Bitterest Brews in America (HuffPo)

I found a nice list of popular IPA's with high IBU's posted on HuffingtonPost. They point out two IPA's that I have on my wish list: Ruination IPA by Stone Brewing Co. and 120 minute IPA by Dogfish Head

The Bitterest brews in America

New Belgium - Ranger IPA

2011 marks the the third year for Ranger IPA being sold in Chicago. I was not a fan of Ranger at first but now I love the hop taste. Grapfruit citrus notes, bold hoppy attack. Verdict: B+

a trip to Haymarket Brewery

I have been following the progress of Haymarket Brewery via the Hop-Cast interviews for a few months now and I couldn't wait to get downtown and check it out. 

left to right: Mathias Imperial IPA, Mother Jones Dubbel and Ombibulous Double IPA 

The beer selection at Haymarket is great, but the real reason to go is to enjoy their house brews.  During my visit I choose to basically create my own flight of brews by selecting the 4oz size. having the 4oz size available is great especially for when its your first visit to a brew pub and you dont want to commit to the full16oz or 20oz glass. TO keep my review short and sweet. I tried all of the house brews except for the Speakerswagon Pilsner. 2010/11 has been an IPA kind of year so I stuck with those style brews. My favorite was the Mother Jones Dubbel, it is a dark belgium ale,  really smooth and a sweet candy and berry like tate.  My least favorite was the Last Chance IPA, it was just a real strong hoppy IPA that i described as grass clippings. the verdict is still out on the others, they were all good unique flavored brews. 

left to right: Oscars Pardon Pale ale, First Chance IPA and Last Chance Belgium IPA

 What I love most about these new Brew pubs is their food. Haymarket does not disappoint at all. As a vegetarian I find it welcoming to see 3-4 Vegan/vegetarian dishes on the menu. I had the Vegan Spaghetti squash BBQ sandwich and it really good. I also tried some of the Fish and Chips from my wife's order and their battered fish was outstanding. I highly recommend Haymarket Brewery for Food and Brews if you find your self downtown near the west loop.

Vegan spaghetti squash BBQ sandwich w/ spicy coleslaw

 Check out more information about the brewery: Haymarket Brewrey

737 W. Randolph

(corner of Halsted & Randolph)

Chicago, IL 60661

Hours

Sun-Fri 11:00-2:00

Sat 11:00-3:00

Haymarket House Brew Details/price