{"title":"Alter Brewing","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"alter-bleacher-seat-6pk","title":"Alter Bleacher Seat 6Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlter Bleacher Seat 6Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dry-hopped American wheat ale from Alter Brewing Company in Illinois, packaged as a six-pack at 4.9% ABV. What distinguishes Bleacher Seat from conventional wheat ales is its unconventional grain bill — built on 50% red wheat rather than the standard white wheat most breweries default to — and a moderate dry-hopping regimen using El Dorado and Rakau hops that pushes it into more aromatic, fruit-forward territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 4.9%  |  Origin: Illinois, USA  |  Style: Dry-Hopped American Wheat Ale  |  Brewery: Alter Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlter Brewing Company opened its original Downers Grove, Illinois location in December 2015 with a 20-barrel brewhouse, later expanding to a second facility in St. Charles, Illinois in mid-2020 with a 10-barrel system. Bleacher Seat is built on a grain bill of 50% red wheat, which contributes a slightly nuttier, more robust character than the pale or white wheat varieties commonly used in the style. The beer is moderately dry-hopped with El Dorado and Rakau — a New Zealand hop known for its stone fruit and subtle pine character — giving Bleacher Seat a hop-forward aromatic profile that sets it apart from traditional, yeast-driven wheat beers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Valencia orange citrus leads the nose, followed by waves of tropical fruit and lime. A faint touch of vanilla rounds out the aromatic profile, adding a subtle sweetness beneath the hop-driven top notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is light and crisp, with stone fruit and pine flavors emerging across the mid-palate courtesy of the El Dorado and Rakau dry-hop. Enough malt sweetness from the red wheat backbone keeps the hops in check, preventing the beer from leaning too bitter or thin. The overall impression is balanced and sessionable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slightly dry with lingering tropical and citrus echoes. The medium-light body keeps the finish clean and encourages another sip rather than overwhelming the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Bleacher Seat\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBleacher Seat is best served cold, straight from the can or poured into a standard pint glass or weizen glass to release its citrus and tropical aromatics. A \u003cstrong\u003eRadler\u003c\/strong\u003e works well here — combine Bleacher Seat with fresh lemonade to amplify the citrus notes on a hot day. Try a \u003cstrong\u003eShandy\u003c\/strong\u003e with ginger beer to play off the stone fruit and pine character. For a beer cocktail twist, a \u003cstrong\u003eMichelada\u003c\/strong\u003e using Bleacher Seat as the base adds an unexpected tropical fruit dimension to the traditional tomato-lime framework.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackyard cookouts and warm-weather gatherings where easy-drinking beer is essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing hop-curious friends to dry-hopped styles without IPA-level bitterness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWatching the game — the name practically demands it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupporting Illinois craft brewing with a locally produced, distinctive wheat ale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Bleacher Seat taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bleacher Seat delivers light, crisp flavors of stone fruit and pine layered over a balanced malt sweetness, with prominent citrus and tropical fruit aromatics from the El Dorado and Rakau dry-hopping. The medium-light body and slightly dry finish make it highly refreshing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Bleacher Seat compare to Widmer Hefeweizen?\u003c\/strong\u003e Widmer Hefeweizen is a benchmark American wheat beer that leans on clean, straightforward wheat character with mild citrus, while Bleacher Seat pushes further into hop-forward territory with its El Dorado and Rakau dry-hopping and uses a distinctive 50% red wheat grain bill. Bleacher Seat is generally more aromatic and fruit-driven, whereas Widmer plays it more traditional and subdued.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Bleacher Seat good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — at 4.9% ABV with a medium-light body and balanced sweetness, Bleacher Seat is approachable for drinkers new to craft beer while still offering enough complexity to keep experienced palates interested.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Bleacher Seat made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bleacher Seat is brewed by Alter Brewing Company, which operates a 20-barrel brewhouse in Downers Grove, Illinois (opened 2015) and a 10-barrel brewhouse in St. Charles, Illinois (opened 2020).