Goose Island Beer Co / Fulton St - Craft Beer in Chicago, Illinois

📜 Short History:

Goose Island Beer Co. is a renowned brewery based in Chicago, Illinois. The company was founded by John Hall in 1988. Hall, who was inspired by the flavors and varieties of beers he tasted during his travels across Europe, decided to bring the diversity of beer styles to the American public.

The first Goose Island Brewpub opened its doors in 1988 in Lincoln Park, a neighborhood in Chicago. The brewpub was successful, and it led to the opening of a larger brewery and a second brewpub in Wrigleyville.

In 1995, Goose Island started bottling their beer, making it available to a wider audience beyond the brewpubs. The company's beers quickly gained popularity, and by the early 2000s, Goose Island's beers were distributed across the United States and even overseas.

In 2006, Goose Island sold a minority stake (42%) to Widmer Brothers Brewery in an effort to expand its distribution. Widmer was, in turn, partially owned by Anheuser-Busch, which allowed Goose Island beers to reach a much larger audience.

In 2011, Anheuser-Busch InBev purchased the remaining stake in Goose Island, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary. Despite concerns about the acquisition, Goose Island has maintained its commitment to craft brewing.

The Fulton Street Brewery, which is often referred to as Goose Island Beer Co., was opened in 1995. It is located on Fulton Street in Chicago, and it is where most of Goose Island's beers are brewed. The brewery also features a taproom where visitors can taste the company's beers.

Goose Island is known for its innovative beers and has won several awards for its creations. The brewery is particularly famous for its Bourbon County Brand Stout, a high-alcohol stout aged in bourbon barrels, which has become a highly sought-after beer among enthusiasts.