Midwest
Metropolitan Brewing | Krankshaft German-Style Kölsch
July 29, 2021 | Mathew Powers
In 2008, long before breweries populated every Chicago neighborhood and suburban town, Metropolitan Brewing opened its doors. Today’s Chicago beer market now supports several Lager-focused breweries, but Metro served as the city’s trailblazer. There’s nothing pretentious or Bourgeoisie about Metro; it’s a come-as-you-are brewery. (And a Malört-friendly place, too.) And one can revel in the brilliance of its brewing at its gorgeous taproom and patio spot located on the Chicago River, a location they opened in 2017. Among the many beers they produce, there’s one that isn’t technically a lager: Krankshaft German-style Kölsch. Drinking Krankshaft provides insight into why Metro has evolved into one of Chicago’s most respected and recognizable breweries.
Revolution Brewing Announces 2021-2022 Deep Wood Lineup
July 26, 2021 | Mike Zoller
It seems as if Revolution Brewing’s Deep Wood release in July was a tease for the announcement of the full 2021-2022 lineup that happened less than a week later. In typical Revolution fashion, the releases will happen once a month staring in October and concluding in January.
West Sixth Brewing | Illuminator Barrel Aged Doppelbock
July 20, 2021 | Jereme Zimmerman
In 2019, Kentucky’s West Sixth Brewing and Louisville distiller Angel’s Envy teamed up to brew a series of bourbon barrel-aged beers. Among the beers brewed for this project is the Illuminator Barrel Aged Doppelbock. This German-style lager is aged in Angel’s Envy barrels and finished in port wine barrels, giving it notes of caramel, bread crust and dark fruits.
Brewery Showcase | Listermann Brewing Co.
July 19, 2021 | Brian Haitz
Just uphill from downtown Cincinnati is a growing and edgy brewery booming with personality and named after its larger than life founder – Listermann Brewing Company. Since winning some impressive awards, they’ve begun to grow quite a following and reputation, which is no small measure given how the Ohio beer scene has taken off over the last few years.
V.S.O.J. Once Again Shines in Revolution’s Summer Deep Wood Release
July 16, 2021 | Mike Zoller
When Revolution Brewing opens its doors to the public Friday to launch the latest batch of Deep Wood beers, it will be the first no-restrictions in-person beer release event in the city of Chicago since the pandemic began.
A staple of previous Revolution beer releases, the taproom party featured drafts of the beers being released as well as some rare and special drafts for people to try. Over the past year and a half, the brewery had to settle for curbside pick-ups as the pandemic restrictions remained in effect.
Saison-Focused Breweries in Chicago Helping Grow the Style
July 12, 2021 | Mike Zoller
They can be dry, spicy, floral, citrusy, herbal, barrel-aged, smoky, and that’s not even the limit. They are a style that most craft beer drinkers know about but many probably couldn’t tell you the last time they had one. They are Saisons.
A favorite style amongst those in the craft beer industry because of their versatility, low ABV, and flavor potential, the Chicagoland area is home to three breweries dedicated to Saisons.
Fifth Street Brewpub Hires Former Goose Island Brewer
July 12, 2021 | David Nilsen
Fifth Street Brewpub in Dayton, Ohio, found their new head brewer in a way perfectly befitting the small, neighborhood establishment’s community focus: through a hometown connection and a pint at the pub.
Checklist: Four Chicago Beers For a Perfect July 4th Cooler
July 1, 2021 | Taylor Laabs
Celebrating the July 4th holiday in 2021 takes on added significance due to the arduous year-plus America has been through. Many hope—myself included—to return to normal BBQs, gatherings and outdoor events over the weekend with an added sense of appreciation as to why these small moments in time are so valuable. One timeless tradition of many July 4th celebrations is the packing of a proper beer cooler. While water—both bottled and frozen—are a necessity, along with probably some seltzer, the options for the beer you choose to fill it with are seemingly endless. That’s why I decided to pull together a quick checklist for any Chicago craft beer drinker looking to properly stock their cooler for the July 4th weekend. Read More
Fifth Street Brewpub Becomes Safe Bars Certified
July 1, 2021 | David Nilsen
As breweries across the country look at how to better protect their employees and patrons from sexual violence and harassment, Fifth Street Brewpub in Dayton, Ohio, has sought outside help to train their staff effectively. Fifth Street recently became Gem City Safe Bars-certified through YWCA Dayton, who runs the local chapter of the Safe Bars program.
