Midwest
Coming Soon: Greer Brewing | Gambling on Beer as a Career
May 12, 2017 | Jordan Palmer 1
Back in the late 1990s, my wife had a habit of signing up for every contest she ran across — and winning. One day, a home brewing kit showed up at our home. It went straight into the basement and remained there until it was tossed in the trash during a spring cleaning. What a mistake, because right about that time, I discovered craft beer and fell in love with the entrepreneurial spirit it represented. Given my young age, I could have walked away from my television career and went into brewing, but I didn’t. Now years later, I’ve converged my love of responsible drinking and my love for media into writing about beer. Nevertheless, that spirit of putting one’s faith in beer continues today, such as the story attached to Chris Greer and Greer Brewing.
How DryHop Brewers is Helping to Save the Polar Bears
May 11, 2017 | Taylor Laabs
Feature image courtesy of DryHop Brewers
DryHop Brewers is known for making great beer in the Lakeview community; they are also known for some pretty cool collaborations. One of those collaborations is the charitable partnership they have with the local Lincoln Park Zoo. Now in its fourth year, this creature-inspired collaboration is all about benefiting the animals – and brewing a special beer each year in their honor.
Black Lotus Brewing Co. | Ninja Pirate Barleywine
May 11, 2017 | Danny King
Like many a Pirate’s doomed lusts for treasure, I’ve frequently attempted (and failed) to get my hands on Black Lotus Brewing Ninja Pirate to review it for the PorchDrinking.com audience. Winning a gold medal for best strong ale at the World Beer Cup tends to bring some competition for the bottles.
My first attempt, a week and a half after its release, failed because the beer was sold out. In my second attempt to procure a bottle of Ninja Pirate, a mere two days after the beer release, I was at least laughed at by head brewer Nick Joseph. It took one more failure before I finally got my hands on a bottle and subsequently found time to share the pride of Clawson, MI with you all. Trust me; Ninja Pirate is worth the wait.
Event Preview | Craft and Cuisine at The Park at Wrigley
May 10, 2017 | Taylor Laabs
Feature image courtesy of The Park at Wrigley
Over 40 craft beers, 60° temps (fingers-crossed) and a one-of-a-kind setting is what you can expect at the first-ever Craft and Cuisine event this Saturday. Hosted at The Park at Wrigley, the Craft and Cuisine event will offer over 40 local pours along with delicious food from renowned local eateries like the Girl and the Goat – all under the gorgeous backdrop of Wrigley Field.
4204 Main Street Debuts New Beer & New Place to Drink it
May 9, 2017 | Jordan Palmer
Featured image courtesy of 4204 Main Street Brewing’s Facebook page
Is 4204 Main Street Brewing Co. taking over the Illinois town it calls home? Well, after visiting their brand spankin’ new tap room, then visiting their original location for dinner, and seeing the canning facility located next door—you have to wonder.
Brewery Showcase | Only Child Brewing
May 8, 2017 | Mathew Powers
The Only Child Brewing story involves several unique chapters. Some sections are straightforward, yet compelling, such as mentioning the brewery’s ultra-hip, slick taproom or the brewery’s personable, enthusiastic staff. Of course, one can also talk about its beer that exemplifies the term, “artisanship.” However, other portions of the Only Child Brewing story are far more complex, including the nearly simultaneous, and tumultuous, birth of both the brewery and its owners’ newborn twins. The story may not be a fairy tale, but all signs point towards a happy ending.
Chicago White Sox Partner with Revolution Brewing and a Tour of the Craft Kave
May 5, 2017 | Mathew Powers
It was merely spring training when we first reported on the White Sox Craft Kave, and now a month into the season the south siders are looking up with a tie for first in the AL Central. Recently, the White Sox organization invited PorchDrinking to visit the Craft Kave for an inside look into MLB’s finest collection of craft offerings in a single stadium.
Although The Kave is not all about craft — macro’s and macro-owned quasi crafts certainly exist, the infusion of Craft Beer into the White Sox home is not only substantial, it’s celebrated. In fact, The Chicago White Sox recently announced a new marketing agreement with Revolution Brewing: Rev will be featured as the “Beer of the Homestand” during the Detroit and Boston series on May 26 through May 31.
Newbies & Freshies CCBW Event Highlights New Breweries in Chicago
May 5, 2017 | Mike Zoller
Over the past year or so, Chicago’s craft beer scene has continued to increase in both brewery openings and outside-the-state breweries entering the city. PorchDrinking.com, along with Bitter Pops, is hosting Newbies & Freshies on May 24 (an event that’s part of Chicago Craft Beer Week or #CCBW) to showcase all that’s new and exciting in the city.
Chicago’s Great Central Brewing Co. is Changing Contract Brewing Perceptions
May 2, 2017 | Mathew Powers
Feature Image: James Nichols, Great Central Brewing Co.
If craft brewers had escaped from their 20th century oppression (on the way to the fermented promised land) with a set of rules on stone tablets, there’s a good chance it would have included the commandment “thou shall not contract brew.” But, are all contract brewers the same? One visit, one conversation with Chicago’s brand new Great Central Brewing Company (GCBC), and it’s likely you’ll realize that perception and reality rarely match. I know, because I did just that a few weeks ago.
