3 Floyds Brewing (2023)

Let us know what you think, I have found Gumballhead really hard to drink when I've had it this year.

 

No you haven't.

 

huh?

 

Found a fresh sixer of Gumballhead. While it was decent, it certainly was not what I remember from the past. The two times I came across Alpha King & Zombie Dust they were about a year old, so didn't even go there.

In better news. Hop Butcher is fantastic. I stick to West Coast IPAs/Pales, and the three they had on the menu were phenomenal. Dovetail was solid as always. Have had their stuff canned, but never been to the actual brewery which was nice. I also loved the new/reopened Lagunitas. Anyways, Chicago didn't disappoint even if 3 Floyds did a bit. I don't think I'll ever stop trying them when I'm in town, but man do I wish they could reclaim some of that old juju.

 

Not sure where you were looking but I routinely find 2-4 weeks old ZD and now Zombie Ice when I'm looking.

Better luck next time!

 

He's not from here.

 

I saw that. Thus, the better luck next time... Must've chosen a shit store that doesn't move inventory.

 

Yeah, that plus the added travel time probably doesn't help.

 

Have not seen Alpha King in Minnesota for a year or so , Is FFF not delivering to all markets? Love this APA just have not seen it on shelves and MN gets almost everything else.

 

Munsterfest hits the spot

 

Barrel Aged Blot out the Sun was quite awesome.

 

Saw an ad from Binny's that Dismembers Only was being released. Anybody try it? From the description I'm all for cherry and vanilla, but spearmint?

All three toppings are present on the nose - dark chocolate, candied cherry, and dried banana. Rich and weighty on the tongue, it begins with a burst of cherry, followed by a rush of vanilla and a hint of spearmint. The finish is bourbon soaked and decadent, delivering lasting creamy ribbons of caramel and fudge.

 

It's not added, just a tasting characteristic, which I sometimes get in BA stouts and usually attribute to yeast and vanillin interacting, but who knows. Not everyone detects it though.

Anyway, b1 was pretty good, but just not up to par with the other two new, distributed BA stouts Crushing Mass and Cocomungo.

 

Underrated comment here.

 

Saw on social media for a couple of area stores that Crushing Mass is in. Should be seeing it in a store near you soon hopefully. Looking forward to picking up a 4 pk.

 

And it looks like their 3rd variety pack is out with an oatmeal stout and Lunar Throne- a hazy IPA. Curious as to how Lunar Throne is as a production beer because on the pilot system it was one of the best hazies I’ve had in Chicagoland.

 

Went to Bavarian Lodge last week, had what is probably the best American made dopple weizenbock I remember. Warpigs Devine Huntress. Followed it up with a dunklewizen from Weihenstephaner just to make sure, and the warpigs held up well compared to the master of german wheat beer. Well done Three Floyd’s! The hefeweizen earlier this year was excellent too.

 

Tried the production Lunar Throne. It’s not the world beater the pilot system version was which is both unsurprising and disappointing. It’s lacking the over the top tropical fruit cocktail syrup smell and is more muted in flavor. It’s refreshing with much smoother flavor profile and tropical notes than High Lord Fixer’s hoppy bite. Wouldn’t be surprised if it is the same base beer just hopped differently. It also feels like the body feels thicker due to suspended added sugar compounds versus a more natural heft. It’s very drinkable. Just too bad the amazing small batch stuff from the pilot system loses so much when they dumb it down for mass production.

For what it’s worth and to be taken with a grain of salt, the kiosk folks said the brewpub should be reopening in 2024 as the renovations finish….

 

So are they just renovating the current pub and not doing the compound they had plans for?

 

There best be some hobbit holes.