The Beer Thread

[ZoomSlowik]

I know there have been other threads about drinking. However, I figured I'd retire "the finer things in life" in honor of FlaSoxxJim and create an alternative to the general drunk thread. The timing of this post and the state of the Bulls' game are not a coincidence.

 

I have become obsessed with craft beer over the past year, and given the number of breweries opening, I doubt I'm the only one here. So, what brews are you enjoying right now? What are your favorites? What breweries are you visiting? Any stuff you're desperately trying to find?

 

I can ramble on for quite some time, but I'll save it for future posts.

 

For now, I'll just talk up Three Floyds a bit. I happened to be in the area for work and had to stop in when I saw they had Zombie Dust (one of my favorite beers and normally extremely difficult to find). I've heard people complain about rude employees and poor service, but I haven't had issues on either of my trips. This one was especially easy because it wasn't crowded. They obviously have great beer and their food is good even without grading on a curve for breweries. I've never seen that much Zombie Dust in one place (easily 40 cases came into the to-go area while I was there). Hopefully when their massive expansion is done (still quite a mess right now) it will be easier to find their stuff.

Edited May 7, 2015 by ZoomSlowik

[iamshack]

I'm a big fan of brown ales. Almost any brown ale will do.

 

Favorite brewery is Rogue, out of Oregon. Big Sky Brewing out of Montana is also one I enjoy.

[ZoomSlowik]

More general comment...

 

It didn't start out this way, but I'm a big IPA fan, and even better if it's imperial. 2 years ago I never thought I'd drink some of the hop-bombs that are now a staple of my supply. Unfortunately, some of my favorites are either seasonal, hard to find, really expensive, or all of the above: Bell's Hopslam, New Glarus Scream IIPA, Deschutes Hop Trip, and Dogfish Head 120 (absurdly expensive) to name a few.

 

I also tend to like Belgian-style beers (Dubbel, Trippel, Quad, Saison and Farmhouse Ales), which I realize is completely different. I need to try out more of the true Trappist ales, but there are just too many options when I walk into a Binny's. Ommegang makes a lot of stuff I like. Glimmerglass is a spring seasonal saison that's out right now. They also make the Game of Thrones beers, which have some supremely bad-ass labels. Here's the current one, Three Eyed Raven.

 

Edited May 7, 2015 by ZoomSlowik

[Kyyle23]

American Beer Classic at Soldier Field this weekend, so that means I will like all beer on Saturday.

 

Anyone else going?

[ZoomSlowik]

American Beer Classic at Soldier Field this weekend, so that means I will like all beer on Saturday.

 

Anyone else going?

 

I thought about it, but there are a ton of beer fests out there. I already bought tickets to Chicago Ale Fest due to a living social deal (June 19th/20th at Buckingham Fountain), possibly going to the Lombard one the week before that, plus the Oak Park Micro Brew Review is August 15th and virtually in my backyard. The last one is a blast, north of 70 different breweries and great opportunities to get sloppy drunk. Only drawback is it gets quite crowded.

Edited May 7, 2015 by ZoomSlowik

[bigruss]

American Beer Classic at Soldier Field this weekend, so that means I will like all beer on Saturday.

 

Anyone else going?

Damn that snuck up on me, and probably can't make it again. I really want to go to that one year though, seems like a great event.

 

[bigruss]

One of my favorite breweries is Greenbush from Sawyer, MI. Flat out some of the best stuff in the area, unfortunately they are smaller (they've at least tripled in size) and only distribute kegs right now but a fair amount makes it into Chicago. If you're ever on 94 in SW Michigan I highly recommend stopping by, that place is a fun time and is immensely popular now in the area.

 

Zoom, check out Dupont Brasserie, they have some fantastic Belgian beers are available at Binnys:

-Moinette Blonde and Brune are their staples, great stuff

-Saison Dupont is one of the best saisons I've had

-avec le bons voeux is a great winter seasonal

 

Also, De Halve Maan Brasserie is also great, if you ever see Staffe Hendrik Quad (not the tripel) then buy a few bottles, one of the best beers I've ever had.

