The Half-Acre thread (2018)

That part I would probably disagree with, since while I've really liked BHA before (and still do) I just think other Half Acre beers deserve more acclaim (i.e. Navaja).

 

Maybe it's just me, but when I first moved here I was pretty excited to taste Navaja, but for me it seemed too hot / boozy and I wasn't really into it?

 

I was in Vermont last week, brought back some Heady Topper and other goodies. Last year I had Navaja side by side and it held up well. This year hoping to do the same with BHA.

I drink Old Style at Wrigley and give it 5 stars on Untappd!

 

I feel very slightly underwhelmed with BHA this year, but it's possible that that's because it's been my favorite HA beer for the last 3 years, so I hype it up pretty hard in my mind. The one thing I don't love this year is that it doesn't seem as "crisp" as it has in years past (that clean dryness that a lot of the great HA IPAs have). I've also had a lot of good HA IPAs recently, so that probably doesn't help BHA stand out.

In terms of Navaja vs. BHA, I think they're pretty even. I'm a citra junkie, but the combo of mosaic and the dryness that Navaja comes through with at 10% abv is pretty awesome. Both great beers, and regardless as to whether I'm as happy with BHA as I've been the past few years, I'm super happy they went back to canning AND seem to have pumped out a good amount of the stuff. One day I'll be able to purchase BHA year-round...

 

This pretty sums up exactly how I feel.

 

It's not just you. Based on what my friends say, I keep thinking that I should give Navaja another try, but I really did not care for it. I struggled through half of a 4-pack and just stuck the other 2 cans in some random cooler at a bbq. I'll probably get a short pour next time I head to HA just to see if my feelings have changed or if I got some bad cans or something.

 

Navaja is pretty boozy. If you're used to drinking 5-8% abv IPAs I can definitely see the issue, since there are times when I'm not in the mood for it either. I used to exclusively drink 9-10% DIPAs because of the "in your face" flavor, but as the lower abv IPAs have gotten more and more hoppy (partial thanks to NE IPAs on this count), my tastes have changed and I can get the same amount of flavor without the overpowering booziness or sweetness of a huge DIPA.

It's specifically how dry HA has managed to make Navaja at 10% that makes it stand out to me; it's still boozy but really easily drinkable in comparison to other DIPAs of that abv. Still not surprised that it's not for everyone, though.

 

I agree with you. I enjoy it on occassion, but way too boozy for me to drink it regularly. I will say the last batch I had (quite a few months ago?) was definitely better than previous batches.

 

I agree. I like just about all HA beers. They have been killing it with one offs latley but Navaja has never done it for me. its an excelllet beer but it is so boozy that its a chore to drink. I prefer my ipas much more "crushable"

 

Glad I'm not the only one. I enjoy almost all of the HA stuff, all the big 3F IPAs, etc, etc, but I struggled drinking Navaja, to the point I was worried it was a bad can.

 

So to be clear -- limit is four 4-packs on BHA? Any chance they lift that? (I can't find anything about a limit on the HA website.)

 

Limit at the shop was a case (6 4pks).

 

This is fact. My buddy grabbed a flat on Friday to split with me when I see him in a few days. Also looks like HA is bringing BHA to Sierra Nevada Beer Camp if anyone is going.

 

Perfect -- planning to mule a bunch back to the sticks....

 

Saw it at Mariano's today also for what it's worth.

 

Which Marianos had it please and thanks?

 

Chicago and Damen

 

Grabbed a 4 pack of BHA at the Binny's on Grand. Had about 9 or 10 cases?

 

Capone's also got BHA, according to their IG.

 

first time having BHA. yeah that's a fun beer to drink. I prefer it over DDC and GDDC