Chicagoland NE IPAs (2018)

Does Ram even bother with NEIPAs anymore? With the exception of the pastryarchy bottles, I haven't heard anything at all about them since Shaun left.

 

I loved M-43 the first time I had it, the other time I had it - the beer was good but much sweeter and not as stand out. Again, there's just some inconsistency with the style, but I'd buy it again if it was here.

 

Fair enough, palettes certainly differ. I've found the small handful of Corridor hazies I've had (Ryders, CJB, whatever the one or two on tap during FOBAB weekend last year were) mediocre, so if SeanBond's hazy palette leans closer to yours than mine good chance he'll love it. @SeanBond let us know what you think.

 

*looks at avatar*

 

Anyone try the current batch of Marz Citra Citra Citra?

 

Interesting...I've had M-43 loads of times and it's been really consistent. I think I recall some wider discussion of a batch or two sometime awhile back that may have not been up to par, but I think I missed that one.

I'm skeptical of how successful M-43 will be here, though, even though I think it's top notch. There are so many producers here that folks are used to (Corridor, FR, Marz, Mikerphone, More, HB, Maplewood, etc.). Also, if these producers eventually are putting stuff out so regularly and more widely avialable, they'll have trouble moving that much product IMO.

 

I’ve enjoyed M-43 each of the half dozen times I’ve had it, against both local and east coast hops. Not a world-beater, but consistently enjoyable. I’m most excited for Boss Tweed, though.

 

Yeah, this is a tough market to enter for any beer type. I've got to think one or two of these out-of-state breweries will exit soon. It's great to be in the middle of the country and get so many options, but I think the distribution has been built up from a time when Chicago didn't have as good of a local brewery scene.

 

It certainly may be inaccurate but my thinking is Old Nation is making more beer than their local market is currently buying. Anecdotally, I've seen posts mentioning old stock sitting on MI shelves.

One direction is to then expand to other markets, similar to what Short's did. ON has already expanded down state. Outside of the first few releases here to appease the tickers, I see ON cans likely sitting around on shelves at some point, partially due to the number of area haze houses you mention.

 

Weird that ON Boxer N.E IPA isn’t even listed on the site. The beer existed!

 

I don’t mind floaters but my M-43 had sludge. I hope that was a single batch issue. Would buy again but wouldn’t go nuts looking for it. I do want to try Boss Tweed someday

 

What's M-43 running up there? I think it's $14-15 + tax per 4 here. With super fresh Dank Meme essentially available all the time for $10-$11 per 4 out the door, M-43 has become an easy pass for me. Most recently today actually. We've been seeing it down here semi-regularly since April. I've bought it twice IIRC, and Cart Horse once. Just too many other cheaper and equally good options. Still waiting on Tweed though...

 

I think that changed into Cart Horse?

 

I see what your saying but a 6.8% vs 5.0% comparison isn’t totally fair when comparing price/value. I agree Dank Meme is a great deal though

 

Just my .02, but I was extremely let down by M-43. While I did have it built up a little bit in my head, it was just average. Kind of thin, and I think i paid $16-17 for it, probably an easy pass for me when fresh Son of Juice will likely be sitting a few feet away for $10.

 

Definitely not a single batch issue. They have a ton of sludge in their beers. When I rinse out the cans, it's amazing how much gunk comes out.

 

Looks like pipeworks is re releasing

Infinite Galaxy
~Galaxy hopped IPA ~

We loved this beer. We really loved this beer. We loved it so much we were kicking ourselves for only making a small batch of it last time. This time, we made a slightly larger batch. It's the same huge, tropical Galaxy hop flavor in the same clean and refreshing, just slightly more to go around!

7.3% ABV
4 pack/ 16 oz cans
Release in The Dojo is Friday 8/31

 

Infinite Galaxy was NE style?

Also, was it distributed last run?