Out Of Key Brewing

On a cool and rainy early spring day the environment inside Goose Island Wrigleyville was the absolute opposite.  The backroom in the pub was closed off for the party and the garage area was converted into a beer cellar for the 41 cask beers in attendance.  My brother and I met some great people and had some great discussions regarding beer drinking and brewing.

One that stands out was from a young man who called himself The Hop God.  After an extended sampling session he informed our discussion group that he managed to brew a beer with 800 ibu’s.  An amazing feat!  He also demonstrated what one’s face would look like after taking a sip of this beer.  I would describe that as a mix between your face after licking a hot lemon combined with the noise you make after drinking a shot of gasoline.  Based strictly on this I am not sure I would drink it.

A couple beers really stood out for me that night.

1. Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery – Ore-Gone IPA - This is simply an amazing IPA. It is quite hop forward while at the same time it maintains its balance.  I would love to get an idea on that hop schedule, because I would love for my beers to taste like that.  Simply amazing.  This was my vote for top beer of the evening.
2. Rock Bottom-Yorktown – E-Ville Imperial Porter – Dry, Roasty, with a massive punch of floral hops.  Amazing.  Definitely in your face with the hops and the alcohol, but in a good way.  Loved it. (#2 Vote)
3. Lagunitas Brewery – Old Knarley Wine – My notes on this beer read as follows: “Very Hoppy.  Big.  Very Good.  I don’t know the ABV, but me likey”  And I think that sums it up quite nicely.  I can only assume that this beer is the same as the Old Gnarley Wine, but same or different, I really liked it.   For me, it will be the reference for all American Barleywines moving forward. (#3 Vote)

Those three above have really inspired me to try some new styles when I brew and to continue to think outside the box when generating recipes.  While at the same time, while these beers were extreme, the remained quite drinkable and balanced.  I like big flavors but ultimately I like beer, and If I don’t enjoy drinking it whats the point.

The winners, the official beer list, and a recap of the event are available on the Chicago Beer Society’s site.

The bottom line of the event is that it was well run, a great time, and something to add to my calendar for future years.

Well done!