on Goose Island Chicago?
Yes, there are many people living on Goose Island in Chicago. The island is primarily a residential neighborhood, with dozens of apartments, condos, and townhouses. The area was formerly known as Little Poland and is home to a large Polish and Eastern European population, although people from all ethnicities live there.
It is also home to the Chicago River’s westernmost locks and several high-end hotels. Residents have access to plenty of local amenities, including a variety of restaurants, a movie theater, and the Goose Island Beer Company.
In addition, the island is served by the CTA’s Blue Line “L” train, providing connections to downtown Chicago and the North Side.
