Ultimate 6er | What’s New Chicago
It can be difficult to keep up with all of the new things happening in the Chicago craft beer scene. With new taprooms opening and bottle releases happening virtually each week, there is no shortage of options for new Chicago beers. Thus I’ve rounded up a few of my recent favorites in this Ultimate 6er, What’s New Chicago edition.
New Mini Beer
Lil Buddy | Hopewell Brewing
Lil Buddy by Hopewell Brewing is arguably the cutest new Chicago beer. It’s an 8-oz. simple, clean lager packaged in an adorable little can. This is the perfect beer for a beer back or simply when you just don’t want a full 16 ounces. While Lil Buddy may be purchased based on its unique packaging, I think most would agree that the crisp lager does not disappoint. If you haven’t tried Lil Buddy just yet, you’ve likely seen it all over social media. While Hopewell quickly sells out of Lil Buddy 4-packs, you can find Lil Buddy just about anywhere that sells Hopewell.
Beer from a New Upcoming Taproom
Most Important Beverage of the Day | Solemn Oath Brewery
Most Important Beverage of the Day is a Coffee Milk Stout with sweet orange peel by Solemn Oath Brewery out of Naperville, IL. This beer packs a flavorful punch with notes of chocolate and zesty orange peel. Hey, I’m not one to argue dessert as the most important meal of the day—sorry breakfast—so why not grab Most Important Beverage of the Day to satisfy your sweet tooth? Not only is this a delicious offering from Solemn Oath, but the brewery is also set to open a new taproom in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago sometime this year—stay tuned!
Beer from a New Old Irving Park Taproom
The Bee’s Sleaze | Twisted Hippo Taproom and Eatery
The Bee’s Sleaze by Twisted Hippo is a Midwest Common Ale brewed with honey. It’s a balanced beer with subtle sweetness from the honey. While this beer is newer to distribution and you can find it at many locations throughout the city, it’s worth taking the trip to the Old Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago to visit Twisted Hippo’s new taproom. The interior is just as funky as the name and both the draft list and food menu will not disappoint.
Beer from a New Logan Square Taproom
Strange Nature| Middle Brow Beer Co.
Strange Nature by Middle Brow is a dark blended beer that will “enrich your character and kiss you on the nose.” While I’m not 100% sure what that means, it sounds comforting. Clocking in at 7.2% ABV, Strange Nature is a satisfying dark blend, without finishing with heat of too much booze. Don’t worry, Middle Brow has other options for that. Strange Nature is another new Chicago beer by Middle Brow who also recently opened up their taproom in Logan Square. This taproom has been in the works for a while and truly appears to have been a labor of love. Come for the beer, stay for the pizza.
New to Distribution
Vienna-Style Lager | Dovetail Brewery
Not a new brew, but newer to cans, Vienna-Style Lager by Dovetail can now be found outside of Dovetail’s taproom in Ravenswood. Vienna-Style Lager is a great example of the style with its clean, crisp, and malty finish. While there’s often nothing better than grabbing a Vienna-Style Lager on draft, especially during arguably one of Chicago’s best brewery tours, Dovetail’s cans will allow you to enjoy it on your own schedule. Beyond the Vienna-Style Lager, you can also find Dovetail’s Helles Lager in cans.
New Update to an Old Favorite
Double Daisy Cutter Capra Double Pale Ale | Half Acre Beer Company
Say this ten times fast—Double Daisy Cutter Capra Double Pale Ale. Or don’t, but definitely grab a can. This Double Pale Ale by Half Acre is incredible. I’m already a big fan of Daisy Cutter, and this beer takes it up a notch. It’s balanced, yet provides a nice, hop-forward profile and the perfect amount of booziness. It’s by Half Acre, so of course, the can art is mesmerizing, and the liquid inside keeps you wanting more.
Cheers!
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