Chicagoland NE IPAs (2019)

$20 at Beer Cellar yesterday.

 

$20 at Binny's.

 

Yeah Saint Errant is rally dialing things in lately. Completely agree on the Boquet rating.

Dropped too much coin at Iron & Glass this morning on Equilibrium but I’m excited to try more of their stuff. Probably 60 or so people there before open. Very few people maxing out at 8 4 packs but most people getting 5 or so. I did 5 and passed on the limit 3 pale ale to show the smallest amount of restraint.

 

they've definitely improved over the last 8 months, so the lower ratings reflect the first batch.

will be curious to get everyone's thoughts on Equilibrium. I was rather underwhelmed with their first drop of cans in March outside of the triple, which was a collab.

 

Was able to snag their offerings except the triple and cans of Juice = Juice, though I had a draft pour of Juice and it was a very good balanced offering. The crew also shared tastings of a sour There and Back Again.

Looking forward to trying the four cans (Photon, MC2, Solar Flare and Fluctuation) I purchased. This was my first shot at Equilibrium beers. It was a pleasure to meet their crew, and hope to see a return trip to Chicago (or get out to NY next year).

 

Good news, just opened an MC2 and it’s excellent

 

I concur, very good pour. NEIPA is not my favorite style, but this is a very good balanced offering. My rating slightly before the average score (4.22. vs. 4.39), but enjoyed this a lot. Looking forward to the remaining pours.

 

I agree on the balance. It would be in my fridge all the time. This is a hot take but after having 5-6 of their offerings I would say they’d rank above any local haze which is a high compliment

 

Anyone notice that every equilibrium beer tasted the same?

 

Only had two of the four so far, there was a vast difference between mc squared (can) and solar flare (can), really like the first, the second was listed as lighter but to me it was somewhat bland whereas the first one was solid. Liked the Juice = Juice on draft as well, different style with resulting different quality attributes to recommend this pour.

Looking forward to the other two, but as with most offerings glad I snagged a single first before knowing if it is worth purchasing 1+ 4/6 packs.

 

I know you found it meh, but any idea of the hops in this beer?

 

For those in the Lyons area, I recommend the latest Buckledown hazy IPA, Fluff and Stuff. While I feel that a lot of their offerings are middle of the road, I really like this one. Good look and mouthfeel and the nelson hops (a personal favorite) really shine. At 6.0, it's an easy drinker, too. Just came out today on draft and 16oz cans.

 

Pretty impressive hazy from new guys Black Lung Brewing...

 

Not the most appetizing brewery name!

 

I thought the same thing. If you read their "about us", it explains it. Sort of.

 

Yo. To my mind, palate, and taste, the new HA Logue Double IPA qualifies as a NEIPA. Maybe not consistently turbid and opaque, but pretty goddamn close.
It's also delicious.
FWIW.

 

So yeah, Royal Bogan kicks all sorts of ass. Psst... it’s the Nelson...

 

Did the mad dash today. Left the house at 11 made it to Riverlands by noon and grabbed Silt and Tevatron. Left and was on the road to Corridor for the Squeeze It release at 2 cause I’ve had yet to make one (stupid responsibilities) and was there at 1:45. Only second one there for the release until I looked over my shoulder at 1:55 and saw a 20 person line already formed. Bounced after purchase and was home by 3.

I’m insane...Yet, I rock!

 

And there's this in a few weeks...