Mikerphone Releases and Updates (2018)

Got mine at Binny's Lincoln Park, and it was going fast. Probably only a few bottles left when I got out of there at 5:30, unless they had more to put out

 

Capone's told me they sold out in 2 hours. Being that I have a job and work for a living I don't think I'll be enjoying anymore Mikerphone until they expand lol

 

They did show that they started demoing the new brewery the other day so it should be too long.

 

I'd recommend going somewhere besides Capone's...that's not a dig at them, but rather that they seem to sell out quickly. I've tried to keep an eye on where this stuff tends to stick around longer, and I've noticed that Capone's and Warehouse seem to be the ones where it goes the quickest. That may not be 100% correct, but it's what I've noticed.

 

Yeah I am starting to think that

 

Yeah I missed the last bottle at capone's by few minutes after getting out of work. Can't wait for 4 packs of 16 oz SS and others. If that is indeed the canning size or if they will be canned vs bottled. Can't wait for when Mikerphone is a readily available beer!

 

I always go to O's Tap bar in Chicago & enjoy with other huge Mikerphone fans. No carryout license, but usually only a couple bucks more than liquor stores.
Enjoyed Hey Ya! a lot. Go with SS #6 if you like a little bitterness. Heck, drink both!

 

I opened Hey Ya! last night. Way hazier than I even expected - one of the haziest I've had from Mikerphone. I thought it was OK - enjoyable but didn't wow me.

 

I just hope Mike keeps distributing and doesn't go Tree House on his distribution model as well. Not saying I've even heard this is a possibility, but obviously with the demand it's the most profitable outlet from Mikerphones standpoint.

 

I think that would be a mistake. It would obviously sever some relationships with stores and also leave a bad taste in the mouths of many customers. It may seem profitable near term to make that choice, but it seems like the wrong long term strategy.

 

Honestly, Mikerphone's beer isn't nearly good enough to consider that sort of strategy right now. How many people would drive to Elk Grove for Special Sauce or Bean Spirit? Maybe a lot. How many would drive to Elk Grove for Wah Wah or Rich Girl?

 

Since I live 20 minutes away, maybe me . Good point though. I think the thing about Tree House is that even their more moderate successes are adored. I've been there twice. Once got KJJJ and 4th anniversary double shot. The other time a much more moderate Green and Alter Ego. But people don't walk away disappointed with Green and Alter Ego - they're still ecstatic.

 

I had Wah Wah last night. My GF loves those kinds of beers, and thought it was great. Not my style but I thought it was good too. I've enjoyed his IPAs and Stouts more than most, and I think people like supporting a local small operation like he has going on.

 

Got my bottle, looking forward to trying #6 this weekend!

 

Came across a bottle of special sauce b5 last night while looking for b6 and hey ya. Was a pretty nice surprise as I thought I had missed it.

 

Batch 5 blew me away, nice grab!! Cracking batch 6 tonight....

 

It's a miracle! I was still able to get ss6 and Hey Ya in Elmwood Park today!

 

Lets divert from the truck chasing for a quick moment to talk about Mikerphone's decision not to do a club.



So I'll be the first to admit I had been hoping for a club. I joined Breakroom back when Mike was the head brewer. After trying his beers at an early tap takeover, I was sold. My girlfriend actually bought me the membership well before they opened as a surprise. Then Mike left and did his own thing. Thats cool. I looked forward to joining his future club. Now the announcement comes that there will be no club. Locals will benefit most. It sucks for me since Elk Grove is not an easy enough commute for me to be a regular there, but I think it's the right thing to do. He's going to take care of the people that frequent him most and I applaud that. More inclusive than exclusive. Going to cut down on the people buying into his beer solely to trade and sell it, while making sure the people that really care get the first opportunity at the real treats. At least thats how I read into it. Congrats Mike!

What do you guys think?

 

Gotta respectfully disagree...Hey Ya is wowwing me right now. Bold banana & mango notes, just a hint of grassy dryness. DIPA heaven for me.

I kinda think these hazy IPAs are better after 24 hours; drank same day the yeast is so potent that it can dominate the flavor. A LITTLE bit of settling seems to bring out the hops more. (Source: one idiots opinion, 0 science or homebrew experience.)

 

Well, I had SS#6 tonight and I was pretty blown away (I hesitate to say fully blown away...I can be a tough grader ). This is the first of all these juicy/NE/whatever style you want to call them of IPA's that I've had where I actually felt it tasted truly juicy. Nearly all of them I find to have a bitterness that reminds of the rind of the orange as opposed to juice. With this, I would have thought there actually was juice in it. Maybe I'm just warming up to this style (after A LOT of different tries), or maybe this one is just that much of a standout. Kinda wishing I had grabbed a second...maybe I'll see if I can get lucky tomorrow.