Goose Island Variety 12Pk

Goose Island Variety 12Pk is a mixed 12-pack of 12 oz beers from Chicago's Goose Island Beer Company, featuring a rotating selection of core styles ranging from approximately 4.2% to 7% ABV. The pack typically showcases the brewery's range, anchored by its six-time Great American Beer Festival medal-winning IPA and the iconic 312 Urban Wheat Ale.

Quick Facts: ABV: Varies by style (approx. 4.2%–7%)  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Mixed craft beer sampler  |  Brewery: Goose Island Beer Company

Production & Heritage

Goose Island Beer Company began as a Lincoln Park brewpub in 1988, making it the oldest currently operating brewing company in Illinois. Since 1995, production has been based at the Fulton Street facility, which runs a 50-barrel JV Northwest five-vessel brewhouse operating around the clock with over 15 different yeast strains, 32 fermenters, and state-of-the-art filtration and centrifuge equipment. Goose Island was acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2011 but continues to brew from its Chicago home. The brewery also holds a singular place in beer history as the operation that introduced bourbon barrel-aged stout to the industry in 1992.

Tasting Notes

312 Urban Wheat Ale: Hazy and unfiltered with a crisp, bright character. Light-bodied and approachable, built for easy drinking.

Goose Island IPA: Citrus-forward aroma of grapefruit, pine, and floral hops. The palate is slightly sweet at the entry, building to a bold hop presence with moderate lingering bitterness on the finish. Brewed with four different hop varieties.

Additional Styles: Depending on seasonal and market availability, the variety pack may include styles such as Natural Villain Garage-Style Lager, SPF Fruit Ale, and Next Coast IPA, each offering a distinct profile from clean and crushable lagers to hop-forward ales.

How to Drink Goose Island Variety Pack

Each style benefits from its own ideal serve. The wheat ale and lager styles shine cold, around 38–42°F, poured into a pint glass or Weizen glass to release aromatics. The IPA styles are best between 45–50°F in a tulip or nonic pint to concentrate hop aromas. For beer-based mixed drinks, the 312 Urban Wheat makes a refreshing base for a shandy with fresh lemonade, the IPA brings hop complexity to a Citrus Radler, and the lighter lager styles work well in a classic Michelada with lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire.

Best For

• Sampling Chicago's most recognized craft brewery without committing to a single style
• Stocking a cooler for a backyard cookout or tailgate
• Introducing someone to a range of craft beer styles in one purchase
• Gifting a beer enthusiast who appreciates variety and brewery heritage

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Goose Island Variety Pack taste like? The pack spans a wide flavor spectrum, from the crisp, hazy wheat character of 312 Urban Wheat to the citrus-and-pine hop intensity of the flagship IPA. Lighter lager and fruit ale styles round out the selection with clean, approachable profiles.

How does the Goose Island Variety Pack compare to Sam Adams variety packs? Sam Adams variety packs tend to lean toward seasonal wheat beers and lighter styles, while the Goose Island pack typically includes at least one assertively hopped IPA alongside its wheat ale and lager offerings, giving it a broader stylistic range on the hoppy end.

Is the Goose Island Variety Pack good for beginners? Yes — the inclusion of approachable styles like 312 Urban Wheat alongside bolder IPAs makes it an ideal sampler for drinkers exploring craft beer for the first time.

Where is Goose Island beer made? Goose Island Beer Company brews at its production facility at 1800 W. Fulton Street in Chicago, Illinois, where it has operated since 1995, with origins tracing back to the original 1988 Lincoln Park brewpub.

What foods pair well with Goose Island beers? The 312 Urban Wheat pairs naturally with grilled chicken, fish tacos, and summer salads due to its light, crisp body. The IPA stands up to spicy dishes like buffalo wings and Thai curry, where its hop bitterness acts as a palate cleanser. Heartier lager styles complement burgers, bratwurst, and smoked meats.

What sizes does the Goose Island Variety Pack come in? The standard format is a 12-pack of 12 oz cans or bottles, depending on market availability.

Is the Goose Island Variety Pack worth the price? Positioned in the mainstream craft tier, this variety pack delivers solid value by offering multiple distinct beer styles from a heritage Chicago brewery in a single package, making it one of the more cost-effective ways to explore the Goose Island lineup.

Why Goose Island Variety Pack?

Goose Island holds a unique place in American brewing — a 1988 Chicago brewpub that essentially invented bourbon barrel-aged stout and went on to become one of the country's most recognized craft brands. The variety pack gives access to several expressions of that legacy in a single 12-pack, anchored by a flagship IPA that has earned six Great American Beer Festival medals. Few variety packs carry this level of brewing pedigree from a single source, making it a reliable choice when the goal is quality across multiple styles rather than depth in just one.