What We’re Drinking | June 5, 2020

2020 is feeling like a glass half-empty kind of year right now regardless of where you live. The first week of June has us, as a society, confronting years of … Read More

Sterling Pig Brewery | Shoat Pilsner

It is always easy just to follow in the footsteps of a path instead of creating your own. In all aspects of life this rings true. To discover new flavors and possibilities though in the world of craft beer, brewers must challenge the status quo. While others continue to just zig, Sterling Pig Brewery thought why not zag?  Read More

Illinois Brewery Faces Backlash After Claiming George Floyd Murder Was a Hoax

While thousands of Chicago residents and many area breweries continue to mourn and speak out against last week’s police murder of Minnesota resident George Floyd, systemic racism, and police brutality, one Chicago brewery has taken a controversial stance.

Manteno, IL’s Steam Hollow Brewing, whose co-owner, Natalie White proclaimed on Facebook, “George Floyd isn’t dead, he is a porn star/actor who knows the officer, who isn’t even a real officer. Wake the f up.” That response comes in stark contrast to Illinois breweries like Half Acre, which posted: “We support our neighbors locally and nationally in the demand for justice and lasting change. Should you choose, you could donate the money you would have spent on beer today to one of the solid organizations helping to create equality for all. Black Lives Matter.”

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What We’re Cooking | Doppelbock Chicken Étouffée

This week’s recipe comes from Scott Johnson, our resident home chef. In his household, gumbo was served often, with Scott’s dad using a recipe from Emeril Lagasse that Scott’s brother would later adapt. Turning the standard chicken and andouille sausage gumbo made with white wine recipe into a dark étouffée was Scott’s way of putting his own spin on this Cajun classic. Read More

Solaris Beer & Blending | Pink Flowers (Rose Petals)

In the face of adversity and trying times, it is always an encouraging sight to witness those who press forward and beat the odds. Solaris Beer & Blending in Murrieta, California, is one of such stories. Though they have no tasting room and are still under construction, the brewery was able to put the proper licensing in place in the midst of a pandemic. And despite having limited weekly releases as their sole income, the quality of Solaris’s offerings are nearly unparalleled, especially given the size of their operation.

One of the first beers Solaris released was Pink Flowers – Rose Petals, part of their Sour & Flower series. This sour golden ale was brewed with rose petals, Turkish apricots, kumquats and conditioned on French oak.
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Ultimate 6er | Sub-6% ABV Chicago Beers Built for Summer

The passing of Memorial Day signals the start of yet another summer and another period of delicious seasonal craft beer offerings. While canned lagers, mostly in the Macro-format, still reign supreme in any cooler or patio session for many, craft breweries across the nation continue to churn out a bevy of light, easy-drinking and flavor-forward sessionable offerings that appeal to any summertime day-drinking session. Chicago’s passion for beer is equally matched by its passion to get the most out of the few warm summer months that make the onslaught of freezing temperatures and cold worthwhile. As the city cautiously reopens its parks and outdoor spaces in the coming days, here are six Chicago sippers available in cans that you can comfortably drink from your home or from an appropriate social distance outside on a nice summer’s day. 

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Restless Moons Brewing Company | Harrisonbürger Pilsner

Breweries have taken the initiative to distribute their beer due to the restrictions of COVID-19. In turn, craft beer fans should support as many nearby breweries as possible as they push through uncertain times. Not only are you doing what is right for local businesses but you may discover your new favorite beer from down the block! That’s how I came into contact with Restless Moons Brewing Company Harrisonbürger Pilsner.

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Weathered Souls Brewing Launches Collaborative Black is Beautiful Initiative

The senseless murder of George Floyd, a 46 year-year-old black man, suffocated under the bended knee of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, has ignited political demonstrations, protests, … Read More

Suburban Chicago Breweries Adjust to Operating During a Pandemic

On Friday, May 29, the full COVID-19 lockdown came to an end for numerous breweries across suburban Chicago, as long as they could offer outdoor seating and follow social distancing protocols (The city proper would have to wait a little longer). The questions were: How would breweries adjust to operating during a pandemic and would beer drinkers comply and behave?

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Decadent Ales | Blueberry Cream Pop

Think back to those lazy days of summer, when it’s so hot and humid that moving seems like a chore. However, the sound of the Mister Softee truck is like a siren’s call. There’s the rush of the song, the scrambling and the truck-chasing, even as an adult. When you reach the truck, then comes the tough decision of what comes next. An all-ages favorite (and mine as well) is the creamsicle, a sweet and chilly treat that’s typically orange but really can be any fruit flavor on the outside with a vanilla center. Decadent Ales from Mamaroneck, NY, which has made a name for itself brewing “desserty” beers, seems to share my love of them as well. The proof? Take a look at the cream pop series of beers and, more specifically, Blueberry Cream Pop.

