NE IPAs in Ohio?

Definitely blows my mind that they aren't a bigger deal around town. The Lakewood location is so great.

 

I live about 40 minutes away, so I get there when I can, so only maybe 6 times, and every time, I am either the only person there or maybe 2-3 other people...granted I go after work or on a Saturday afternoon, I hope they get crowded at peak times. Idk how they are surviving.

 

Had a Fleeb Juice last night, really good, finally a true NE IPA in Cleveland, besides Cult Following. wish I got more than a 4-pack.

 

Does masthead do any distribution

 

Yes, but not on Fleeb Juice. They've disto'd some in the Cleveland area. First was the BA Underverse variants and now it looks like the rest of their cans from last weekend's release are popping up too.

 

Rye Underverse is nuts. Put Masthead on the radar big time for me.

 

Not everyone likes Rye barrels, but I love it. If you get a chance, grab a Hadrians Wall from The Bottlehouse. Rye barrel aged Wee Heavy that's fantastic.

 

Brew Kettle has a pretty solid NEIPA. L'Hazy Mofo Mango.

 

you know I had that the other night in Amherst and it was fantastic. I've had it before and it was good, not great. Must have been a fresher keg.

Amherst BK does some funny things with their kegs, holding onto 3 Floyds for weeks when they have garbage on tap (which is incredible considering 39 taps).

 

So I had another Fleeb last night. It's good, but at the very least it needs a little time in the can. Nose is there, it's got almost a lemony note to it that I don't usually get in these beers, some decent bitterness... but it's "hot". Hot like the way ginger is hot in your mouth. Between this and the fact I almost get a chalky mouthfeel after a bit, just leads me to believe there's just too much actual hop particulate in suspension.

Back a few month ago when Hansa tried to do a suuuuuper over the top NEIPA, they had people come in a week before release to taste it and it had the same issue (though WAY worse).

It's a balancing act and I'm sure Masthead will get it dialed in. For me, just gonna sit on my cans a little bit and test again for science.

 

I've been drinking some Fleeb over the past couple weeks, and must say its a tad better out of the can than I expected it to be. Probably my third favorite from them behind underverse or wet works. These guys have been impressing me big time over the past few months. I kinda saw them as a boutique brewery for a while but they aren't joking around. I think that the two NEIPA's ive had from Listermans are both better, however.

 

Hazy Jane by Brew Dog is actually pretty good. Had it this weekend. Did not like Elvis or that other IPA so I had low expectations. But it was well done. Not hoof level but it makes due.

 

I tried it a few weeks ago and agree. It's definitely better than average, which really surprised me.

 

I'm going to be in Cleveland Youngstown area for Thanksgiving. Sounds like I need to hit up Bottle House and Masthead any other spots y'all recommend? Will I be able to find any Fleeb Juice in bottle shops?

 

Fleeb Juice didn't see distro at all unfortunately and they're sold out at the brewery, though I'm sure if you want to try it, there's plenty of people who've been trading it. BottleHouse had bottles and draft of Cult Following as of Saturday, so you should be fine there. R. Shea crowlers are a good bet as well and not too far from Youngstown.

 

I think you may be able to get a crowler or growler of fleeb; they had it on tap when I was there Saturday

 

Anyone had Breaking the Waves by Evil Twin? It looks like some has showed up in the Cleveland area.

 

I have. I liked it. Had similar tastes to Hoof Hearted Clipboard with the lactose.

 

Nice! Gonna try to pick some up!

 

For a NE in Ohio, I like HiHazyHO from HiHo Brewing in Cuyahoga Falls and Brew Kettle of Strongsville’s Hazy Mango Mofo. Hard to beat Brew Kettle selling their own beers at $2.50 on Sunday’s.