{"title":"Only Child Brewing","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"only-child-a-knucklehead-4pk","title":"Only Child A Knucklehead 4Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnly Child A Knucklehead 4Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Belgian-style witbier from Only Child Brewing Company in Gurnee, Illinois, packaged as a four-pack at 4.8% ABV. This sessionable wheat beer was the first beer brewed at Only Child's Gurnee facility, built on a grain bill of Pilsner malt and Red Wheat with Pacific Jade hops lending a distinctive floral and citrus character uncommon in the style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 4.8%  |  Origin: Gurnee, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Witbier  |  Brewery: Only Child 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\u003eOnly Child Brewing Company operated out of Gurnee, Illinois, where A Knucklehead served as the brewery's inaugural release at its production facility. The witbier is built on a base of Pilsner malt and Red Wheat — a combination that yields a hazy, pale straw pour with substantial body for the style. Pacific Jade hops, a New Zealand variety known for bold citrus and herbal qualities, push this wit beyond the typical coriander-and-orange template toward something closer to a Belgian-style pale ale in its hop-forward expression.\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 The nose opens with creamy wheat and subtle Belgian yeast spice, followed by fresh orange peel and soft floral notes. A light grassy, herbal quality emerges as it warms in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is smooth and grainy with a pronounced wheaty backbone. Mid-palate, flavors of apple skin and orange citrus develop alongside lemon zest and herbal hop bitterness. The Pacific Jade hops give the beer a fruity, almost tropical lean that distinguishes it from more traditional witbiers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is crisp, clean, and moderately dry with lingering citrus peel and a faint grassy bitterness. The creamy mouthfeel carries through to the end, leaving a refreshing and balanced impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink A Knucklehead\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe chilled in a tulip glass or standard pint glass at around 40–45°F to let the yeast spice and citrus aromatics open up. A Knucklehead also works well as a base for beer cocktails: try a \u003cstrong\u003eShandy\u003c\/strong\u003e mixed with fresh lemonade to amplify its citrus character; a \u003cstrong\u003eBeerimosa\u003c\/strong\u003e with fresh-squeezed orange juice for a brunch serve that plays off the orange peel notes; or a \u003cstrong\u003eRadler\u003c\/strong\u003e blended with grapefruit soda to extend its herbal, hoppy side into warm-weather refreshment.\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\u003eIntroducing craft beer newcomers to Belgian-style wheat ales\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackyard cookouts and warm-weather sessions at 4.8% ABV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with lighter fare like salads, seafood, and brunch spreads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring hop-forward witbiers that push beyond the traditional style\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 A Knucklehead taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e A Knucklehead delivers a creamy, wheaty base layered with orange peel, apple skin, lemon zest, and subtle Belgian yeast spice. Pacific Jade hops add a floral, herbal bitterness that gives it more hop presence than a typical witbier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does A Knucklehead compare to Allagash White?\u003c\/strong\u003e Allagash White is a classic, coriander-and-Curaçao-driven American witbier, while A Knucklehead leans more hop-forward thanks to Pacific Jade hops, producing a fruitier and more herbaceous profile. At 4.8% ABV versus Allagash White's 5.2%, it is also slightly more sessionable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs A Knucklehead good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — Only Child Brewing specifically designed this beer to appeal to craft beer newcomers as well as experienced drinkers, and its approachable 4.8% ABV and smooth, creamy texture make it an easy entry point into Belgian-style wheat ales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is A Knucklehead made?\u003c\/strong\u003e A Knucklehead was brewed by Only Child Brewing Company at their facility in Gurnee, Illinois. It was the first beer produced at that location.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with A Knucklehead?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled white fish complements the beer's citrus and herbal hop character. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette mirrors its zesty acidity. Steamed mussels in white wine broth echo its Belgian roots. Fresh goat cheese works with the creamy wheat body, and lemon-herb roasted chicken pairs naturally with the beer's floral, grassy finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does A Knucklehead come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e A Knucklehead is available as a four-pack of cans, which is the standard format for this release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs A Knucklehead worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e A Knucklehead positions as an accessible, everyday craft witbier that delivers more complexity than most beers in its price tier, particularly through its use of New Zealand Pacific Jade hops rather than the more conventional hop and spice additions found in the style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy A Knucklehead?