Crappy, mass produced beers boost alcohol content in advance of Trump inaugural. (NOT The Onion)

[Snarkoleptic]

No, really!

During the lean years, when the Republican housing crisis forced me into a career change, I was known to pick up some low-rent beer/ale.
Today, I picked up a 12-pack of Lagunitas IPA, which is a locally brewed in Chicago's "Little Village" neighborhood (they also brew in California).

While seeking out refreshments for NYE, I noticed that two of my former go-to beers have jacked their ABV's to 6.9%
Both proudly displayed their (new and improved) high ABV content in large-font banners on their 30-pack cartons.

Icehouse increased from 5.5% to 6.9%, a whopping 25.4% increase in alcohol content.
Milwaukee's Best Ice (a/k/a Milwaukee's Beast) increased from 5.9% to 6.9%, a major 16.9% increase.

Bracing for impact?

[Initech]

1. We're going to need a lot of it to get through Trump!

[Warpy]

4. They'll need to cancel the Drug War, also

Some of us can't drink. Most of us who can are also going to need the rest of the candy store.

[Snarkoleptic]

14. Well, glancing at my watch, I'll note that it's always 420 somewhere.

just sayin'

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. Are you suggesting the two events are related?

This is a variation of the "post hoc, ergo propter hoc" logical fallacy.

You might as well say that the ABV was boosted because the brewers knew that Carrie Fisher would be dying.

[Snarkoleptic]

6. Having fun with the timing of it all...

[LuvLoogie]

7. No. It's Hyperbole.

But very Trump-like in that it tries to turn shit into Shinola. Rather have an All Day IPA than an amped up Ice House.

[Maru Kitteh]

13. God. I'm trying to imagine what a 6.9 ABV Icehouse tastes like

[LuvLoogie]

20. Boil over!

[Buckeye_Democrat]

16. Hmm... maybe I'll try that one.

Most IPA's are too bitter for me, but that one doesn't seem to be described that way.
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/1199/58914/

I tend to prefer European beers with less hops and more malty flavors, but we're all different.

I used to brew beer at home and won some AHA contests with my Hefeweizen, Schwarzbier and English Porter. I could never make a good Tripel, though, despite repeated efforts! I even bought a mini-freezer and temp controller to keep the temperature "perfect," but I always screwed it up somehow!

[LuvLoogie]

19. Yeah, All Day IPA is not as hoppy as some. You might like Daisy Cutter.

A Little Sumpin' Sumpin' from Lagunitas is a nice meeting in the middle with some good heft and body. A great brew.

The wives got a beer class for the guys several years back. A couple of us have really done some nice brewing since then. One guy is on a sours kick right now, though he has done some nice stouts and Belgian styles. now. I just drink Me, i'm not focused enough to make the time right now. I just happily drink theirs when offered.

We have a group that meets roughly once a month. We're in Chicago, so near a lot of craft brew activity. We've had a brewmaster join us on occasion to share some signature and special, limited or seasonal brews. One guy who joined us last year, is pulling away from his accounting career, he bought a South Side Irish sports bar over the summer. He closed it for remodeling. He bought the used kettles from the brew pub down the street after they had expanded to larger capacity.

Right now I'm in Holland Michigan with my family and my wife's sister's family. Went to Saugatuck Brewery, Virtue Cider and New Holland Brew Pub.

Keep trying on the Tripel!

[Buckeye_Democrat]

21. Cool! I didn't really suspect you were such a beer enthusiast...

when I replied! It makes your recommendations more credible to me!

There's an alcohol store not too far away from me that sells a large variety of styles/brands, so I'll make the trip someday and look for those!

It's this store that looks like a "hole in the wall" from the outside:
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/3769/

I'm not into beer drinking/brewing as much now, mostly because of the cost of it. I'll try those beers someday, though!

[LuvLoogie]

22. A good beer store is good to have. Yes. I like beer... and cooking and eating

One more for you to try. My wife and I really like this one from Saugatuck Brewing. Sounds like it's right up your alley.

http://thecarouser.com/third-bear-review-saugatuck-english-ale/

[Buckeye_Democrat]

23. Sounds good!

Nine different types of malt! Interesting. They're using the "right kind" of hops for that style too.

Okay, I'll add that one to the list! That store's also nice because they'll usually let you divide packs and buy singles (except for the big American brands).

It kind of makes sense that so many American craft beers are hoppy. We grow some uniquely flavored hops in the NW USA. Use 'em or lose 'em, I guess.

[Maru Kitteh]

8. Jesus H Chrysler.

I'm pretty sure IT'S A JOKE.

[Snarkoleptic]

10. If only there were a sound-clip I could insert with

ominously voiced (smeary guy) saying "Bracing for impact?".

That surely would close the loop.

[unblock]

3. Toxic trump will have us all drinking vodka soon enough.....

[Snarkoleptic]

11. I imagine he's got a couple hundred cases of rotgut Trump Vodka in the sub-basement of Trump Tower

and will charge he inaugural committee $1,000/case to move the swill.

[Initech]

18. At least Titos' Vodka is made in the US so we have that!

[LuvLoogie]

5. People drink that shit while they're doing yardwork or fishing or golfing.

If you jack up the alcohol, somebody's gonna get hurt.

[Snarkoleptic]

9. Hopefully they'll stay away from lawn power-equipment,

multi-hook lures, and 15 woods w/ 36' loft, or things could get ugly in a hurry.

[benld74]

12. Beer in China has over 10%

[Snarkoleptic]

15. My Polish neighbor was disappointed when

grabbing some Tyskie, which was 11% back home and much lower here in the US.

I once had an EKU28 and was clearly not up to the task.
https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/412/1230/

[braddy]

17. Next, the SOBs will be putting extra pepperoni on our pizzas