Dovetail | Bamberger Dunkel

Fans of Bavarian-style beers will want to check out Dovetail’s new beer, Bamberger Dunkel. It’s released just in time for Oktoberfest celebrations in the city of Chicago or just kicking off the fall season. This beer will make you feel warm with the windy city chill. It is medium bodied, so the drinker will not feel too full after a glass, thus leaving room for plenty of German sausage. If you forgot to BYOS (bring your own sausage) to Dovetail, don’t worry. They will have plenty of Landjäger for sale.

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Half Acre Beer | Wooden Teeth Brett Saison

Half Acre brings the funk with its Brett Saison, Wooden Teeth. This complex small batch beer, has the sophisticated feel of a champagne coupled with the casualness of a cider. The mixture of flavors brings the old brewing world together with new techniques. Wooden Teeth is funky, sour and a bit sweet for a perfect balance, resulting in an interestingly fun drinking experience.

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Old Irving Brewing | Rat Pack

ABV: 7% | IBU: 20

Just like their namesake, the Rat Pack Belgian Dubbel is a classic and timeless beer made by Old Irving Brewing. When you close your eyes, each sip transports you to “simpler times” when 1960’s crooners dominated the radio, and you’re enjoying a classic cocktail in a fedora. The flavor profile is complex yet balanced for easy drinking. The warm alcohol flavor soothes the taste buds. The snifter-style glass mimics that of a cognac to top off your time travel. Read More

Dovetail Brewery | Pilsner

ABV: 4.4 | IBU: 39

Brewed in the traditional process, Dovetail’s Brewery’s Pilsner is a trip to Europe in a Czech stein. The outside of the glass has circular divots patterned all around, amplifying the beautiful caramel color. This Pilsner receives its color from a triple decoction mash — the repeated boiling of a portion of mash, then returning it to the main mash. The head on the beer is thick and foamy, remaining stuck to the sides of the glass as you take your sips.

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Begyle Brewing | Lakeview

ABV: 4.3 | IBU: 40

New to the strong craft beer arsenal at Begyle Brewing is Lakeview, a dry yet drinkable American pale ale. Begyle is so much a part of the local community that they brewed Lakeview specifically to coincide with the Whole Foods store opening in the neighborhood.

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Cervecería Cruz Blanca | Marigold Strong Ale

ABV: 8.7% | IBU: 35

The Marigold Strong Ale from Cervecería Cruz Blanca, a Chef Rick Bayless restaurant, is a dry, very fresh tasting beer. One thing of note was that it’s also unexpectedly drinkable and lacked any alcohol taste, which was shocking after I learned that the ABV was nearly 9 percent! It had a bubbly mouthfeel, which was very pronounced. It was similar to that of a sparkling wine. When the bubbles reach your nose, they release a fruity fragrance of blackberries and a hint of apple. I could have easily gulped down two glasses without trying, but it is sneakily strong.

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Begyle Brewing | Begyle Blonde

ABV: 5.4% | IBU: 20

If you’re like me and not ready to put summer behind you yet, try a lighter beer that would be a good transition from summer to fall. The Begyle Blonde, a deep gold colored American Blonde Ale, is a perfect beer for the transition of the seasons.
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