It’s a good thing I was on vacation. I had already had three 23-ounce mugs of great beer at Taco Mac when the bartender came over and told me they had just tapped a cave of a chocolate blueberry cobbler stout. I was intrigued, and asked what brewery this might be from. She wasn’t sure, but had to check; while she did I took a picture of the tap handle. It said “Une Anneé”, French for “One Year”.

When she came back, though, she said the brewery was Hubbard’s Cave from Chicago. As we shall soon see, that’s the same brewery. Anyway, it was an 11-ounce pour, and as I said, I was on vacation. So I ordered up a glass of Hubbard’s Cave Chocolate & Blueberry Pot De Crème.

It wasn’t until the next day that I Binged the brewery Une Anneé. From their website:

Une Anneé, an Independent Craft Brewery, was born, in 2013, on the near west side of Chicago, with the quest of making fine Belgian inspired ales for all beer lovers.  Founded by architect and Chicago native, Jerry Nelson, Une Anneé, has expanded it’s offerings over the years with an emphasis on fruited and unfruited American Wile Ales and Barrel Aged Stouts.   In 2017, the brewery moved to neighboring Chicago suburb, Niles, IL and expanded to include a taproom.  The working brewery in the background lends a hand to creating a laid back atmosphere where you can sit back and enjoy some of your favorite craft beers on tap.

But wait. There’s more. What about Hubbard’s Cave? I scrolled down a bit.

In 2015, Hubbard’s Cave was developed as an alternative to our Belgian Style Ales.  Producing American Style ales, primarily imperial stouts and Hubbard’s Cave signature Fresh IIPAs, Hubbard’s Cave is a refreshing addition to the Une Anneé Family.  Named after the Chicago Hubbard Street traffic tunnel on Interstate 90/94, next to where the brewery was born, Hubbard’s Cave has quickly grown to produce some of our most popular offerings. 

And there it is. Mystery solved. Did I mention it was international Stout Day when I enjoyed this? How apropos.

Hubbard’s Cave Chocolate & Blueberry Pot De Crème has an alcohol content of 12% by volume. I paid $8 for an 11-ounce glass at Taco Mac. Total Wine sells it here in Georgia for $16.99 a 2-pack of pint cans. Yes, you heard that right. Two cans. Yikes.

My glass of Hubbard’s Cave Chocolate & Blueberry Pot De Crème arrived jet-black in color with a minimal head and a nose exploding with stewed blueberries. The body is full and lush with chocolate and buttery pie crust and lots of juicy, sweet blueberry fruit. Finishes roasty (lightly) with more berry fruit popping against the roast and chocolate and warming alcohol to round it all out.

I was very impressed with this beer. At the time I drank it, I had no idea what I was paying for it, but it turned out to be not so bad. The can price, however, is another matter. I don’t think I will be rushing out to Total Wine to get some (though if I was there I can’t say I wouldn’t pick some up), and the high price means I am deducting half a star from an otherwise five star exbeerience.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

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