Create New Wish ListMark Janes has dedicated himself to learning all there is about the beer industry after joining Binny’s this year as a beer consultant in Bloomington. His motivation and experience are just part of why Binny’s is great.
What’s your brew?
Hard to pick. I certainly recommend the Boulevard Love Child #3 to any lover of sours, but I think I’ll choose the Speakeasy Tallulah Extra Pale Ale because of the style’s broader appeal. Four brews from Speakeasy came in two weeks ago and it’s brand new to our Binny’s line-up.
What do you love about it?
I’m always intrigued by the “extra pale ale” designation and have to try those breweries with that unofficial sub-style. Always makes me wonder, what’s so ‘extra’ special about this pale ale?
Tell us, what is “extra” special about this one?
As expected, it’s hoppier than most pale ales, less so than most IPA’s, and well balanced. Dry-hopped with Calypso and El Dorado, the nose of tropical fruit and a hint of sweetness meld well with the expected mild hop bite. At 5.6% ABV, it’s also more sessionable than most domestic pale ales.
Sounds delicious! So… How’d you get started with Binny’s?
I’m a native of Decatur IL, but haven’t lived there since 1987. I spent the past 15 years in New Orleans, where I entered the beer business world two years ago. Craft beers have been a passion and avocation for the past decade (triggered by two key events). So when my government consulting gig concluded, I decided to turn avocation into vocation. Just before coming to Binny’s, I handled all facets of craft and import beers for an independent bottle store in New Orleans. I moved to Bloomington in October to help open that Binny’s location. After 15 years of living in New Orleans, while the craft beer scene is growing, it’s still no Chicago and the available beers are completely different.
