Goose Island 312 24Pk Cans

Goose Island 312 24Pk Cans is a 24-pack of 12 oz cans of Chicago's flagship wheat ale, brewed at 4.2% ABV. Named after Chicago's downtown area code, 312 earned Gold at the Great American Beer Festival three times (2006, 2007, 2010) in the English-Style Summer Ale category, establishing it as one of the most decorated American wheat ales on the market.

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

Production & Heritage

Goose Island Beer Co. was founded in Chicago in 1988 by John Hall and has been part of Anheuser-Busch InBev since 2011. The 312 wheat ale is built on a grain bill of two-row malt and torrified wheat, giving it a creamy body and hazy golden pour. What distinguishes 312 from the majority of widely distributed wheat ales is its hop-driven citrus character — Cascade, Mt. Hood, and First Gold hops deliver the lemony brightness rather than the spice additions (coriander, orange peel) that define the Belgian witbier approach taken by most of its competitors.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh cracker and biscuit malt lead, followed by gentle waves of lemon zest, banana, and a faint clove spice from the yeast. The hop presence is restrained but distinctly citrus-forward.

Taste: The entry is soft and wheaty with a creamy mouthfeel that carries biscuit and light malt sweetness into the mid-palate. Lemony citrus from the Cascade hops rises through the center, balanced by subtle banana and clove notes from fermentation. At just 18 IBUs, bitterness stays well in the background.

Finish: Slightly bitter and dry with a lingering creaminess that keeps it from fading too quickly. Lemon pith and a trace of biscuit malt close things out cleanly.

How to Drink 312

Serve cold in a pint glass or Weizen glass to let the hazy golden color and wheat aroma open up; a gentle pour with a generous head enhances the experience. 312 also works well in simple beer cocktails: a Shandy (mixed with fresh lemonade) plays off its natural lemon character; a Radler with grapefruit soda amplifies the citrus hops into a crushable warm-weather drink; and a Michelada benefits from 312's creamy body and low bitterness, which keeps the tomato-lime-spice mix balanced.

Best For

• Stocking the cooler for a backyard barbecue or tailgate
• Introducing craft beer to someone who prefers lighter, approachable styles
• Session drinking on a hot afternoon when ABV matters
• Hosting a Chicago-themed dinner or watch party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 312 taste like? 312 is a bright, creamy wheat ale with dominant lemon citrus, soft biscuit malt, and subtle banana and clove notes from the yeast. It finishes slightly dry with low bitterness at 18 IBUs.

How does 312 compare to Blue Moon? Both are widely available American wheat ales, but Blue Moon is a Belgian-style witbier brewed with Valencia orange peel and coriander for its citrus-spice character. 312 achieves its lemony profile entirely through Cascade hops rather than spice additions, giving it a distinctly American hop-forward identity.

Is 312 good for beginners? Yes — its low 4.2% ABV, gentle 18 IBU bitterness, and creamy wheat body make it one of the most approachable craft wheat ales available. It bridges the gap between mainstream light lagers and more assertive craft styles.

Where is 312 made? 312 is brewed by Goose Island Beer Co., which was founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1988. The "312" name references Chicago's original downtown area code.

What foods pair well with 312? Grilled bratwurst or Chicago-style hot dogs match the wheat and lemon notes naturally. Fish tacos with a citrus slaw echo the Cascade hop character. A light Caprese salad works with the creamy body, while lemon-herb roasted chicken mirrors the beer's dominant citrus and biscuit flavors. Mild, creamy cheeses like fresh mozzarella or young gouda complement the soft wheat malt.

What sizes does 312 come in? 312 is commonly available in 12 oz cans sold in 6-packs, 15-packs, and this 24-pack format, as well as on draft at many bars and restaurants.

Is 312 worth the price? 312 positions as an everyday craft wheat ale — priced accessibly within the domestic craft tier. Its multiple GABF Gold Medals and consistent quality deliver strong value for a beer intended for regular, session-style drinking rather than special-occasion sipping.

Why 312?

Three Gold Medals at the Great American Beer Festival (2006, 2007, 2010) and a Silver at the 2008 World Beer Cup give 312 competition credentials that most mainstream wheat ales cannot match. The decision to build citrus character through Cascade, Mt. Hood, and First Gold hops — rather than orange peel and coriander — gives it a cleaner, more distinctly American profile in a category dominated by Belgian-influenced recipes. At 4.2% ABV and 18 IBUs, it stays remarkably sessionable without thinning out, and the torrified wheat in the grain bill provides a creamy texture that holds up can after can. For anyone who wants a well-made, hop-citrus-driven wheat ale in a format built for sharing, 312 in a 24-pack is a proven choice.