Steph’s New Brew Review: Chillwave Double IPA

Great Lakes Brewing Company Chillwave Double IPA, a 9.4% ABV Double India Pale Ale

Great Lakes says, “Our Chillwave Double India Pale Ale pays tribute to the North Coast’s unlikely surf bums, the occasionally great waves on the Great Lakes, and the unshakable spirit of adventure that lives in all of us.”

Back in November 2013, Great Lakes announced that Alchemy Hour, its seasonal double India Pale Ale, was being renamed Chillwave Double IPA. The name change was the result of an unforeseen trademark matter involving Craft Brew Alliance, Inc. and Widmer Brothers Brewing.

Chillwave’s label image has remained almost the same. It shows a surfer at sunset with the Cleveland skyline in the distance. The alchemy symbols have been removed, and a cracked ice motif has been added.

Chillwave Double IPA was recently released on draft and in four-packs, and the recipe is the same as the original Alchemy Hour. The 9.4% ABV, 80 IBU brew features Mosaic, Cascade, and Nugget hops and balanced with Harrington 2-Row Base Malt, Caramel 45, and Honey Malt.

Appearance

Golden, copper color with lots of bubbles and a creamy white head.

Aroma

Sweet, citrusy, fresh.

Taste

Grapefruit. Topical notes with just the right amount of sweetness.

Mouthfeel

Medium bodied. A bit chewy. Medium carbonation.

Overall

Delicious. Well balanced. Refreshing. Yum.

Wanna pick this one up? Click here to find Great Lakes in your area.
Check out… this video from Great Lakes Brewing Company about another one of their IPAs, Commodore Perry: The IPA Lover’s IPA.