Chicagoland NE IPAs (2018)

Discussion in 'Great Lakes' started by SeanBond, Aug 29, 2016.

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  1. Lazhal

    Lazhal Pooh-Bah (1,890) Mar 13, 2011 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Recognized as it's own unique style. Today, it's still just an IPA.
     
    #221 Lazhal, Sep 10, 2016
  2. SeanBond

    SeanBond Pooh-Bah (2,904) Jul 30, 2013 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I really like Cumulus, but neither of those are what I'd point to as archetypal NE-style beers. Even if they were, if you don't like 'em, you don't like 'em; no need to work on understanding the style if it's not your thing (not saying it isn't/won't be).
     
    #222 SeanBond, Sep 10, 2016
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  3. bowzer4birdie

    bowzer4birdie Grand Pooh-Bah (3,796) Aug 16, 2012 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah

    Not the best pic but for those who may not yet have had Juice Pants, here it is from yesterday on draft. Fruity, sure. Opaque? Not really. :wink::slight_frown:

    [​IMG]
    IMHO, the best all-around representative effort that I have had thus far would have to be Cumulus. it's got enough juicy-ness:wink:, haze and hops to hit my palate the right way. That being said, I have yet to try the RAM's offering which I know has gotten rave reviews. I also would love to try Stratus!
     
    #223 bowzer4birdie, Sep 10, 2016
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  4. ditka311

    ditka311 Crusader (442) Aug 22, 2009 Illinois

    Another vote for Cumulus. Delicious, affordable, and available. Can't ask for much more than that.
     
    #224 ditka311, Sep 10, 2016
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  5. SinBoldly

    SinBoldly Devotee (372) Apr 21, 2014 Illinois

    Definitely not calling it quits. More so just trying to learn and see if I was missing something. Might just take getting used to a new style (that said, nothing wrong with Cumulus but SoJ was very underwhelming).

    I'll keep exploring but the style just might not be my "thing". Had some Grungeist Ninja last night and felt like, yeah, that's better - more there to chew on (go get some, by the way if you haven't ....).
     
    #225 SinBoldly, Sep 10, 2016
  6. SeanBond

    SeanBond Pooh-Bah (2,904) Jul 30, 2013 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    100% agree. It isn't my idea of a perfect NE IPA, but it's an awesome beer that we can actually GET, and that fits the craving.
     
    #226 SeanBond, Sep 10, 2016
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  7. HawksBeerFan

    HawksBeerFan Maven (1,378) Dec 24, 2011 Illinois
    Trader

    Son of Juice is alright IMO but not what I'd consider a NE IPA.
     
    #227 HawksBeerFan, Sep 11, 2016
  8. ECCS

    ECCS Pundit (755) Oct 28, 2015 Illinois

    Having Son of Juice now.. Not a fan of the simcoe and warrior hop. Its also missing the super saturated, thick, syrupy hop quality.

    RAM juicy is the best I have had, with special sauce right behind it. I haven't had trillium/treehouse yet... but I'm about to line up some trades in the next 2 months.
     
    #228 ECCS, Sep 11, 2016
  9. ditka311

    ditka311 Crusader (442) Aug 22, 2009 Illinois

    And with that...more Cumulus!
     
    #229 ditka311, Sep 11, 2016
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  10. weirdalchy

    weirdalchy Crusader (436) Jan 23, 2015 Illinois
    Trader

    What's your recipe? I brew strictly NE style IPA and curious to see how our recipes might compare.
     
    #230 weirdalchy, Sep 12, 2016
  11. ECCS

    ECCS Pundit (755) Oct 28, 2015 Illinois

    A modified version of the AP NEIPA in the homebrew forum. Here are the basics (I'll PM you with specifics):

    Partial Mash (DME, wheat, oats, honey malt)

    Citra, Mosaic, El Dorado

    Hops in at 20 and 10 min left in boil, flameout, fermentation, and secondary

    Wyeast 1318

    This is my first batch, but the color and aroma are spot on so far.
    [​IMG]
     
    #231 ECCS, Sep 12, 2016
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  12. FBarber

    FBarber Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,325) Mar 5, 2016 Illinois
    Mod Team BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    I had my son of juice tonight and again I just don't think its really a good representation of the NE style IPA. I really like Maplewood, and their beers are good! - but the beers they market as NE style IPAs just really don't seem to capture the style very well.

