Buffalo Creek Beau Fleu 4Pk

Buffalo Creek Beau Fleu 4Pk is a Double IPA from Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove, Illinois, packaged as a 4-pack at 8.9% ABV and 99 IBU. It holds a 3.4 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 950 reviews, recognized for its balance between aggressive hop bitterness and a sturdy malt foundation.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.9%  |  IBU: 99  |  Origin: Long Grove, Illinois  |  Style: Imperial IPA / Double IPA  |  Brewery: Buffalo Creek Brewing

Production & Heritage

Buffalo Creek Brewing operates out of Long Grove, a small village in Chicago's northwest suburbs. Beau Fleu is their take on the Imperial IPA style, brewed with an emphasis on drinkability despite its 8.9% ABV and formidable 99 IBU bitterness level. The brewery's stated approach prioritizes a strong malty backbone that keeps the hop intensity from overwhelming the palate — a philosophy that distinguishes Beau Fleu from many one-dimensional hop bombs in the Double IPA category.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Earthy hop character rises first, followed by resinous pine and a citrus undercurrent. The malt sweetness is detectable underneath, giving the nose a rounded quality rather than a purely hop-forward blast.

Taste: The entry is malt-driven, with a solid, almost chewy backbone that quickly gives way to assertive pine and earthy bitterness across the mid-palate. Citrus notes thread through at the peak, providing a brightness that offsets the considerable 99 IBU bitterness. Despite the intensity on paper, the overall impression is one of balance — the malt presence prevents the hops from turning abrasive.

Finish: Medium-long with lingering pine resin and a dry, bitter edge. The malt sweetness fades gradually, leaving a clean bitterness that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Beau Fleu

Pour into a tulip glass or snifter at around 45–50°F to open up the hop aromatics while keeping the malt complexity intact. Drinking from the can is fine for casual sessions, but a proper glass reveals the layered nose. For cocktail-curious drinkers: use Beau Fleu in a Beer-garita (the citrus and pine hops complement lime and salt); a Hop Drop (pair with a shot of bourbon — the malty backbone bridges the whiskey and hops); or a Michelada (the high bitterness and earthy character stand up to hot sauce and tomato juice).

Best For

• Hop-forward beer enthusiasts exploring suburban Chicago craft breweries
• Sharing with friends during a backyard grill session on a weekend afternoon
• Adding variety to a craft beer tasting lineup alongside lighter IPAs
• Gifting to a Double IPA fan who appreciates malt-balanced brewing

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Beau Fleu taste like? Beau Fleu delivers a balanced combination of earthy, piney hop bitterness layered over a solid malty backbone, with supporting citrus notes that add brightness. It reads as a sturdy, drinkable Double IPA rather than a purely bitter hop bomb.

How does Beau Fleu compare to Phase Three Brewing IPAs? Phase Three, also based in the Chicago suburbs, tends to focus on soft, hazy, juice-forward IPAs, while Beau Fleu leans into a more traditional West Coast-influenced profile with pronounced pine and earthy bitterness at 99 IBU. Beau Fleu's malt-forward backbone also sets it apart from Phase Three's generally lighter-bodied approach.

Is Beau Fleu good for sipping on its own? Yes — the brewery designed Beau Fleu specifically to be a balanced, drinkable Imperial IPA despite its 8.9% ABV and high bitterness. Pouring it into a proper glass and letting it warm slightly from fridge temperature brings out the full aroma and flavor complexity.

Where is Beau Fleu made? Beau Fleu is brewed by Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove, Illinois, a village located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago in Lake County.

What foods pair well with Beau Fleu? Spicy buffalo wings work well because the malt sweetness tempers the heat while the hops refresh the palate. Aged cheddar or Gruyère complement the earthy bitterness. Grilled burgers with sharp toppings like blue cheese echo the bold flavor profile. Fish tacos with lime and cilantro play off the citrus hop notes. A rich brownie or chocolate dessert can bridge surprisingly well with the malt backbone.

What sizes does Beau Fleu come in? Beau Fleu is available in a 4-pack format from Buffalo Creek Brewing.

Is Beau Fleu worth the price? Beau Fleu positions as a locally produced craft Double IPA, sitting in a competitive value tier for the style — it delivers respectable complexity and a 99 IBU punch at 8.9% ABV, making it a solid pickup for fans of malt-balanced Imperial IPAs from a small independent brewery.

Why Beau Fleu?

What separates Beau Fleu from the crowded Double IPA field is its commitment to malt balance at a bitterness level where many beers become one-note. At 99 IBU and 8.9% ABV, the numbers suggest an aggressive brew, but the drinking experience is more nuanced — the earthy, pine-driven hops work in tandem with a substantial malt structure rather than fighting against it. With over 950 reviews on Untappd and a 3.4 rating, it has built a modest but consistent following among Chicago-area craft beer drinkers. For anyone seeking a locally brewed Imperial IPA that values drinkability alongside intensity, Beau Fleu earns consideration.