Any one have any favorites out there? Not the coolest style, but have a friend who loves them. Thanks!
Hailstorm has one that they generally release around this time through St. Patrick's Day - South Side Irish Red. A friend picked it up for a party last year and I was genuinely impressed by it - for the style it was really nice. Church Street has a couple - Crimson Clover Irish Red Ale (seasonal) and Conor McReddor - both were solid. I've always enjoyed Conways from GLBC - not Chicagoland, but certainly regional. I mean, Pipeworks Blood of the Unicorn is also technically one, buts its far more of a "red IPA" than a red ale
Riverlands Hoppy Grinchmas was okay but it needed a little hop bite. Very mellow. Phase Three Brewing Bonfire Feels was okay. Pipeworks Blood of the Unicorn is pretty good. One Trick Pony's Storm Cat was pretty fuckin' tasty. I think Great Lakes Noseratu is a perfect example of that style for me(yes I know it's not brewed in Chicago).
Lake Effect - Arbor Oak Flossmoor Station - Panama Red Half Acre - Ginger Twin One Trick Pony - Storm Cat Begyle - Pancake Junkie Three Floyds - Smash Face Blue Island - Massive Political Corruption Horse Thief Hollow - McCarthy Ale Motor Row - Amber Sunrise *Disclaimer: Amber ales included, and some are definitely retired.
Guys guys guys, how has nobody mentioned the best, and ONLY year round red ale made in Illinois?? Tighthead Scarlet Fire - won gold medal at GABF, year round classic red ale for $8.99.
Not that it helps this you or this thread any, but Pipeworks did a real solid one years ago called Sangremancer. Yeah good called on Scarlet Fire @beardown2489
Here are a few more Irish Reds: Zümbier - SRM x2 Corridor - Burning Beard Buffalo Creek - Burning Red
Two Brothers Cane & Abel is one for me. It’s listed as a Rye Ale, but I find the spicy hoppiness a welcome change. It’s also amber. I also enjoy Lagunitas Lucky 13. Some don’t see them as local, but the bottle I had was 12 days old and I know a guy that works there. That’s local enough for me.
When I was at Old Irving Brewing a week ago, they said their Lucky Linney would be released soon. Last year's version was a very well-done red. Not seeing it on their web site yet.