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Knucklehead stands apart from standard American-brewed witbiers through its use of Pacific Jade hops, which inject a floral, citrusy, and herbal intensity rarely found in the style. The grain bill of Pilsner malt and Red Wheat gives it a fuller, creamier body than many competitors built on lighter wheat bases. At 4.8% ABV, it walks the line between flavorful and sessionable — a beer with enough character to reward close attention but light enough for a second or third pour. For drinkers who find traditional witbiers too restrained, this hop-forward interpretation offers a compelling alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Only Child Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838251561129,"sku":"27697","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"only-child-double-dog-dare-22oz","title":"Only Child Double Dog Dare 22OZ","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnly Child Double Dog Dare 22OZ\u003c\/strong\u003e is a double dry-hopped Double IPA brewed with locally sourced honey, packaged in a 22-oz bomber format. Produced by the now-closed Only Child Brewing of Gurnee, Illinois, this limited-availability DIPA earned a 3.9 out of 5 rating across more than 1,400 reviews on Untappd, making remaining bottles a genuine collector's find.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Style: Double IPA (DIPA)  |  Origin: Gurnee, Illinois  |  Size: 22 oz  |  Brewery: Only Child Brewing  |  Process: Double Dry-Hopped with Locally Sourced Honey\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnly Child Brewing operated out of Gurnee, Illinois, where it built a dedicated following for bold, ingredient-driven beers. Double Dog Dare stood as the brewery's flagship Double IPA, distinguished by the addition of honey sourced from Chalet Nursery in Wilmette, Illinois. The wort was double dry-hopped and clarified using a traditional tablet method before fermentation, producing a beer that balanced aggressive hop character with the rounded sweetness of natural comb honey. With Only Child Brewing no longer in operation, Double Dog Dare has become a discontinued release, and any remaining stock represents the final production run.\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 Ruby red grapefruit leads the nose, followed by under-ripe pineapple and light tangerine. Beneath the citrus sits a layer of lightly candied pine resin and distinct wafts of natural comb honey.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bright with juicy citrus and tropical fruit, hitting mid-palate with a strong floral honey backbone that adds well-rounded sweetness without tipping into cloying territory. The hop bitterness characteristic of a DIPA is present but moderated by the honey, creating an unusually balanced profile for the style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Citrus pith, dried fruit pits, and lingering hints of floral honey settle into the corners of the mouth. The finish is moderately long and drying, with residual hop resin and a gentle sweetness that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Double Dog Dare\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePour into a tulip glass or snifter at around 45–50°F to let the honey aromatics open fully; this beer rewards deliberate, unhurried sipping. Given its discontinued status, drinking it neat is the most respectful approach, but it also works in hop-forward beer cocktails. A \u003cstrong\u003eBeermosa\u003c\/strong\u003e pairs the citrus hop profile with fresh orange juice for a bold brunch serve. A \u003cstrong\u003eHop Shandy\u003c\/strong\u003e using fresh lemonade tempers the bitterness while highlighting the honey sweetness. A \u003cstrong\u003eMichelada\u003c\/strong\u003e variation with hot sauce and lime transforms the tropical notes into a savory, spicy experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharing with fellow craft beer enthusiasts who appreciate discontinued or hard-to-find releases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tastings comparing honey-infused DIPAs against traditional hop bombs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to a collector of retired Illinois craft beer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a backyard cookout featuring bold, spicy foods\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 Double Dog Dare taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Double Dog Dare delivers juicy citrus and tropical fruit flavors balanced by a floral honey sweetness that tempers the aggressive hop bitterness typical of Double IPAs. The finish dries out with citrus pith and lingering honey.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Double Dog Dare compare to Bell's Hopslam?