Chicagoland NE IPAs (2018)

I know what you mean. Back in late 2008-9 if you wanted something different you traded west to get something with a little bite like Pliney and I can remember the first bottle of Palate Wrecker I had from Green Flash and it literally wrecked my palate and I that was about the time I realized I was a Hophead.

Then the first East coast Ipa I ever had was Heady and it has been so long I can't remember if it was hazy or maybe cloudy, but it was a game changer, completely different character and taste profile. Then came the Haze from the New England states and I think people who have just been around for the dawn of the Haze forget that Ipa's have a long history and have evolved differently across the country as the brewers experiment and push the envelope.

Have been enjoying a lot of Hazy beers lately but still have to crack open or order a regular Ipa or Dipa just to keep my perspective. Buddy brought back some Head Hunter from Ohio and was that a nice treat. Hoppy, Piney and relatively Clear.

Cheers

 

It's funny that you mention Green Flash. That and Dogfish Head were literally the 2 breweries that got me into beer snobbery . . . er . . . craft beer. And thinking about it now, I believe that I haven't had a single beer from either brewery in about 3 years.

 

I'm fortunate to have a friend that lives close to Tree House, so it's not really so much trading as it is him sending me all kinds of stuff from not just Tree House but other places around NE, and I end up just sending him stuff that I think he would like from the Midwest. He's a big reason I'm spoiled.

But there are certainly some high quality options in Chicago now which I really enjoy, number 1 being Corridor's options. I've really liked the 4 DDH beers I had: SqueezeIt, Van Hazen I and II, and loved Cosmic Juice Box. I find myself going there quite a bit these days. I also really liked the Ram options when Shaun the Brewer was there, so I'm excited to see how More turns out (although I'll miss the first two weekends it is open due to travel). As a whole, Chicagoland area is really catching up quickly regarding NE/DDH/Hazy IPA style, and that makes me happy as well.

 

I wanted to go, but just reading the forum and other stuff on FB, it is a shit-show waiting to happen, that I am thinking I may bow out of the first offerings.

 

I love west coast IPAs. It's a great change of pace since it is so different. My girlfriend and I took a week long trip to Seattle area about a month or so ago, and I indulged mightly in the West Coast IPAs. If you ever go to Seattle, do NOT pass on Cloudburst! It might look like a condemned garage, but their beer was my favorite out of the 5 breweries I hit up (Freemont, Bainbridge Island, Odd Otter and Old Stove)

 

I absolutely love Cloudburst. Never went there, but have had a buddy who knows them bring back some beer. They are doing great stuff out there. Definitely on my radar when I go visit the NW.

 

So, as you all now More is opening tomorrow. Thinking of going early afternoon after line dies down to acquire some cans. Initial untappd ratings, and words from BJ of forbidden root, all seem to be very positive for Shawns new brews. Anyone else going to brave the madness? Definitely not going to line up prior to open, but am hoping by noon the line will be moving. There is no point in lining up early, since allocations are only 1 4 pack pp. Unless you want a seat/pour. Larger space then Mikerphone, however I feel there could be a larger turnout for More. Thoughts anyone?

 

It will be a complete nightmare.

 

I wouldn't bank on cans lasting until the early afternoon.

 

I get to go to Seattle a few times a year for work & definitely third the recommendation for Cloudburst. Also would recommend checking out Seapine in the SoDo area near the stadium for terrific IPA options. If you're looking to bring some distro options back Chuck's Central District is the place to check out. And although not specifically related to this thread, my favorite Seattle brewery is Holy Mountain. They dable a bit in IPA's & da haze but make terrific barrel aged saisons & wild ales if that is your thing.

 

You honestly sound like a girl in freshman year of college "I really only like beer that is fruity and pretty much tastes like orange juice. The more it tastes like juice the better. I don't like bitter beers! "

 

Post on facebook said he has enough for both Saturday and Sunday? Hence the 1 4 pack pp. Hmm.....

 

BJ said cans of Snoochie should last a day or two (it lasted 90 min)

Noon Whistle first run lasted a few hours, and they expected all weekend.

It's not just that it's a can release. It's also the grand opening, so it'll be the first taste for everybody. It'll be a nightmare. I'll give it a few weeks before I head over.

 

I'd wait on the reviews of the beers as well, people will be hyping these like crazy if they're going to try and trade them. Sounds like it'll be a mess. Hard pass but best wishes to the business and all that jazz.

 

I thought I heard 500 4-packs each of More's offerings...so people really think there will be 500 people through there within the first few hours? That seems like a lot IMO, but who knows.

And that 500 could just be an unsubstantiated rumor.

 

*trigger warning* - opinions below

Here's what we just went through and how I thought they stacked up (in order of my favorite to least favorite). I thought they were all great beers.

This wasn't blind. So take that into consideration.

 

Forget the beer. That Radio Swan can art is fire.

 

Glad I'm not the only one who can't figure out pics on this site. Funny thing, the post shows it upside down, but when I quote it it shows it right side up. Let's see what happens when I hit "post reply "...

EDIT: And now they're all right side up. So who the hell knows. Back to beer I suppose...