Revolution Brewing | Rosa Hibiscus Ale

While I understand that this is currently a tough-to-find-beverage, being that it’s only distributed in Illinois and Ohio, it’s well worth the mention. Honestly, when I first tasted the highly anticipated Rosa Hibiscus Ale, I came away with a different perspective. This initial judgement could have been my innate, strong affinity for copious amounts of hops in my beer, but as we all know we can’t always destroy (in the best of ways) our sense of taste with high ABV IPAs, especially this time of year, filled with hot day drinking, BBQ hopping, musical tailgating, etc. Session beers shine through. True to form with the season, like summer itself, it is best to just keep things simple. Subtle. The less is more approach.
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Ultimate 6er | Chicago Craft Beer Week

Every year in Chicago, there is a week so huge, exuding so much enthusiasm and love for craft beer and talent (guys, I’m seriously misty eyed over here) that all … Read More

Solemn Oath Brewery | Kidnapped by Vikings

6% ABV | 75 IBU

Just yesterday, I was having a conversation about beers with the best names. Beers that taste amazing AND have a twist making them fun to … Read More

Deschutes Brewery | Fresh Squeezed IPA

Deschutes Brewery

6.4% ABV | 60 IBU

What a mouthwatering beer, this one! The next best summer beer. I was strolling past one of my favorite quaint Wicker Park patio bars only to be pleasantly lured in by their $4 Beer of the Month, Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA. Read More

Three Floyds Brewery | Alpha King Pale Ale

ABV 6.6%

IBU 68

One day, every Spring a vast percentage of my social networking feeds suddenly revolve around one topic: Dark Lord Day. Some will actually score tickets. Many will not. Either way, this “golden” ticket release day serves as a reminder to a couple very important things for me. 1. Spring is here. (DLD is always held the last Saturday of April.) 2. Beer Festival season is officially beginning. Just three short weeks after DLD, Chicago Craft Beer Week will begin… and it starts. 3. There will inevitably be a trip planned in the near future where Chicago pals will bicycle along the Lakefront path to the Three Floyds Brewery and enjoy the day. And lastly, 4. I remember why I love Three Floyds and that is, while they serve as a great beer year round, the majority of their portfolio is made up of great summer delights. Read More

Lagunitas Brown Sugga’

Lagunitas Brown Shugga’ ABV: 9.9%A

Around this time every year, I look forward to this brew. The aroma: sweet, hoppy, spicey. The taste: all that aroma in a crisp burst … Read More

Sixpoint Brewing – The Crisp

ABV 5.4% IBU’s 42

Although they are coming up on their 10-year anniversary, I did not become very familiar with Sixpoint Brewing until GABF of last year. Since then, it seems I am constantly introduced to more awesome facts about them. Not to mention their great beer. Just last night, I found myself in front of a phenomenal Chicago centric beer list, however I chose Sixpoint’s The Crisp, a combination of a German and Bohemian Pilsner.

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Begyle Brewing Company – Flannel Pajamas Stout

ABV: 5.4%

It happened. It has officially gotten cold. My heat has been on. Friends in the suburbs have mentioned snow. Hibernation is impending. Time to stay in, marathon through Netflix and jump into flannel pajamas. Better yet, DRINK Flannel Pajamas stout. That’s right, the smooth, warm and inviting brew by one of Chicago’s newest breweries Begyle Brewing is sure to be a hit.

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Festiv-Ale 2013; A time to drink AND give back!

Among all the times we geek out for beer fests, rare releases, GABF (…the list goes on), I began to recently notice the phenomenal outpour (pun intended) of charity beer … Read More

Mrs. O’Leary’s Chocolate Milk Stout

ABV: 7%

Chicagoan or not, we all know of The Great Chicago Fire. Recently, I mentioned breweries like Revolution and Haymarket Brewing who incorporate a bit of Chicago history in … Read More

Meet Eugene – Revolution Brewing Eugene Porter

ABV: 6.8% IBU: 28

Lately as the Fall nights have set in, I find myself wanting to sit out on my deck, throw on a hoodie, and cuddle up with … Read More

Autumn’s Red Delicious… McCarthy Red Ale

McCarthy Red Ale – Emmett’s Brewing Company  ABV: 5.6%

The impending Fall is my most favorite time of year, as I most likely mentioned in my O’Fallon Pumpkin Beer post. While … Read More

Keep the (Two Brothers) Dog Days of summer going

Style: Dortmunder Lager   ABV: 5.10%

With the so called end of summer approaching in a matter of days with the holiday weekend, I felt a little need to stay with … Read More

O’Fallon Brewery | Pumpkin Ale

ABV: 5.6% | IBU: 11

Being that it’s unseasonably chilly in Chicago this week, the weather has me excited for fall. Don’t get me wrong, I love summer. I have taken in my fair share of days at the beach with a cold beer this season. However, fall is simply the best in my opinion. Bonus: There are so many more beer options. Fall welcomes back more spiced beer varieties, fruit inspired beers and a personal favorite—pumpkin ales!

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It’s gettin’ hot in here… | Ultimate 6er

Hey America, Summer has definitely arrived. Clearly, we here at PD promote porch (outdoor) imbibing. However, it doesn’t matter what region you’re in right now, melting in humidity or frying in the desert, it’s HOT out there. I found myself at a beer fest the other day where I was sipping ice cold sangria (gasp!) There was just no perfectly refreshing summer beer available to help beat the scorching heat. Which brings us to my Ultimate 6er for a hot-as-hell summer.

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