Chicagoland NE IPAs (2018)

When was the last time you had FR's NE stuff?
As far as I know, the most recent versions (most recent can of Snoochie, most recent tapped version of Radio Swan) are a lot hoppier than previously in my experience and are even better than before.

 

I really liked the most recent batch of JIL. Mid-December, I think. Drank my last can last night.

 

Hmm I also get less hop bite from FR than Corridor. Also get more sweetness from FR.

That said, I find FR to be more balanced, in general.

 

I agree with this for about half of the corridor beers I've had. These heavily hopped beers can take on this aggressively green and vegetal flavor, similar to biting a hop pellet. That Corridor Mikerphone collab was a perfect example for me, almost gritty with hop character. Sailors Kush, as a recent example had it too. When toned down, the Corridor beers I've had have been really great. The FR I've had seem to avoid that character. Is that what others mean by "hop bite?"

 

I don't get a ton of hop bite from most of FR's beers either. Power Trip was really the exception for me - but that was also my #1 Chicagoland beer of the year.

My main difference is the sweetness. There is definitely some sweetness to FR's beers but personally, I get a lot more with Corridor's brews.

IMO, the main issue with Chicagoland NE IPAs is that they're sweeter than the best of the style, nationally.

 

well, strictly for science, I had to try both misty business and the juice beyond tonight to settle the debate.

both were quite good, but did lean towards the sweet side, especially misty.

juice beyond had a slight hop profile but I preferred that overall as misty became less enjoyable over time. and i'm definitely kicking myself for not getting a crowler of tJB.

 

Noon Whistle Released a new Gummy today:

From their IG:
Start the party early and snag some GHOST FACE GUMMY!
Available today in 4-packs $16 no limit, and on draft all weekend for our 3 Year Anniversary Party! This beer starts citrusy and with a slight sweetness, rounding out with a subtle heat of fresh peppers!

 

hard pass

 

Here's my top 5 of '17:

1. More ddh double dusty
2. RAM Morning Fog
3. Corridor Squeezit OG
4. Hop Butcher Dun Dun Dun
5. Forbidden Root Power trip

Honorable mention to Hops on hops, NE Slapper, Skrap Metal, Snoochie Boochies, Radio Swan, and Super special sauce.

 

I forgot Morning Fog, thought that was 2016. That might be my favorite

 

Juice Beyond is tasting real nice right now with a week on it.

 

I believe it was released 12/30/16 but close enough!

 

V10 was a diacetyl bomb, may go well with movie theater popcorn

V11 is amazing

Corridor & Saint Errant have more of a bitter hop character that really balances the finish, which I personally prefer

FR & Marz have very minimal bitterness, which are perfect examples of the popular east coast (Treelium) breweries.

Mikerphone is too inconsistent.

I won’t even get into HB...

 

Who’s had this wild NEIPA from Marz?

 

if this is what youre talking about, it wasn't bad. at least following decorah sue

 

Look for Illuminated's Zoinks soon for a new sour ipa. Kettle soured NEIPA, finished on strawberry and raspberry. Packaged up, but not out to stores yet.

 

I tried a preview, and it was really a fun beer. Shared it with two friends - talked about it for a long time. Different than anything I have had before! Raspberries come through with no sweetness or overwhelming sour. Integrate with hops for a bit of real grapefruit flavor. Try it out!

 

This has me excited. Hudson Valley outside of NYC is making kettle soured NE IPAs and, honestly, they might have been the best new beers I had in 2017.