Scortched Earth Hickster 6Pk

Scorched Earth Hickster 6Pk is a 4.8% ABV American cream ale from Algonquin, Illinois, sold in a six-pack format. Brewed by Scorched Earth Brewing Co. — named Illinois Brewery of the Year at the New York International Beer Competition — Hickster stands out for its use of open fermentation, a traditional technique rarely employed by modern American craft breweries.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.8%  |  Origin: Algonquin, Illinois, USA  |  Style: American Cream Ale  |  IBU: 14  |  Brewery: Scorched Earth Brewing Co.

Production & Heritage

Scorched Earth Brewing Co. operates out of Algonquin, a village in the Fox River Valley of northern Illinois. Hickster is built on a grain bill of cracked corn and Vienna malt, hopped exclusively with Hallertau Mittelfrüh — a noble German hop variety prized for its mild, floral character. The beer is fermented in an open fermenter, a method that encourages gentle ester development and contributes to the ale's clean, crisp profile. At just 14 IBUs, bitterness takes a back seat to malt sweetness and grain character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light biscuity malt leads, followed by a subtle whisper of citrus zest. The nose is restrained and clean, with no aggressive hop presence.

Taste: The entry is soft and slightly sweet, with bready Vienna malt giving way to a distinct cracked-corn sweetness at mid-palate. As it develops, grassy notes and faint lemon zest emerge, balanced by pale malt structure. The corn comes across as fuller and rounder than the rice-driven adjunct lagers it loosely resembles.

Finish: Dry and crisp, with lingering biscuit and a hint of grass. The finish is satisfyingly clean, encouraging another sip without any cloying sweetness.

How to Drink Hickster

Hickster drinks best cold — around 38–42°F — poured into a pint glass or pilsner flute to appreciate its pale-straw, slightly hazy pour and fluffy white head. Its low bitterness and easy-drinking body also make it a strong base for beer cocktails. A Shandy works naturally here, with the corn sweetness pairing well against fresh lemonade. A Michelada benefits from Hickster's dry finish, which keeps the tomato-lime mix from turning heavy. And a simple Radler with grapefruit soda amplifies the ale's underlying citrus notes.

Best For

• Stocking the cooler for a backyard cookout or tailgate
• Introducing craft beer to someone who drinks mainly macro lagers
• Hot-weather sessions where low ABV and high drinkability matter
• Pairing with grilled foods at a summer dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hickster taste like? Hickster delivers a biscuity malt sweetness up front with a noticeable cracked-corn character, light grassy and lemon-zest notes, and a dry, crisp finish. It is a light-bodied, well-carbonated cream ale that leans refreshing rather than complex.

How does Hickster compare to New Glarus Spotted Cow? Both are Midwestern cream ales brewed with corn, but Hickster leans slightly drier on the finish and is fermented in an open fermenter, while Spotted Cow uses a more conventional closed fermentation and tends toward a creamier, fuller mouthfeel. Hickster's use of Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops also gives it a more Continental European hop accent compared to Spotted Cow's fruitier profile.

Is Hickster good for beginners? Absolutely — at 4.8% ABV and just 14 IBUs, Hickster is approachable for anyone new to craft beer, with enough malt character to distinguish it from mass-market adjunct lagers without being overwhelming.

Where is Hickster made? Hickster is brewed at Scorched Earth Brewing Co. in Algonquin, Illinois, located in the Fox River Valley of the greater Chicago metropolitan area.

What foods pair well with Hickster? Grilled bratwurst complements the biscuity malt and corn sweetness. Fried chicken works well against the ale's dry, carbonated finish. A simple garden salad with lemon vinaigrette echoes the citrus undertones. Mild white cheddar brings out the bready grain notes. Elote (Mexican street corn) mirrors the cracked-corn character in the beer itself.

What sizes does Hickster come in? Hickster is available in a standard six-pack format, which is the primary retail configuration for this beer.

Is Hickster worth the price? Hickster positions as a craft-priced session ale, sitting in the approachable tier of craft beer pricing. Its open-fermentation process and noble-hop bill represent genuine craft technique at a session-beer price point, which delivers solid value for the style.

Why Hickster?

Open fermentation is the defining production choice here — it is a labor-intensive method that most American craft breweries have abandoned in favor of sealed conical fermenters, and it gives Hickster a cleaner, crisper edge than many competing cream ales. The grain bill of cracked corn and Vienna malt creates a flavor profile that bridges the gap between craft and classic American brewing without leaning on heavy hops or trendy adjuncts. Scorched Earth's Illinois Brewery of the Year recognition at the New York International Beer Competition signals a brewery punching above its regional profile. For drinkers who want a sessionable, well-made cream ale rooted in Midwestern brewing tradition, Hickster delivers honest quality at a modest strength.