Lagunitas Imperial Stout

Nice dark head topping this wonderful roasty creation! One sip and the perfectly sweet-burnt flavor combo lingers in the mouth like a great cup of coffee, but better. So velvety smooth going down, such a perfect flavor, you would never guess that this was a 10% brew! Another home run from one of my Top 5 favorite brewers! Imperial MBs from me, with what may just be my new favorite stout!! Extraordinarily delicious!

22oz bottle, 72.45 IBU, 9.9% ABV
Lagunitas Brewing Company
Petaluma, CA
purchased at Kenwood

Hop Slayer Double IPA

Strong-bodied, this brew has ample bitterness that coats and sustains in the mouth well beyond the swallow. But overall it's the malt and alcoholic sweetness that dominates the flavor profile. You know you're drinking a double with this one. From a local brewer I've never heard of, but plan to get more familiar with. ID

12oz can, 8% ABV
Wild Onion Brewing Company
Barrington, IL
purchased at Kenwood

Eugene Porter

Yes, you can find premium microbrews in cans! This is one of 5 or 6 I picked up for a block party. This last can has a bit of a funky taste I don't remember from the party, but the can says "keep cold" (it was warm at the store, though) and it has sat warm for a week. Perhaps it was not treated well. But it is dark, with a soft mouth-feel, and beats most canned alternatives. The roasted grains are almost chocolatey. Good enough that I'll try it again, and care for its safety better next time. ID

12oz can, 6.8% ABV
Revolution Brewing
Chicago, IL
purchased at Kenwood

Hop Centric Double IPA

A unique flavor balancing bitterness and the malt sweetness necessary to give this the gravity it needs. I'm not sure I'm digging that flavor, but it is pretty easy drinking, considering what it's packing underneath. Probably deserves a better rating considering how bitter, but not oppressive, and drinkable despite a big bang of alcohol! ID

12oz bottle, 100.1 IBU, 9.9% ABV
Two Brothers Brewing Company
Warrenville, IL
purchased at Kenwood