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Hi everyone,

I have been a bit of a lurker here, more so on the side being a beer enthusiast but definately plan to get into brewing, but that's maybe a bit further down the road,
Just wanted to introduce myself and say I plan to pester all of you from now on <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->

Just back from Germany last week and sadly had an uninspiring week with beer especially compared to brussels earlier this year,

But my main point is that I'm working shift and am about to go home at 02:30 am and I would give my soul to be able to pull into a petrol station on the way home and grab some quality beers at this hour.

Not going to rant about this I'm sure it's been done to death here.

Lastly I have converted most of my close friends to drinkers of fine beers, but being a small group we have well defined comfort zones and often share similar opinions, I've taken to loving anything from the Goose Island Brewery - I'd like to know how that is recieved in general, it won't change my opinion but just wondering for a while.

Denis

Hi Denis, and welcome.

You really have to plan ahead with the quality beer thing. What you need is a stash <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->

There are a fair few Goose Island IPA fanatics around here: it's a world class beer for sure. Opinion divides on the Honkers, though. I personally find it a bit bland. I've seen the Summer Ale around, but not tried it. Any good?

Welcome aboard mayordenis <!-- s:D --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s:D -->

Welcome Denis,

Goose Island IPA is a terrible beer, awful, if you've bought some don't even try it. Just drop it off with me and I'll dispose of it safely <!-- s;) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_wink.gif" alt="" title="Wink" /><!-- s;) -->

As TBN said there are less fans of Honkers and of SummerTime for that matter - their IPA spoils you and it's a hard act to follow.

Welcome,

Goose Island IPA is certainly a firm favourite around here, and with good reason.

TBN is right about the necessity of a beer stash. It's the only way to ensure you have a decent beer to hand because, as we are all well aware, it's getting more and more difficult to grab an off the cuff crap beer from offies now, let alone the good stuff.

Welcome to the site Denis.

Goose Island IPA has been a favourite of mine for quite a while now. If I recall I introduced a few of the members of this site to it on our very first visit to the Bull and Castle. Barry coined the term "Set the Goose loose" to describe the part of the night when you switch to Goose Island IPA, as there really is no going back from such a flavourful beer.

The stash is definitely the way to go and brewing helps that no end.

"Damn, didn't get to the offie so I'll have to make do with the five gallons of beer I brewed myself or will I try one of the bottles the other lads gave me at the last Meet, Swap and Taste? Decisions, decisions."