Goose Island 312 25OZ

Goose Island 312 25OZ is a hazy, unfiltered urban wheat ale brewed in Chicago at 4.2% ABV, available here in a generous 25-oz format. Named after the city's iconic area code, this wheat ale earned a Gold Medal at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival — a testament to its consistently well-executed balance of wheat creaminess and citrus-driven hop character.

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

Production & Heritage

Goose Island Beer Company operates its main brewery in the Fulton Market district of Chicago, a neighborhood that has become synonymous with the city's craft food and drink culture. The 312 wheat ale is built on a grain bill of 42% wheat malt and 58% barley malt, with torrified wheat contributing to the beer's signature smooth, creamy body. Cascade hops provide the floral and citrus backbone, and the beer is deliberately left unfiltered — preserving its naturally hazy, cloudy appearance and fuller mouthfeel. No adjuncts or artificial ingredients are used; the recipe relies on water, malted wheat, malted barley, hops, and yeast.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Wheat and fresh bread lead the nose, followed by a spicy, floral lift from the Cascade hops. Subtle citrus — lemon peel in particular — emerges as the beer warms slightly in the glass.

Taste: The entry is soft and creamy, with the wheat malt creating a pillowy, rounded texture on the palate. Mid-palate, bright lemon citrus and a delicate fruity sweetness come forward, kept in check by just enough hop bitterness at 18 IBU to prevent the beer from tipping into cloying territory. The overall impression is crisp and refreshing without sacrificing body.

Finish: Clean and moderate in length, with lingering notes of lemon zest and a faint wheaty sweetness. The low bitterness fades quickly, encouraging another sip.

How to Drink 312

Pour into a tall wheat beer glass or a shaker pint to let the haze develop and release the Cascade hop aromatics. Serve cold, around 40–45°F, for maximum refreshment. The 312's approachable citrus profile and creamy body also make it a strong candidate for beer cocktails: try a Shandy with fresh lemonade to amplify its natural lemon character; a Radler with grapefruit soda for a bittersweet twist; or a Michelada where the wheat ale's soft body rounds out the spice of hot sauce and lime.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and warm-weather cookouts where easy-drinking refreshment matters
• Introducing craft beer to someone who typically reaches for lighter lagers
• Game-day sessions where the 25-oz format means fewer trips to the cooler
• Pairing alongside brunch dishes like egg sandwiches or avocado toast

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 312 taste like? Goose Island 312 delivers a bright, lemony citrus flavor wrapped in a smooth, creamy wheat body, finishing clean with low bitterness at just 18 IBU. It drinks lighter than many wheat ales thanks to its crisp, refreshing character.

How does 312 compare to Blue Moon Belgian White? Both are popular American wheat ales, but 312 leans toward lemon citrus from Cascade hops while Blue Moon is brewed with Valencia orange peel and coriander, giving it a distinctly orange-forward, spiced profile. The 312 also skips the Belgian witbier spice additions, resulting in a cleaner, more hop-driven wheat ale.

Is 312 good for beginners? Absolutely — the 4.2% ABV keeps it sessionable, and the low 18 IBU means there is virtually no harsh bitterness, making it one of the most approachable craft wheat ales on the market.

Where is 312 made? Goose Island 312 is brewed by Goose Island Beer Company at their brewery in the Fulton Market district of Chicago, Illinois. The beer's name is a direct reference to Chicago's original telephone area code.

What foods pair well with 312? Grilled chicken or fish tacos — the citrus hop notes complement charred and tangy flavors. Chicago-style hot dogs, where the wheat body buffers the mustard and relish. Light salads with lemon vinaigrette echo the beer's natural lemon character. Soft pretzels with mustard dip play off the malty wheat base. Mild, creamy cheeses like fresh mozzarella or burrata mirror the beer's smooth texture.

What sizes does 312 come in? This listing is for the 25-oz large-format can; Goose Island 312 is also widely available in standard 12-oz cans and bottles, including six-packs and variety packs.

Is 312 worth the price? Goose Island 312 positions as an accessible, everyday craft wheat ale — priced competitively against other mainstream craft options. The 25-oz format provides solid value for a GABF Gold Medal-winning beer that consistently delivers on drinkability.

Why 312?

Among the crowded field of American wheat ales, 312 stands apart through a deliberate decision to leave the beer unfiltered — a choice that preserves the full flavor and body that filtration strips away. The 2010 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal confirmed what Chicago locals already knew: this wheat ale punches above its weight class. Its grain bill of 42% wheat malt and 58% barley malt, hopped exclusively with Cascade, produces a flavor profile that is unmistakably citrus-forward without relying on fruit peel additions or spice. For a wheat ale that lets its ingredients speak without gimmicks, 312 remains one of the most reliable pours in the category.