Chicagoland NE IPAs (2018)

No. I'm saying it's funny to me to read criticism of the best selling brewery in the stage. Especially when either their number 1 and 2 selling beers have pretty light malt bills.

I do know what you are talking about in some of the ninja series though. At times, the way they get 9.5 or 10 percent detracts from the beer

 

A new batch of Cumulus just hit The Beer Cellar in Glen Ellyn, so I'm assuming it's out and getting distributed today.

 

Hailstorm just Tweeted that they have a batch of Stratus coming. While it's their NE IIPA I'm definitely trying it based on my experience with Cumulus.

 

I'm curious to know the dates on those cans. I bought my four pack of Cumulus at Capones on Monday 9/12, and though they Tweeted that they received it on Friday 9/9 those cans were dated 8/20. I'm not complaining as the one can I've had of Cumulus (so far) was really good, but leaves me wondering if the delay is a brewery/distribution versus retailer issue.

Also, has anyone had 18th Street's Rise of the Angels? Capones Twitter feed described it as a NE style DIPA, but 18th Street's description does not mention that style. It does mention a "blast" of grapefruit zest and a "parade" of floral, citrus hops. Does it qualify as an NE style DIPA?

 

Oh they did correct Capone's? Haha, I didn't catch that. Of course, the one review for it on BA describes it as a NE style. I forget, which one of us is writing up the standard description for the NE style IPA? And how soon can it be ready?

 

To the guy with the SS#6, I've heard that NE IPAs drop off after a few days so you better just send that my way so that you don't drink expired beer

 

18th's Street NE style DIPA was a collab they did down in Florida with Cigar City- Bechemel

https://cigarcitybrewing.com/beer/18th-street-collab-bechamel/?age-verified=d58a971f02

 

Finally copped a Son of Juice, and my expectations have been lowered severely. Still can't wait to try it!!

 

My bad I went to Printers Row and Warehouse...Mikerphone was from Warehouse.

 

Son of Juice...yeah not so good IMO. Watermelon jolly rancher meets pine needle?

Just didn't work for me.

 

Thanks to a beer trading buddy, I was able to sample a few "real deal" NE IPA's this weekend (Julius, King Julius, Sap and Pride & Purpose from Tree House; Focal Banger and Crusher from the Alchemist).

2 take-aways: I don't love the Alchemist stuff, overrated in my opinion AND Mikerphone & Transient match up pretty well against Tree House. Hailstorm & Maplewood lag behind IMO.

I have not had Ram Juicy yet...hopefully the next batch....

 

FWIW, Tree House's twitter says that, in their opinion, the sweet spot for their cans is 4-6 weeks.
My fiance and I were lucky enough to do a side-by-side of a 2 day old Julius and a 6 week old Julius. There was a noticeable difference in flavor (the 6 week old can was maltier) and color (the 6 week old can was much darker), but different palates will most likely prefer one to the other. There is no right answer and there is nothing wrong with drinking these at 6 weeks or even older. It's all a matter of preference.

 

There is a right answer - any NE IPA that is over three days old is clearly dated and you should contact me so I can let you know how to properly dispose of it.