Chicagoland NE IPAs (2018)

Ha! My wife would probably laugh if I told her I cheated on her, knowing it couldn't possibly be true. I'm guessing the laughing shouldn't be taken as a compliment.

 

sooooo Gummy Vortex or NE Slapper? since they are both Citra forward...

 

I am def one of those people that picked up a lot of Belgian flavors from their beers, if they had to sacrifice the haze in order to get that taken care of I am all for it. Belgian IPAs are not my thing.

here is a question to anyone and I realize the obvious answer to most but I sort of question it...does a NE style beer HAVE to be completely hazy. Yes I realize that is def a distinguishing characteristic. but if a beer has the mouthfeel, taste, hop profile etc but not the appearance...does that completely disqualify it? I dunno, just a random thought while bored at work to discuss.

 

I'd cast my vote for Vortex, though the nitro pour of Slapper was awesome!

 

I've reported you for "beer nerding" wrong - never turn down extra beer.

Now this is "beer nerding" it correctly.

 

interesting, most of the comments i heard was people preferred the regular slapper over the nitro

 

Can't say I've ever had a nitro IPA, very unique. Best way to describe it would be to quote John Candy "orange whip, orange whip...3 Orange whips"

 

I was the guy in the Cubs hat next to you. Nice of you to come back to tell them you got an extra crowler.

 

Are there any lines at noon whistle? Heading there now!

 

Probably not. They're still very under the radar. The longest you would wait is like ten minutes to get your crowlers.

 

Yes it's crazy how Noon Whistle is still flying under the radar. They make some good freaking beer. I got my crowler so I'm happy lol I'll go back tomorrow again haha

 

maybe not quite the same mouth feel but I get a full bodied smooth, soft mouth feel from English cask ales. unfortunately I have yet to find anyone that serves them in good condition stateside. even reputable bars and breweries that have cask generally don't condition or store them correctly.

 

Like I said earlier, I've lived 10 minutes from the brewery for the past 6 months and hadn't heard of them, though once I visited today I totally recognized the cans from the Beer Cellar in Glen Ellyn. Definitely going back; they've got a sweet taproom.

 

I would have liked it better if it wasn't on Nitro. IMO, Nitro is for Guinness, etc., not for an IPA

 

If you were looking for more of a hop presence in NE Slapper, then Gummy Vortex is for you. There's more of that citra/simcoe bite throughout it, especially on the end of it (which I love in my IPA's). I'm hoping it lasts as long as Funny Gummy, as I'll be back for more!

 

Going through my crowler of Gummy Vortex now. For me, it might be one of those NEIPAs that gets better in a week or 2. Aroma is amazing, mouthfeel is good, on the dryer side for the style (imo), but I'm picking up a harshness on the back end. I don't even think it's an early addition bittering bite, but more like a raw hop harshness that could use another week to come together. FWIW, I like some bitterness in the style to balance, but this tastes young to me. Still highly enjoyable. I may hold onto the 2nd crowler and pop it in week or so.

 

You ever get down to St Louis? Civil Life does a cask ale that I think is very well done.