South Side Irish Red

Dry, hint of sweetness, but ample bitterness. A strange flavor I can't place. But not bad. ID

12oz can, 25 IBU, 5.6% ABV
Hailstorm Brewing Company
Tinley Park, IL
purchased at Kenwood

Peppermint Bark Porter 2015

A tiny hint of mint, and dry, which reminds me a bit of the mint-chocolate-raspberry Irish stout that I brewed. You can definitely smell the mint, but not much flavor, and mine, unaged, had way too much mint flavor. So, both extremes there. End result, this could use more mint. Otherwise, not bad, and probably a good new thing to someone who has not had the mint experience that I've had. ID

22oz bottle, 32 IBU, 6.7% ABV
Two Brothers Brewing Company
Warrenville, IL
purchased at Kenwood

Killa Vanilla Extraordinary IPA

Bought this as something unique. I've had, and brewed, dark beers with vanilla, but never even thought of trying that in an IPA. It is all vanilla for aroma. And definitely IPA flavor, but strong vanilla flavor too. Wow, my brain just doesn't know what to make of this. Not bad at all. In fact it is down right pretty good! I love when taking a chance on something different works out. This is one you've just got to try. This brewer is earning their way into my favorites. And since they are in the Midwest, I think it is time to seriously plan a trip! MB

22oz bottle, 55 IBU, 7.5% ABV
Hoppin' Frog Brewing Company
Akron, OH
purchased at Kenwood

Ten Ninety Citra Pale Ale

This beer had me at "Citra" and the discount price of a store brand. But sadly, you get what you pay for. Despite the wrap-around hop label, the Citra flavor not dominant nor pleasant in this. It tastes like a lager not an ale, a big misstep for me. And worst of all, it is so over carbonated that on the first sip my mouth literally inflated like a balloon, with so much pressure I almost had to spit, and should have. No my stomach feels the same way, and I've only had half the bottle. I was going to wait to rate this, since I have a six pack, but I came to rate it now because I may not even drink another. This may be a beer I just go ahead and pour out. And I never do that. SK

12oz bottle, 5.5% ABV
Ten Ninety Brewing Company
Zion, IL
purchased (exclusively) at Mariano's

Bitter Oats Ale

A nice hoppy flavor with a slight unusual sweetness. This has a really neat unique flavor to it. I'm finishing a cold, so my sniffer's not right, but still getting plenty of flavor through. The finish does indeed leave a bitter taste in the mouth. Just my style, all around! Another hit (2016 " OneHitter" series per the label) from one of my favorite brewers. Maybe gonna see if I can get this on draft, since they've been brewing here for several years now, I think, but I just haven't made it to the tap room. A trip is most definitely in order! And holy shit, look at that ABV! MB

22oz bottle, 10.5% ABV
Lagunitas Brewing Company
Petaluma, Calif. & Chicago, Ill. (love the insistence on non-standard abbreviations)
purchased at Kenwood