It’s the local publications that really know a city’s beer scene. That’s why my taste buds perked straight up when the tourism website Choose Chicago announced: “If you’re looking for a unique brew, pay special heed to Illuminated Brew Works.” 

That’s right on point! And, their flagship Fruit Creep IPA is a must-try. This hopbomb tastes as fruit-tastic as tropical berry Blow Pops, whipped into even more delicious, sippable beer form. 

The real boldness is in the ingredients. Though Fruit Creep tastes like it must have some extra flavorful additions, the lush notes of candied fruit are all from hops! The brewers double dry-hopped this NEIPA beauty with an eyebrow-raising amount of Motueka, Citra, and Mandarina Bavaria Hops for mouthful after mouthful of sweet-coated tropical delights. 

Candied orange washes into bright mixed berry and clementine, finishing with a gush of succulently juicy pineapple. Just a little honey-glazed breadiness wafts in on the finish to punctuate the fruit parade. Yum!

Just like that striped, colorful gum I chomped all day as a kid until my mom made me stop, Fruit Creep is sweet and tropically delicious, and it proudly contains no actual fruit. Only it’s 10X better than any gum candy because its fruity flavors linger in my mouth way longer. Plus, its juicy rapture comes with a 7.5% ABV! 

Ready to pay heed to this ‘unique’ hop candy? 

Illuminated Brew Works is one of the Brewers Association’s Fastest Growing Breweries in the Nation.

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Illuminated Brew Works is certified independent by the Brewers Association