#ChicagoCraftBeer Archives – Page 7 of 9 – PorchDrinking.com
The Curious Case of Nisei Lounge, the Oldest Bar in Wrigleyville
August 28, 2017 | Taylor Laabs
Nisei Lounge is one of the most unique dive bars on the Northside, and it’s also one of the best spots to grab a beer near Wrigley Field. Opened back in 1951, Nisei Lounge was around long before craft beer took hold of the bar scene and smack dab in the middle of the Cubs’ 108 years of mediocrity. Enter the present: Nisei Lounge still has the same toilets it had when it opened over 60 years earlier but has also added some new elements like five new flatscreen TVs and a new affinity for local craft brews that makes the local joint more than appealing for a loyal Cubs fan or everyday Chicago craft beer lover. Read More
Event Recap | Half Acre Beer Co. Big North II
August 24, 2017 | Taylor Laabs
On a weekend usually dedicated to the high-flying Air and Water Show, Half Acre Beer Co. delivered its own high-octane experience at their second annual The Big North beer festival. The Big North II was a celebration of Half Acre’s 10 years of business; and it also was a moment to open its Balmoral facility to the public for the very first time, and it did not disappoint.
Tribes Beer Company to Honor First Responders All September
August 15, 2017 | Mathew Powers
Craft brewing and community are synonymous, but no community can exist without its first responders, the brave souls who serve and protect the town. Both Tribes Beer Company and Tribes Alehouse (suburban Chicago) will honor Police, Fire and EMTs/Paramedics, as well as their spouses and children, throughout September. First responders can enjoy 25% off their food bill as a gesture of appreciation for the hard work for which they bravely perform each day.
Event Recap | Welles Park Beer Fest
August 8, 2017 | Mathew Powers
The third leg of the Illinois Craft Beer Guild Festival Grand Slam occurred on Aug 5, 2017 at Welles Park on the north side of Chicago. Festival goers enjoyed sun, 78-degree temperatures, terrific beer and a venue that was tough to beat. Sadly, though, for various reasons, attendance seemed a tad lackluster for Welles. It’s unlikely that will be the case at the next one; the Festival of Barrel Aged Beers (FoBAB) is the Wimbledon or Masters of Illinois beer fests.
Ultimate 6er | Best Beers for a Cubs Game
August 2, 2017 | Taylor Laabs
Attending a Chicago Cubs game is an experience. From the bars to the fans to the field, Wrigley Field overwhelms the senses. One thing that has not been traditionally overwhelming near the stadium: the craft beer selection – until now. Thanks to the newly built Lucky Dorr, neighbor GreenStar Brewing and a concerted effort from Clark Street bar owners to stock more craft beer options, it is now easy to sip on some local craft beers before cheering on the 2016 World Champions.
Brewery Showcase | Kinslahger Brewing
July 28, 2017 | Mathew Powers 1
In a craft-beer world abound in ales, a brewery focused on lagers can reap the benefits of exploring a whole new world of brewing innovation and experimentation. And that’s what you’ll find at Kinslahger Brewing in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park, Illinois,
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Illinois Brewers Guild President Discusses Welles Summer Fest and Illinois Craft Beer
July 24, 2017 | Mathew Powers
Once the Illinois Craft Beer Guild (ICBG) event that effectively served as the closing ceremonies to Chicago Craft Beer Week (CCBW), the festival held at Welles Park in Lincoln Square now enjoys the title of Summer Beer Fest. On August 5th, fans can drink beer, gaze upon the large gazebo, listen to live music and purchase food.
We chatted with Danielle D’Alessandro, president of the Guild, to talk Welles Fest, clean water and all things Illinois beer.
Dovetail Brewery | Hefeweizen
July 12, 2017 | Mathew Powers 1
The Chicago metro area certainly has a multitude of beers available for consumption these days, given its now 175+ breweries in operation. But, every once in awhile, a beer comes along that inspires a beer writer such as me to, well, write about it. This time, the beer comes from the mad geniuses of Chicago’s Dovetail Brewery. The Dovetail motto, “We brew like monks (minus the vows),” notes its dedication to traditional, continental European-style brewing methods and that is why the Dovetail Hefeweizen is one of the best you’ll ever have.
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Burnt City Brewing & Art Institute of Chicago Launch Artist as Alchemist Golden Session IPA
June 22, 2017 | Mathew Powers
Artist as Alchemist Feature Image Source: Lakeshore Beverages.
The trend of breweries collaborating with entities outside the realm of brewing and bars continue, including partnering with zoos, arboretums, charitable organizations, … Read More
Event Recap | Two Brothers Brewing Summer Festival
June 13, 2017 | Mathew Powers
Two Brother’s Brewing Summer Festival speaks volumes about the brewery’s identity. The journey for the Ebel brothers started with a brewery that barely turned profits twenty years ago to owning five locations and adding coffee and spirits to its portfolio. But, what defines Two Brothers is not its products as much as the brewery’s propensity to host events and welcome fans into its many homes. From Scottsdale to Oak Park, Oktoberfest to Summerfest, nail-pulling parties to special releases, Two Brothers invites you inside and says, “Welcome to our house, beer’s in the fridge.”
Dear Chicagoans: Don’t Ignore the North Burbs Brewing Scene
June 5, 2017 | Mathew Powers 10
The breweries that lie north of Chicago’s Saison-Dixon line regularly play the role of the ugly red-headed stepchild. Granted, Mikerphone receives endless, well-deserved praise, but Mikerphone is a transplant that gained its fame prior to moving to Elk Grove Village. Meanwhile, breweries located in the North Burbs, such as Light the Lamp, Ten-Ninety, ZumBier, Chain O’Lakes, Side Lot, Tighthead, Only Child, Flesk — a brewery in the process of moving to Barrington, and countless others are oft-ignored among the pantheon of Chicago-area breweries.
Don’t do it. Don’t rob yourself of that joy. Refuse to ignore northern-suburban breweries. The brewing scene of the North Burbs is too good to miss!
Event Recap | CCBW Putt-Putt at Revolution Brewing
May 22, 2017 | Taylor Laabs
Chicago Craft Beer Week means beer lovers can expect a bevy of fun and unique events from local craft brewers. One of those events, hosted by Revolution Brewing over the weekend, had both good beer and mini golf – which is something that no other brewery could offer.
Event Recap | Beer Under Glass (BUG) – Chicago Craft Beer Week
May 22, 2017 | Mike Zoller
* Featured photo taken by Eric Dirksen and was from the 2016 BUG event
For the second year in a row, Beer Under Glass — the official kickoff to Chicago’s Craft Beer Week — was the benefit of great weather on the evening of the event. Although the temperature dropped 30 degrees throughout the night, that pales in comparison to recent years plagued by rain and bitter cold, which turned the outdoor grounds of the Garfield Park Conservatory into a muddy disaster.
Event Recap | Chicago Beer Classic at Soldier Field
May 17, 2017 | Mathew Powers
Although the last vestiges of winter traversed Lake Michigan and infiltrated the Chicago Beer Classic on May 6, glorious blue skies and both golden sunshine and beer screamed, “spring.” Besides, a little cool breeze couldn’t ruin an experience provided by 100+ brewers pouring beer at a venue that provided plenty of proverbial “wow factor.” Produced by Red Frog Events, few venues exceed the uniqueness offered by a chance to sip a beer while standing on the Chicago Bears logo at the 50-yard line. Go Bears, or go beers — both applied. The additional component of the stadium’s role in paying homage to America’s soldiers only added to the fest’s positives.
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.
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.
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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