Brewery: Great Lakes
Date: March 14th, 2014
Style: Double IPA
ABV: 9.4%
Description:
Ah, the thrill of airport bars (and those near airports): bad beer selections, institutional food, annoying crowds, lethargic waitstaff. Not unlike Wrigleyville without the intoxicated coeds. It was with this high opinion that I headed for such an establishment, at roughly the midpoint between my house and those of the other 2/3rds of the Greater Chicago Gentlemen's Fermented Beverage Appreciation Society (we've got to hold our monthly meetings somewhere, after all). Misgivings aside, the evening was enjoyable not only for the company, but also for the surprisingly broad selection of taps and bottles. Of all of the aforementioned knocks against bars of this type, an above average list of beers more than makes up for the other shortcomings. Either that or I'm getting to be far too forgiving in my old age...
First Impression:
I like the concept of the "Chillwave", though I'll probably like it even more in retrospect, come July, when the mercury's topping out at about 70 degrees warmer than it was on this evening.
Smell:
Citrus fruits and maybe some pineapple(?) but mainly a lot of hoppiness. I can already tell this one is going to be bitter. Small white head that dissipated very quickly.
Taste:
Oh yeah, that's a DIPA alright. Very bitter and malty, with strong flavors of grapefruit, orange, and something spicy like pepper at the finish. Quite a strong alcohol taste, but that's to be expected in this style.
On the Palate:
Thick but surprisingly effervescent which makes it go down very smoothly.
Why You'll like It:
A very good, strong DIPA. If you like flavorful, fruity IPAs, and can take a step up to something with this much bite, you'll be well rewarded.
In Closing...:
Another fine beer from GLBC, another excuse to enjoy one or two with the boys. Bring on the next Chillwave!
Rating (out of 5):