 

 

Also, I've had probably over a hundred Belgium and Trappist beers over the years, I was abroad in the Netherlands and found their styles to be my favorite. If you ever want some tips or anything just let me know.

[StrangeSox]

Founders and bells are probably my two favorite brewers. Lagunitas is generally solid, really like little sumptin sumptin. Firestone walker is good and generally available around Chicago these days.

 

Not your father's root beer from small town out of Wauconda is really blowing up right now, and it's delicious.

 

Two brothers out of Warrenville producers some solid beers as well

[ZoomSlowik]

One of my favorite breweries is Greenbush from Sawyer, MI. Flat out some of the best stuff in the area, unfortunately they are smaller (they've at least tripled in size) and only distribute kegs right now but a fair amount makes it into Chicago. If you're ever on 94 in SW Michigan I highly recommend stopping by, that place is a fun time and is immensely popular now in the area.

 

Zoom, check out Dupont Brasserie, they have some fantastic Belgian beers are available at Binnys:

-Moinette Blonde and Brune are their staples, great stuff

-Saison Dupont is one of the best saisons I've had

-avec le bons voeux is a great winter seasonal

 

Also, De Halve Maan Brasserie is also great, if you ever see Staffe Hendrik Quad (not the tripel) then buy a few bottles, one of the best beers I've ever had.

 

 

Also, I've had probably over a hundred Belgium and Trappist beers over the years, I was abroad in the Netherlands and found their styles to be my favorite. If you ever want some tips or anything just let me know.

 

I've had Saison Dupont before. It was good, but not necessarily my favorite. I think part of my problem with the Belgian beers is I sampled a lot of them before I started using Untappd to keep track of my drinking. I know I've had all three Chimay's, Westmalle Tripel, Orval, Duvel, Tripel Karmeliet, St. Bernardus Abt 12, and La Chouffe, but can't remember which ones I really liked. There was one quad too, but I can't remember which. I don't think I've ever had Rochefort. At some point I probably need to do a Belgian beer run to Binny's and do some tasting, but I get easily distracted by all the American breweries, especially when I see seasonals or limited releases. I also tend to get new stuff almost every time.

 

I'd kill to try some Westvleteren 12, but I don't expect to travel to Belgium any time soon.

Edited May 7, 2015 by ZoomSlowik

[ZoomSlowik]

This stuff is unlike any beer I've ever had. Really does taste like a root beer and brings a kick, I think it's 6-7% IIRC.

 

Pretty sure they're a lot stronger than that. I may be talking out of my ass, but I think they make them at a few different proofs. Pretty sure I bought one that was 10% and I think I've seen a 16% on menus.

[ZoomSlowik]

Founders and bells are probably my two favorite brewers. Lagunitas is generally solid, really like little sumptin sumptin. Firestone walker is good and generally available around Chicago these days.

 

Not your father's root beer from small town out of Wauconda is really blowing up right now, and it's delicious.

 

Two brothers out of Warrenville producers some solid beers as well

 

Lagunitas makes a seasonal called Undercover Shutdown that I've thoroughly enjoyed when I've had it at the brewery. I got to remember to buy some this year, though I have WAY too much stuff right now.

 

 

[bigruss]

I've had Saison Dupont before. It was good, but not necessarily my favorite. I think part of my problem with the Belgian beers is I sampled a lot of them before I started using Untappd to keep track of my drinking. I know I've had all three Chimay's, Westmalle Tripel, Orval, Duvel, Tripel Karmeliet, St. Bernardus Abt 12, and La Chouffe, but can't remember which ones I really liked. There was one quad too, but I can't remember which. I don't think I've ever had Rochefort. At some point I probably need to do a Belgian beer run to Binny's and do some tasting, but I get easily distracted by all the American breweries, especially when I see seasonals or limited releases. I also tend to get new stuff almost every time.

 

I'd kill to try some Westvleteren 12, but I don't expect to travel to Belgium any time soon.

About once or twice a year Binny's does a Belgium beer sale, usually a $1 or 2 off of a $8-10 750ml bottle. I usually stock up during then. The only problem is that drinking a whole bottle of that at once will fill you up real quick, so I've typically saved them until my brother visits.