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are honey-infused Double IPAs, but Double Dog Dare uses locally sourced Illinois honey from Chalet Nursery, giving it a distinctly floral, comb-honey character, whereas Bell's Hopslam leans heavier into its six hop varieties and has a confirmed 10% ABV. Some reviewers have stated they replaced their annual Hopslam purchases with Double Dog Dare when it was available.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Double Dog Dare good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — pouring it into a tulip glass at a cool but not ice-cold temperature allows the honey aromatics and layered hop character to express fully, making it an excellent standalone sipper.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Double Dog Dare made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Double Dog Dare was brewed by Only Child Brewing at 1350 Tri State Parkway in Gurnee, Illinois. The honey used in brewing was sourced from Chalet Nursery in Wilmette, Illinois, keeping the supply chain hyper-local.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Double Dog Dare?\u003c\/strong\u003e Spicy Thai green curry complements the tropical hop notes while the honey sweetness cools the heat. Grilled citrus-marinated chicken echoes the grapefruit and tangerine aromatics. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness with savory depth. A honey-glazed pork belly mirrors the beer's own honey backbone. Key lime pie ties into the citrus pith finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Double Dog Dare come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Double Dog Dare was released in the 22-oz bomber format, which was the standard large-format bottle for Only Child Brewing's specialty releases.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Double Dog Dare worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e As a discontinued release from a closed brewery, Double Dog Dare has shifted from a standard craft DIPA price point into limited-availability territory where rarity drives value. For collectors and fans of honey-forward Double IPAs, the combination of quality ingredients and scarcity positions it well above everyday shelf DIPAs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Double Dog Dare?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat set Double Dog Dare apart in a crowded DIPA field was its commitment to a single, high-quality local ingredient — honey from Chalet Nursery in Wilmette — that fundamentally changed the beer's balance without masking its hop identity. The double dry-hopping process delivered the resinous, citrus-heavy punch expected from the style, while the honey created a rounded sweetness that made the beer more approachable than many of its peers. With Only Child Brewing permanently closed, no further batches will be produced, making existing bottles the definitive final expression of the recipe. For anyone seeking a honey-infused DIPA that earned genuine word-of-mouth devotion across more than 1,400 Untappd reviews, this is a rare opportunity to taste a beer that quietly built a cult following in Illinois craft circles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Only Child Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838251659433,"sku":"27073","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"only-child-spoiled-brat-4pk","title":"Only Child Spoiled Brat 4Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOnly Child Spoiled Brat 4Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a robust oatmeal stout from Gurnee, Illinois, packaged as a four-pack of 16-ounce cans at 7.40% ABV. Brewed by the small-batch, family-owned Only Child Brewing Company, Spoiled Brat stands out for its unapologetically bold, roasty character and generous use of chocolate flaked oats that push beyond what many drinkers expect from the style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 7.40%  |  Origin: Gurnee, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Oatmeal Stout  |  IBU: 37  |  SRM: 40  |  Brewery: Only Child Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOnly Child Brewing Company operated as a small-batch, family-owned-and-operated brewery. The operation originally brewed out of a micro facility in Northbrook, Illinois, before relocating to Gurnee. Owner Randy Rossi's father headed all packaging and bottling operations, keeping production firmly within the family. Spoiled Brat is built on a foundation of chocolate flaked oats, which contribute both body and flavor complexity. At 37 IBUs and an SRM of 40, the beer lands deep black in the glass with a measured bitterness that lets the roast and grain character lead.\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 Chocolate flaked oats are immediately apparent on the nose, releasing waves of bakers chocolate and fresh earth. A subtle sweetness reminiscent of cream lingers beneath the roast, giving the aroma unexpected depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is dominated by intense roasted malt—bitter, charred, and uncompromising. At mid-palate, dark baking chocolate emerges with real concentration, layered over earthy grain. The back end reveals subtle notes of lactose, vanilla, and cream that soften the aggressive roast just enough to keep the beer drinkable despite its intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry, roasty, and lingering, with charred malt and residual cocoa bitterness holding on well past the swallow. The oat backbone provides a faint silkiness in texture, though the overall impression remains firmly on the bitter, astringent side of the stout spectrum.