Double Blazed Orange: The Poet's Romance

If someone asks you what Chicago has to offer besides deep-dish pizza and frigid winds, smile and say, “Hop Butcher For The World!” The name sounds poetic but also… kind of cool. A brewery with a poetic name – which is actually poetic, since it was inspired by the poet Carl Sandburg. But don’t get too romantic and take it easy. They are IPA master, and one of the most prominent works is Double Blazed Orange – the “alcoholic orange ice cream” that makes many people crazy.

1. The Journey From South Loop To “The Hop Butcher”

Hop Butcher For The World is more than just a catchy name. Behind it lies a journey of constant innovation and innovation. Founded in 2014 as South Loop Brewing Co., co-founders Jeremiah Zimmer and Jude La Rose were just beer lovers dreaming of making something different. But around 2016, they changed their name to Hop Butcher For The World as a statement: they would “kill the mediocrity” with great IPAs.

The name is inspired by a famous poem that describes Chicago as the butcher of the world. And true to form, they use hops – the soul of IPAs – to create beer recipes that turn heads around the world.

Not only impressing with its flavor, Hop Butcher also conquers the hearts of drinkers with its creative visual design. Collaborating with artist Dan Grzeca, each can is dressed in iconic Chicago clothing – from rugged industrial details to street-inspired illustrations.

And when you step into their Lincoln Avenue taproom – a 13,000 sqft space – you’ll find yourself in an art gallery for beer lovers. Every corner, every interior detail, evokes a deep love of Chicago culture and a never-ending passion for the art of brewing.

2. Double Blazed Orange: The “Orange Cream” of the IPA World

Of the dozens of beers Hop Butcher has created, Double Blazed Orange stands out like a star. This is a Double Milkshake DIPA with a concentration of up to 9.5%, brewed with Citra and Strata hops – two hops known for their citrus and tropical fruit flavors.

What's special? The presence of lactose, fresh orange and vanilla making this beer smoother and more appealing than ever. The orange flavor is not only present in the aroma but also permeates every drop of beer. The vanilla creates a light, seductive creamy finish, while the lactose smooths the texture to the point where you feel like you're drinking a cool ice cream shake on a summer afternoon.

Take a sip of Double Blazed Orange, and you'll understand why this beer is so highly regarded. The velvety head opens up to a world of Sweet orange aroma, cool vanilla, and a hint of slightly bitter hops. The taste starts sweet like a piece of orange ice cream melting on the tongue, then gradually moves into a deep finish with a distinct presence of hops.

Some say drinking Double Blazed Orange is like being “hugged by a giant orange.” Others liken it to an alcoholic dessert – a dessert beer True to form, both fun and surprising. A slight bitterness at the end helps balance the overall taste, keeping the beer from being harsh despite its high alcohol content.

3. Milkshake IPA Style – The Sweetness of the New Wave

Milkshake IPA is a creative variation of NEIPA – a beer that is already famous for its hazy, fruity aroma and soft aftertaste. By adding lactose, this beer brings milky, while adding fruit or vanilla flavors to create a drinking experience that is both complex and fun.

Double Blazed Orange is the perfect example of this style. Not afraid to break with tradition, Hop Butcher turns an IPA into a a lively dessert. This is not a beer to drink 5–6 cans in a row, but a beer to slowly discover, like tasting each layer of a multi-layered cake.

4. Enjoy Beer – Don't Rush!

A special beer like Double Blazed Orange deserves a special way to enjoy it. Pick up a pint glass or tumbler – a type of glass that helps keep the foam smooth and gives you the opportunity to admire the attractive cloudy golden color of the beer.

Beer should be drunk at room temperature. 4–7 degrees C – cool enough to feel refreshing, but not too cold to retain the full flavor of orange and vanilla. When pouring, tilt the glass slightly to create a fine foam, then lift the glass, take a deep breath and feel the seductive scent awakening all the senses.

Double Blazed Orange is not only a drink but also a great ingredient in food. Imagine pairing it with a slice of orange cheesecake or coconut panna cotta – a harmony of fat, sweet and sour Light from orange, creating an unforgettable taste feast.

Not into sweets? Try Brie or Camembert. The rich, smooth texture of the cheese will balance the slightly bitter hops, while the vanilla and lactose from the beer will act as a soft blanket to wrap your taste buds. Or, keep it simple – orange chicken or pan-fried salmon are also worth trying with this “strange but familiar” beer.

5. Small Challenge: Are You Ready?

If you think you understand Double Blazed Orange after just one taste, try these to discover its true depth:

• Pour a beer on a quiet evening, put on some lo-fi or soft jazz music, and turn down all the lights except for a soft orange glow. Each sip will be like a wave of emotions, awakening unexpected memories.
• Or try pairing Double Blazed Orange with an unexpected dish like… garlic butter toast or white chocolate covered dried orange. The orange and vanilla flavors in the beer create an incredible flavor resonance with seemingly unrelated dishes.
• Finally, create your own “Orange Moment”: a sunny afternoon, a deckchair, a comic book, and a cold beer. It’s not just about drinking, it’s about enjoying it with all your senses.

6. Conclusion: One Can of Beer, One Artistic Experience

Double Blazed Orange is an invitation for those who love to explore the world of craft beer. It is not just a beer, but a drinkable work of artFrom the sweet vanilla orange aroma to the smooth feel on the tongue, from the can design to the storytelling through each layer of flavor – all show that Hop Butcher For The World are not just brewers, but storytellers of flavor.

Are you ready to experience this “alcoholic orange ice cream”? If so, pour it into a glass, close your eyes, and let Double Blazed Orange take you on an adventure – where IPA is not just a beer, but a fun, creative, and a little bit of its own unique quirk!