[Leonard Zelig]

Deschutes is probably my favorite brewery but I drink more homebrew than anything.

[farmteam]

Pretty sure they're a lot stronger than that. I may be talking out of my ass, but I think they make them at a few different proofs. Pretty sure I bought one that was 10% and I think I've seen a 16% on menus.

Correct. I believe it's 5.9, 10 and 16. I've had the 10. A couple of those and you'll be on your ass. Just tastes like root beer. It's incredible.

 

I first had it a few years ago at the Village Inn in Skokie, and I get it every time I go back to Chicago now. Only other place I'd seen it was World of Beer in Evanston, but it sounds like it's more popular now. There was a deadspin article on it today, actually.

[Kyyle23]

I do like to go to Lucky Monk when I get the chance. My wife used to manage at Emmetts, but I never really was a fan of their brews.

[Southwest Sider]

Already so many awesome brews/breweries mentioned.

 

rabbit is on point, Trader Joe's doesn't upcharge you for a make your own 6 pack. It's not the best selection since it's such a small store, but they work hard to bring in solid offerings. Scored a couple 6 packs of Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA from there (YUM).

 

I made the trip into the city on the rainout Saturday. Since there was no game, I figured it would be a good idea to visit Revolution brewpub for the first time. Obviously, a great idea. Their food was awesome. I had fish and chips, and the bacon fat popcorn was awesome. Their fries....godly. Anyways I was with a buddy who had never had a drop of alcohol in his life, and he just turned 21 a few months ago. He agreed to try a few sips of various samplers that I ordered. I was originally drinking a Fist City, he didn't like it so I ordered a Cross of Gold golden ale, Bottom Up wit and Thee Destroyer double IPA. I knew he would hate the IPA, but to my surprise he also didn't care for the other two. Oh well, he's new to this.

 

What was really sweet, is that our server pretended that it was his birthday and brought him a sample size of Absinthe Minded, an imperial porter aged in absinthe barrels. Obviously, he hated it, but found it interesting because of the heavy black licorice flavors. Porters aren't really for me, either, but it was up to me to finish it so I let my predispositions go. An interesting beer, for sure!

 

ZoomSlowik, quick story for you, about a year or so ago a buddy and myself were going to the casino and he said "If I win I'm buying that Dogfish 120" (a 4 pack was $40). While I'm at the poker table, he seats himself a slot within view so he can see if I leave the table. I notice he's playing and then he starts to do a little dance. I'm like "cool, must have won a hundred or so!". The slot machine kept piling credits onto his winnings apparently because he went from doing a dance to a "holy s***" look. I immediately leave the table, wasn't playing well anyway, and go see that he won $1000! Bought that Dogfish 120, each had 1 and agreed to age the other two until further notice.

Edited May 7, 2015 by South Sider

[LDF]

 

when i lived in chi, i use to go to a micro place on Roosevelt in berwyn, called Winegardner. i think i am spelling it right.

 

but they made this great beer called Bavarian Weiss and served in a boot. i was in heaven.

 

but down here in Louisiana, they don't have any good beer but now i am into scotch now.

 

[hogan873]

I was at the Tap House this past weekend and tried the Moody Tongue Steeped Emperor's Saison. Excellent brew. Very smooth with great flavor. I usually try several different beers when I'm there, but I stuck with it all evening.

[Yoda]

I’m all about IPA’s. Alpha King, Revolution Anti-Hero, Hercules Double IPA, Sierra Nevada, anything with lots and lots of hops.

[cabiness42]

German restaurant over in Louisville has Aventinus dopplebock. Best beer I've ever had.

[ZoomSlowik]

About once or twice a year Binny's does a Belgium beer sale, usually a $1 or 2 off of a $8-10 750ml bottle. I usually stock up during then. The only problem is that drinking a whole bottle of that at once will fill you up real quick, so I've typically saved them until my brother visits.