Revolution Brewing | Amarillo Hero
May 2, 2017 | Taylor Laabs
Featured image courtesy of Revolution Brewing
ABV: 7.2% | IBU: 75
Amarillo Hero is the newest addition to Revolution Brewing’s much-acclaimed Hero IPA series. Much like a well balanced superhero squad, each beer in the Hero series stands out with their own unique flavor that complements the group, a sudsy “superpower,” if you will. For Amarillo Hero, that superpower is juicy citrus.
Event Preview | Chicago Beer Classic at Soldier Field
May 1, 2017 | Mathew Powers
Fresh off the Chicago Bears blockbuster decision to go all-in on the barely-tested QB, Mitchell Trubisky; Soldier Field will provide Chicagoans with the ultimate solution for any possible worries — plenty of beer. The annual Chicago Beer Classic arrives May 6th with two sessions that include hundreds of beers, food, games, tours of Soldier Field, chances to talk to brewers and voting for an MVP beer.
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Rivertown Brewery & Barrel House | Sour Noir
May 1, 2017 | Craft Beer Joe
Cincinnati is approaching 40 breweries, which is an amazing feat for my city. One of the breweries that has been around since the beginning of the craft beer boom is … Read More
Event Preview | Chicago’s Premier Brewpubs & Breweries Under One Roof
April 28, 2017 | Alex Chavez
After winning a coveted Michelin star this past November, Band of Bohemia welcomes in spring with an industry leading list of brewers. On May 1st they’ll host, “Chicago’s Premier Brewpubs and Breweries Under One Roof”. They are teaming up with the James Beard Foundation and The Illinois Restaurant Association to put on the event.
The Science of the Cooler and Why You Should Love Your Local Specialty Beverage Buyer
April 27, 2017 | Jordan Palmer
So I’ve got 30 minutes to kill. The oldest son is safely absorbing useful information at his tutor’s home which happens to be three floors above the Whole Foods Market in the Central West End. Lucky for me this particular Whole Food Market happens to have a wonderful beer bar, with some excellent beers on tap.
Event Preview | Crystal Lake Brewing, Chicago’s Signature Room at the 95th Floor
April 26, 2017 | Mathew Powers
Crystal Lake Brewing may feel awfully far from downtown Chicago, located more than an hour’s drive away, but from the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building, Crystal Lake is easy to see. It’s pretty small, but you can find it. But, on May 2, you won’t have to look very far — Crystal Lake Brewing is bringing its seasonal beer selections to Chicago’s 3rd largest building. Patrons will enjoy Crystal Lake beer and a four-course dinner provided by Chef Cardel Reid. Read More
Half Acre Beer is Experimenting with Mixed Fermentation
April 25, 2017 | Taylor Laabs
Featured image courtesy of Half Acre Beer Co.
Half Acre Beer Co. is expanding and it’s a good sign for Chicago craft beer drinkers. Their new Balmoral Brewery space, a massive 60,000 square foot expansion, is getting closer and closer to opening to the public. Not only does this mean more real estate, but it also means more opportunities to brew beer, including the newly announced mixed fermentation program at their original brew spot in Lincoln Square.
BREAKING | Founders Brewing Opening 2nd Location in Detroit
April 25, 2017 | Tristan Chan
While many major breweries like New Belgium, Oskar Blues, Deschutes, and Sierra Nevada have begun expanding their footprint with multiple locations in other states, Founders Brewing, is growing by reinvesting in … Read More
Dovetail Brewery | Pilsner
April 25, 2017 | Bliss Billingsley
ABV: 4.4 | IBU: 39
Brewed in the traditional process, Dovetail’s Brewery’s Pilsner is a trip to Europe in a Czech stein. The outside of the glass has circular divots patterned all around, amplifying the beautiful caramel color. This Pilsner receives its color from a triple decoction mash — the repeated boiling of a portion of mash, then returning it to the main mash. The head on the beer is thick and foamy, remaining stuck to the sides of the glass as you take your sips.
Event Recap | 4th Annual Firkin Fest
April 24, 2017 | Mike Zoller
Earlier this month Headquarters Beercade hosted its fourth annual Firkin Fest. 40 different breweries brought firkins of some of their well-known beer, giving those in attendance a chance to try a unique twist on the beer they’ve come to know.
Founders Brewing | Lizard of Koz
April 24, 2017 | Kane McLoughlin
Sometimes what you crave is the combination of sweet treat and delicious beer. Founders Brewing’s Lizard of Koz is the perfect intersection of just that. Released last year, the Imperial Blueberry Stout comes from the brilliant mind of Jeremey Kosmicki. Founders’ Brewmaster, Kosmicki created this sweet concoction for someone very dear to him. This imperial stout was made special for his little sister’s birthday. He included all her favorite ingredients: fresh Michigan blueberries, rich chocolate and vanilla aged in bourbon barrels. Needless to say, Kosmicki’s little sister, Liz, loved her brother’s creation.
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