Maplewood Goby 4Pk

Maplewood Goby 4Pk is a sour ale from Chicago's Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, packaged in a 4-pack of 16oz cans. Brewed in the heart of one of America's most competitive craft beer scenes, Goby represents Maplewood's approach to the tart, refreshing side of their lineup.

Quick Facts: Style: Sour Ale  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA  |  Size: 4-Pack of 16oz Cans  |  Brewery: Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Production & Heritage

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery was founded in 2014 by Adam Cieslak and Ari Megalis in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. The operation is notable for housing both a brewery and a distillery under one roof, giving the team a broad perspective on fermentation and flavor development. Goby falls within their rotating and seasonal sour ale offerings, drawing on the brewery's experience with controlled acidity and balanced fruit-forward profiles that have helped define their reputation in the Chicago craft scene.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Expect bright, lactic tartness on the nose, followed by subtle notes of stone fruit and a clean, slightly bready undertone. The overall impression is fresh and inviting.

Taste: The entry is crisp with an immediate puckering sourness that gives way to a softer, lightly fruity mid-palate. The acidity is present but measured, avoiding the aggressive sharpness found in some kettle sours. Gentle grain character provides balance and keeps the beer grounded.

Finish: The finish is dry and refreshing with lingering tartness that cleans the palate. It fades quickly, encouraging another sip.

How to Drink Goby

Goby drinks best chilled, poured into a tulip glass or enjoyed straight from the can on warm days. Its tart, sessionable character also makes it a surprisingly versatile ingredient in beer cocktails.

• Berliner Weisse style serve: Add a splash of raspberry or woodruff syrup to complement and temper the sour base.
• Sour Shandy: Mix with fresh lemonade for a bright, effervescent warm-weather drink.
• Michelada riff: Combine with lime juice, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt for a savory, tart twist on the classic.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and outdoor gatherings where a light, tart beer outperforms heavier styles
• Introducing hop-averse friends to the world of craft beer through sour ales
• Pairing with rich, fatty foods that benefit from a palate-cleansing sip
• Building a Chicago-focused craft beer tasting flight alongside other local favorites

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Goby taste like? Maplewood Goby delivers a clean, lactic tartness balanced by subtle fruit character and a dry, refreshing finish. It sits on the approachable end of the sour ale spectrum without sacrificing complexity.

How does Goby compare to Off Color Brewing's Troublesome? Both are Chicago-brewed sour ales, but Troublesome is a gose-style beer with added coriander and salt, giving it a distinctly saline edge. Goby leans more toward straightforward lactic sourness without the gose seasoning, making it a purer expression of the sour ale style.

Is Goby good for beginners? Goby's balanced acidity and clean finish make it a solid entry point for drinkers curious about sour ales. The 16oz can format also allows newcomers to try a full pour without committing to a larger bottle.

Where is Goby made? Goby is brewed at Maplewood Brewery & Distillery in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. The brewery has operated in this location since its founding in 2014.

What foods pair well with Goby? Fried chicken benefits from the beer's acidity cutting through the richness. Goat cheese or chèvre salads echo the tart, tangy flavor profile. Ceviche and raw oysters complement the bright, clean sourness. Fruit tarts or lemon desserts create a harmonious pairing without clashing sweetness.

What sizes does Goby come in? Goby is available in 4-packs of 16oz cans, the standard format for this release from Maplewood Brewery & Distillery.

Is Goby worth the price? Goby positions as a craft sour ale at a neighborhood-brewery price point, offering genuine Chicago provenance and clean, well-executed sourness that competes favorably with national sour ale brands in the same tier.

Why Goby?

Maplewood's dual identity as both brewery and distillery gives their team an unusually deep understanding of fermentation, and Goby reflects that discipline. The beer delivers controlled tartness without relying on excessive fruit additions or sweeteners to mask rough edges. For drinkers in search of an honest, well-made sour ale rooted in Chicago's thriving craft community, Goby stands as a straightforward representation of what Maplewood does well. The 16oz can format and four-pack packaging make it practical for sharing without sacrificing the craft credentials.