Goose Island — King Henri 2

Technical Details

Tasting Profile

The nose opens with layers of bourbon-soaked caramel and vanilla oak, intermingled with dark toffee, dried fig, and hints of leather. Time in the glass reveals subtle notes of toasted walnut and oxidative sherry character. The palate is viscous and warming, presenting waves of butterscotch, candied orange peel, and burnt sugar against a backdrop of bourbon barrel complexity. Oak tannins provide structure while residual sweetness remains balanced by gentle alcohol warmth. The finish is long and contemplative, with lingering notes of dark caramel, vanilla bean, and a whisper of cinnamon spice that slowly fades into pleasant oakiness.

Food Pairing

Pair with aged Comté or mature English Stilton, where the beer’s caramel richness and barrel character complement the crystalline texture and nutty depth of well-aged cheese. Alternatively, serve alongside a warm apple tarte Tatin or sticky toffee pudding, allowing the bourbon barrel notes to echo dessert’s caramelized sweetness while the beer’s structure cuts through richness.

About Goose Island Beer Company

Goose Island Beer Company stands as Illinois’ oldest continuously operating brewery, tracing its roots to 1988 when it opened as a brewpub in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Named after a nearby island, the brewery was founded with inspiration drawn from English brewing traditions and pub culture, establishing a distinctly European sensibility within the American craft beer landscape. What began as a neighborhood brewpub expanded significantly with a larger production brewery in 1995, allowing Goose Island to grow from local favorite to nationally recognized brand. The brewery gained particular acclaim for its barrel-aged beers and innovative brewing techniques, helping to define the craft beer movement in the Midwest. In 2011, Goose Island became part of Anheuser-Busch InBev, marking a significant moment in craft brewing history as one of the first major acquisitions of an established craft brewery by a global beer conglomerate. Today, Goose Island operates its original Fulton Street production facility with tap room and tours, alongside the Clybourn Avenue Brewhouse, continuing to produce beers distributed across the United States and United Kingdom while maintaining its Chicago heritage.