Announcing the “FINAL FOUR” of B&B’s 1st Annual “March Gladness” Double India Pale Ale (DIPA) Bomber Tourney!
A "Cinderella" brewery is still alive. Are they this year's "Wichita State" of breweries? We'll see. Thankfully no bottles were broken during the Tourney tasting. Tune in Sunday morning April 7th for the Championship match-up and Monday afternoon April 8th for the crowning of "DIPA King".
Announcing the “Elite 8” of B&B’s 1st Annual “March Gladness” Double India Pale Ale (DIPA) Bomber Tourney! The B&B team and an elite group of tasters will embark on a tasting tournament of epic IBUs.
Double the hop, double the pleasure…may the best DIPA win!
These DIPAs are considered staples of each local brewer in the Chicagoland area, extending from the shores of Lake Michigan in beautiful Gary, Indiana to the hipster alleys of Chicago. Matchups were determined based on a systematic random selection process involving small pieces of paper and a hat.
The B&B team will be blindly drinking through the first round this week to determine which DIPA's will make it to the Final 4. Check back next week as the Final 4 Artisans will be proclaimed.
Notables:This is a limited but seasonal anniversary brew, brewed once a year released in late spring, early summer.
Label:It’s nice and definitive, however I think I like the 17th anniversary label a little better.The label gives it that bourbon distillery look that indicates some sort of aging, either in barrels, or in this case, wood chips.The only thing that could enhance this appearance is to put it in a decorative cardboard like case for presentation.Maybe this is the eco-friendly route.In that case… kudos for saving a tree.
Overall: Great Divide’s 18th Anniversary brew was opened, consumed, and it ironically was the anniversary of my marriage. We’re still new at this, only going on 4 years… although at times, it feels like it’s been 18 years!!!
It’s nice to know there is a reasonably priced, reasonably attainable anniversary beer to get your hands on each year.If the 18th Anniversary ale is any indication of the subsequent beers to follow, it’s definitely something to look forward to each year, and find yourself a bottle when released.
Solid all around.The pour is a dark amber, the head lays thick, and the lacing is quite impressive.Taking a whiff of it, the caramel runs the show, but the oak hints are a noticeable sidekick.Maybe not as flamboyant as Daffy Duck, but more like a Scottie Pippen of sorts… either way, it compliments it nicely.
The flavor is that of sturdy dark malt, along with a conspicuous but not overwhelming oak hint.One of the unique characteristics of this brew is that the heavy presence of malt not only acts as the backbone or support for the brew, but it also hits you up front which is rare for a DIPA.The malt and the oak are up front, and then the grapefruit and dash of pine come in fashionably late, joining in on the fun.
The majority of IPA drinkers, including myself may expect a bit more bitterness, especially in a DIPA.There is not a lot of bitterness here, but it doesn’t steer you away by any means, it works nicely.The overall balance of the concoction is pretty exciting.Between the oak, the wood chips, the malt, and let’s not forget the double dosage of hops, this artisan undoubtedly answers the call.
This beer popped my Great Divide Anniversary Brew cherry, and it was gripping.Look forward to next year’s batch, and here’s to another 18 years!
Acquisition:22 ouncer - $11
Windfall: Per wiki, The Great Divide, another term for the Continental Divide of the Americas, is the continental divide that separates the watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean from those river systems that drain into the Atlantic Ocean.There are various other hydrological divides in the Americas; however the Great Divide is by far the most prominent of these because it tends to follow a line of high peaks along the Rocky Mountains.
These plates are constantly drifting, at about 7cm a year,Heightening the Rockies, and lowering the Appalachian Mountains each way with its continental drift.More importantly, that means the Great Divide Brewery will be in the Chicagoland area in about 23 million years; give or take a couple hundred years.
Notables: Very limited yield with this one; Sorachi Ace hops are very hard to come by according to Pipeworks.B&B obtained batch #32.
Label:Solid.Shout out to a local artist yet again, and yet another winner.The bottle art is by Jason Burke (Ink and Lead Designs).We are thinking it’s a play on “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” a Ray Bradbury novel with a beautiful portrayal of a hopped up version of the carnival leader, Mr. Dark.Oh, and the handwritten batch indicator as well.Phenomenal Label.
Overall:Very unique aroma smacks you in the nasal sensory once you pop the top.Whatever hops those are, thinking the Sorachi Ace Hops -- since we were unfamiliar with this until promoted so wisely and effectively by Pipeworks on Facebook -- introduces itself nicely.It’s an inimitable whiff of pleasantry, intoxicating, and builds excitement.
It’s hoppy for sure. What an entertaining, complex beer to decode.It is crisp, has a nice imperial dose of malts, and the flavor zig zags down LSD on a crotch rocket. This is unlike any IPA we’ve had.The hops “hop” on your tongue and present itself nicely with its full bodied flavor. However, what gives this beer its charisma are the lemon & lime hints, the dill pickle undertones, and the bubblegum illusions of flavor?Yes… you read correct, I’m going with bubblegum… it’s a hop carnival indeed.
It was a short notice for a release, as many artisan brews are now these days.B&B learned of its release and headed down to the local grocer to obtain a bottle about 20 minutes after the announcement.B&B discovered Printers Row Wine Shop which is a nice hidden gem with a great selection in the south loop area.Almost hate to mention it as I’m not one to share, but the service was top notch, and like I said, wonderful selection.Upon purchasing, it was mentioned that this was bottled about 40 minutes prior to being shelved.Bottled, distributed, consumed, and savored in a matter of 3 hours.It’s euphoric. That's a free market and capitalism for you.
