Chicagoland NE IPAs (2018)

But at what ratio?

 

One Cirrus for two TH is probably fair.

 

You Cirrus, Clark?

 

That was one small piece of the discussion, but thanks for adding such insightful commentary to a topic you already dislike. It seems incredibly productive.

 

so you went from "pretty flawless" to it not being a waste of money and "good beer for 10.99"?

that's just a bit of a backpedal

 

Do you have any opinions you'd like to share, or comparisons you like to make?

Any contributions?

 

I meant it in the sense that this beer has the body most around here seek, along with the clean finish I seek from this style.

There aren't many out in this area that check both boxes.

Forbidden Root and Corridor are the only ones who do it consistently. Solemn Oath did it with Strange Old Woods, but forgot to add carbonation.

 

Just had a couple of pours of DDH Dusty at More... man, they are going to catch up to rest of the Chicagoland breweries doing NE/DDH/hazy IPAs reeeeaaaal quick! Already feels like Shaun is dialing things in. Citrus abundance with a midly dry finish but good mouthfeel for 6% abv.

In a few months I have little doubt that More won't be at the top of the food chain.

 

If not More, then who?

 

Corridor!! They hit the ground running & didn't need to "dial in" anything, they just make great NE IPA's every time.

 

Let's revisit our rankings (not including Transient):

1. Corridor (mouthfeel, mouthfeel, mouthfeel)
2. Forbidden Root (juice-say!!!)
3. Noon Whistle (they seem to have more bite, which I love)
4. More ("you think I got potential?")
5. Mikerphone (fresh, they're awesome, but they fall off really quickly)
6. Hailstorm: (way too inconsistent)
7. The Professor and Mary Ann (aka, "and the rest")

 

Wish I'd had more Noon Whistle so I could truly judge, but haven't loved the (very few) I've had. Same with Forbidden Root (I don't love Snoochie but I was impressed by Radio Swan).

Otherwise, I'd swap 4 & 5 but you're pretty spot on.

 

As for #7, I'll say I enjoyed Old Irving's Trendi V3 NEIPA. Not as good as #1 and 2, but I was fine drinking it.

 

Just read the kinda tragic history of Old Irving...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/drink/ct-old-irving-brewpub-food-0309-20160304-story.html