Illinois. It’s the Land of Lincoln, home to the Chicago Bears, and (apparently) has more personalized license plates than any other state in the country. 

It’s also where the folks at Hubbard’s Cave craft their small-batch, Dark Beer masterpieces.

These guys are the Stout-slingin’ alter-ego of Chicago’s celebrated Une Annee, and with a higher brewery rating than Toppling Goliath and Three Floyds, they’re certified bosses. 

And even though finding Hubbard’s bold, flavor-soaked brews outside of Illinois is nearly impossible, fans from every corner of the state pile into their taproom and sip on pints of liquified decadence — like today’s 12% ABV Chocolate & Cinnamon Pot de Creme Imperial Stout.

Inspired by the warm, gooey, and rich flavors of the classic French dessert, it’s a mouth-watering example of what Hubbard’s does best. And the Dark Beer masses agree, scoring its layers of roasted espresso and thick chocolate ganache a jaw-dropping 4.24 on UT!

In fact, it’s so delicious that when I offered my buddy a taste of today’s beer — brimming with notes of cinnamon spice, silky vanilla, and toasted coconut — he got a little teary-eyed. “It’s so good I might cry,” he said, and then proceeded to guzzle down every last drop!

Which is why I hopped on the first flight to Chicago and brought back a few cases of today’s ooey, gooey brew to share. Load up on a few cans and get a chance to be one of the only people outside the Midwest to experience this chocolate-soaked can of indulgence.

Make sure to hide away a few extra for yourself, though. Cause if your craft-lovin’ buds are anything like mine, they’ll indulge in this boozy liquified German Chocolate Cake until it’s gone!

*Today’s version is too new for ratings. Chocolate & Cinnamon Pot de Creme (2019-1) is rated 4.24 on Untappd; 4.10 on Tavour; 4.00 on BeerAdvocate