Maplewood. Feel like I don't see much mention here about them. They're generally very solid and expanding too (Glen Ellyn location should be opening soon). I usually don't seek them out too much but have enjoyed the occasional tall boy of a Juice Pants variant. But recently I stumbled on their BA Cuppa series. Had the Weller and the Sazerac variants so far. And they're top notch and top tier at a decent price. Definitely can compete with the top BA stuff out there. I'm going to grab a can of their B&B (Blanton and Buffalo) too. It's nice for a jaded ticker to still get pleasantly surprised once in a while.
I've had two beers from Suncatcher and I'm already a big fan. Trad pub ales that were both flavorful and sessionable. Making a pilgrimage to their location ASAP. Anyone been? How are the vibes there?
Vibes match the flavor and quality. It's a great place and worth the pilgrimage. It's laid back and effortless. Feels like a neighborhood bar without trying.
Dang, I saw Maplewood post that he was leaving to "start his own thing", so I figured he was opening up his own brewery. That's a solid pickup for Saint Errant.
must have missed that one. Haven’t talked to him much since the Corridor days but he seems like a great dude
I had a pour of the Mom It’s My Birthday! at Mikerphone yesterday and really liked it. A lot of coconut but for a sweeter stout the barrel was prominent which makes it an easy recommend.
I've been continuing to explore Art History's lager lineup. I've come to a conclusion that they might be the absolute top lager producer in the country. Don't think I've had better lagers from anyone else (well, maybe Notch and Bierstatd based on a small sample). And yes, I've also had Enegren, Threes, and Suarez, and some other noteworthy candidates. In the local scene, I would put Goldfinger, Dovetail, and Pipeworks as excellent but not quite pinnacle level of lager brewing. Roaring Table might be up there too, but I've only had a small sample so far. Thoughts? Anybody else out here that should be added to the lager list?
Human Robot has eluded me. Good point on Schilling and I also remembered Jack's Abby. They're definitely at the top of the lager pyramid. I'd rate Schilling over Jack's Abby. And Art History over both. But I'm biased and my sample size is greater for the local stuff.
And though I like Threes, you only have to walk about a block from there to get a giant step up in Wild East. If you're ever in Brooklyn, it's a big treat.
Off Hours has a bunch of the Other Half Anniversary beers on draft or in cans (can buy singles or even drink them onsite)
Not Chicago proper, but Pollyanna makes some killer lagers as well. They don’t specialize in lagers like Dovetail but def make some awesome lagers.
Stoked to try Brothership 6th anniversary beers. Got Orbit, DDH Sauced, and Black Triangle from Beer on the Wall.
