Goose Island Beers Arrive in Seattle
The Chicago brewery brings its Belgian beers to the PNW.
Posted by: Jessica Voelker on Jun 18, 2010 at 11:00AM
3 Comments
Chicago brewery Goose Island—it of the very classy labels—is nudging its way into the increasingly wider world of microbrews available in the Northwest.
Yesterday I attended a tasting hosted by brewer Greg Hall, who told us he would be bringing only the brewery’s Belgian-style beers to our region. He said something about his IPA stacking up against any other, but that he didn’t see the point in bringing yet another hopped up IPA here. Smart brewer.
I tried three of Goose Island’s Belgians last night: Sofie, Matilda, and Pere Jacques. The Sofie ale, with its citrus notes and lovely creamy finish, was my favorite of the trio—fresh and food friendly—but the oft-lauded Matilda pale and the malty Pere Jacques intrigued me as well.
I would sign up in a heartbeat for a pairing dinner with these beers; I’m really curious to see what they could do with the right foods.
Madison Market stocks Goose Island brews, and the Matilda is currently on tap at Quinn’s. Quinn’s also has Sofie available in large-format bottle. Or “Imax bottle,” as I like to call it.
Tags: Beer, Beer and Food Pairing
Chicagoan in Seattle….Awesome! Haven’t had the Belgium style beers, but always loved the Honkers Ale.
Another Chicagoan – love me some Matilda. Goose Is also brews a terrific IPA.
It was good event with some lovely pairings. The Sofie was perfect with the endive, pears, Gorgonzola and candied orange.
Last night at home, I paired the Pere Jacques with grilled top sirloin (medium rare) sweet potato and olive oil smash with walnuts and Gorgonzola and sauteed spinach and garlic finished with sherry vinegar. Though the PJ is tasty on it’s own, it really shines when paired with the right meal — rich and creamy, with dried sweet cherry notes and a bloom of spice, this darkly amber Belgian style ale proved complex, very well balanced and toasty. I highly recommend it.