I've now had the last 3 releases from HH, Makes You Larger, Passioned Pastel, and Prisms of No Color and I think they are all fantastic. On paper this brewery doesn't make any sense, a brewery that makes hazy IPAs starting a sub-brand to make Hazy IPAs but these are turning out really special. If my taste buds are correct it seems like they are trying to replicate every different style of Hazy, if that make sense. And I think its working. Prisms of No Color had a real bitter bite to it despite it being super fruity. Makes You Larger is pillowly soft and way too easy to drink. Really excited to see what else spins out of this.
Thanks to you and @CB_Michigan and the high praise you've given these beers, I picked up the two newest releases last night - Looking forward to trying them.
I totally will be following what else they put out. FWIW, one of the beer guys at Leo’s* said that the ability of HH to self-distribute was a big factor in starting the new label; gives them more freedom to experiment and really focus on hop expression. The way they’re doing releases (“seasons” that are centered around a particular theme) is also a neat concept. *If you find yourself in Woodridge, Leo’s has a very impressive selection.
I had a rare mid-week day off so I stopped into Solemn Oath Still Life (the new Logan Square location). Speaking solely about Hidden Hand, so excluding the really nice WCIPA I had from Solemn Oath, HH Makes You Larger is a banger. Like favorite I've had from Chicago in a long time banger; on draft for context. I also tried Prisms of No Color which I thought had potential but may be a victim of the astringent Galaxy crop as it had that off putting bite at the end, and I'm a fan of bite at the end. On point aroma and mouthfeel though. I also purchased a HH 4pk a few weeks ago which I regrettably can't remember the name of, but didn't care for it. So it sounds like they're right inline with Chicago haze. Inconsistent but have the ability to produce high ceiling bangers. *Still Life is a cool space. Its open, somewhat comfortable (no backs on the bar seats and family style picnic table seating throughout), friendly staff, and a nice addition to that area. I'll definitely be back.
How far South? Open Bottle in Tinley carries them, but my understanding of geography extends only as far as Palos Hills and Oak Lawn. Anything south or east of that is a mysterious void in my mind.
Swung by Solemn Oath today and asked which of the current HH offerings was the best and was sold a 4 pack of Black Holes in the Sky and GOT DAMN this is FANTASTIC. The description of berries and lemon zest is spot on. This is great.
Speaking of which, did anyone try Black Night Sighs (the first HH stout release)? I'm wondering how it is. Haven't tried yet.
