Ram Brewery Side Note Releases

I agree that Juicy isn't quite up to Tree House or Trillium standards, but it is pretty close. It's certainly much better than any Revolution IPA I've ever had.

Unfortunately, if you like these styles of IPA'S and live in Illinois your only choices are Juicy, Mikerphone and Juice Is Loose (if you can drive to Michigan). Other than that you can trade for Trillium, Tree House, etc.

I really enjoyed the last batch of Juicy and plan on lining up for some. I don't mind waiting in line because the line was full of people sharing beers and I met a lot of great people. There are worse ways to spend a Saturday morning.

 

That is very true, I mean if people are sharing beer and you're having a good time then what the hell right?

I just think people are blowing it of proportion. While these are very good beers they aren't quite release worthy. My bias is that these things should just be on tap like any other beer, instead of line-up beer release.

For the Juicy release I plan on showing-up when they open to get some on-tap and if a four-pack is still available great, if not, congrats to all you happy hunters.

 

This is exactly my plan with kiddos along for lunch. If 600 people seriously show up before that (or 200 people that feel the need to get in line 3x or something) then more power to them. It's not an adjunct stout that people think they can trade for FO so my bet is 100ish hard core fans who like to stand in line and be social and the rest will be around for at least the day if not the weekend.

 

Is this confirmed to be Oct 1? Schaumberg location? Will any be released or tapped at any other locations?

 

You mean I can't be full of shit and just post 'I saw people trading FO for Side Note' and expect to get that kind of trade?? I was just about to post that I saw someone trade Juicy for King JJJuliusss + Very Green.

 

For the record I was the one that posted I saw that trade close. I did not get a S'more Luv so was not trying to alter expectations just so I could make that trade. I also didn't intend to set off the rave of trade posts that followed. Not saying FO for Side note is a standard trade, but it has absolutely close. I also saw someone offer Rare '15 + Huna for S'more Luv on the shipping trade page of this very site (you probably can look up the post) so let's not act like some people weren't willing to overpay to get that beer.

 

I don't remember who posted it and I wasn't calling anyone out specifically. Whether trades are completed, close to being completed or not for things others perceive to be heavily one sided one way or another isn't an issue with me either. The issue I have with certain kind of people in general are the those who falsely and deliberately spread misinformation about trades so as to boost the value of their own beer in order to trade for what they are really seeking. Not saying you were doing that or not, I just thought I'd explain my previous general comment.

But I stray too far off topic. Back to Juicy.

 

IMO, fresh Juicy is just as good as most of the standard TH and Trillium IPAs. It's the closest we currently got here in IL as far as NE-style (hazy, low-bitterness, juice bomb) and it's pretty damn well executed. Revolution IPAs are no comparison.

Also, believe it or not, S'more Luv / FO trades are common. Maybe not as much here but in a few of the FB groups they have been traded 1:1 numerous times. Also seen DDG and S'more 1:1 at least a few times.

 

Should be a very popular release. I mean, just think- a beautiful Fall day plus the fact that every beer enthusiast can shop at IKEA and RAM during the same stop.

 

I posted in the wrong thread initially, but is anyone bringing anything for a bottle share to Ram Juicy release? Last time I went I was surprised at number of people having a bottle share. Not sure if that was legal or frowned upon.

Separately,@shaun_the_brewer , will there be growler fills? I'll buy the cans if that's the only option but I'd rather get a growler filled if that's going to be offered.

 

Cool. I'll probably bring a few fresh beers from NE then. I just went to Hill Farmstead, Tree House, Trillium (both locations) and Bissell over the past week, so I have a few beers that would be good for a relative comparison with Juicy.

 

So what's the deal with Ram? I have never even heard of them but now they are doing a NE IPA and people are going crazy? Is this a place I can go and try their good stuff on tap or is it a kind of place you need to wait in a long line for (ewww)?

 

Fercrissake....
Go back in this thread and read through, dude, you will be inspired.

 

You fail to understand how lazy I am...

 

I clearly understand how lazy you are....hence my post, sir.

 

Most of the stuff at RAM is the same commercial recipes that's at all of the RAM locations... nothing that stands out.

But every so often the head brewer at the Schaumberg location brews his original recipes, which they call side note releases. His name is Shaun_the_brewer on IG and BA if you want to follow him for info.

Every side note release that I have had have been excellent and line/trade worthy.

The juicy release back in June was a top 3 new beer for me in 2016 (so far), along with mikerphone special sauce and TG mosaic pseudo Sue

 

Thanks

 

Actually, one more question, are there generally lines for these releases or can I buy beer like a civilized person?

 

Time will tell but the last Juicy release I was able to pick up in crowler form at least a day or two after the release. Seems like volume was doubled this time around but canned in 4pks so it's a guess as to how this goes. I doubt any real trade value so my hope is that keeps things civil. I'm showing up at noon for lunch and betting I can grab some with zero issue.