Goose Island 312 12Pk

Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat Ale 12Pk is a hazy, unfiltered American wheat ale brewed in Chicago at 4.2% ABV, sold here as a 12-pack of 12 oz cans. Named after Chicago's iconic 312 area code, this sessionable wheat ale has earned multiple Gold Medals at the Great American Beer Festival, including wins in 2006, 2007, and 2010 in the English-Style Summer Ale category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.2%  |  IBU: 18  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Urban Wheat Ale  |  Brewery: Goose Island Beer Company

Production & Heritage

Goose Island Beer Company was founded in 1988 by John Hall on Chicago's North Clybourn Avenue, growing from a single brewpub into one of the most recognized craft brands in the Midwest. The 312 recipe uses a grain bill of 42% wheat malt paired with 58% barley malt, incorporating torrified wheat for added body and haze. The beer is left deliberately unfiltered — a decision the brewery says preserves its "life and soul" — and hopped with Cascade, a classic American variety that contributes bright floral and citrus aromatics. The original recipe featured wheat sourced from Illinois farmers, selected specifically for the high protein content that creates the beer's signature cloudy appearance.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Slightly tart wheat leads into gentle spicy Cascade hop notes, followed by subtle hints of banana and a whisper of clove. The overall impression is bright and inviting without being aggressive.

Taste: The entry is soft and creamy, anchored by fresh biscuit character from the malt backbone. Mid-palate brings lemony citrus and light banana, while the torrified wheat fills out the body with a pleasant, pillowy texture. Restrained hop bitterness at just 18 IBU keeps everything balanced and approachable.

Finish: Short and clean with a final flicker of lemon zest and dry wheat. There is no lingering bitterness, making it an easy beer to return to sip after sip.

How to Drink 312

312 is best served cold — around 40–45°F — in a Hefeweizen glass or standard pint that allows the hazy pour and citrus aromatics to open up. A lemon wedge is a popular garnish but not strictly necessary given the beer's natural citrus brightness. For cocktail-adjacent serves, 312 works well in a Beer Shandy mixed with fresh lemonade for a warm-weather refresher, a Michelada where its light wheat body pairs naturally with lime, tomato, and hot sauce, or a Beermosa combining the ale with fresh orange juice for a brunch alternative to sparkling wine.

Best For

• Summer cookouts and backyard grilling sessions where a low-ABV, crowd-pleasing wheat ale keeps the day going
• Introducing craft beer to someone who typically reaches for lighter macro lagers
• Pairing with casual weeknight dinners that call for something lighter than an IPA
• Stocking a cooler for a Chicago sports watch party — the hometown connection adds authenticity

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 312 taste like? 312 delivers soft biscuit malt character alongside lemony citrus, subtle banana, and a hint of clove, all carried by a creamy, unfiltered wheat body. It finishes clean and dry with minimal hop bitterness.

How does 312 compare to Bell's Oberon? Both are popular Midwestern wheat ales, but 312 sits at a lower 4.2% ABV compared to Oberon's 5.8%, making it noticeably lighter and more sessionable. Reviewers note that 312 shares Oberon's citrus-forward wheat character but leans cleaner and less yeast-driven, with one common observation being that 312 resembles Oberon "without the funky yeast."

Is 312 good for beginners? Yes — its gentle 4.2% ABV, low 18 IBU bitterness, and approachable biscuit-and-citrus flavor profile make it an ideal entry point for anyone transitioning from mass-market lagers to craft beer.

Where is 312 made? 312 is brewed by Goose Island Beer Company, which was founded in 1988 in Chicago, Illinois. The beer's name comes from Chicago's original downtown area code, and the brand remains closely tied to the city's identity.

What foods pair well with 312? Grilled chicken or fish tacos benefit from the beer's citrus lift. Classic Chicago-style hot dogs match the light wheat body without overwhelming the toppings. Fresh summer salads with vinaigrette echo the beer's lemony brightness. Mild, creamy cheeses like fresh mozzarella or young gouda complement the soft malt character. Fried calamari or tempura vegetables contrast nicely with the ale's clean, dry finish.

What sizes does 312 come in? Goose Island 312 is widely available in 12-packs of 12 oz cans, as well as 6-packs, 15-packs, and single 25 oz cans in many markets.

Is 312 worth the price? 312 positions as an accessible, everyday craft wheat ale — priced competitively within the mainstream craft tier rather than the premium or specialty segment. For a multiple GABF gold medal winner with genuine sessionability, it represents solid value among American wheat ales.

Why 312?

Three Great American Beer Festival Gold Medals and a World Beer Cup Silver Medal give 312 a competitive pedigree that most wheat ales in its price tier simply cannot match. The intentionally unfiltered production and carefully balanced 42/58 wheat-to-barley grain bill create a texture and haze that feel artisanal without being fussy. At 4.2% ABV and 18 IBU, it occupies a sweet spot — flavorful enough to satisfy craft drinkers, approachable enough to convert those who haven't yet made the leap. For a beer born out of one of Chicago's original craft breweries, 312 continues to justify its place as a go-to Midwestern wheat ale more than three decades after Goose Island first opened its doors.