Chicagoland NE IPAs (2019)

It will be VERY obvious who’s beers are who’s. I don’t even think the fact that it’s blind. They are way way different beers

 

Having heard it, I would just say some of our (meaning us who are enthusiasts) preconceived ideas are proven out where others are challenged.

 

grabbed the last 4-pack at printers row yesterday. was told they only received one case.

 

Grabbed 2 cans (the limit) at Open Bottle. Also got a single can of their DDH Amarillo beer

 

I got a 4 pack at liquor park.

 

Anyone know the canning date on those? I was under the impression that was a once a year, 4/20 release. Glad it is hitting Chicago - it is an awesome beer and agree with the comment above about not having lactose, which makes it better than strawberry marbles to me. Just as long as it's not 3 months old when it does show up

 

7/13/19. It is tart as advertised

 

With a beer this popular, you can generally trust that anytime you see it available, it’s going to be a fresh batch.

 

It most certainly is. I wish that was a little toned down actually. There's also this.

https://oldnationbrewing.com/2019/01/03/flavoring-beer/

TL;DR - all extract, no actual strawberry in case it matters to folks.

 

The DDH Green Stone is astringent to me. I know Amarillo can be grassy but this beer has some throat burn for me

 

It has been a while since we've done this, so what are people's top 3 favorite NE IPA brewers in Chicagoland right now?

I think a lot has changed over the last year or so and some of the brewers that were considered as undisputed top 1 or 2 (Corridor and Forbidden Root) don't seem to be getting as much love these days. Hubbard's Cave is barely mentioned at all while some of the 'old timers' who weren't releasing NE IPAs even as recent as 2 years ago are now brewing some very quality ones when they do decide to brew that style. Anyway, just curious what personal Top 3 lists look like these days and how they've changed.

My top 3.
1. Half Acre
2. Pipeworks
3. MoRE

 

Things have changed but I don’t think it’s because tastes are fickle (not that you said that). It’s interesting you mentioned Half Acre just because of their, let’s call it measured, entry into the style. In no particular order Hop Butcher, Phase Three, and Saint Errant (a nice comeback for them) have been capturing my interest and dollars the most this summer

 

Saint Errant has been a must have release for me when I bought Wakasha back earlier in the year. That beer informed me to keep up with them, and they have not disappointed since.
HB
MoRE

Wish I could get to Riverlands more often. Been very impressed last couple times there.

 

Yeah good call on Riverlands. Especially with the canning line being brought in each month. The new batch of White Bouquet from Saint Errant is very good

 

Maplewood
Mikerphone
Corridor

 

Hop Butcher
Riverlands
MoRE

 

Gun Craft
Bold Dog
Lake Effect

Oh wait, you said "Best"???

 

I think Corridor is still my top pick, but I've tried to cut back on just buying hazy shit every week, so I'm not as up-to-date on some of the newer guys as I could be. What I will say is that I've been very impressed by Burnt City's newer hazies (their pricing is great as well), and while Half Acre still hasn't topped Sailor's Kush in my eyes, they're definitely an extremely natural fit for the style.

 

It’s short fuse and then everyone else.

 

HB, Saint Errant, Hubbard's Cave. Also a fan of Noon Whistle, More, Marz, Mikerphone and Corridor. Damn, it is hard to decide.