Chicagoland NE IPAs (2018)

Can release is tomorrow no?

 

Can release today at 12

 

Why is Hubbard's Cave Fresh V# series flying under the radar? Is it the format of 25oz bottles versus the 16oz cans?

Speaking strictly about the beer, Hubbard's Cave more recent V# beers have definitely propelled it into my top 3 breweries for the entire Chicagoland area for the style (along with Corridor and MoRE offerings). V7 and V8 are just so damn good.

 

For me the format is entirely the reason why.

 

They are all 8.5% or above for abv....at that point I would just drink Pipeworks.... Forbidden Root, Corridor all have sub 7 offerings.

 

they have definitely hit their stride with these. V7 really surprised me and V8 seems to be just as good or slightly better.

has to be the format, as I see it sitting on the shelves much longer than many other similar styles, despite it being awesome.

 

Format is a big reason I think. A little over a year ago, your only options for this style of beer were the first Hubbard's V# beers, Mikerphone and the Hailstorm cloud series (which weren't particularly cloudy yet). Now there are so many more versions of this style in a more consumable format. Much harder to justify getting a Mikerphone or Hubbard's beer.

I also think for HC, in my opinion they lose some sales by not having a flashy design and particularly because it's not easy to see the difference between (for example) V4 and V7.

 

That's kind of what I figured is the reason, and it's understandable. I definitely prefer the 16oz cans versus 22oz/25oz bottle format.

I'm willing to grab the Hubbard's Cave Fresh V# because the price point is still descent on a 25oz bottle ($10) and they taste great. I kind of figure it's along the lines of $12-$13 for a 32oz crowler from Corridor or MoRE.

But I don't go for Mikerphone IPA/DIPAs not because they tend to cost a few dollars more, but primarily because I don't think they are worth (in flavor) that price point.

 

I agree. You walk by the shelf and think "Did I have that one already?" If they had different designs you would remember what it was.

 

I've bought two of this series and drainpoured most of the bottles both times, so I'm just done with them.

The format doesn't help though!

 

I feel like I'm the only one that loves Hubbard's Cave labels. I think they look awesome. I love how minimal they are.
I think since like V5 onwards, each one has been pretty great. I thought V6 and V7 were incredible. I got kind of a subtle banana-ish flavor in V8 once it warmed up that I wasn't really into.

 

I had the same sentiments about V5 and V6. I had those on draft at Hubbard's Cave and they tasted very malty and overly bitter. But V7 and V8.... damn good. I also really liked V4.

 

Oh you guys. I almost swore there was something wrong with me about passing on all those 25oz format bottles till I read your posts here and I felt so much better.

Yeah, speak of Hubbard's Cave, are they owned by Une Annee, correct? It's the probably main reason why Hubbard's Cave beers have been always in 25oz bottles, especially with their labels.

I think Hubbard's Cave Fresh V# is absolutely the best IPA anyone can grab in Chicagoland for $9.99, especially they are always available. Maybe it's time for them to step up and start putting beer in 16oz cans? I would be more than happy to spend extra $5 for 4pk in 16oz format.

 

18th Street - Collective Arts Collab
Powdered Dreams

This beer is delicious! Great juice aroma and nice pillowy mouth feel.

 

No limits on Mosaic Gummy. Seemed like they had a lot. $16/4pk

 

Also looks like Mosaic Gummy is hitting stores today too