It’s very smooth for a double, with a vast array of swirling flavors. There is a lingering bitter presence after each sip that is rather enjoyable.A hop carnival indeed; a spooky brew, and influenced perhaps by wizardry as well.But this isn't "butterbeer" served at "The Three Broomsticks" or "The Hog's Head" in Hogsmeade…
Acquisition:Two 22 ounces - $22
Windfall:Fitting this brew made its way upon us seemingly in tribute to the works of Ray Bradbury, whom died in June of this year.Suitable since this beer was so unique, outer space in a sense, similar to Bradbury works.There’s an interesting, and timely piece on the significance of Ray Bradbury in pop culture here.
In addition, John Williams took the dialogue from the famous scene in William Shakespeare's Macbeth in which the witches are around the cauldron and wrote lyrics for "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." One of the witches says: "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes."
2010 - - World Beer Cup Champion Brewery and Brewmaster, Mid-size Brewing Company
Label:Great looking label and bottle.As you are opening this gem, it has the feel of something vintage, and quite special.
Overall:First off, happy IPA Day.I like to usually crack open a bottle or 6 of something I haven’t necessarily tried before for B&B purposes. However, because it’s a holiday and an important one at that, I wanted to write a little piece on one of my favorites, if not my favorite brew out there, and that is Firestone’s Double Jack.There is usually one or two in the fridge on a consistent basis.What better way to celebrate IPA day, than to drink a double dose of it.
Start to finish it is an exceptional brew.Initially, the aroma is that of a pine tree forest and intrigues you to jump in.The color of amber lures you in even further.Once you do it’s like jumping into Scrooge McDuck’s pile of money it tastes that good.It’s amazing how smooth the brew is for the hops and bite that comes with it.Double Jack is full of flavor and full of enjoyment.It’s an aggressive, supernatural beer, but in no way shape or form does it abuse its powers.It’s out there for the common good, and you should be thankful this beer exists.
It being an Imperial, or Double IPA, keep in mind these are superior, bolder, and if you are lucky higher in flavor from the traditional IPAs.Firestone delivers on all accounts, and then some. It’s a great combination of bittering, kettle and dry hops, a melting pot of sweetness.
For beers, this is the Breaking Bad of TV dramas, the Exile on Main Street of music albums, the Steel Curtain of NFL defenses.Very few compete with this style of beer from Firestone Walker.Imperial IPAs are a genre of beer I love to find good ones of let alone phenomenal ones of.
So happy holidays, get yourself a bottle, celebrate and take another drink from your soon to be Loving Cup.
Acquisition:22 oz. - $8
A reminder from Firestone Walker:Remember to watch for bottled on dates located on the necks or bottom left corner of the label for each of our beers. Our beer is not pasteurized, so it is best when stored at 44F or below, out of light and within 120 days of the bottled on date...this ensures freshness and ultimately a great Firestone Walker beer!
Label:It’s not their best, but still pretty good.Should we expect anything else from 3 Floyds?It’s another flamboyant, effective label.
Overall:It has an initial bite similar to that of Jon Voight.You think to yourself: OK, these 22 ounces are not going to be a relaxing stroll in the park. It’s going to be more of a Space Mountain kind of ride, hitting you fast and often with unexpected turns and drops. However, as you are bracing yourself for the next dip, the brew starts to smooth out, and become quite pleasant.Not that I am any expert by any means, but this beer is one of the more complex ones I have come across.The bottom line though is that it is a strong finisher, and the more you consume it, the more you want of it.It’s a very solid beer.Hops all over the place, full flavored, a malty backbone, and a voyage that will leave you wanting to get back in line for another spin.
Imperial IPA, is basically a double IPA.Breaking it down, Imperial is defined as an empire.The Yankees of IPAs if you will, wanting more, taking more, buying more, incorporating more… you get the idea.It’s basically more of everything…. and that explains the wild ride.I’m just thankful I was tall enough TO ride and enjoy the trip.
Imagine if they served this at the Epcot American Pavilion instead of Budweiser.At 9.5%, we’d all be singing it’s a small word after all.
Acquisition:22 oz. - $12
Windfall:The "it's a small world" attraction was first designed for the 1964 New York World's Fair and later moved to the Disneyland Resort in California along with 3 other attractions, including Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln (which became part of the Hall of Presidents) and the Carousel of Progress. ~ Disney.com
Notables:An artisan beer crafted with a limited release in June of each year.
Label:Wonderful bottle.A hop squeezed into a glass.Sigh…. if it only were that easy.
Overall:I hyped this one up in my mind due to the favorable beers and consistency I’ve consumed through Two Brothers.Across the board they are one of the more unswerving breweries out there.Hop Juice did not disappoint.This is an extraordinary brew.No wonder this brew has its own festival.That’s right, its own festival.The Hop Juice Festival takes place the first weekend of June each year, to kick off the release I imagine. They also have a home brew competition, so start working on yours this year.
Double IPAs, also referred to as Imperial IPAs are an extra hopped version of an IPA. They typically have alcohol content above 7.5% volume according to Wiki.
This is an extra hopped version of their Resistance IPA, with full citrus and a balanced blend of caramel that works nicely.A little heavier than I would have imagined, making it difficult to drink another in the midst of a heat wave, but an excellent beer.Very smooth, very bold, and it’s a very good choice for just about any occasion.Just make that occasion a June event to take advantage of the fresh hops.Hovering around 10% alcohol, a few of these and you’ll be doing stunts like Mrs. Featherbottom in no time!
Acquisition:22 oz.$8 - $9
Tidbits:The Hop Juice festival takes place outside of Naperville, IL.If you plan on attending in the near future, play it safe!Naperville and the surrounding area are continuously in the top tier for DUI arrests in Illinois and are infamous for making busts constantly.
