Chicagoland NE IPAs (2018)

No hate on oats...just decided that they weren't adding anything desirable that I couldn't get with wheat. IMO, wheat flavor is more neutral.

My goal is to get a syrupy-soft mouthfeel, juicy (citrus or stone fruit or tropical, etc) flavor profile and a hint of bitterness. No traditional malt character (caramel or other-wise).

Edit:

There is actually a longer response to the question that I'm still working through. Trying to find the target profile is hard enough....let alone if you are targeting more than one type of profile (which I am currently working towards). I'll be more forthcoming about my intentions in the coming months.

 

We kind of go back and forth with using oats or not... I've really enjoyed a lot of the NE IPAs I've had, but we tend to push toward the dryer/more bitter side. Contrary to what a lot of brewers will say, I think trying to get the mouthfeel/fruit/etc. is a real challenge.. many old timers poopoo the haze and say it is "easy" to make murk.

 

I can barely finish Reign in Punch. Not a fan.

 

I have a reservation for 3 at 7:30, but things are still kinda up in the air. Already had one friend flake out on me.

 

Although I am just a home brewer, I feel that soft treehouse like mouth feel is the hardest aspect to achieve in these beers. Their beers are more bitter than most 'NE IPAS' but it's masked so well with that silky soft mouth feel. My.02 anyways

 

I have to give it up to forbidden root. We live just down the street and the beer is awesome. I remember not loving their stuff when they first opened but this is a whole other level. Living in walking distance is going to be dangerous

 

It looks like the 18th/Transient collab Zero Discipline is popping up in Chicago.

 

$20.99 a 4-pack

 

Hard pass on that. Where's HouseofWortship when we need him?

 

Nobody has matched it yet which makes them the gold standard.

Anyways, Reign in Punch was better than I expected based on middling reviews. Y'all need to seek out Van Hazen by Corridor. It's excellent and worth bringing home by the crowler.

 

How does Van Hazen compare to SDSS? Also, how does Pale Pauper stack up to the other options? Basically, how do you rank the 4 beers at Corridor-Mikerphone event...

 

SDSS kicked already????

 

Yep

 

That sucks.... how many people showed up for 5pm?

Man these events need half barrels

 

In such a short time these guys fixed their mistakes fast and started putting out some good shit haha

 

Pretty cool that Mike of Mikerphone is sitting at table next to us... I let him know that people are disappointed w SDSS, haha jk. But I am enjoying Pale Pauper more...and i had two pints of SDSS. Off to see the Cubbies in a few!

 

FWIW, the Reign in Punch is the top 2 NEIPA ive ever had.

 

i blocked him. My BA experience is better now

 

I'm digging Van Hazen. Great balance of sweet and bitter. The bitter lingers just a bit too long for me. Had a similar experience with Reign in Punch.