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Bleacher Seat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement the tropical and citrus hop notes. A summer salad with stone fruit like peaches or nectarines mirrors the beer's mid-palate flavors. Classic ballpark fare — hot dogs, bratwurst, soft pretzels — works naturally with the wheat malt backbone and moderate carbonation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Bleacher Seat come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bleacher Seat is available in a standard six-pack format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Bleacher Seat worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Bleacher Seat positions as a craft wheat ale at a standard six-pack price point, and its use of 50% red wheat combined with New Zealand and American hop varieties delivers more complexity and aromatic interest than many mass-market wheat beers in the same tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Bleacher Seat?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 50% red wheat grain bill is the most notable differentiator here — it gives Bleacher Seat a slightly fuller, nuttier wheat character than ales built on conventional pale or white wheat. The dual dry-hop with El Dorado and Rakau adds genuine tropical fruit and stone fruit aromatics without tipping the beer into IPA territory, keeping it firmly in sessionable wheat ale range at 4.9% ABV. In a crowded American wheat beer category where many entries play it safe, Alter Brewing made deliberate ingredient choices that reward drinkers looking for more dimension in a warm-weather style. It is a thoughtfully constructed wheat ale from an independent Illinois brewery that punches above its weight class.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alter Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838065668265,"sku":"33529","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/alter-brewing-alter-bleacher-seat-6pk-bottle.webp?v=1776007626"},{"product_id":"alter-heavy-squeeze-6pk","title":"Alter Heavy Squeeze 6Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlter Heavy Squeeze 6Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a six-pack of unfiltered lemon wheat ale brewed by Alter Brewing Company in Downers Grove, Illinois, at 5.5% ABV. This wheat ale distinguishes itself through an aggressive use of lemon zest puree and lemon oil during production, delivering a tartness that reviewers frequently compare to a sour despite its wheat ale classification. On Untappd, it holds a 3.8 out of 5 rating across more than 2,600 reviews.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 5.5%  |  Origin: Downers Grove, Illinois  |  Style: Unfiltered Lemon Wheat Ale  |  Brewery: Alter Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlter Brewing Company operates out of Downers Grove, a western suburb of Chicago in DuPage County, Illinois. Heavy Squeeze begins as a wheat ale base, with copious amounts of lemon zest puree and lemon oil introduced alongside lemon puree added during fermentation. A small amount of lactose is included in the boil to provide a touch of residual sweetness that balances the intense citrus character. The beer is then topped with Citra hops — a variety prized for its tropical and citrus aromatics — and left unfiltered, giving it a hazy, full-bodied appearance in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lemon zest dominates immediately, bright and forward. Behind the citrus, subtle wheat-bread sweetness and a faint floral hop note from the Citra hops round out the nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is a pronounced burst of lemon — tart and juicy without veering into artificial territory. Mid-palate, the lactose addition becomes apparent as a soft, rounded sweetness that tempers the acidity. The wheat base provides enough body to carry the citrus without feeling thin, and multiple reviewers note that it drinks almost like a sour at its most intense moments despite not being brewed as one.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is tart and slightly dry, with lingering lemon pith and a clean, crisp fade. There is no forward hop bitterness to speak of, which keeps the drinking experience light and refreshing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Heavy Squeeze\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHeavy Squeeze is best served cold, straight from the can or poured into a wheat beer glass to appreciate its hazy pour. It drinks easily on its own and does not need embellishment. For cocktail-adjacent serves, try it in a \u003cstrong\u003eShandy Gaff\u003c\/strong\u003e mixed with ginger ale for a double-citrus refresher, a \u003cstrong\u003eRadler\u003c\/strong\u003e blended with grapefruit soda to amplify the tartness, or a \u003cstrong\u003eLemon Beer Margarita\u003c\/strong\u003e — half Heavy Squeeze, half classic margarita over ice — where the wheat body and lemon intensity hold up well against tequila and triple sec.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackyard grilling sessions where a crisp, citrus-forward beer beats heavier options\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing craft beer drinkers who typically reach for shandy-style beers to a more complex alternative\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-weather afternoon drinking when low ABV and high refreshment matter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing alongside a seafood boil or fish tacos where lemon is already part of the flavor profile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Heavy Squeeze taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy Squeeze delivers an intense, natural lemon flavor with a pleasant crisp tartness, balanced by subtle sweetness from lactose added during brewing. It drinks closer to a sour than a traditional wheat ale, though it is technically neither a sour nor a shandy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Heavy Squeeze compare to Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy?\u003c\/strong\u003e Multiple reviewers directly compare the two, noting that Heavy Squeeze matches or exceeds Summer Shandy in lemon intensity but with significantly less sugar and a more complex, craft-forward character. Where Summer Shandy leans sweet and approachable, Heavy Squeeze skews tart and dry on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Heavy Squeeze good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy Squeeze is an excellent entry point for anyone who enjoys lemonade or shandy-style drinks but wants to explore craft beer, thanks to its low 5.5% ABV, absence of hop bitterness, and bright fruit-forward profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Heavy Squeeze made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy Squeeze is brewed by Alter Brewing Company in Downers Grove, Illinois, a suburb located west of Chicago in DuPage County.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Heavy Squeeze?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled shrimp skewers benefit from the beer's lemon acidity mirroring a squeeze of citrus. Fish tacos with cabbage slaw match the tartness with crunch and spice. Light salads with vinaigrette complement the crisp finish. Soft goat cheese provides a creamy counterpoint to the lemon zest bite. Lemon-herb roasted chicken creates a harmonious echo of citrus flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Heavy Squeeze come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy Squeeze is available in a six-pack of 12-ounce cans, the standard format offered by Alter Brewing for this release.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Heavy Squeeze worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy Squeeze positions as a craft six-pack in the mid-range value tier, competitive with other specialty wheat ales and fruit-forward craft beers. The use of real lemon puree, lemon oil, and Citra hops — rather than artificial flavoring — gives it strong credibility relative to mass-market shandy alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Heavy Squeeze?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Heavy Squeeze from the crowded field of lemon-flavored beers is its commitment to real citrus ingredients — lemon zest puree, lemon oil, and lemon puree introduced at multiple stages of production — rather than extract or syrup. The addition of lactose to the boil is a deliberate brewing choice that creates a subtle sweetness without the cloying sugar load found in many commercial shandies. Its 3.8 rating on Untappd across more than 2,600 reviews reflects consistent approval from a broad base of drinkers, not just local fans. For anyone who has reached for a Summer Shandy and wished it were less sweet, more tart, and made with more intention, Heavy Squeeze is the direct answer.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alter Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838065701033,"sku":"34373","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"alter-hell-hazed-over-6pk","title":"Alter Hell Hazed Over 6Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlter Hell Hazed Over 6Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a double dry-hopped hazy double IPA (2X IPA) from Alter Brewing Company in Downers Grove, Illinois, at 8.1% ABV in a six-pack of 12 oz cans. This bold New England-style DIPA stands out through its triple-hop combination of Sultana, Amarillo, and Mosaic, delivering wave after wave of tropical fruit intensity with a deceptively smooth body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 8.1%  |  Origin: Downers Grove, Illinois  |  Style: Hazy Double IPA (2X IPA)  |  Brewery: Alter Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlter Brewing Company operates out of Downers Grove, a western suburb of Chicago in DuPage County, Illinois. Hell Hazed Over follows a double dry-hopping process, meaning hops are added at two separate stages—typically during active fermentation and again shortly before packaging—to maximize aromatic oils and tropical fruit character without layering on additional bitterness. The hop bill of Sultana, Amarillo, and Mosaic was selected for overlapping notes of stone fruit, citrus, and melon, creating a layered aromatic profile that defines the beer's identity within the New England DIPA tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe mango and pineapple lead immediately, followed by bright passionfruit and grapefruit peel. A soft, doughy wheat quality anchors the hop aromatics underneath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is juicy and full, with tangerine and mango dominating the front palate. Mid-palate, melon and passionfruit emerge alongside a creamy, almost pillowy mouthfeel that carries the 8.1% ABV without noticeable heat. Despite its heavy body, the bitterness remains restrained and well-integrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Relatively dry for the style, pulling back on residual sweetness and leaving a clean citrus-rind impression. A faint resinous hop note lingers alongside soft tropical echoes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Hell Hazed Over\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest served cold, around 40–45°F, in a tulip glass or standard pint to concentrate the aromatic hop oils. Given its full body and tropical character, it also works in hop-forward beer cocktails. A \u003cstrong\u003eBeermosa\u003c\/strong\u003e pairs its mango and citrus notes naturally with fresh