Today’s craft beer review comes from the Goose Island Brewery located in Chicago Illinois.  The brew is called the Honker’s Ale.

This is a brew that I have, fortunately, been able to get my hands on quite regularly.  Goose Island is a great brewery that always churns out a quality product.  I just hope it stays that way.  (*wink*)

Here’s the description from the website, gooseisland.com, on the Honker’s Ale.

Inspired by visits to English country pubs, Honker’s Ale combines a fruity hop aroma with a rich malt middle to create a perfectly balanced beer.  Immensely drinkable, Honker’s Ale is not only the beer you can trust but one you’ll look forward to time and again.   

How ’bout a taste?

This English Style Bitter comes in at only 4.2% ABV and in a 12 oz. bottle.

It poured a very dark orange/amber/copper color with some brighter burnt orange highlights that outlined the edges and bottom of the glass.  An off white, egg shell colored head was formed from a medium pour, which had decent size, adequate retention and left some pretty attractive lacing.  The beer cleared up nicely as it warmed to the surroundings.

The bouquet revealed a sturdy caramel malt accompanied by some light graininess.  It also provided a slightly toasted, sour dough bread along with very, very, very light, “hoppy” peach notes and other soft fruits.  A woody, “tree bark” aroma was found (which I wasn’t expecting) melded with a minuscule butter fragrance.  I thought the smell was balanced well with suitable complexity.

A definitive and plentiful malt characteristic filled the flavor.  Sweet caramel combined with bread, crisp crackers and dry wafers.  A genuine, earthy hop profile brought about a slight bite and more of that “soft fruitiness” completed an enjoyable savor.  Again, well balanced and even, however it may have been just a little on the relaxed side.

The mouthfeel was a solid medium.  It was dry, smooth, slick and somewhat crisp.  I found myself taking big, refreshing gulps that left a substantial amount of flavor behind for me to enjoy.

Overall, this is a GREAT session brew.  I could definitely pound several of these during an evening.  This beer is not overly complicated nor is it a show stopper, but for an easy going, fun to drink beer…. it’s very nice.  I think this could be a great “gateway” brew for someone interested in trying a craft beer and I also think that it has enough complexity and flavor for even the most experienced beer aficionado.  Give it a try if you haven’t already.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised by this underrated, light, sessionable gem.

Thanks for all the support guys.  It means a tremendous amount to me.  Thanks to all the people from all the different countries, who take time out of their busy days to read a few of my posts.  It’s the greatest compliment of all.  I appreciate you all and hope that all is well.

Thanks again.

Score:  3.6 out of 5
Grade:  B