Midwest
The Festival of Barrel Aged Beers | FoBAB 2016 Awards
November 12, 2016 | Mathew Powers
The world’s largest barrel-aged beer competition, held at the Festival of Barrel Aged Beer (FoBAB) in Chicago, is underway. However, the FoBAB 2016 awards are now official, and our Chicago/Midwest editor, Mike Zoeller was there. Here are the results — congrats to all the winners!
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Triptych Brewing | These Aren’t The Blueberries You’re Looking For
November 11, 2016 | Craig Gonciarczyk
Stormtrooper: “How long have you had these blueberries?”
Luke: “Just picked them up this summer.”
Ben: “I’ve got a 4-pack of it in the back if you’d like some.”
Stormtrooper: “Let me see your brewing permit.”
A Beer and BBQ Lover’s Destination, Fitzgerald’s Hotel & Restaurant (Eagle River, MI)
November 10, 2016 | Timston Johnston
We’re going to take you away from our usual Brewery Showcase feature to fill you in on a little secret, something just as good, if not better than your neighborhood brewery. If you want craft beer in Michigan, look no further than Fitzgerald’s Hotel & Restaurant.
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Band of Bohemia Becomes America’s First Brewpub to Earn A Michelin Star
November 9, 2016 | Alex Chavez
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.
Discussing Chicago’s Beer Culture & FoBAB with Werk Force Brewing
November 8, 2016 | Mathew Powers 1
Chicago’s brewing culture is as diverse as its population, but one genre of brewing resonates strongly with Windy City beer enthusiasts — barrel-aged brewing. In 1993, Greg Hall at Goose Island experimented with beer in bourbon barrels and, as they say, the rest is history (see this movie about that story). The legacy of his idea manifests itself every November with Goose Island’s Black Friday Bourbon County release and numerous barrel-aged beer festivals, notably the Festival of Barrel Aged Brewing (FoBAB). Brandon Wright, of Chicago Brew Werks/Werk Force Brewing, shares his unique perspective on Chicago’s love of barrel-aged beer.
Event Recap | Chicago’s 6th Annual Beer Hoptacular
November 8, 2016 | Mathew Powers
In a setting normally reserved for bringing screenplays to life, the entertainment value of Chicago’s Beer Hoptacular at Cinespace Chicago was worthy of an Oscar. Within the expansive production studio, a sea of breweries lined both walls and were accompanied by music, food, an airbrush tattoo van, and even an insult booth. Of course, a beer fest is only as good as its beer, and with more than 150 craft beers on hand, the beer selection did not disappoint.
Brewery Showcase | Imperial Oak Brewing
November 7, 2016 | Mathew Powers
The enthusiasm for brewing small-batch beer at Imperial Oak Brewing is palpable. Brett Semenske, Grant Hamilton and Chris DiBraccio of Imperial Oak Brewing own a wealth of combined home brewing and bar industry experience which explains their recipe for success – brew a variety of great beer and make the brewpub experience priority number one.
2 Days, 2 Nights | St. Louis’ Craft Beer Scene
November 2, 2016 | Jordan Palmer 1
Like nearly any major city in America, the local brewing scene in St. Louis continues to grow rapidly. But unlike other cities where the brewing is made up of many startup breweries creating a new scene, here it’s more like we’re reclaiming our heritage as America’s brewing capital.
BrewDog | Restorative Beverage for Invalids & Convalescents
November 2, 2016 | Niel Stender
ABV: 8.5% | IBU: ALOT
BrewDog continues to impress me with their beers. In fact, every one I’ve had thus far has been excellent even with styles I don’t normally go for, such as lagers. They also appear to be complete lunatics, which I appreciate.
Schlafly Beer | Bonfire Box (Variety Pack)
October 31, 2016 | Jordan Palmer
When hockey season starts in St. Louis, this is how I spend many a night: I slip on my Blues ski cap to protect my balded head, throw on my jersey, bring out the big screen and connect it to my DirectTV Genie, light a fire and drink beer while watching the Blues. Cold beer in the backyard by the fire is one of life’s true pleasures. But until now, drinking by the fire could be a random affair. Not anymore thanks to Schlafly Beer Bonfire Box — beers designed for campfire-style drinking.
