Ah, nothing like a good ole’ Tap Takeover. The one time I’m completely in my element, surrounded by rare varieties of stellar ales and people who share my passion for this craft beer quality. Joining me for this Takeover Session was Bistro on Bridge’s owner Zach Hoffman, as well as Penn Distributors representative Pat O’Malley. We were three craft beer aficionados making a craft beer expedition to Pickering Creek Inn, where owner Ken Kauffman and his staff never disappoint. With six different tap handles pouring Goose Island Brewing Company, we were thrilled to attend.
Goose Island Brewing Company may stem from Chicago, but these Geese made an impression locally. Especially that Sophie. It’s a recommendation I can’t hear enough of from Farmhouse Ale lovers, but I’m looking to experience Goose Island in its rarest form. Sure, you can pick up a bottle of Sophie or the Matilda at your nearest Wegmans, but tonight, I want excitement and excitement I shall find.
Where to begin? So many choices, but with selections that mean business. Here, we have a chalkboard listed with a Bourbon Stout at 15% ABV? An Imperial IPA weighing in at 9% ABV? Well, I’m not one to start off strong. Tap Takeovers aren’t about, “Go Big or Go Home.” I’m playing this safe. I’ll ease into this evening with the notorious Honkers English Bitter.
This is one of Goose Island’s Classic Ales and a great sessionable brew at that. Little tidbit I learned from Pat. If you’re not familiar with the term, sessionable refers to craft beers under 5% that can be enjoyed over a lengthy period of time. No doubt about it, Honkers English Bitter goes down the gullet very easily, keeping my head in the game.
But this is a Tap Takeover! I’ve had beers like Honkers before and I’m sure I’ll have something like the Bitter tomorrow. I want character. I want a beer that will challenge my taste buds. What I wanted and was scouring for, was the Imperial IPA.
I was actually hesitant to order this. I bumped into Ken towards the back of the bar and when I asked what he recommended, he was pleased with all the selections, but didn’t speak highly of the Imperial. He wasn’t feeling the smoky flavor. Wait, smoky flavors? I’m all over that! I know, I know. Not everyone is a fan of that smoky, wood chip taste. Who would? Sure, it sounds disgusting. Normally I’d trust Ken’s judgment, but I’m a rare breed when it comes to my beers. Bartender, pour me an Imperial IPA!
Wow. Sip. Simply, wow. This is what it’s all about, the wow factor. This probably isn’t a beer for everyone, certainly not Pick’s Ken Kauffman, but I know this one is on my radar. The pour is simply gorgeous in the light with radiant Orange Ambers. Love the nose on this. Rich in flavors, bold. This one’s very complex indeed and most definitely rated 4 caps on my Untappd account, my go to phone App tracking my beers and how I rate them. Judging by his Untappd account as well, Zach couldn’t agree more.
So how does one tap off this evening? I think the choice is simple. Tis the season and most definitely this evening, calls for Goose Island Christmas Ale. This is an American Brown Ale climbing the charts as my favorite seasonal this year. This full bodied brew is loaded with toasted malts, toffee and caramel for good measure. If Honkers was the Appetizer, Imperial IPA as the main course, then this is most definitely dessert. Mmmm mmm mmmm!
I didn’t need to count the number of people at Pickering Creek Inn to know it was a great success. Walking out of there with a beer I can’t get out of my mind? Mission accomplished. Cheers to Ken and the rest of Pickering Creek Inn for a job well done. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Photos credited to Kevin Dragone.
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