Goose Island 312 6Pk Cans

Goose Island 312 6-Pack Cans is a hazy, unfiltered American wheat ale at 4.2% ABV, available in a convenient six-pack of 12 oz cans. Named after Chicago's iconic area code, this expression took home a gold medal at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival — a benchmark win that solidified its reputation among craft wheat ales.

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

Production & Heritage

Goose Island Beer Company first brewed 312 at their Clybourn Avenue brewpub in Chicago in 2004, drawing its name from the city's original area code. The grain bill blends two-row barley malt with torrified wheat — the latter originally sourced from Illinois farmers and selected specifically for its high protein content, which creates the beer's signature cloudy, hazy appearance. Three hop varieties drive the aroma and flavor: Cascade, First Gold, and Mt. Hood. Following AB InBev's acquisition of Goose Island in 2011, production scaled beyond Chicago, though the recipe and unfiltered character have remained consistent.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Slightly tart wheat opens the nose, followed by spicy Cascade hop notes and a gentle floral quality. A whisper of banana and clove sits beneath the hop layer.

Taste: The entry is bright and lemony, with citrus leading into a soft, biscuity mid-palate from the torrified wheat. As the flavor develops, subtle hints of banana and clove emerge alongside a crisp, fruity character that keeps the beer lively and balanced at just 18 IBU.

Finish: Slightly bitter and creamy, with a touch of dryness that clears the palate cleanly. The lemon citrus lingers briefly before fading into a soft wheat aftertaste.

How to Drink 312

Straight from the can on a warm afternoon is the most natural serve — the unfiltered wheat body and low bitterness make it immediately drinkable without any embellishment. For a Radler, combine 312 with fresh lemonade to amplify the beer's inherent lemony brightness. In a Shandy, the creamy wheat base pairs naturally with ginger ale for a lighter, effervescent variation. A Beer-mosa using 312 and fresh orange juice works well at brunch, as the ale's soft wheat character balances citrus juice without competing.

Best For

• Summer cookouts and backyard grilling sessions
• Introducing craft beer drinkers to the wheat ale style
• Pairing with lighter fare at casual dinner gatherings
• Stocking a fridge for game day or tailgating

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 312 taste like? Goose Island 312 delivers a bright, lemony citrus flavor with a creamy wheat backbone, light biscuit notes, and subtle hints of banana and clove. It finishes slightly bitter and dry with a clean, refreshing character.

How does 312 compare to Blue Moon Belgian White? Both are unfiltered wheat ales, but Blue Moon leans into orange peel and coriander spice, while 312 emphasizes lemony citrus and hop-forward aromatics from Cascade, First Gold, and Mt. Hood hops. 312 is also slightly lower in ABV at 4.2% compared to Blue Moon's 5.4%, making it a lighter-bodied session option.

Is 312 good for beginners? Yes — the low 18 IBU bitterness, approachable 4.2% ABV, and smooth wheat body make 312 an excellent entry point for anyone new to craft beer or the wheat ale category.

Where is 312 made? 312 was originally brewed at Goose Island's Clybourn Avenue brewpub in Chicago, Illinois, first released in 2004. Following AB InBev's 2011 acquisition, production has expanded to facilities beyond Chicago while maintaining the original recipe.

What foods pair well with 312? Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement the lemony brightness without overpowering the beer's delicate wheat character. Light salads with citrus vinaigrette echo the ale's natural citrus notes. Chicago-style hot dogs are a hometown pairing that works on both cultural and flavor levels. Soft cheeses like goat cheese or burrata match the creamy mouthfeel, and lighter seafood like shrimp or ceviche align well with the crisp, dry finish.

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

Is 312 worth the price? 312 positions as an accessible craft wheat ale that competes at the everyday drinking tier — priced comparably to other widely distributed craft brands rather than premium small-batch releases. The gold medal pedigree and clean, consistent recipe deliver strong value within the category.

Why 312?

The 2010 Great American Beer Festival gold medal validated what Chicago locals had already known since 2004 — 312 is one of the most drinkable wheat ales in wide distribution. The combination of torrified wheat for body and haze, plus a three-hop blend of Cascade, First Gold, and Mt. Hood for aromatic complexity, gives it more dimension than many competitors in the style. At 4.2% ABV and 18 IBU, it occupies a rare space: flavorful enough to hold a craft drinker's attention, yet light enough to drink through several cans without fatigue. For a wheat ale rooted in a specific city and area code, 312 carries genuine provenance that extends beyond branding.