Temperance Escapist 6Pk

Temperance Escapist 6Pk is a balanced American IPA from Evanston, Illinois, packaged as a six-pack at 6.7% ABV. Scored 88/100 ("Very Good") on BeerAdvocate, this Midwest IPA distinguishes itself through restrained hop bitterness backed by a firm caramel malt backbone — a departure from the aggressive West Coast approach.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.7%  |  Origin: Evanston, Illinois, USA  |  Style: American IPA  |  Brewery: Temperance Beer Company

Production & Heritage

Temperance Beer Company operates out of Evanston, Illinois, a city that maintained Prohibition-era alcohol restrictions well into the late 20th century — lending the brewery's name its historical resonance. Escapist is brewed with top-fermenting ale yeast at approximately 70°F, employing four distinct types of aromatic hops whose specific varieties the brewery has not publicly disclosed. The result is a beer that leans into balanced bittering and aromatic complexity rather than raw IBU intensity, placing it squarely in the Midwest tradition of approachable, well-structured IPAs.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Grapefruit and orange zest arrive first, followed by waves of tropical melon and a subtle floral sweetness. There is a faint herbal, tea-like quality — likely from Mosaic-hopped character — underneath the citrus burst.

Taste: The entry is juicy with pronounced grapefruit, evolving into citrus and tropical fruit at mid-palate. A bold caramel malt backbone emerges to anchor the hops, introducing earthy rind and a touch of pine resin. The balance between sweet malt and hop bitterness keeps the beer from tipping into either cloying or harsh territory.

Finish: Moderately dry with lingering grapefruit rind bitterness and a candyfruit sweetness that fades gradually. A black tea-like astringency provides structure in the close, keeping the finish clean.

How to Drink Escapist

Escapist drinks best from a pint glass at around 45–50°F, cool enough to preserve hop aromatics but warm enough to let the malt character come through. A Michelada works well here — the grapefruit and citrus notes complement lime juice and hot sauce. An IPA Shandy with fresh grapefruit juice amplifies the beer's natural citrus profile for warm-weather drinking. For something unexpected, try a Beer-a-Rita riff where Escapist stands in for a standard lager, adding hop complexity to the classic template.

Best For

• Introducing hop-cautious drinkers to balanced, non-aggressive IPAs
• Summer cookouts and backyard grilling sessions
• Pairing with bold, spiced dishes that need a malt-backed counterpoint
• Exploring the Midwest craft brewing tradition beyond flagship brands

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Escapist taste like? Escapist leads with bold grapefruit and tropical citrus hop flavors supported by a sweet caramel malt backbone. The finish is moderately dry with earthy rind bitterness and a subtle tea-like quality.

How does Escapist compare to Bell's Two Hearted Ale? Both are balanced Midwest IPAs that prioritize drinkability over extreme bitterness, but Escapist features a broader tropical and citrus hop profile against a sweeter malt base, whereas Two Hearted is built around the singular Centennial hop with a drier character. At 6.7% ABV, Escapist runs slightly higher than Two Hearted's 7.0% ABV, though both sit comfortably in the standard IPA range.

Is Escapist good for IPA beginners? Yes — its balanced hop profile and prominent malt sweetness make it one of the more approachable IPAs available, avoiding the punishing bitterness that can deter newcomers to the style.

Where is Escapist made? Escapist is brewed by Temperance Beer Company in Evanston, Illinois, a suburb immediately north of Chicago on the Lake Michigan shoreline. The brewery takes its name from the city's historically complex relationship with alcohol regulation.

What foods pair well with Escapist? Grilled chicken with citrus marinades mirrors the beer's grapefruit character. Spicy Thai curry benefits from the malt sweetness cutting through the heat. Sharp cheddar or aged Gouda complement the caramel backbone. Fish tacos with mango salsa echo the tropical hop notes. Burgers with caramelized onions find a natural partner in the malt-forward profile.

What sizes does Escapist come in? Escapist is available as a standard six-pack of 12 oz bottles or cans.

Is Escapist worth the price? Escapist positions in the standard craft IPA tier, comparable to other regional six-packs from established Midwest breweries. Its BeerAdvocate score of 88 and well-balanced construction represent solid value within the crowded American IPA category.

Why Escapist?

In a market saturated with haze-forward and aggressively bitter IPAs, Escapist carved out a niche as a genuinely balanced Midwest ale. Its use of four aromatic hop varieties builds layered complexity — grapefruit, tropical fruit, pine, floral — without any single element overwhelming the palate. The 88-point BeerAdvocate score reflects a beer that earned critical respect alongside broad consumer appeal, as evidenced by over 10,000 ratings on Untappd. For drinkers who value structure and drinkability alongside hop character, Escapist represents what the Midwest IPA tradition does best.