Chicagoland Lagers (2021)

I know this doesn't actually count, but since Chicago got a shipment of Rothaus's Pils, anyone in the mood for a classic pils should check it out. Based on what I saw on IG, Chris from Beer Temple specifically reached out to try and get their beers here (there's also a Marzen), so anyone interested should show Rothaus we're not just hazy bois around here!

 

Those mini kegs are the same beer that is often in stock at Beer Temple in a six pack, right?

 

Pretty sure, yeah.

Agreed on the price, but I figured I'd show 'em love for shipping us the stuff.

 

Bavarian Lodge tapped a cask of Art History Artoberfest on Saturday afternoon. Really really good

 

Finally got my hands on a Roaring Table beer. Luxuriator is a doppelbock, brewed in collaboration with Black Lung Brewing Co. (who I've heard of but never had a beer from).

This is fantastic. Robust doppelbock flavors (caramel, brown sugar and an earthy finish) but easy to drink & enjoy.

Now that I've tried a lager from them, I really wish I could have tracked down their festbier. Maybe next year!

 

I’ve got a spare can if you’re ever is the west suburbs. I also know it’s going to be a pouring as a guest draft at Afterthought Taproom in the near future

 

Thank you for this. Stopped and had one. Ayinger remains the leader for me, but I appreciated Artoberfest. A bit too toasty for me. I get the same "burnt" flavor from Shiner Bock. I don't dislike it, I just don't drink as many; sort of a built in personal limitation.

 

They still had cans at the brewery last week, if you're in the area.

 

Yea Ayinger is must lighter toast and a bit fruitier. I also love ayinger

 

Interesting observation, and I know just what character you're talking about. I always connect it to over-sparging or a yeast/fermentation byproduct.

 

The Spaceballs-themed, still oddly-spelled Usethe Schwarz from Revolution is a FANTASTIC Schwarzbier.

As a burgeoning dark lager fanatic, this is one of my favorite styles that almost NO ONE in Chicago makes.

Burnt leaves, acorn, brown sugar & faint hop/carbonation bite. Fall in a glass, and easy to drink despite the depth!

Tasty enough that I grabbed a crowler to go.

 

*cough* Metropolitan Magnetron *cough*

 

Pipeworks (Select Schwarbier) and Begyle (Comb The Desert) too...maybe it's not such a rarity in Chicago, but I don't see 'em on shelves very often.

 

I was in Chicago last weekend and really enjoyed Maplewood. Pulaski Pils and Flashes of Light (slow pour) were really good, and I got their kellerbier to go (even though I told my wife that I didn't need to bring any more Chicago beer home). Are they a highly regarded lager brewery in Chicago? I know they had a few IPAs on tap (Juice Pants) as well but those lagers were very tasty to me.

 

They are appreciated but I don’t see them mentioned at the top of any lager lists for Chicago. Maybe they don’t get the credit the deserve. Pulaski Pils is pretty darn good.

 

In my opinion, their kellerbiers (they've done a few to this point, but I assume this is their recipe going forward) have been the best beers they've brewed. They are criminally underrated.

 

I saw a post announcing an imperial Baltic Porter. I’ll be drinking some of those for sure. Hoping it’s as solid as Pipeworks version released last year

 

Surprising no one: Goldfinger Original Lager remains an absolute beast. Last week at my local honey hole I was able to grab some 2 days old, minutes after it was delivered (still cold from the brewery).

That was divine, but having a can tonight tastes just as heavenly.

If I could get this beer fresh weekly, I'm not sure I'd have many IPA's in my fridge anymore.