Coaster Critique: Goose Island Festivity Ale

On the second day of Beermas:

Goose Island Festivity Ale

Name: Festivity Ale

Brewed by: Goose Island Beer Co.

Style: Brown Ale

ABV: 7.7%

Pours a light brown with golden highlights when held to the light. slightly hazy in the glass with a tan colored head that left lacing down the glass.

Smells bready, a caramel sweetness and a touch of fruitness.

Festivity Ale is malt forward, toasted grains, baked bread and a hint of caramel sweetness and just a whisper of dark fruit like raisins, not much for hop flavor. Mouthfeel is creamy up front and then crashes into a hyper dry, slightly bitter finish.

I’m on the fence with this beer, I kinda like it, I kinda don’t. The lack of spice is appealing and I do enjoy a toasty brown ale but the finish is just so dry. I suppose that keeps me sipping though so maybe that’s not a bad thing? Except for the fact it’s 7.7% and before long I’ll be sitting down for the evening wondering where my pants went.

Cheers!

Chaddah

The 12 Days of Beermas 2014

Day 1: Samuel Adams – Old Fezziwig Ale

Day 2: Goose Island – Festivity Ale

Day 3: Magic Hat Brewing – Snow Roller

Day 4: Shipyard Brewing Company – Gingerbreadhead

Day 5: Traveler Beer Co. – Jolly Traveler

Day 6: SoMe Brewing – Cinnamon Toast

Day 7: Ridgeway Brewing – Reindeer’s Revolt

Day 8: Rising Tide – d’Hiver

Day 9: 21st Amendment – Fireside Chat

Day 10: Southern Tier – 2XMAS

Day 11: Castle Brewery Eggenberg – Samichlaus Classic

Day 12: Anchor Brewing – Our Special Ale 2014

Also check out my Prior Beermas adventures:

The 12 Days of Beermas 2013

The 12 Days of Beermas 2012

Chad Lothian

About Chad Lothian

Chad Lothian lives in Old Town, Maine. He is a craft beer enthusiast and homebrewer. Chad has travelled to brewpubs, breweries and brewfests all over New England.