Honkers Ale Alternative

This will be a tough one because Honkers was* a bit of an American twist on English Bitter. It seemed to have earthier, more bitter hopping than most import Bitters available and there are so few nationwide US Bitters available.

If you tell us your location and what you've already tried it may help us to help you.

*The Goose Island brew-pub in Chicago still brews Honkers in its rotation schedule, so a trip to Lincoln Park may be in your future.

 

Put out an ISO for 10 crowlers

 

Definitely. Wherever you are, looking for something at a local brewery described as a "Bitter," or an "ESB" might be your best bet because the national player doesn't appreciate subtlety and nuance very much right now.

 

I personally thought Honkers was pretty bad, but if you’re looking for a good English Bitter Fullers London Pride is probably the standard of the style.

 

You might find a good clone, but I was never a regular Honkers drinker, so can't really help. I've been in your situation many times, over 54 years of drinking. I would find a great beer (for me -- a "desert island" pick) that I would drink regularly. But after a period of time it would disappear. I would be left adrift, searching, possibly for years. Keep looking. Enjoy the hunt. You might find something different, but maybe better.

 

Have you ever thought about homebrewing your own version? I'm sure there's a clone recipe out there that will come close

 

Last time I had Honkers I was at the LA/Red Sox world series game 5 at chavez ravine and I think I had 3-4 large 24 oz plastic cups for $20 a pop. A very mediocre beer but the set and setting - and outcome - made for an enjoyable evening. Regarding OP? me thinks this is a troll post. Has all the hallmarks - first post - and asks what is essentially a borderline absurd question.

 

Well... though I'm not sure just where you are in WI, I know that Woodman's carries a lot of imports, including Fullers. And Woodman's has a few locations and HUGE beer sections -- probably something that fits your liking.

But being in Wisconsin, and liking a beer along the lines of Sam Adams Octo, I'd suggest looking for Lakefront's Riverwest Stein Beer or New Glarus Two Women Lager.

Just some ideas to get started.

 

If it makes you feel any better, I picked up a homebrewing kit on a whim one day and started brewing with no experience from a kit. A bit of a long day but super fun and worth the effort

 

Also, @RCW -- lotta home-brew clubs in WI whose members usually have an open pub night where you can meet other enthusiasts and learn about beer.

 

If ABV is a concern, you might have more luck looking for a maltier lager, like a bock - plenty of those are popping up now because they're a frequent spring seasonal and often hover around 5%. Dunkel might be a style to check out, too. Heck if you're close to any German-themed breweries try for an Altbier.

 

Well... most of the Bocks popping up now are Doppelbocks that will transition into Maibocks -- just a little higher than 5.0% -- I'd be careful!

 

I'd be interested in alternatives to Honker's as well. English bitters are just my thing and they can be hard to find.

 

Fair point. Given that the OP mentioned Honker's, Smithwick's, and SA Octo, and I have no idea what else they've consumed, I'm assuming that they prefer malty beers, so I'll also suggest a malty, low ABV find almost anywhere beer - Guinness. That might open doors for them.

If the OP is up for expanding horizons and wants a balanced, consistent, find anywhere option: New Belgium Fat Tire
And if they want something hoppier, with a little higher ABV, but that is still accessible and consistent: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

 

Right, that's why I mentioned a couple local, to him, beers above.

 

Left hand Brewing company's Sawtooth ale is a good bitter, or ESB as it was previously described. It is higher in alcohol, though. Also, Schlafly Brewing company has a pale ale that is similar to Honkers: malt-accented with herbal bitterness. I believe it is the same ABV at 4.4 percent. They both have a wide distribution.

 

Well, more like 5 months...

 

I was in a homebrew club in the early 80s. About ten of us would meet at Mr. Fadeley's Deli-pub in Patchogue. A new guy stopped by the meeting, who brought in his first homebrew. He told us he used two tins of Cooper's Stout Wort, plus a packet of dry yeast. It surprised us all (and we had skilled all-grain brewers in the club) that such a simple recipe would taste so good. A good result can be the product of modest effort. Hombrewing is too much trouble for me personally in my old age.