Goose Island Blackhawks Pale Ale 12Pk

Goose Island Blackhawks Pale Ale 12Pk is a 12-pack of American pale ale brewed at 5.0% ABV by Goose Island Beer Co. in collaboration with the Chicago Blackhawks. This co-branded release brings together two Chicago institutions, delivering an approachable, sessionable pale ale that scores an 83 on BeerAdvocate.
Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: American Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Goose Island Beer Co.
Production & Heritage
Goose Island Beer Co. was founded in 1988 on Chicago’s North Side by John Hall, growing from a single brewpub into one of the most recognized craft breweries in the United States. The brewery was acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2011. The Blackhawks Pale Ale is a purpose-built collaboration between Goose Island and the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, designed as a clean, balanced pale ale with broad appeal — the kind of beer that works equally well during a game watch or a backyard cookout.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Oats and doughy pale malt lead, followed by orange peel and faint banana. Subtle piney hops and a whisper of grapefruit round out the nose.
Taste: The entry is clean and malt-forward with light caramel sweetness and a mildly nutty grain character. Mid-palate, tropical citrus emerges — orange, faint peach, and a touch of mango — balanced by moderate piney bitterness. The body is medium with moderate carbonation, keeping things lively without heaviness.
Finish: Dry and clean with lingering piney bitterness and a trace of grapefruit pith. The finish is short to medium, encouraging another sip.
How to Drink Blackhawks Pale Ale
Pour into a pint glass at around 45°F to let the citrus and malt aromatics open up, or drink straight from the can for convenience. A Shandy works well here — the pale ale’s citrus leanings pair naturally with fresh lemonade on hot days. Use it as the base for a Michelada, where the moderate bitterness and clean body stand up to lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire. For something simple, a Beermosa with fresh orange juice highlights the beer’s existing orange peel and tropical notes.
Best For
Watching Chicago Blackhawks games with friends
Summer cookouts and tailgating
Gifting to a Blackhawks fan who appreciates local craft beer
Stocking a party cooler with an easy-drinking crowd-pleaser
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Blackhawks Pale Ale taste like? It drinks as a clean, balanced American pale ale with light caramel malt sweetness, orange peel and grapefruit citrus, and a dry piney finish. The flavor profile leans approachable rather than aggressively hoppy.
How does Blackhawks Pale Ale compare to Goose Island IPA? Goose Island IPA is more hop-forward at 5.9% ABV with bigger citrus and pine intensity, while the Blackhawks Pale Ale sits at 5.0% ABV with a gentler bitterness and more malt balance, making it more sessionable.
Is Blackhawks Pale Ale good for craft beer beginners? Yes — its moderate 5.0% ABV, clean malt backbone, and restrained bitterness make it an accessible entry point into American pale ales without overwhelming the palate.
Where is Blackhawks Pale Ale made? Blackhawks Pale Ale is brewed by Goose Island Beer Co. in Chicago, Illinois, in official collaboration with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks.
What foods pair well with Blackhawks Pale Ale? Chicago-style hot dogs complement the beer’s malt sweetness and piney bitterness. Grilled bratwurst works well against its moderate carbonation. Sharp cheddar cheese echoes the nutty grain notes. Fish tacos with citrus slaw mirror the orange peel and tropical character. Pizza — deep dish or otherwise — is a natural match for the beer’s balanced body.
What sizes does Blackhawks Pale Ale come in? The Blackhawks Pale Ale is commonly available in a 12-pack of cans.
Is Blackhawks Pale Ale worth the price? It positions as a mainstream craft pale ale, sitting in the everyday-drinking value tier — comparable to other Goose Island year-round offerings, with added collectible appeal for Blackhawks fans.
Why Blackhawks Pale Ale?
This is a genuine collaboration between two pillars of Chicago culture, not a generic licensing slap. Goose Island built the recipe to reflect the kind of beer you actually want to drink during a three-hour hockey game — balanced, sessionable at 5.0% ABV, and clean enough to keep reaching for. Its BeerAdvocate score of 83 and 3.6 rating on Untappd from over 3,100 reviews confirm consistent crowd approval. For Blackhawks faithful and Chicago beer fans alike, the 12-pack format makes it a practical choice for any gathering where hometown pride matters.