Goose Island Sofie Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale
I picked up the 2013 vintage of this one about a year ago and have been meaning to try it for ages. It was a bit spendy, so my expectations for it were pretty high (though I know that formula doesn’t always hold up). I do enjoy the farmhouse style, especially in spring or summer. The packaging of this whole series of these Goose Island beers is fantastic — very elegant and refined looking.
Scent
The scent on this one is very sharp, tart, and fruity. There is a slight bread-like yeasty scent, but not too much. Perhaps a bit of a white wine type of aroma as well.
Taste
The taste is practically identical to how this beer smells. A bread and yeasty base with a tart, citrusy, fruity flavor (think a hint of grapefruit with some grape flavor like white wine) layered on top, all with a champagne type of feel. Really a great tasting beer.
Overall
This is a very solid Belgian style farmhouse ale that thoroughly lives up to my expectations. It’s not overly strong or alcohol tasting, and it is very clean and light. A perfect amount of carbonation go along with the great flavor to make this a really excellent beer. This is easily the best I’ve ever had from Goose Island. Very well done.