President sets Precedent with Goose Island 312 Beer

July 2010

Not always a high-point in the world of beer, but a meeting at the G-8 and G-20 economic summits in Toronto saw USA President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron both pay off a World Cup bet by exchanging beers.

The USA vs England game ended up in a 1-1 draw, resulting in both leaders honouring their dues to each other and paying their respective bets with 'hometown' beers.

Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat beer, from President Obama’s home city of Chicago, is winging its way to Number 10 and, in exchange, the White House will be home to a bottle of darkly mysterious Hobgoblin ale, brewed in Prime Minister Cameron’s Witney constituency in Oxfordshire.   

The President explained the bet and his choice of beer further: “A conversation I had with David Cameron... before the match between the United States and England at the World Cup. And since it ended in a tie, we are exchanging beers and paying off our debts at the same time. This is Goose Island 312 beer from my hometown of Chicago.”

The President continued, “In America we drink our beer cold so he has to put this in the refrigerator before he drinks it, but I think he will find it outstanding.”

The vibrantly fruity 4.2% abv Goose Island 312, allegedly President Obama’s favourite brew, was an inspired choice, tactfully brewed in the ‘English style’ and winner of  the Gold medal in this category at the Great American Beer Festival in both 2006 and 2007. Its hazy straw colour and the ripe lemon aromas from its Cascade and Liberty hops should add further warmth and spice to the special relationship between the two countries.   

Hobgoblin from the Wychwood Brewery in Witney, has smooth, rich and satisfying flavours from chocolate & crystal malts combined with a crisp, refreshing bitterness from Styrian, Goldings and Fuggles hops.

Goose Island 312 will be available in Britain from mid-August, distributed to the trade exclusively through James Clay.  

The general public shall be able to buy Goose Island 312 from www.beerhere.co.uk and through quality independent retailers, joining Goose Island IPA, Goose Island Honkers and as well as other special seasonal beers in its flavour-packed range.

For enquiries about Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat, please contact us on 01422 377 560.