Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image
Scroll to top

Top

Posts ByAlex Chavez, Author at PorchDrinking.com

Event Preview | Chicago’s Premier Brewpubs & Breweries Under One Roof

April 28, 2017 |

After winning a coveted Michelin star this past November, Band of Bohemia welcomes in spring with an industry leading list of brewers. On May 1st they’ll host, “Chicago’s Premier Brewpubs and Breweries Under One Roof”. They are teaming up with the James Beard Foundation and The Illinois Restaurant Association to put on the event.

Band of Bohemia May 1st, 2017
Chicago’s Best Breweries & Brewpubs Under One Roof

Read More

Band of Bohemia Becomes America’s First Brewpub to Earn A Michelin Star

November 9, 2016 |

From day one, the Band of Bohemia team consisting of Michael Carroll, Craig Sindelar, Matt Dubois, Carlos Matias, Mario Lopez, Tom Santelle strove to reflect the highest of standards in the field of culinary and brewing excellence. That distinction has now been validated as Band of Bohemia becomes the first brewpub to receive a Michelin Star recognition of excellence in the culinary dining field. More impressive, is the fact that the Chicago-based brewpub’s is just celebrating their one year anniversary this upcoming November 19.

Read More

Event Preview | Munster Ale Fest

October 4, 2016 |

Once again Brewfest Partners, along with Munster Parks and Recreation, bring their festival prowess to Northwest Indiana. On October 15, Munster Ale Fest will take over Centennial Park located at 900 N. Centennial Dr., Munster, Indiana. This is a 21 and over event, so no children, babies or pets allowed.

Read More

Trillium Brewing | Skimpy Sparrow

September 27, 2016 |

ABV: 5.4%

Two months ago, I had the pleasure of traveling to Boston with my wonderful girlfriend. It was our very first time going and we were able to stay with our amazing friend, Jackie. The great thing about Jackie, besides having two super adorable dogs and living in Salem, is the fact that she is a beer lover just like us. So we spent the better time of five days exploring the East Coast for craft beer and fresh lobsters; yum! Nothing pairs better on a hot day than fresh caught lobster and a cold beer. Throughout our mini vacation we were able to try numerous new breweries and even attended the Microbrewery Invitation. All brews considered, one brewery stood out to us above all others: Trillium Brewing (including its Skimpy Sparrow American Pale Ale, or APA).

Read More

Old Irving Brewing Co. Opens in Chicago

September 22, 2016 | 1

The week has finally come for the much-anticipated opening of Old Irving Brewing Company. OIB is located in the sneakily densely populated Old Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago just off the Edens at 4419 W. Montrose. The brewery is also only a couple blocks from the Montrose Blue line stop, making it very commuter friendly. Right now only street parking is available, however, a parking lot is in negotiations. Read More

Event Recap | Brooklyn Brewery’s Chicago Beer Mansion 2016

August 30, 2016 |

On August 13, 2016, Brooklyn Brewery brought their A-game to Chicago and threw down one of the more unique beer festival experiences. The Brooklyn Brewery Beer Mash, which was part of a … Read More

Event Recap | Milwaukee Firkin Beer Fest

August 15, 2016 |

Pouring rain and beer, the annual Milwaukee Firkin Beer Fest was delayed for 45 minutes. But not even the storms could hinder the event or dampen the spirits of festival goers, as attendees waited out the weather so they wouldn’t lose their spot. There was the slightest chance of lightning canceling the entire event, but mother nature took it easy. The rain settled and the gates opened. Still drizzling, Yajaira and I shared an umbrella as we sped across the numerous booths.

Read More

The Brooklyn Brewery Mash Comes to Chicago Aug. 11-14

August 9, 2016 |

The Brooklyn Brewery is traveling to nine cities across the globe to “feast, party, explore, and drink plenty of beer”. From August 11th–14th, Chicago will be home to Brooklyn for four days and four events. Thursday, Aug. 11th, Brewery Chef Andrew Gerson and Chef Danny Espinoza reunite at TWO, with Chef Kevin Cuddihee. Rare and intriguing beers are paired with delicious and enticing food to make any foodie or beer lover drool with anticipation. For ticket info click on this.

