Happy #NewBrewThursday, Grayslake! Sean is behind the bar tonight, though you might have trouble spotting him—he’s currently rocking his invisibility cloak. While the bartender might be “missing,” our latest delivery is front and center. We’ve got a massive arrival featuring a “Best Citra” hop-technology collaboration, New Zealand-hopped XPAs, and the return of the most famous pickle sours in the state.
Stop by Beer Bazaar (107 Center Street, Grayslake, IL 60030) to secure these latest releases!
BlackStack Brewing (St. Paul, MN) | Visit BlackStack
- Inner Monologue Hazy DIPA (ABV Varies): A stellar collaboration with Outer Range Brewing Co. featuring NZ Superdelic, Dolcita, and NZ Nelson Sauvin Cryo. This beer leans heavily into the “candy-like” spectrum of New Zealand hops. Expect an aromatic profile of candied mango and red berries, with a distinct white wine grape snap from the Nelson Cryo. It is exceptionally lush and smooth, defining the modern “juice” profile.
- Dutch Masters Hazy IPA (7.3% ABV): A unique exploration of Centennial Cryo and Runtz OG terpenes. The terpenes add a distinct layer of dank, resinous herbs and sweet berries that perfectly complements the floral lemon notes of the Centennial hops. It’s a multi-layered, botanical experience with a soft, hazy finish.
- Local 755 Hazy DIPA (6.8% ABV): Their signature hazy brewed with Citra, Amarillo, and Idaho 7. This is a quintessential “fruit punch” in a can. Paraphrased feedback highlights its heavy doses of apricot, papaya, and sweet orange with a soft, creamy mouthfeel and very low bitterness.
DESTIHL Brewery (Normal, IL) | Visit DESTIHL
- Tourbus Nelson Sauvin DDH Hazy IPA (7.4% ABV): A double dry-hopped version of their flagship featuring 100% Nelson Sauvin hops. It leads with a fragrant bouquet of white currants, passionfruit, and a “dank” vinous character, supported by a soft wheat and oat malt base for a velvety texture.
- Suckerpunch Dill Pickle & Spicy Dill Pickle Sours (5.5% ABV): The pickle sours that started the craze. These are briny, vinegary, and loaded with fresh dill and cucumber aromatics. The spicy version introduces a sustained habanero heat that cuts through the salty brine, making it a polarizing but highly addictive cult favorite.
Great Lakes Brewing Company (Cleveland, OH) | Visit Great Lakes
- Sunshine Party Pack (Variety Pack): A 12-can variety pack built for the warmer weather ahead.
- Mexican Lager (5.4%): Brilliantly clear and crisp.
- Rally Drum Lemon Shandy (4%): Light, zesty, and refreshing.
- Orange & Honey Wheat (5.5%): A complex wheat ale with subtle floral sweetness.
- Orange & Lime Shandy (4%): A double-citrus punch built for maximum crushability.
Mikerphone Brewing (Elk Grove Village, IL) | Visit Mikerphone
- PB&J Jam Juice Sour (5% ABV): A liquid recreation of the classic childhood staple. This sour offers a jammy, dark fruit base—reminiscent of raspberry or grape jelly—layered with a savory, toasted peanut finish. It manages to be rich and nostalgic while maintaining enough tartness to keep it refreshing.
Off Color Brewing (Chicago, IL) | Visit Off Color
- Town Musicians Maibock (6.5% ABV): A traditional spring lager that is both rich and crisp. It offers a honeyed malt sweetness and a toasted cracker base, balanced by an earthy, floral German noble hop presence. It’s the perfect transition beer as the seasons shift.
- Beer For Ball Games Cream Ale (4.2% ABV): A light and easy-drinking Chicago staple. It’s defined by its subtle maize sweetness and high effervescence, built specifically for long afternoons at the stadium.
Saint Errant Brewing (Chicago, IL) | Visit Saint Errant
- Fescue NZ XPA (5% ABV): A brilliantly bright and sessionable Extra Pale Ale dry-hopped with Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, and NZ Cascade. The profile is exceptionally crisp and aromatic, featuring lime zest, crushed gooseberries, and a tropical mojito finish. It is lean, effervescent, and designed for ultimate refreshment.
- Terror Dome DDH IPA (7.8% ABV): This hazy heavy-hitter is often described as a vibrant trip through a blooming strawberry patch and a citrus grove. The aroma leads with fresh zested lime and gooseberry, giving way to a flavor profile of sweet lychee and passion fruit smoothies. It carries a classic “dank” backbone and a silky, juicy mouthfeel that reminds many of early, foundational NEIPAs.
WeldWerks Brewing Co. (Greeley, CO) | Visit WeldWerks
- The Best Citra Hazy DIPA (8.5% ABV): A heavyweight collaboration with Hop Butcher for the World. This beer utilizes Citra in four different formats: Cryo, Incognito, Spectrum, and T-90 pellets. The result is a total saturation of hop oils without the harshness. Expect a concentrated blast of freshly squeezed orange juice, lime zest, and ruby red grapefruit. It carries a dense, nectar-like mouthfeel and a vibrant tropical sweetness.
- Juicy Bits Hazy IPA (6.7% ABV): Their legendary flagship brewed with Citra, Mosaic, and El Dorado. It is celebrated for its soft, pillowy texture and a flavor profile defined by ripe pineapple, peach rings, and tangerine. It maintains a perfect balance of fruit intensity and a clean finish.
- Bamm Bamm Rubble Rubble (5.2% ABV): A nostalgic “sour à la mode” brewed with fruity rice cereal, strawberry puree, vanilla, marshmallow, and milk sugar. It pours a vibrant pink with a thick, dessert-like consistency. Fans describe it as having a cereal milk sweetness that balances the tart strawberry and tangy sour base.
