Half Acre Brewing Co. (2024)

Best in show was EASILY Side Project's Saison Du Ble (Blend 15), a non-fruited STUNNER that was mildly, pleasantly tart with faint citrus & funk notes. Balanced perfectly.

What I absolutely DIDN'T expect was the Generational collaboration being superior to BBT, in my surprised opinion. BBT was actually pretty syrupy to me, but Generational had a silky mouthfeel and the coffee & chocolate* notes were forward but not overpowering. The vanilla & coconut were background flavors in the best possible way. Now I wish I splurged on the 4 cans!

*I know there's no chocolate in the beer but it was prevalent on my palate, at least.

 

Please don’t splurge on the cans. Someone is going to have to drink them.

 

Pretty sure splurge isn't a euphemism for what you mean...but I appreciate your effort, as always!

 

So good to finally meet you in person, albeit briefly! Did my eyes deceive me, or did you also walk out with Orin? Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

 

4 cans of Orin. Most underrated barrel aged beer in Chicago, IMO. I actually need to update my shitty review of that beer from 2017.

I spoke to an employee there last year about how much I love Orin these days, and that my palate must have changed quite a bit. They stated that Orin had actually changed fairly drastically as well; that was the first beer they started blending different barrels of to achieve better results. The improvements bled over into their entire barrel program. SOURCE: a dimly remembered conversation with a bartender on-site.

 

I may have accidentally bought some Orin just now (and some caviar, what is wrong with me), and look forward to comparing tasting notes!! Let me know when you plan to crack one

 

But first, letting a can of Turtle Benthic warm up to tuck into that in a little while. Anyone want to join me in a (virtual) tasting?

 

I enjoyed my turtle already, so far my favorite of the bunch but that opinion is from someone who generally detests coconut so do with that what you will.

I do want to comment on this seemingly sudden burst in beer advocate activity, which has me thinking that you’re joining me in the season I’ve come to think of as “Wet December”

 

Apologies in advance if I’ve just totally missed it, but, no Big Hugs this year? Weird?

 

I would love to get “wet December” tshirts made.

 

Generational 2 is really good. Very balanced and harmonious. Lower carb than a typical HA stout. I have zero complaints though no one thing truly leaped out either. I think I like my big bold 2x4 as my preference, but this is a really nice BA beer