    @SinBoldly try to get your hands on a special sauce from Mikerphone next time its released. I think thats your best bet to get a solid representation of the style.
     
    #232 FBarber, Sep 12, 2016
  13. TonyLuvsBeer

    TonyLuvsBeer Pundit (828) Mar 28, 2015 Michigan
    Trader

    Guys I'll be in the Chicago area Monday and Tuesday this week. Are any of these IPAs available? I keep missing out on Mikerphone.
     
    #233 TonyLuvsBeer, Sep 12, 2016
  14. FBarber

    FBarber Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,325) Mar 5, 2016 Illinois
    Mod Team BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Cumulus and Son of Juice Pants might - your best bet would be to check beer menus. If you're gonna get one Cumulus is worth it to me albeit not the best representation of the NE style IPA.

    As for Mikerphone, no not likely anything around unless a batch suddenly drops monday/tuesday (none is expected).

    However, Pipeworks is dropping a new fish beer starting Monday - that would be worth getting (even though its not a NE style IPA)
     
    #234 FBarber, Sep 12, 2016
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  15. TonyLuvsBeer

    TonyLuvsBeer Pundit (828) Mar 28, 2015 Michigan
    Trader

    Thanks. I'll take a look on beer menu. Definitely getting my fill of PW Dragonet when it drops in Tuesday.
     
    #235 TonyLuvsBeer, Sep 12, 2016
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  16. cpferris

    cpferris Zealot (512) Jan 22, 2008 Indiana
    Trader

    Been lurking on this thread. Does anyone know of any of the NE style IPAs mentioned here that would be available in kegs to the public? Been looking for a new keg to try and there are so many new breweries mentioned here (at least for this old ass BA). Any help is appreciated...
     
    #236 cpferris, Sep 12, 2016
  17. ECCS

    ECCS Pundit (755) Oct 28, 2015 Illinois

    Do you mean a keg to buy and take home or a place with these beers on tap?

    I had cumulus on tap at kumas corner in Schaumburg a few months ago.

    The other best bet would be RAM brewery in schaumberg when he brews juicy again (not sure when that is, I think he's waiting on labels and a Crowler machine). The last time juicy was brewed, it was on tap and in crowlers for about a week after the release.
     
    #237 ECCS, Sep 12, 2016
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  18. HouseofWortship

    HouseofWortship Pooh-Bah (2,735) May 3, 2016 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I like your thinking-Go big or go home! It's almost impossible to find bottles of this stuff so why compete with the truck chasers going for bottles, can't be too many people competing for an entire keg!!:wink:
     
    #238 HouseofWortship, Sep 12, 2016
  19. JFresh21

    JFresh21 Savant (1,036) Mar 6, 2012 Illinois
    Trader

    Son of Juice was average. Juice Pants is definitely better, the pineapple aroma is very nice. However, these 2 are nowhere near Treehouse level.

    I would love to see Pipeworks throw their hat in the ring.
     
    #239 JFresh21, Sep 12, 2016
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  20. SeanBond

    SeanBond Pooh-Bah (2,904) Jul 30, 2013 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I agree on JP being better than SoJ (although I think SoJ has better feel). However, I think comparing them to Treehouse (or really any NE-style IPA) is missing the point, despite Maplewood calling them NE IPAs. JP especially is not.

    I still want PW to steal my idea and do a hazy (NE style) fish beer.

    *googles purple fish*

    Purple (Dottyback) Haze?

    @NOTpipeworks, do it! :grinning:
     
    #240 SeanBond, Sep 12, 2016
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