orange juice for a brunch-worthy drink. A \u003cstrong\u003eMichelada\u003c\/strong\u003e with lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire plays the beer's fruit-forward juiciness against savory heat. A \u003cstrong\u003eHop Shandy\u003c\/strong\u003e—half Hell Hazed Over, half lemonade—tames the ABV while amplifying citrus brightness for a warm-weather session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIPA enthusiasts exploring the Illinois craft scene beyond Chicago-proper breweries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackyard barbecues and cookouts where a higher-ABV hazy IPA can anchor the beer lineup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a hazy IPA collector looking for lesser-known Midwest double IPAs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing nights centered around spicy or grilled foods that benefit from tropical hop contrast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Hell Hazed Over taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hell Hazed Over delivers a juicy, tropical profile dominated by mango, passionfruit, and tangerine, wrapped in a smooth, creamy mouthfeel that finishes surprisingly dry for a hazy double IPA at 8.1% ABV.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Hell Hazed Over compare to Bell's Official Hazy IPA?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hell Hazed Over runs significantly higher in ABV at 8.1% versus Bell's Official at around 6.4%, resulting in a fuller body and more concentrated tropical fruit intensity. Both lean into the New England hazy tradition, but Hell Hazed Over's double dry-hopping with Sultana, Amarillo, and Mosaic gives it a more complex, layered hop aroma than Bell's single-IPA approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hell Hazed Over good for sipping?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its creamy mouthfeel and restrained bitterness make it approachable despite its double IPA strength, though the 8.1% ABV warrants a slower pace than a standard session hazy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Hell Hazed Over made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hell Hazed Over is brewed by Alter Brewing Company in Downers Grove, Illinois, a suburb located about 22 miles west of downtown Chicago in DuPage County.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Hell Hazed Over?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa echo the beer's tropical hop character. Nashville hot chicken uses the creamy body to temper capsaicin heat. A sharp aged cheddar contrasts the juicy fruit notes with tangy richness. Thai green curry finds balance between its coconut sweetness and the beer's citrus bitterness. Smoked pork shoulder benefits from the hop aromatics cutting through rendered fat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Hell Hazed Over come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hell Hazed Over is available in a six-pack of 12 oz cans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hell Hazed Over worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hell Hazed Over positions as a mid-range craft double IPA, and its double dry-hopped process and 8.1% ABV deliver complexity and intensity that compete well within the hazy DIPA tier—strong value for drinkers who want Midwest-brewed hop density without ultra-premium pricing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Hell Hazed Over?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe double dry-hopping schedule with three complementary hop varieties—Sultana, Amarillo, and Mosaic—gives Hell Hazed Over a depth of aroma that single-hopped or single-dry-hopped hazies rarely achieve. At 8.1% ABV, it occupies genuine double IPA territory rather than drifting into the increasingly crowded \"strong single IPA\" space between 6% and 7%. The beer's ability to maintain a dry finish despite its heavy, creamy body demonstrates thoughtful recipe design from Alter Brewing, avoiding the cloying sweetness that undermines many hazy DIPAs. For anyone exploring Illinois craft beyond the state's headline breweries, this is a serious entry worth tracking down.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alter Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838065733801,"sku":"33530","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"alter-hopular-kid-6pk","title":"Alter Hopular Kid 6Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlter Hopular Kid 6Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fruit-forward American IPA from Alter Brewing Company in Downers Grove, Illinois, packaged as a 6-pack at 6.5% ABV. Built on five sought-after hop varieties and fermented with a fruit-forward ale strain, this IPA has earned an 87 score on BeerAdvocate across 42 ratings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 6.5%  |  IBU: 55  |  Origin: Downers Grove, Illinois  |  Style: American IPA  |  Brewery: Alter Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlter Brewing Company operates out of Downers Grove, Illinois, at 2300 Wisconsin Avenue. Hopular Kid uses a five-hop bill of Centennial, Citra, Amarillo, Simcoe, and Mosaic — hops added during both the boil and fermentation to maximize aromatic impact. The beer is fermented with a fruit-forward ale strain specifically chosen to complement and amplify the tropical character of the hop selection, resulting in a beer where yeast and hops work in tandem rather than in competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Flowery, tropical