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Spoiled Brat\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePour Spoiled Brat into a tulip glass or English pint at cellar temperature (50–55°F) to let the chocolate and earth aromatics fully develop; drinking straight from the can mutes its complexity. For cocktail-curious drinkers, this oatmeal stout works in several beer-cocktail formats: a \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Velvet\u003c\/strong\u003e (half stout, half sparkling wine) where Spoiled Brat's roast cuts through the effervescence; a \u003cstrong\u003eBeer Float\u003c\/strong\u003e with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that amplifies the existing lactose and cream undertones; and a \u003cstrong\u003eBlackout\u003c\/strong\u003e (stout layered over a shot of cold-brew espresso) where its charred, coffee-adjacent bitterness melds naturally with actual coffee.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCold-weather drinking sessions when lighter beers feel insufficient\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing alongside a grilled steak or barbecue dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharing with craft beer enthusiasts who gravitate toward bold, roast-forward stouts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a stout tasting flight at home alongside different substyles\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 Spoiled Brat taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Spoiled Brat delivers an intensely roasty, charred flavor profile anchored by dark baking chocolate and fresh earth, with subtle cream and vanilla notes emerging toward the finish. The oatmeal base adds a touch of silky body, but this is a dry, bitter-leaning stout at its core.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Spoiled Brat compare to Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout?\u003c\/strong\u003e Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout is widely regarded as the benchmark for the style, offering a more balanced, malt-sweet approach at a lower ABV (around 5%). Spoiled Brat runs considerably hotter at 7.40% ABV and leans much harder into bitter, charred roast character, making it a more aggressive interpretation of the oatmeal stout style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Spoiled Brat good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its 7.40% ABV and dense, layered flavor profile reward slow sipping from a proper glass, especially when allowed to warm slightly from refrigerator temperature to bring out the chocolate and earth notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Spoiled Brat made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Spoiled Brat was brewed by Only Child Brewing Company in Gurnee, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. The brewery originally operated out of a smaller facility in Northbrook before expanding to the Gurnee location.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Spoiled Brat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled red meat benefits from the beer's charred, roasty intensity. Dark chocolate desserts echo the baking-chocolate notes without competing. Smoked cheddar or aged gouda bridges the earthy grain backbone. Barbecue ribs with a sweet-smoky glaze offer a complementary contrast to the dry bitterness. Roasted mushroom dishes align naturally with the fresh earth character in the aroma and flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Spoiled Brat come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Spoiled Brat is packaged as a four-pack of 16-ounce cans, the standard tall-can format common across American craft breweries.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Spoiled Brat worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Spoiled Brat positions as a craft-priced oatmeal stout with a higher-than-average ABV and bold flavor intensity, placing it in the mid-tier value range for American craft four-packs. Drinkers who favor assertive, roast-heavy stouts will find the strength and complexity justify the format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Spoiled Brat?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpoiled Brat earns attention for the sheer commitment to roast intensity that Only Child Brewing brought to the oatmeal stout style. At 7.40% ABV, it outmuscles most oatmeal stouts on the market in both strength and flavor density, leaning into bitter, charred, almost espresso-like territory while the chocolate flaked oats provide a structural backbone of silky body and cocoa depth. This is not a gentle, easy-drinking English-style oatmeal stout—it is a distinctly American craft interpretation built for drinkers who want their stouts dark, dry, and uncompromising. As a product of a small, family-run operation, each batch reflected hands-on brewing at a scale where consistency was personal, not corporate.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Only Child Brewing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838251724969,"sku":"27724","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/only-child-brewing.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}