Ultimate 6er | Pride Milestones in America
June 30, 2021 | Emma Wargolet
Just your friendly neighborhood bisexual reminding everyone that Pride Month is an important time to reflect on the LGBTQIA+ community, both on the strides that have been made in the past fifty years as well as all the work that still needs to be done. Nearing the end of June, I wanted to pair some Pride Month beers to important milestones in furthering LGBTQIA+ rights. Please keep in mind that these are only six of the many events, riots, protests, bills, etc. that have occurred, and it is important to learn about these events year-round, not just in the month of June. As always, let us remember that we owe Pride to Black transgender women like Marsha P. Johnson, and to understand whatever our own privilege is, even as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Midwest Coast Brewing | Paisley West Coast IPA
June 29, 2021 | Mike Zoller
West Coast IPA is once again seeing a jolt in popularity in the craft beer industry. The style is a shift (back) from the Hazy IPA and while it still highlights tropical, floral and fruity notes, the beers are usually more bitter, thinner in body and clearer in appearance.
What We’re Drinking | June 24, 2021
June 25, 2021 | Brandon Cohran
Summer is settling in quite nice albeit incredibly hot already. Maybe it’s just the fact that it’s nice to be able to do stuff this year when thinking back on how last summer was during the height of the pandemic. Baseball is on, bars are open and taprooms are calling your name! Lagers and Seltzers are sure to dominate pool patios and beach trips. To make sure we aren’t slacking on our end, check out our beers of the last two weeks. Here is What We’re Drinking:
Community Rallies Behind Skeleton Key Brewery After Major Tornado Damage
June 23, 2021 | Mike Zoller
On Sunday night many in the Chicagoland area took shelter in their basements as vicious storms and a tornado ripped through the suburbs. Over 130 homes and businesses were damaged including Skeleton Key Brewery in Woodridge, Ill. which was completely destroyed.
N.E.W. Ales Brewing | #AlphabetMafia Hazy Pale Ale
June 23, 2021 | David Nilsen
A new beer from N.E.W. Ales Brewing in Middletown, Ohio reclaims a sometimes controversial phrase to celebrate Pride Month. #AlphabetMafia is a 4.9% ABV Hazy Pale Ale brewed in collaboration with Colorado’s Goldspot Brewing. Both breweries are woman- and LGBTQ-owned, and the beer’s name references a term coined as a barb toward the LGBTQIA+ community that has since been adopted by many of the community’s members.
Sibling Revelry Brewing | American Red Ale
June 18, 2021 | Scott Grossman
The phrase “sibling revelry” could probably conjure up all kinds of scenarios, but at Sibling Revelry Brewing in Westlake, Ohio, family fun involves brewing beer. A group of Cleveland-area siblings and cousins started the brewery in 2016 to share their love of beer with Cleveland’s western suburbs. Their goal was to create a place with a sense of family and community where people could enjoy craft beer. Read More
Ultimate 6er | Six Beers in Six Barrels of Fun
June 16, 2021 | Brandon Cohran
Regardless of where you live, there’s a pretty good chance that you have a local brewery with a killer barrel program. From Atlanta to Chicago, from Maine to the PNW, breweries across the country are constantly releasing barrel-aged goodness in the form of thick and boozy stouts or tart and refreshing mixed culture options. Barrel-aging anything takes patience and love, but many brewers are all-in on commitment. Read More
Xül Beer Co. & Untitled Art | Mango Dragon Imperial Smoothie
June 15, 2021 | Jason Murphy
Mangos, dragonfruit and prickly pear purée…what kind of delectable concoction is this? Well, if you like your dessert in beer form, particularly an Imperial Fruited Sour Ale, then look no further than this offering from the minds of Xül Beer Co. and Untitled Art. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Central Waters Brewing to Open Milwaukee Location in Former Pabst Facility
June 10, 2021 | Mike Zoller
Milwaukee’s beer scene will soon have a new brewery, but a familiar face, as Central Waters Brewing has announced that they’ll be taking over the former Pabst location to house their second brewery.
Hidden Hand Brewing | Moving Low DIPA
June 3, 2021 | Rachel Morrison
Who doesn’t love a good puzzle? Not the boxed variety, with multiple pieces that we are all too familiar with recently. Instead, one involving riddles, obscure references and ever-evolving hints. Typically, new breweries want to be discovered, pairing opening weekends with long lines, endless tags on Instagram and sold out items. For Hidden Hand Brewing, however, the allure is driven by the secrecy, coded messages and small batch offerings. It’s more than a new beer offering. It’s a masterly crafted limited release highlighting the top hop variants in the industry. The beer is as hard to get your hands on as it is to decipher the riddles—unless you’re paying attention.
Hopewell Brewing Co. | Clover Club Raspberry Sour
June 2, 2021 | Christiana Torres
Chicago’s Hopewell Brewing Co. is probably best known for their modern take on beer. Their goal as a brewery is to make beer that is bright and clean. Hopewell was a nearly decade-long creation, with the owners always knowing that their dreams would come to fruition as they proceeded through the years. With their intensive approach, they’ve created some amazing and unique showstoppers. Their seasonal spring/summer sour ale, Clover Club, proclaims the entirety of Hopewell’s mission in every sip.
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