hop aromas lead immediately, giving way to ripe mango and pineapple. A light papaya undertone rounds out the nose alongside subtle citrus peel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is soft and juicy with sweet tropical fruit — mango and pineapple dominate the front palate. Mid-palate, lemony citrus sharpens the profile and the 55 IBUs provide measured bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check. The fruit-forward ale strain reinforces the ripe-fruit quality without adding cloying weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean and moderate in length with a gentle papaya aftertaste and lingering floral hop character. The bitterness recedes quickly, leaving a dry, easy-drinking close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Hopular Kid\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHopular Kid drinks best cold, between 40–45°F, poured into a tulip or standard pint glass to open up the hop aromatics. It is approachable enough for casual, straight-from-the-can drinking on a warm afternoon. For a shandy-style twist, blend it with fresh lemonade to lean into the citrus notes. It also works well as a base in a Michelada, where the tropical fruit character pairs naturally with lime juice and hot sauce. A beer-tail riff using Hopular Kid, fresh grapefruit juice, and a splash of agave creates a low-ABV alternative to a Paloma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackyard cookouts and summer grilling sessions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing hop-curious drinkers to American IPA without overwhelming bitterness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBringing a locally brewed Illinois craft option to a beer share or tasting night\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with spicy or tropical-influenced dishes at dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Hopular Kid taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hopular Kid delivers juicy tropical fruit flavors — primarily mango, pineapple, and lemony citrus — supported by a clean, moderate bitterness at 55 IBUs. The fruit-forward ale strain adds a sweet, ripe-fruit quality that keeps the beer balanced and easy to drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Hopular Kid compare to Bell's Two Hearted Ale?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both beers use Centennial hops, but Hopular Kid adds Citra, Amarillo, Simcoe, and Mosaic to push the profile toward tropical and stone fruit, while Two Hearted focuses on a single-hop Centennial character that is more piney and floral. Hopular Kid's fruit-forward yeast strain also creates a juicier overall impression compared to Two Hearted's cleaner, more traditionally bitter finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hopular Kid good for IPA beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — at 55 IBUs and 6.5% ABV, it sits at a moderate level of bitterness for the style, and the tropical fruit sweetness makes it more inviting than aggressively bitter West Coast IPAs. The clean finish avoids lingering hop harshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Hopular Kid made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hopular Kid is brewed by Alter Brewing Company at 2300 Wisconsin Avenue in Downers Grove, Illinois. The brewery is located in the western suburbs of Chicago in DuPage County.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Hopular Kid?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled shrimp tacos with mango salsa echo the beer's tropical hop character. Thai green curry's lemongrass and coconut complement the citrus and fruit notes. A cheeseburger with pepper jack provides richness that the hop bitterness cuts through cleanly. Fish and chips benefit from the citrus lift, and a fresh ceviche mirrors the beer's bright, juicy profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Hopular Kid come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hopular Kid is available as a 6-pack, which is the standard retail format from Alter Brewing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hopular Kid worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hopular Kid positions as a craft-priced American IPA from an independent Illinois brewery. The five-hop recipe and specialized fruit-forward yeast strain deliver complexity that competes with nationally distributed IPAs in the same price tier, making it strong value for drinkers who prioritize local craft and tropical hop character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Hopular Kid?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe defining move here is the combination of five premium hop varieties — Centennial, Citra, Amarillo, Simcoe, and Mosaic — with a deliberately chosen fruit-forward ale strain. That dual approach, hops layered in both the boil and the fermenter plus a yeast that amplifies tropical character, gives Hopular Kid a juicier, more cohesive fruit profile than single-hop or conventionally fermented IPAs in its class. Its 87 BeerAdvocate score and over 10,000 Untappd ratings confirm consistent drinker approval. For anyone seeking a hop-saturated but balanced IPA out of the Illinois craft scene, Hopular Kid delivers a specific, well-executed vision.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alter Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838065766569,"sku":"33846","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/alter-brewing.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}