Style: American Wild Ale

ABV: 8.7 IBU: 32.0

96/100
Aroma: 12
Appearance: 3
Flavor: 19
Mouthfeel: 4

Goose Island Beer Company Lolita

What the brewers say

“Lolita is a Belgian-style pale ale fermented with wild yeast and aged on raspberries in wine barrels. Aromas of fresh raspberries, bright jammy fruit flavors, and crisp, refreshing body.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Lovely aromatics—floral, honey, berry, and light pineapple with a bit of apricot and cherry. Mild sweaty Brett goodness and more as it warms.”

Flavor: “Flowers first with delicate berry notes, moderate jammy notes and acidity, some sweet malt, light lemon zest, and big raspberry. Fruit tannins and acidity help balance the sweetness. Just enough bitterness to round things out with some Brett in the aftertaste. Light tannic notes add structure and support fruit and sour notes. High tartness with a slight “fresh hops” note.”

Overall: “This is a big fruity, jammy beer, with supporting acids and Brett-derived fruit notes such as pineapple. Fruit lovers should drink it cool, while Brett lovers should let it warm up to bring out more funk. The initial taste up front reminds me of homegrown hops. It would pair well with pan-seared salmon or spicy tuna rolls, and it would be a great marinade for ceviche.”

What our editors thought

Review printed in: Wild & Sour (June-July 2016) (View All Issues)


REVIEWS FOR YOU >

Goose Island Beer Company Juliet

**Aroma:** “Delicate berry with hints of light cherry, apricot, and pineapple, plus a low peach note and slight sweetness. Perhaps a slight raspberry note? Mild acidity with a deep and woodsy _Brett _character and some sour lactic notes.” **Flavor:** “Sweet apricot, pineapple, and light lemon zest balance the moderate acidity. Berry flavors are well placed with moderate fruit tannins and sweaty _Brett_ funk to keep it interesting. No malt or hops, but some honey-like sweetness really helps balance the acid components. Lots of woody and earthy aftertaste. Moderate carbonation plays off the tart sourness.” **Overall:** “This is a delightful fruity beer, with fruit from the berries and fruit from _Brett_ fermentation (stone fruit, cherry, pineapple, apricot), plus a background supporting _Brett_ funk. It’s well-balanced throughout. Definitely sour, but plenty of fruit depth. A sour better for sharing with friends than contemplating deeply in your wood-paneled study.”

Great Divide Brewing Company Hibernation Ale

**Aroma:** “Gingerbread, dry chocolate, earthy, and spiced. Pie cherries and a bit of candied citrus. Bright floral hops, moderate nutty malt, very light oxidation, touch of earthy, touch of coffee.” **Flavor:** “The balance definitely veers toward the rich malt character of dark caramel, toasted bread crust, dark chocolate, and even sweetened coffee. Tart cherries and herbal hops notes. Bitterness is well-balanced with the substantial malt base. Dark fruit, leather, and tobacco as it warms. Some hints of vanilla. Prominent warming that provides a nice effect.” **Overall:** “This sits heavily on the tongue and delivers waves of malt complexity. Dark fruit, leather, and tobacco set the stage for a surprisingly drinkable ale, given the heft. A few hints of brightness add complexity, but the focus remains decidedly on the malt. Enjoyable, the roast and chocolate are nice with the spice. Alcohol warmth adds to this beer.”

Goose Island Beer Company Sofie

**Aroma:** “Fruity character is complex and dances alongside spicy pepper. Very white wine-like with nuances of pears and apples. Moderate malt aroma.” **Flavor:** “Sweet fruity notes of lemon citrus blend with white wine character. Mild spices balance to keep from finishing too sweet. Low hop bitterness. Slightly dry finish with a little lingering sweetness. A touch of acidity and a little oak round it out. Good carbonation but low head retention.” **Overall:** “A refreshing, interesting, unique take on saison. Tasty and layered. Sweet, but not too sweet. A very lively beer. Wine character is excellent. If you told someone this was wine, they might believe you: a great crossover beer for pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc drinkers!”

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