Chicagoland NE IPAs (2018)

So as someone that just joined the forum but lives just a few hours from Chicagoland, what are the absolute must stop places? From the outside the big boys like Mikerphone, More, Maplewood, Hailstorm and Corridor are already on the list, but, any other must-stops? Or any of the listed ones not worth the effort?

 

Forbidden Root is a must.

 

It looks like there's some fresh meat in the western burbs. Elmhurt Brewing Company just opened and it looks like they've got an NEIPA on the menu.

ACK Attack

 

Not knocking them but I would sub out Maplewood and put in Forbidden Root if looking for a city stop or sub in Noon Whistle (near More) if adding suburban stop.

 

I would add in Forbidden Root for sure. It's my favorite spot in the city and currently they have Night Moth on tap which is one of the most unique NE IPAs around.

 

Well, Forbidden Root it is.

Really? What specifically makes you say that about Mikerphone?

And are you saying that about More because it is out of the way (in relation to all of the others)

 

I thought Maplewood was uncomfortably crowded on a Saturday afternoon. It's also not a good day spot because it's very dark (they're going for a lounge atmosphere). Also, I wouldn't put Juice Pants up in the top half of local NEIPA's and I'm assuming that's a priority here (just my two cents)

 

Had a very similar experience on a Saturday afternoon as well. There were 6 of us when we went and had to wait about 15 mins in the doorway before they let us in because of the crowd. Had 1 beer and then went to Revolution

 

i'm really confused as to why it's always so crowded. you can get nearly every one of the tap room beers at a store except for fluffy bottoms, which is very solid, but not worth the effort to cram yourself into a shoebox and hover uncomfortably close to strangers in the hopes of snagging a couple of seats

 

Maplewood can definitely get uncomfortably crowded, but I really enjoy it during non-peak hours. The fact that its walking distance from my house definitely helps. They change up their taplist quite often (besides the regulars) compared to other larger brewpubs in the area. Unfortunately, I don't think we've seen the worst of it, since its still the dead of winter. I imagine it will be even more crowded during the spring/summer months.

 

1- They are also a distillery so it isn't just for beer geeks. Spirit geeks go there as well. Plus you are more likely to make a non-beer fan happy if there are options other than beer.

 

So, now I have to check movie times as well before considering when and where to go have a few beers?

 

Based on the photos, that beer needs ALOT more hops. I'll wait for subsequent batches

 

Yeah I walked over from a matinee movie when I visited there so it’s plausible.

 

Not sure if Transient counts, but I just paid 19.99 for a 4 pack of The Juice is Loose...is that the normal price?