Chicagoland NE IPAs (2018)

I'll probably have some more Galaxy Bowl this weekend, but it is clearly the best of all the Chicagoland attempts at the NE style. I'd put Juice is Loose (I know, not technically Chicagoland) and a couple Special Sauce batches (I think 5 and 6) up there behind it. Juicy was pretty good, but I don't think it was up to those others...then again, maybe the salty taste in my mouth from the can release impacted my palate.

 

Yes, sir. I definitely like it, just a reaaaaally big fan of Juicy.

 

I havent been in a couple weeks now, anything floating around warehouse or printers row? binnys grand? I work in the loop and could swing by after work but rather not waste all afternoon. everyone here usually seems to be way more up to speed when these beers are released than I am. I appreciate the help. Ive tried a few of the hailstorms now, like cumulus and nimbus. didnt care for stratus or prairie madness. didnt like the hubbards cave v1 or v4 tbh. I dont want to give up on the style as people seem to love it. just beginning to think its not for me. have a bottle of son of juice at home which is getting sorta old i know, but i will try that this evening

 

Son of Juice was solid, but not the best representation of the style. Stratus should not be called an NE DIPA in my opinion, nothing about it fit the style. Hubbards Cave V4 was a good representation of the style with maybe just a touch more bitterness than others. What didn't you like about the Hubbards? Try a few more before you write the style off.

 

I thought Thursty was an NE DIPA? It looked like it from what I've seen, just not executed as well as his others from the looks of Untappd. I have a bottle, I'll have to put it to the test this weekend. I know it's the Citrus yeast he uses rather than the Citrus/Barbarian (Conan) blend of the SS batches, but I think its still NE style

 

Haha sounds good. I'll post back when I've had that one. I'm so excited that there are finally a few options for this style of beer around here, and I'm glad for this thread to compare them and keep up with releases!

 

I honestly am having a hard time putting my finger on it. I nearly drain poured V1. V4 was better but also split it among friends so didnt have as much. Simcoe are prob one of my fav hops too. I am not getting this juicy vibe at all out of these beers. I beginning to wonder if a lot of this "juice" description is mental as it "appears" like pulpy orange juice. All I get are massive yeast flavors that nearly dominate even the hops. As i have described in past posts, its like slamming the bottom of a bottle conditioned belgian, but for an entire bottle. I certainly havent given up. I have had trillium beers in the past, and they are better in general but I've still yet to see the light even with them.

 

The yeast in these beers is definitely a dominant flavor and aroma factor. I admit that I love it, and I haven't gotten tired of these beers, but I can see why it would turn someone off of them. These beers all tend to have a somewhat similar flavor and feel despite the hops used. I just happen to love that flavor.

 

I want to get it for the exact same reason. Have 3, but am supposed to keep those for friends and wanted to get another 4-pack for Decorah.

Agree. I got a 2nd one because I liked it enough.

Bitter Pops sounds like the best bet based on their instagram feed - but I can't make it up that far today.

 

Please post if it hits in the Loop. I'm eager to try some.

 

Any sightings in the western burbs of GB?

 

Bitter Pops is out of it anyway. I swung by right after opening this morning to get some CW BBQ and another 4 pack of Galaxy Bowl, and I got the last one. He told me they got 3 cases just before closing last night, and they just sold out within 10 minutes of opening this morning.

They did just get a fresh shipment of Nimbus in this morning, so that was cool. I grabbed one of those as well.

 

I have never heard of an 8% beer be described as watery. I'm gonna drink some tonight, maybe I will experience the same