While these were written some time ago..It was quite a bit longer until I could pull away from my dutties here as an undergrad and type out the conclusion to my Marshal McGearty Prologue. So, after more then a month of “deliberations” here is my take on the selection of Goose Island beer and McGearty tobacco.
First Paring: Harvest Ale/ The Standard (McGearty’s first artisan cigarette)
In the forward you’ll notice the beer carries an almost sake like flavor fighting for attention as notes of honey flow over your tongue. In the middle some of that will level off and the hops will take their turn with your tongue. In the end though the beer retreats quickly and cleanly to leave your mouth refreshed not bitter or to sticky with residual sugar. If your sure to add the cigarette at the end.. the already crisp aftertaste will be sweetened and cleaned further by the light smoke of the Standard.
India Pale Ale/ The Virginian:
The initial smell is fruity but still somehow hoppy. The taste is less complex then the Harvest Ale and you’ll find that it is a product of a pure hops taste and a hint of citrus in the very back of the throat. The Virginian however is a peppery blend smooth and rich. This pairing in my opinion is the fault of either last minute planning, or the fact that McGearty offers relatively few blends compared to the pairings they bring in.
Demolition/ The Earl:
The Demolition has a very sweet smell with only a hint of hops in the aroma. The taste is that of a milky honey with a texture of creme and a grassy aftertaste. The Earl goes nicely because it is after all derived from a dark citrus like tea and dark teas tend to go with a creamy texture pretty well. A good pairing as I have always liked The Earl anyway.
Matilda/ Muse:
The Aroma of Leaves or sweet hay even a bit of apple. The taste can be likened to champane, grape, apple, and pure sugar cane. There is more residual sugar and the taste tends to stick to your mouth but you will find this one of the most complex sweet beers you have ever had. Add to that the fact that it ages in the bottle and you’ve got your self one amazing beer. The muse has never been one of my favorites as it is very strong and tends to take its tole on your tongue. In any case the pair wasn’t my favorite but the beer was either a tie or close first with the Harvest Ale.
Pere Jacques/ Karlita:
The beer is sweet .. on the verge of being too sweet but it saves it self by preparing a warm, smooth, and inviting middle to after taste. A champagne like flavor in some regard. The Karlita is also a sweet caramel cigarett but as expected the caramel pushed the sweetness of this beer over the edge. It was not a good pairing even though I enjoyed the two separately.
