Chocolate Chili to Kitty Litter, There's No Wrong Answer at Goose Island Beer Academy

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published by The Feast on 02/08/2010

Now that we're in full hibernation mode, we were happy to have caught Goose Island Clybourn's monthly Beer Academy class on Winter Warmers before the unforgettable Snowpocalypse of 2011 hit. Judging from the sold out crowds that packed in for the class, they were thankful as well. First timers were lead on what quickly became a hazy tour of 11 high-alcohol beers (the lowest at 7.5% abv.) courtesy of head brewer Jared Rouben.

While the Academy has long been a popular attraction for the Clybourn brewpub, the monthly classes continue to offer new selections and an open forum catering to both beer geeks from the Chicago Beer Societyand novices alike. Pamphlets first marked with cautious tasting notes eventually make way for illegible scribbles and smiley faces. So, if you're concerned about sharing your impressions, Rouben says he's heard it all, from Christmas trees to kitty litter (we even heard someone use "Chernobyl water" to describe a beer. Seriously). Besides, after trying 10 beers, who cares what anyone thinks? On the upside, everyone walks away a winner knowing what they will be comfortable drinking this winter.

The next class will be on stouts and porters and will be held February 23 at 6:30 P.M. for $20 per person. To make a reservation, call 312-915-0071. For those of you who missed the last class on Winter Warmers, Rouben shares some of his favorites:

Ommegang Dubbel - 8.5%, Belgian Dubbel, Cooperstown, NY. "This is one of my favorite beers. A great example of a Belgian Dubbel that balances malt and Belgian yeast."

Tyranena Sheep Shagger - 7.7%, Scotch Ale, Lake Mills, Wisconsin."I like the malt characteristic of it. At 7.7%, it's very drinkable and a great local introduction to Scottish ales."

Redhook Eisbock - 11%, Eisbock, Portsmith, New Hampshire. "It was a great beer for a style that's rarely brewed. For 11%, you would never know it, which is the sign of a great beer."

Bell's Expedition Stout - 10.5%, Imperial Stout, Kalamazoo, Michigan; and New Holland Night Trapper - 10.8%, Imperial Stout, Holland, Michigan. "Both great examples of beers you'd want to have when you're snowed in because they're full-bodied, full of roasted malt and chocolate malt."