Chi'Town - Worst Beer in America? 8/9/10 - 8/22/10

Hang on - this is gonna be a long one AND potentially unpleasant.

Little back story - i travel a lot for my job and i get to try a lot of different beers from different regions of the US. I'm a bit lucky in that aspect. This if from my last trip to Chicago (lovingly called Chi'town) in 2010 for the Chicago Comic-Con. To be honest, I have had great beers in Chicago (of course none of them come to mind...) but not on this trip apparently...

(As always just one click makes it big) ;P

Left:
Garden State Diner
Newark Airport
Newark, NJ

Magic Hat

Summer Waco (Abv. ?)

Red/Amber color - Floral notes. Bitter front, finishes with malt. Nutty? Slightly sour.

9.0+

Right:

8/19/10

Chicago, IL

Chicago Comic-Con

New Holland Brewing

Holland, Michigan

Mad Hatter IPA (Abv. ?)

Lackluster IPA with an annoying head. Sediment on bottom. Nothing but bitter hop. Sour after notes. Blah.

6

8/20/10

Chicago, IL

Chicago Comic-Con

Founders Brewing Co.

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Dirty Bastard Scotch Style Ale (Abv. 8.5%)

I hate Scotch Ales, so my judgment is tainted. Yuk. Malty, sour and mostly bitter. Malty & Bitter? No Thanks. >:(

6

Lefty:
Chicago, IL
Chicago Comic-Con

Three Floyds Brewing

Munster, IN

Alpha King Pale Ale (Abv. ?)

What is it with this part of the country that they like gritty beer with annoying heads? Might as well be an IPA. Not very balanced. Single loud note of bitter. Meh.

7

(Then an awesome drawing of Alpha Krap! WOOT!)

To be fair, Three Floyds Brewing has a great reputation and they have a lot of fans in my circle of friends. This just didn't do it for me.

Righty:

8/21/10

Chicago, IL

Chicago Comic-Con

New Belgium Brewing

Fort Collins, CO

Hoptober Golden Ale (Abv. 6%)

Medium body, citrus notes, nice hops. Very smooth and drinkable. I like it. Very drinkable.

9.4

8/22/10

Chicago, IL

Chicago Comic-Con

Carta Blanca Cerveza Lager (Abv. ?)

Cerveceria, Mexico (is that a real place???)

Very nice smooth lager. Very drinkable, nicely balanced. Corn based?

9.2

Some times you have great beer, some times you go to Chicago. Wait until we hit Atlanta. That makes up for Chicago! They've got some FANTASTIC beers!