Chicago’s Oldest Brewery Pays Homage To The Forgotten Force That Shaped the City..
In a city where civic pride runs deeper than visitors will ever understand , Goose Island Beer Company has once again captured our attention for a limited engagement —this time, for a summer release. River Bird, the brewery’s newest draft offering, is more than just another IPA. It’s a reminder to not ignore to the city’s iconic waterway—and a bold, refreshingly restrained take on a West Coast classic.
Brewed in Chicago, River Bird delivers with uncommon finesse and, bright, hop-forward character from the blend of Centennial, Columbus, Chinook, and Citra hops. It’s a layered bouquet of citrus zest, resinous pine, and just a whisper of floral spice—never overwhelming, always inviting.
What sets River Bird apart isn’t just its flavor, but its philosophy. At 6.5% ABV, this beer drinks lighter than some of the West Coast heavyweights that inspired it, trading punch for poise. It’s a deliberate move, and a successful one. The bitterness is dialed back to a smooth, rolling wave rather than a crash—offering an IPA experience that feels crisp, dry, and endlessly drinkable, even on a second or third pour.
That drier profile, interestingly, comes from a proprietary ale yeast distinct from Goose Island’s house strains—eschewing the fruity esters found in their award-winning Belgian and English-style offerings. Instead, River Bird opts for subtlety: clean malt support, a lean body, and a finish that disappears like a breeze off the riverwalk.
But this isn’t just another pint for pint’s sake. Goose Island has partnered with Friends of the Chicago River, directing proceeds from River Bird to support the only nonprofit exclusively focused on restoring and protecting the Chicago-Calumet river system. It’s a worthy cause—one that aligns beer with purpose, and refreshment with restoration.
Already on tap in over 150 accounts across the city, River Bird is poised to become a mainstay of Chicago’s summer.
The Chicago River is the city’s first expressway. It was not just important, but without it, Chicago might have been bypassed entirely in favor of cities like St. Louis or Detroit.
Once the river made Chicago a natural gathering point, railroads cemented. By 1860, more rail lines converged in Chicago than anywhere else in the U.S., making it the logistics capital of the country.
Chicago, be sure to raise your glass— to the forgotten force that played a central role in Chicago’s origin, and ongoing transformation.
—Nkosi
