The Half-Acre thread (2018)

Got the last three bottles of vanilla with 2 buddies at 1:10

 

how long is the line now?

 

Not bad, Corner of Cullom

 

Guess they brought out a case after us and a few more people got a few and some 2 to our 1.

 

Do you have to stand in line outside if you just want to come in for a draft?

 

Yes, not terribly long though

 

What a fantastic release. Arrived at 10am. Approximately 2 hours to purchase my bottles. Cash line seemed to be moving slower than credit, but I couldn't complain because coffee abraxas and maple big hugs were being poured by Half Acre staff. These releases may be growing every year but I think they did a great job making sure everyone had a pour in their hand and walked away with a smile.

 

Best way I can describe this year's Big Hugs is that it tastes like iced coffee. It's lighter, pretty thin mouthfeel, not very bitter, and drinks like it's 7-8% rather than the 10% it is. It's not particularly complex. Wish it was a seasonal 4 pack rather than this special release madness. But hey, more power to Half Acre if they can generate this level of hype for a "good" coffee stout.

 

What's currently on at the taproom? Regular BH and Vanilla?

 

Vanilla big hugs is kind of mediocre. Regular is pretty solid though.

 

I really dug vanilla BH.

Also the maple BH was fantastic.

IDK.

 

Jamesway, gin pony, Quaker bridge, golden tuna, bh, vbh, mila, space and the ever best bet double daisy cutter

Also no taproom line

 

Thanks man, that convinced me to head back over and get a pour of Vanilla Hugs.

 

Maple BH was amazing

 

TOTALLY agree. We were 10 minutes late to get vanilla big hugs bottles, however after trying the 2015 big hugs and vanilla back to back, we weren't dissapointed at all. We are convinced that they put too much heat on the vanilla beans which gave it a slightly acidic flavor.

Case in point, the 2015 Big Hugs normal will be amazing after a year or two of aging.

 

I love HA to death but Big Hugs is the most overrated beer to line up for in illinois.

 

Frankly I think the Vanilla is fantastic, although Maple beats it for sure.

 

How do you know a coffee stout is going to be amazing in two years? The only thing you can claim is the coffee's gonna be faded.

 

They need to bottle the Maple Big Hugs. More people would line up for that beer. I was number 3 in line, but some @ss hats saw there friends and stay to talk the whole time. So I ended up being. 5th in line. First 15 people got gift bags. The free donuts and coffee is a plus. I would do this event again. Fun time.

 

what was in the gift bags?