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Chicago Brewpubs Prepare to Reopen on Wednesday

While many Illinois breweries were able to reopen with outdoor seating on May 29, Chicago-based breweries have had to wait a bit longer. However, this Wednesday, the city’s beer scene will finally begin breathing new life as brewpubs have been granted permission to reopen June 3.

In the city, things will operate under different guidelines than the rest of the state. As of right now, if a brewery location doesn’t serve food, they will not be able to reopen, even with outdoor seating. That will drastically limit which breweries in the city can reopen starting Wednesday.

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Minnesota Breweries Respond to the Murder of George Floyd

In the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd by (now former) Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin, the Twin Cities has been the center of peaceful protest and calls for justice and reform. However, Minneapolis and St. Paul, along with other cities around the country, are experiencing civil unrest, as, throughout the week, peaceful protests during the day turned violent and chaotic in the night.

As the Twin Cities community looks to mourn, heal, rebuild and lead change after a horrific tragedy, a specific, but significant part of that community — the area’s craft beer scene — is responding.

In addition to donations from Modist Brewing and Bauhaus Brew Labs, the Minnesota craft beer community is standing in solidarity behind the message for further justice and systemic change as our country mourns, rebuilds, and reforms. The responses have been rapid and unifying to repair the fabric of a torn community. 

We took a look at how breweries across Minnesota, as well as the rest of the country, have spoken out against the brutal slaying of George Floyd, and joined in support of their Twin City communities.

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Cooperage Brewing Company | McCurty Cove

This beer was bought, saved and finally drank with hope. Hope that baseball will come back in some capacity this season. However, the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be getting further away as the MLBPA and MLB struggle for power in their latest negotiations. So while waiting with bated breath and crossed fingers we can at least pop a few crisp beers and reminisce about some of our favorite McCovey Cove bombs.

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What We’re Drinking | May 29, 2020

Another week of the global COVID-19 pandemic has ushered us out of the month of May, and we are starting to see some states (and breweries!) open back up and some new restrictions to aid in our safety while we explore this new stage in our country’s history. Continue to stay safe, shop local and do your part in stopping the spread of this disease. And while we typically use this site to bring a positive reprieve away from the real world, it’d be hard not to acknowledge the horrific scene of racism and police brutality that continues to flood our headlines. RIP George Floyd. We can do better as a community… without further ado, Here’s What We’re Drinking.

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Complete List of Colorado Breweries Re-Opening Taprooms This Weekend

Earlier this week, Colorado Governor Jared Polis included breweries along with restaurants in his update of businesses that could begin re-opening this week in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. … Read More

Pontoon Brewing Company | Extra Extra Irish Extra Stout

Imagine going to your favorite local liquor store, before COVID-19 or even now (as safely able), and standing in front of the beer wall. It’s a beautiful sight. There are seemingly hundreds of options from every color to any design imaginable. Some simple, some intricate. This was my experience with Pontoon Brewing Company’s Extra Extra Irish Extra Stout as the simplicity of the label grabbed my attention among the plethora of options. 
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What We’re Cooking | Milk Stout Brownies

At PorchDrinking, we have several writers with a sweet tooth, and Karen Mills is no exception. Her Milk Stout Brownies (recipe adapted from Kitchy Kitchen) are the perfect complement for any occasion, rain or shine. Forgot milk, Karen recommends that you pair these brownies with your favorite stout or, in her case, some sort of barrel-aged goodness from WeldWerks.

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Flying Fish Brewing Company | Abbey Dubbel

Sometimes, no matter the weather or season, a brewery can score major brownie points if it offers a comforting brew that provides all-around enjoyment. Be it hiking, playing cards, attending a barbecue or perhaps sitting around a bonfire — a beer for seemingly all occasions, especially one that won’t particularly floor you after a few. One such beer is an Abbey Dubbel brewed by Flying Fish Brewing Company, located in Somerdale, New Jersey.

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Colorado Breweries Prepare to Re-Open; Must Adhere to State Guidelines

This article has been updated to note that Governor Jared Polis’ updated easing of restrictions directly applies for restaurants but also addresses brewery re-opening provisions.

Since mid-March, breweries, and businesses … Read More

Ultimate 6er | Make Your Own Pizza Paired with Beer

For those of us still living in many major U.S. cities, we’re still in a state of near-complete lockdown. While we can finally start breathing a cautious sigh of relief here in Chicago soon, the experience of dining out, eating pizza and drinking a cold one at one of Chicago’s famous pizza joints may never look the same. However, a similar, all-day experience can still be had in the comfort and safety of your own home in the form of pizza making.

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