stoutchap (293), Chicago, Illinois, USA Mar 13, 2008 Nice brew. On tap at Lunar (of course). A slightly hazy amber reminiscent of an IPA. A little bread in the nose. Nice mouthfeel. Starts smooth and malty, with a bit of wood and wheat in the middle, somewhat spicy finish. Enjoyed it more as it warmed. ElGaucho (1726), Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Feb 16, 2007 Draught at brewpub. Dry and altish aroma; fresh and interesting. Hazy, cloudy amber body with a thick, frothy head. Great lace. Doughy and dry with fruity flavors. An excellent brew with perfect balance and alcohol profile. When you think "great ale" you think of beers like this. Cornfield (4468), Oak Forest, Illinois, USA Feb 12, 2007 This was provided to me via growler to pint by a couple of friends because I had to miss the <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/events-detail.asp?eventID=4705>5th Monthly Chicago RateBeerian Gathering</a> at <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/Places/ShowPlace.asp?PlaceID=3695>Lunar Brewing, IL, </a>on 2/10/2007. This is the first of the new recipes that I’ve had since original owner/braumeister Jules left for Corpus Christi. If this is any indication of what’s to come, I think that the operation has been left safe in the hands of new owner Charlie, an affable fellow. My pint had flattened somewhat due to its travels, but it still made a handsome pour, a slightly hazed copper body with a bubbly beige head that vanished way too quickly. The aroma is malty without being sweet, peppery, and has a subtle touch of PNW hops lingering at the edges. Very smooth at first, then warm, then peppery on the tongue. A woody malt flavor strikes first followed by fruit, white peppers, and a toned down grapefruit & citrus zest bitterness. The finish is warm and mildly bitter. The ABV isn’t listed, but I suspect this to be an Imperial Altbier. Egads, I have to get to the brewpub to try this fresh!<br /><br /><font size=-4>Special thanks go to <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/ViewUser.asp?UserID=32057><u>MrsFrankenkity</u></a> and <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/ViewUser.asp?UserID=18655><u>frankenkitty</u></a>.<font size=-1><br /> SubstanceT (1087), Saint Louis, Missouri, USA Feb 12, 2007 #1019, on tap at the Brewery for the Feb 2007 Ratebeer Chicago Area gathering. Special thanks to ElGaucho for allowing me to sample this monster. Hazy golden with a medium lasting frothy white head. The nose is faint but just a hint of malts. The tasete is especially strong with malts, cream grains yeast and gentle hops towards the end. As it warms the hops become more present. Delightful. frankenkitty (1834), Oak Lawn, Illinois, USA Feb 11, 2007 Simply fantastic. I had the honor of the first pint off this tap. Poured with an unruly head that finally (after a long while) settled to a dollop of ecru atop a mid-hazed, deep copper body. Light dishwater notes to the aroma. Subtle components otherwise. Mild PNW hops lag where malts surface. Hops are subdued yet extremely flavorful. Really freakin’ good... <b>and</b> well put-together. Holds notes of a Scotch Ale, a Bitter and an APA. Sessionable. Growlerable. Very nice.
<br /><br /><font size=-4>I quaffed pint after pint of this on <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/events-detail.asp?eventID=4705><u>02/10/07</u></a> @ <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/Places/ShowPlace.asp?PlaceID=3695><u>Lunar Brewing Company</u></a>, Villa Park, IL 60181</font><br />
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