Chicagoland NE IPAs (2018)

anyone seen that Hubbard's Cave new single hop mosaic out and about town? they have been so good lately, i don't want to miss it.

 

I've loved almost every Hubbard's Cave IPA but the single hop mosaic was a miss for me. I was at the taproom last weekend and tried it on draft, thought it was a little sweet, and they said that the final gravity ended up a little higher than they would have liked. Though, if you like your imperial IPAs a little sweeter, then it could be right up your alley. I was just in Bottles & Cans, and they had it.

 

I am enjoying one now and it's great. Is it a little sweet? I could see that but it's less sweet than Special Sauce. I'd really recommend a bottle

 

It's less sweet than super duper special sauce for sure, which was perhaps the sweetest IPA I've ever had. I guess my palate is likely just more sensitive than most to sweet IPAs.

 

I'm also enjoying one right now. I misspoke when I said I grabbed a V5 at Beer Cellar yesterday. It was the Single Hop Mosaic, and I'm totally good with that. I think this is a great IIPA and hope to grab another. I would agree it's got a sweeter component to it, but I don't mind that within reason. Juicy, citrusy, deliciousness with a nice hop bite. My dad actually just asked me if I was drinking grapefruit juice or something.

 

Lots at Mokena Binny's too.

 

Beer cellar had about ten yesterday

 

I've had none of these Chicago NEIPA but I'm certain many of you have had Old Nation M43 and Boxer.

I've had many Treehouse offerings shipped to me from my cousin and I can say that the ON stuff is on par with the Treehouse stuff.

Are there any of these Chicago styles that match Treehouse/ON?

 

Shipped to you could be the reason (though I haven't had ON). No, nothing here is on par with TH but things are getting increasingly good from here

 

Well, there isn't much of a way for most to get TH here than getting it shipped

I've never thought TH is that much better (if at all) than some of the best from around here, including Old Nation M-43 and Boxer. I know I'm in a small population of people that think that, though.

 

This is interesting to think about for me personally because I haven't had a Treehouse beer since 2 years ago as I'm not a beer trader, so my palate memory of it is gone basically. I remember thinking it was incredible and being crazy about it. But since I've never had it side by side with what is here in Chicago within a relatively decent time frame, I can't say unfortunately.

I think the Corridor and Forbidden Root stuff is definitely close.

My brother who lives in L.A. is crazy about the Monkish stuff in this style and ships me Monkish cans. He is a active beer trader and loves Treehouse but he won't trade his top notch Monkish stuff for Treehouse stuff. I think locality plays a factor in a way in also shaping people's opinions about beer. I've had quite a few of the great Monkish beers in this style, and I think the best Corridor beers (Squeezit), and Forbidden Root beers (Stay Lit, Radio Swan) are at that exact same level.

Again this is just my personal taste. Maybe if I had a Treehouse beer recently I would feel different. But I'm not splitting hairs over it, I like to buy local stuff and that is very important to me. I think what Corridor and Forbidden Root have been doing is absolutely incredible top notch beer in this style and I think their appreciation by people is only going up and up, especially with Forbidden Root canning things in the near future.

 

Easier said than done but this is why you make beer trips. The best way to compare is to have each beer in its ideal conditions. I trade too so I know the appeal. But the TH I have had through the mail hasn't been of the same class as the varieties I've had when in Monson/BT's.

Again though, Chicagoland has come so far in just the last 12 months. There's a good or better option being released at least once a week now

 

Chicago certainly is catching up. I was out east last fall. Didn't hit Treehouse. Was able to stop at The Alchemist and Trillium amongst others. Some of the FR and Corridor brews or on par with some of Trilliums offerings. Again just my opinion.

Hell I had Mosaic Gummy this past weekend and thought it was close to the brews I muled back from Alchemist and Trillium.

I'm enjoying the style, however I'm looking forward to the Beer Hates Astronauts I picked up yesterday as well as the newest PW fish brew.

 

Your bro won't trade his monkish Bc they can't get it nearly as easy as Tree- no set releases- limits are so low- there are paid mules everywhere- the monkish availability is a joke. Literally ppl just try to make a living off reselling there beer more than anyone else.. I love Monkish- it's insane to me.. Foggier Window, Bomb Atomically, Really Real etc are all amazing- but them not trading for Tree is because Monkish is a shit show to get-

I absolutely love buying local... I love what BJ at FR and Corridor beers. I get every one... even they will say they are not at TH level yet... ask them... They both are pumping out A beers IMO.. and it's also extremely early in both of their production of the style as well! so excited for what's to come out of both of them...

In no way is this hate.. Bc I'll be at FR later and Corridor tomorrow

had Green?(best everyday IPA there is IMO) King Julius? King JJJulius? Very Hazy? Etc? I don't think we would say any ChiPas are at the TH level if you have

With both of their attention to detail I think we have a real shot of getting epic beers out of both! Cheers!!!

 

Forbidden root has been on par. Not as good as TH's best but certianly as good or better than their everyday lineup.

 

How have you been burned?

 

I agree comparing beers is old... I am more stating tier levels of breweries....