Chicago Flash Drops

I like HA's beer too, but in terms of branding would suggest they have little message outside of "fun". Rev for example has barrel aged beer in Deep Woods series and hoppy stuff in the Hero Series or GI who has branded themselves the barrel aged beer originator with Bourbon County series. Outside of Pony Pilsner and Daisy Cutter HA's year round beer s lineups seem to get replaced every few years with something else which would point to poor consumer engagement on that product. But hey, they threw a lime beer into the regular lineup and will see if that works out. I think they make the best hoppy beers in Chicago, but they don't brand themselves as such. Suncatcher has better branding at this point as we know what it is- local ingredients and pub style beer.

 

Jumping on @beardown2489 's point -- HA beers have a certain vibe that I think is pretty obvious when you see their artwork on cans and names of their beers. They're fun. They're cool.

Their seasonal releases are highly anticipated and their new releases or one-off's are typically well-received. The beer speaks for itself, and you yourself consider them the best hoppy beers in Chicago, I'd venture to guess you aren't the only one who thinks that, without them having to say "we're Half Acre and we make the best hoppy beers in Chicago."

Disagree. If anything, Suncatcher looks to me as something associated with Half Acre, which is only possible because of Half Acre's "brand" or, supposed lack there of.

 

I disagree- Benthic is a flagship known nationally that is highly sought. Big Hugs used to be huge regionally at a time where there were no major regular stouts being released annually. Half Acre is currently known to be a top 3 barrel program in Chicagoland, with fast sellout demand on all BA releases. They are known for their artistic photography used on social media, and make it a point to have poetic descriptions of every product. They are also known to take care of locals by holding hot product back for in person sales. You also minimize Daisy Cutter which is just as popular and varied as the Hero line.

Compared to any other brewery in Chicagoland besides Goose Island which has the InBev marketing team and $$ behind it, I’d wager the average joe knows about Half Acre more than any other brewery, or at least a tie for second with Rev, who is also much larger.

Even if you compare it to other hype factories in the area like Phase Three, hard to make the argument they are doing any branding that elevates them over Half Acre. Mikerphone is excellent at staying on theme with the music branding, but that also speaks to Mike’s background with a degree in marketing. Even still, is Check 1,2 or Bean Spirit more well known than Daisy Cutter or Pony?

 

I think it sold out in a couple of hours, which is faster than they normally sell out these days. I couldn't pass up PVW barrels and ordered 2 bottles. I also think their non-adjuncted BA stouts have been mostly really good.

It's crazy, Mikerphone has kind of "jumped the shark" to the point where they are really underrated now IMO. A far cry from the days where there was a mile long line just to buy a couple of bottles of Vanilla ISLBS.

 

The Alpha King and his Zombie Dust army would like a word with you.

 

Let us know if we should have FOMO. So far I’m happy with my decision as the Untappd reviews’ common words that keep coming up are “thin” and “boozy,” though the ratings are pretty good, helped out by some obvious fanboys.

 

why, so they can all have a good reminiscence about 2015 and how the future will be so bright? All of the beers have had their time. It’s like your grandpa. Sure you love him, but the world has changed. Whether for better or for worse, everything changes.

unless it’s fashion, in that case give all of these beers 15 years and they’ll be hot again

 

Mikerphone dropped some recent collabs with a couple bottle shops in the MKE area.

https://untappd.com/b/mikerphone-brewing-hit-single-select-vol-3/5322421
Aged 19 months in J. Henry Bellafontaine barrels. 15%. Flavors are really solid, but a bit on the thin side.

https://untappd.com/b/mikerphone-brewing-pick-of-destiny-17-rooney/5311953
Aged 17 months in PvW barrels. 19%. Ultra boozy and personally I think it was a waste of good barrels to go that high.

 

Zombie Dust is equally iconic, but it’s always been catalogued in my brain as IPA. Alpha King isn’t on the same level in my mind.

 

The criteria was "iconic," not "most hype" or "better according to someone's personal preferences." If you're going to consider Alpha King and Zombie Dust "pale ales" as they call themselves, it's hard to argue any midwestern pale ale is more "iconic."

 

I haven't picked up my bottles yet, but I've already rated it 5* on untappd and am willing to part with them for 150 each or 250 for the pair.

 

You must have number 0 in the bottle count.

 

I liked it too. I did think it was "thin and boozy," but I don't think that is much of a negative. The barrel really shone through in a way that it doesn't always with thicker (sweeter) stouts. I'll be interested to see how this one tastes in about 6 months, when the booziness maybe dies down.

 

Appears to be another Trillium drop. Saw mosaic cutting tiles, Melcher street, sleeper street and maybe one other at my local Binny's this morning. If you're interested in dropping $25/4 pack that is.

 

Not sure what Benchtop brews you guys are getting distro of, but their Lagers are top notch! I'm about 15 minutes from the brewery and my fridge stays stocked with their crispy offerings.

 

I grabbed that too. I feel dirty for dropping $30 on a DIPA. But what the hell.