I think that's another reason that I subconsciously don't buy more Belgian beers: I'm not a fan of bombers. The price per ounce is poor and they force me to either share or commit to more serious drinking. It's not a deal-breaker, but they tend to sit in the fridge longer. I know many of them come in 12 oz bottles as well, but they're like $5 a piece and I usually get two 6-packs of a good domestic instead of one 4-pack.

 

I do need to get back to those though, I don't think I've had a bad Belgian beer.

[ZoomSlowik]

Already so many awesome brews/breweries mentioned.

 

rabbit is on point, Trader Joe's doesn't upcharge you for a make your own 6 pack. It's not the best selection since it's such a small store, but they work hard to bring in solid offerings. Scored a couple 6 packs of Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA from there (YUM).

 

I made the trip into the city on the rainout Saturday. Since there was no game, I figured it would be a good idea to visit Revolution brewpub for the first time. Obviously, a great idea. Their food was awesome. I had fish and chips, and the bacon fat popcorn was awesome. Their fries....godly. Anyways I was with a buddy who had never had a drop of alcohol in his life, and he just turned 21 a few months ago. He agreed to try a few sips of various samplers that I ordered. I was originally drinking a Fist City, he didn't like it so I ordered a Cross of Gold golden ale, Bottom Up wit and Thee Destroyer double IPA. I knew he would hate the IPA, but to my surprise he also didn't care for the other two. Oh well, he's new to this.

 

What was really sweet, is that our server pretended that it was his birthday and brought him a sample size of Absinthe Minded, an imperial porter aged in absinthe barrels. Obviously, he hated it, but found it interesting because of the heavy black licorice flavors. Porters aren't really for me, either, but it was up to me to finish it so I let my predispositions go. An interesting beer, for sure!

 

ZoomSlowik, quick story for you, about a year or so ago a buddy and myself were going to the casino and he said "If I win I'm buying that Dogfish 120" (a 4 pack was $40). While I'm at the poker table, he seats himself a slot within view so he can see if I leave the table. I notice he's playing and then he starts to do a little dance. I'm like "cool, must have won a hundred or so!". The slot machine kept piling credits onto his winnings apparently because he went from doing a dance to a "holy s***" look. I immediately leave the table, wasn't playing well anyway, and go see that he won $1000! Bought that Dogfish 120, each had 1 and agreed to age the other two until further notice.

 

Revolution makes some great stuff, your buddy just has poor taste. I actually really like some of their barrel-aged beers even though I'm generally not a stout guy. Deth Star and Really Mad Cow are quite tasty.

 

I bought a 4-pack of 120 before I realized how much that s*** cost. It's really good, but I have a hard time justifying that on a regular basis. I still have two of them sitting in the back of the fridge.

[SnB]

IPA's are ok, but my favorite beers are dry, somewhat hoppy, red ales. Unfortunately, there's not that many of them out there. My favorites have been: Kingpin Double Red Ale and Sierra Nevada's Flipside Red IPA.

 

Any other rec's?

 

 

[iamshack]

More general comment...

 

It didn't start out this way, but I'm a big IPA fan, and even better if it's imperial. 2 years ago I never thought I'd drink some of the hop-bombs that are now a staple of my supply. Unfortunately, some of my favorites are either seasonal, hard to find, really expensive, or all of the above: Bell's Hopslam, New Glarus Scream IIPA, Deschutes Hop Trip, and Dogfish Head 120 (absurdly expensive) to name a few.

 

I also tend to like Belgian-style beers (Dubbel, Trippel, Quad, Saison and Farmhouse Ales), which I realize is completely different. I need to try out more of the true Trappist ales, but there are just too many options when I walk into a Binny's. Ommegang makes a lot of stuff I like. Glimmerglass is a spring seasonal saison that's out right now. They also make the Game of Thrones beers, which have some supremely bad-ass labels. Here's the current one, Three Eyed Raven.

 

Going to a tasting at a local restaurant of beers by this brewery on Monday.

[ZoomSlowik]

Going to a tasting at a local restaurant of beers by this brewery on Monday.

Ommegang has a lot of good choices. My favorites from them are the Abbey ale, Glimmerglass and Gnomegang. I've had quite a bit of Hennepin as well.

Edited May 7, 2015 by ZoomSlowik