Great Lakes Brewing Company | Oktoberfest
October 31, 2016 | John Amantea
ABV: 6.5% | IBU: 20
On Tuesday October 25, 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers opened their season by raising their championship banner and receiving their championship rings for winning the 2016 NBA Finals. No more than 100 yards away at Progressive Field, the Cleveland Indians began the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs – and no more than two years ago that would have been the longest of long shots in baseball (aside from a Mike Napoli rocket over the left field wall). Yet here we are, and frankly it’s a helluva time to be in The Land. The feeling in the city is exciting and electric as we embark on an unprecedented time in Cleveland sports history (except for the Browns – the Browns are horrendous, as is tradition). Not even the most biting breeze off of Lake Erie can temper the mood around town.
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Chicago’s Moody Tongue Brewery Tasting Room Opens
October 28, 2016 | Mathew Powers
Many in Chicago are familiar with Moody Tongue Brewery and its unique form of culinary brewing. Now, Chicagoans can taste brewmaster, and culinary-trained, Jared Rouben’s creations fresh from the tap. The Tasting Room (2136 S. Peoria St., Chicago) opened Friday, October 28 at 5:00 p.m.
Brewery Showcase | Main & Mill Brewing Company
October 27, 2016 | Jordan Palmer
A straight shot south down Interstate 55 from St. Louis is where you’ll find a brewing company — Main & Mill Brewing Company — that, while just three years in operation, is carrying forth a rich brewing tradition that began 120 years ago.
Ultimate 6er | Cleveland Indians
October 25, 2016 | Kevin Risner
It has been nineteen years since the Cleveland Indians made it back to the Fall Classic. But I suppose we cannot claim to have the biggest drought at the present especially with the opponent we have…
This time around, we have a scrappy, injury-laden team many have considered underdogs the entire way by almost all the sports analysts out there. But we like it that way. It’s just like Cleveland to be a fly in the ointment, the ones who people count out immediately. So in this Ultimate 6er we include some of the best of Cleveland’s beer scene – with a few surprises that some people may not have considered to try as they head to their favorite bar to check out the Tribe battle with the best of ’em, or perhaps even watching the games in the comfort of home with a few close Cleveland Indians baseball fans.
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Ultimate 6er | Chicago Cubs
October 25, 2016 | Mike Zoller
This next week will be the most agonizing emotional roller coaster for any Chicago Cubs fan out there. The Cubbies are in the World Series for the first time … Read More
Event Recap | Where There’s Smoke, There’s Beer
October 25, 2016 | Sydney Nielsen
Where There’s Smoke, There’s Beer, another great Barley’s Angels event, went off with a bang last Monday offering up some smoky treats at Links Taproom in Wicker Park. Barley’s Angels, a women’s craft beer appreciation and educational group, sure does know how to pick their taprooms. You would think that with 36 beers on tap, deciding which beer to choose would be a nightmare – but the Links staff is more than happy to discuss your likes and dislikes and recommend the perfect beer. On every wall you can see digital boards displaying the wide variety beers currently on tap and how much of the keg is left. This allows patrons to choose their beers wisely because once a keg is spent, a new brew is on.
Mikerphone Brewing | Blue Hast Mich Batch #2
October 25, 2016 | Mike Zoller
Right now there is no hotter brewery in the Chicagoland area than Mikerphone Brewing. Head brewer/founder Mike Pallen has created such a buzz with his craft beers inspired by music that many of the releases fly off the shelves within hours in the handful of stores that actually receive his beers.
2016 Goose Island Proprietor’s Day: 2016 BCBS Release
October 19, 2016 | Mathew Powers
If it’s Black Friday, it’s time for Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout (BCBS). However, Chicagoans are allowed an opportunity to get their hands BCBS a tad bit earlier; Proprietor’s Day arrives Sunday, November 20 and is Goose Island’s way of saying “thank you” to their hometown fans. But, if you find yourself in Chicago, don’t just show up at Goose Island’s front door – read on.
Brewery Showcase | Recess Brewing
October 13, 2016 | Jordan Palmer
If there ever was a town that could be described as a picture postcard, it may be Edwardsville, Illinois. As you come off I-255 North, you’ll be led along New Poeg Road on your way to Main Street where this All-American small town is home to one of the fastest growing craft breweries in the area — Recess Brewing.
UPDATED Event Preview | Chicago’s 6th Annual Beer Hoptacular
October 12, 2016 | Mathew Powers
Chicago’s Beer Hoptacular enjoyed tremendous success and popularity its first five years..and then it vanished. Seemingly in its prime, it went away for a year. But, drawing on its inner Michael Jordan, HopTacular can announce to the world, “I’m back!”
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