Read More

Event Recap | Square Roots Festival 2016

July 25, 2016 |

Chicago in the summer is well-renowned for its weekly street fests, so to survive and prosper, a festival has to provide a unique experience. After attending this year’s Square Roots Festival, on Sunday, July 10th, my girlfriend Yajaira and I understood just why this festival was worth its stature among the litany of successful events.

Located across the street from Welles Park, on Lincoln Ave between Montrose and Wilson, Square Roots Festival is an event hosted by the Old Town School of Music and the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce. Known for its array of music and craft beer this fest did not disappoint.

Read More

Event Preview | Milwaukee Firkin Beer Fest

July 19, 2016 |

Held at the Cathedral Square Park the Milwaukee Firkin Beer Fest is an annual event hosted by East Town Association and BrewFest Partners over 150 beers, ciders and meads will be poured. Those in attendance will be able to vote for the winner of the Big Firkin award. Read More

Gillian | Goose Island Beer Company

July 15, 2016 |

ABV 9.5 %

The sun shined brightly on a Sunday afternoon as my girlfriend and I cruised lazily the back streets of Chicago. Through some force of nature, we happened upon the Goose Island Fulton Taproom. Suddenly, those same forces guided us to a parking spot. As we opened the door, we were greeted by kind, soft and welcoming faces. Looking around inside, our DIY intuitions were stirred by the hand-made, Chicago-themed woodwork covering the walls. My eyes were drawn to a wooden barrel repurposed into a water dispenser. What a brilliant idea!

Read More

Square Roots Festival kicks off in Lincoln Square Friday

July 6, 2016 |

The Square Roots Festival makes its annual visit to Lincoln Square this weekend. The event is hosted by the Old Town School of Folk Music and the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and runs from Friday July 8th-10th.

Read More

Chicago Craft Brew Cruises | Brewers of the Western Suburbs

June 3, 2016 |

“The true history of the World is the history of great conversations in elegant rooms.” —Tyrion Lannister.

Similarly, the true history of craft beer is conversation, but in any room. Chicago Craft Beer week was a prime example, keeping me jabbing for 10 days straight. One stand-out event was the Brewers of the Western Suburbs Cruise hosted by BrewFest Partners, aboard the Mystic Blue.

It was a perfect spring day when we set sail from Navy Pier for a 3-hour long journey along beautiful Lake Michigan. With the renown Chicago skyline as our backdrop, we were catered delicious finger food, and served refreshing beer by Banging Gavel, Blue Nose, BuckleDown, Church Street, Exit Strategy, Flesk, Hopvine, Miskatonic, Nevins, Noon Whistle, Solemn Oath, and Spent Grain Society (homebrew club).
Read More

Brewery Preview | Dovetail Brewery

May 31, 2016 |

Days before the craziness of Chicago Craft Beer Week (CCBW), I was offered the opportunity to tour soon-to-open Dovetail Brewery, which is co-owned, operated and run by Bill Wesselink and Hagen Dost. What better way to begin the beer week, than with a preview of the next chapter of Chicago’s burgeoning beer scene.

Dovetail is a reference to the carpenter’s joint of interlocking boards, it is famed for its resistance to being pulled apart. As Bill so elegantly expressed, “It’s coming together to make a stronger brewery. A mix of old and new, American and European to create what we feel is our interpretation.”
Read More

Chicago Craft Beer Week | Navy Pier Beer Cruise: Brewers of the Western Suburbs

May 20, 2016 |

Chicago and its suburbs have been turning out quality beers left and right, North and South, East and West. Now it’s your opportunity to experience what the best of the Western suburbs have to offer with this one of a kind beer cruise. Read More

Event Preview: Delilah’s Sour Fest

May 18, 2016 |

Pucker up and give us some sugar sours. Delilah’s is hosting their annual Lambic and Sour event on Saturday, May 21st from 12pm-5pm during Chicago Craft Beer Week. For beginners and enthusiasts, this event will be one not to miss.

Read More