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A couple months back as our Chicago winter blended into summer, we were doing some research on summer beers that turned out to be very beneficial. We were preparing for what we thought at the time would be a summer without Bell's Oberon. However that beer, while still legally unavailable in Illinois, turned out to be easier to acquire than we thought. And although we like Goose Island 312, we didn't see ourselves going through the whole summer with that as our go-to beer.
One of the breweries that's been able to capitalize on Bell's pulling out of Illinois has been New Holland Brewing Company. Their Mad Hatter IPA - a previous "BotW" selection - has filled in nicely for Bell's Two-Hearted; we actually prefer New Holland's Sundog over Bell's Amber. This week, while there is still time to enjoy the beer, we're highly recommending you try New Holland's seasonal wheat ale selection.
To our palate we actually prefer "Zoomer" over "312," which to some might me blasphemous. Zoomer is an effervescent beer with loads of light carbonation. It's also a wheat ale where we were also able to taste the wheat, which is sometimes a good thing. The use of ale yeast gives the drinker some different flavors, as well. You'll note some light pepper and clove on the palate, and pepper with bright lemony citrus on the nose. Zoomer would be perfect for those no-swim days at 63rd Street beach.
Mostly, we recommend Zoomer because it tastes good, which is why it's now New Holland's third selection to earn "Beer of the Week" status.
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What's the replacement for Kalamzoo Stout? That was among their best offerings.
While we're on the subject--when is a stout going to be a beer of the week feature? I can't recall any stout reviews.
Go back through the archives. March was practically nothing but stouts.
Man I love this Zoomer. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the New Holland launch party at Sheffield's in April, and WOW. While all of their beers were good, I couldn't help but keep drinking the Zoomer Wit. Very nice flavors, even when it's ice cold.
Go back through the archives. March was practically nothing but stouts.
Yeah, right.
Look, I'm not going to hold your hand all the time. Go dig through the archives, you'll find Three Floyd's Black Sun, St. Peter's Cream Stout, O'Hara's Irish Stout, Bell's Double Cream Stout, and Young's Chocolate Stout.
That's just off the top of my head.
I hope you can find this beer on draft because every time I've had it out of a bottle it's just been a diacetyl mess.
theburden: I've had it on draft at Fire Side grill in Ravenswood, and I think you'll enjoy it on tap.
To the person looking to replace the stout...check out New Holland's Poet. I mean, if you're going to stick with the western Michigan thing.
I have to agree with theburden...this is much better on draft. Anyone who's a fan of New Holland's beers really should take the drive up to their brewpub. Not for the food, but for the beer. My favorite microbrew, period.