Midwest
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.
Kentucky Breweries Join Effort in Raising Awareness of Mental Health
June 1, 2021 | Kindsey Bernhard
The COVID-19 pandemic was instrumental in shining a light on the importance of mental health. While society was taking steps in raising awareness of mental health before COVID-19, it became even more important during COVID-19. It especially became important in the craft beer world, an industry that was extremely affected by the shutdowns and restrictions.
To continue to normalize mental health in the craft beer industry and community, Hope For The Day, a non-profit movement empowering the conversation on proactive suicide prevention and mental health education, has partnered with Eagle Park Brewing, Hopsmash, Malteurop Malting Co., Egoproof and Hollingbery & Son Hops for an international beer collaboration.
SchillingBridge Brewing Co. | Irish Coffee Chocolate Stout
May 31, 2021 | Lori Kitzing
The pandemic reminded us about the importance of supporting small, local and family-owned businesses. SchillingBridge is a family-run operation that claims to be the nation’s first farm winery/microbrewery. They are located in Pawnee City, NE, a small town less than 10 miles north of the Kansas border.
What We’re Drinking | May 28, 2021
May 28, 2021 | Brandon Cohran
It’s been a hell of a two weeks in the craft beer world since we’ve last had a drink check. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then head over to Brienne (@ratmagnet) on Instagram and read the thousands of accounts of sexual harassment, misogyny and unfair treatment to women all across the industry. This movement isn’t something to be funny or cute about, so here’s some of the beers that our staff have had during the last two weeks. Guys — specifically white bearded dudes in the industry who look just like me — be better. Here is What We’re Drinking:
4 Hands Brewing & Veteran’s Community Project Launch Collaboration to Support Vets
May 28, 2021 | Katie Camlin 1
The rivalry between Missouri’s two biggest cities, Kansas City and St. Louis, is well-known and long-standing. From the Royals and the Cardinals to toasted ravioli and barbecue, ask any resident which city is the best, and you’ll be met with an impassioned and detailed defense of their hometown. You’re either a Kansas City person or a St. Louis person — never both.
However, the rivalry is all in good fun — with the exception of the 1985 World Series — and while fierce, it’s not uncommon for the two cities to unite for a greater cause. Whether Team St. Louis or Team Kansas City, residents have a few things in common: they love beer, they love their city and they love their home state.
Arbeiter Brewing Co. | Hoop Jump Cold IPA
May 27, 2021 | Jason Ehrreich
Have you ever had a “Cold IPA?” No, we are not talking about the one that you just pulled from the refrigerator. The history of a Cold IPA is relatively new, but the development is credited to Wayfinder Beer out of Portland, Ore. Cold IPAs are a thing of beauty and smell the part too. On one side, you have that smell of the hoppiness from an IPA. On the other, you have that clean, crisp style of a lager. Do not mistake these as IPLs, which seems to be a common thread. Read More
Ultimate 6er | You Won’t Believe These Things Are Turning 21
May 26, 2021 | Brandon Cohran
They say nostalgia is a hell of a drug, and it certainly brought a shockwave along with it when compiling this list. From movies and songs to world events, the year 2000 did not skimp on the excitement. Get out your party hats and year-shaped goggles while we take a trip down memory lane and hand out some beers to six moments from 2000 now old enough to drink: Read More
Revolution Brewing Doubles Down on Chicago Heritage with Expanded Malort Partnership
May 25, 2021 | Taylor Laabs
Chicago’s largest independent brewer, Revolution Brewing, and its most polarizing liquor brand Jeppson’s Malort (made by local CH Distillery), are again teaming up for some boozy shenanigans this summer. The two Chicago staples first teamed up for an Anti Hero Malort ‘variant’ last spring to save some unused kegs of Revolution’s flagship Anti Hero IPA that weren’t being used due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, they’ve decided to expand their collaboration further. Starting in June, adventurous drinkers in the city can expect four unique limited edition labels of Anti Hero Malort that house the famed wormwood-forward liquor with a bit more barrel-character added this time. Here are the details.
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