Hop Butcher (2020)

I guess I just don’t get the whole lactose thing. It’s like taking a phenomenal cup of coffee and ruining it with Splenda.

 

Same here. If I didn’t just load up at Corridor yesterday I probably would’ve grabbed a 4 pack as I did enjoy it on the last go around.

 

I disagree with the general statement about lactose, as I definitely think it can provide great results (ie, Left Hans Milk Stout, Apocalypse Cow). But I agree that it’s very much overused these days. And not only that, it’s not used in a balanced way. I think the ratios used in today’s pastry stouts/milkshakes/hazies are just over the top.

 

Lactose has definitely changed my interest in Hop Butcher compared to a year ago. I still pick up some releases, but find myself skipping most weeks now. A couple weeks back I had Riverlands Skeleton Revival in hand until I noticed “lactose sugar adds a bit of sweetness” in the description. That was enough for me to put it back.

I grabbed P3 Pixel Density this week. I thought that was a solid offering where no lactose was harmed in the making.

 

That’s how I think about most lambic. The best blends should never ever have fruit added. Why would you cover up a masterful blend with tons of fruit? I realize I’m in the vast minority here. Most people like a great Kriek or Peche more than a great gueze

 

Yeah I agree with you that LH milk stout and AC use it well but they at least have a malt bill to help balance out that artificial lactose taste. I feel like HB leans on it as a crutch to get that creamy mouthfeel but so many breweries making this style are getting that same creaminess without it.

 

Just poured my 2nd to last Tavern Cut, has been refrigerated since purchase. GIANT chunks of sediment with the pour. Appearance and color still look on-point.

 

For the record, not every hazy from HB has lactose. I think it would benefit them to indicate that, but they can achieved substantial mouthfeel without lactose. I’m not sure which ones do and which ones don’t. I just know a hop butcher employee said no lactose in funderbolt.

 

^^ Fair enough. I can taste it in Double Grid and I can really taste it in Tavern Cut. Think I’m going to take a break for a while, there are plenty out there that are better suited for my tastes.

 

That could be why HB is pretty hit or miss for me. I’m not really one that likes my hazy ipa tasting like carbonated orange juice.

 

Skokie Binny’s has quite a bit of Tavern Cut on the shelf today....but, a few days ago they didn’t. Are they keeping this in the back? Didn’t even see the Beef Dipped. Also, if you want a glass, they had two different hop butcher glasses available. The kolsch glass and the most recent tumbler/whatever it’s called.

 

I actually thought Swans of Lir was pretty good last year and I’m not too big on milkshakes. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a milkshake since Numerous Different Things, that one ruined the style for me.

 

Anyone know what day of the week Willowbrook Binny's gets their HB delivery? I'm guessing Thursday. I'll be in the area Friday morning and have always wanted to try Swans of Lir, for better or worse.

 

I see some some complain about the lactose in HB beers but if anyone wanted a change of pace, Hop Butcher's "Live in Chicago" was pretty fucking fantastic. A nice piney west coast IPA.

 

Yeah, I reeeeally wasn't sure about it going in, so I only bought a single can. It was shockingly good - like, not just "better than I expected," but legitimately tasty. I am definitely going to try to buy it again this year.

 

Really bummed I missed this one, seemed to come and go very fast.

 

where you at? I have a can or two left in my fridge, and will happily leave one somewhere in Chicagoland with your name on it, complete with booby traps and a treasure map.

 

Anyone know where I can pick up singles of the HB releases? It wasn’t a problem prior because I would have 1-3 of them available to gift as extras in trades but now that I’m gonna start slowing down on trades as summer draws near, I don’t want to commit to one or more 4-packs a week(if HB does a double drop). Preference to a bottle shop in NW suburbs but willing to travel closer to the city if need be. Any help is appreciated!

 

Would Beer on the Wall in Park Ridge work?