528. Cruz Blanca Brewery (Chicago, IL) - Freetown

“Inspired by the neighborhood of Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen, Denmark. Powerful, hazy, dank and fruity tropical expression of Sabro, Vic Secret, and Ekuanot Cryo hops.”

This is very much in the same vein as Palm Shade, but with a much bigger punch. The alcohol (8.5% ABV) is very strong up front, and it lingers, long and dry, on the back end—until it warms up, at which point it starts to taste like very ripe papaya and mango that have been macerating in grain alcohol for most of the day. I am entirely amenable to the idea that I like this one almost entirely because finding this place was one of those beautiful happy accidents that can somehow never quite be planned; but it’s also pretty solid without the background.