You sure surprised us last week when we unveiled our first readers' choice "BotW" selection. Not only did you argue with each other over Goose Island Summertime, but Goose Island brewmaster Greg Hall interjected himself into the discussion and gave us - and by extension, you, since June is "readers' choice" month - propers.
But that was last week, and we expected some discussion among you in the comments; much like the ending to "The Sopranos," everyone's entitled to his opinion. Just remember that when we unveil this week's readers' choice in the next paragraph. It was recommended to us by reader Eric Monson of Lincoln Park.
Not content with offering us just one selection, Mr. Monson gave us a list beers that were in his fridge when we made the call for suggestions. The only thing missing from his details were the expiration dates on the bottles. While we appreciate unbridled passion as much as the next beer geek, Mr. Monson had us at this week's selection.
This week's reader's choice, courtesy of Mr. Monson, is Victory Brewing Company's HopDevil ale.
In suggesting HopDevil, Eric said that it was a "great IPA: perfectly balanced and refreshing without being too bitter." Sure enough, like Schlitz, HopDevil gives you the kiss of the hops, with none of the bitterness. Unlike Schlitz, however, the kiss of HopDevil is akin to a long, slow, deep, soft, wet kiss that lasts three days. For all the hoppiness in this beer, there's also a balance of malt that one doesn't find in most IPAs. We found notes of grass, bread, and floral on the palate that would have paired perfectly with some grilled chicken breast. The spice from the hops on the middle of the tongue were amazing
Another thing we loved about this beer was foam retention. When we poured this into our glass the day we wrote out tasting notes, we took a phone call and left the beer sitting in the kitchen. When we returned ten minutes later, the foam was still as pristine as when we first decanted the beer. HopDevil left thick lacing rings on the sides of the glass. For a hoppy beer, the finish on this was very subtle and nondescript. Overall, this was a wonderful selection by Mr. Monson. Nice choice; we're going to have to re-read your e-mail and pick up your other suggestions.
Sam's Wine and Spirits lists HopDevil on their website for around $9.50 a six-pack. It, and Victory's Prima Pils, are selections worth picking up from this Pennsylvania-based brewery. But do it before the humidity sets in, and let us know what you think of Victory Brewing Company's HopDevil, Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week."
add to digg
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
email this
add to facebook
add to del.icio.us
HopDevil is a readers choice I can give my full-throated endorsement.
Cannot argue with the Hop Devil... YUM!!!!
Hoppy Goodness!
Fresher the better, obviously, and on-tap it is right up there with the Alpha King and Stone IPA!!!
Are you serious? Have you not tried the Blue Moon Honey Moon beer yet?? It should be the beer of the week every week, all summer...
KK: Blue Moon's a Coors product, and I have reasons (other than the fact it's a Coors product) that I don't drink or buy Coors product.
Eric Monson, I have your next issue of beer porn, er, Beer Advocate. It was delivered by mistake inside my issue. I am forwarding on to you.
HopDevil's a good beer - comes within sight of being a substitute for Bell's Two Hearted Ale (although there's really nothing as good as THA).
Blue Moon is alright, stop the hatred.
Remember Chicagoists motto: If it's big, it must be bad, regardless of its quality. The second HopDevil or whatever gets bought out by AB or InBev or MolsonCoors, it will cease being good in their eyes, regardless of whether it tastes the same.
Big is Bad: Since I opened up this particular can of worms - and since you felt so inclined to jump to conclusions (hence your screen name) - here's why I don't drink Coors product.
Feel free to wash that down with a Blue Moon.
Since my dander is up, I should also ask, Big is Bad, to go through the archives and see the number of A-B and InBev product we've reviewed for this column. Goose Island is affiliated with the A-B network, and we still proudly drink their product.
Apologies if my previous comment came across as condescending, but your argument doesn't hold water.