Chicago breweries that don’t need their own thread (2023)

From their Instagram:
Noonwhistlebrewing
Embrace the Unexpected! Sip on Hidden Alley Malort Shots, the Malort Infused with Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing! You'll either hate it or you'll really hate it.

Prepare for an intriguing journey of flavors that will defy all expectations! Our Lombard Brewpub proudly presents Hidden Alley Malort Shots, a one-of-a-kind creation that combines the iconic bitterness of Malort with the creamy, herby goodness of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing.

Ranch Reinvented: Hidden Alley Malort Shots are a delightful paradox, offering a bold fusion of bold bitterness and creamy ranch flavor. It's an experience that's both tantalizing and unexpected.

Cool Ranch Delight: Take your shot adventure to the next level with a cool ranch Doritos rim, adding an extra layer of savory satisfaction to each sip.

Crafted for the Curious: Whether you're a Malort maverick or a daring flavor explorer, our Hidden Alley Shots promise a unique and unforgettable tasting experience.

Join us at the Lombard Brewpub, where we're rewriting the rules of flavor with every shot. Cheers to Hidden Alley, cool ranch rims, and the spirit of culinary creativity! #HiddenAlleyMalort#UnexpectedFlavors #FlavorAdventure#DoritosRimmedShots

 

CH has a great PR rep and sales staff. This might actually make Ranch dressing palatable.

 

The adjunct free Personal Chain Letter, top left, is fantastic.

The Italian Pilsner to its right, is better without the champagne flavor. Orange booze is prominent in the Occular. Sinister Soul is good even with the Pumpkin Spice. And the Oatmeal Cookie PSL(#4) doesn't suck either. Quite the undertaking even if the variants are only a sixtel each. These are only today's variants. 16 total released this weekend.

 

I was right. Malort is as objectionable to me as ranch dressing, however on smoked wings, they work well together.

 

“October 10, 2023
Dear diary,
I have moved the family into the bomb shelter as the final sign of the apocalypse is upon us. Today ranch dressing shifted from a condiment
to a beverage…”

 

I have begun digging.
They do sell the mix as a shot and it is thin, so I had to pour out some dressing to fill that container with the Malort/ranch shot to decrease the viscosity of the dressing. The combination didn't suck. I would have neither alone, but together they work. The wings are smoked, so that helped too.

 

May God have mercy on your soul.

 

In the name of the sour cream, and the wormwood, and the holy smoke. Amen

 

Fellow amburana fans, Maplewood apparently has an amber conditioned on it, called Amberana. Probably going to be a good showcase of the wood. I hope to get over there soon to try it.

 

It wasn't for me. I got a whole lotta suntan lotion notes...

 

No coconut addition. It just seemed like someone squeezed some suntan lotion in that mf'er.

#trashpalate

 

If you are tasting suntan lotion on wood you have to spend less time here: https://twitter.com/ChiAlderwoman/status/1698707598235554187

 

lol wut?

https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2023/09/19/t2-capital-files-12m-on-great-central-brewing-owners/

 

It’s almost like the double digit growth numbers the brewing industry saw circa 2016 didn’t continue. Weird.

 

They lost a significant contract with Old Irving buying the Finch plant. They are now making a lot of beyond beer malt products.

They are solid brewers, I hope they can make it work or sell the space to someone who can. I’ll try to stop by Friday if I end up going to the GI Block Party.

 

I have to assume Maplewood is next to go, right? And then that'll be most of their business. Great people, the German stuff is good, nice space. A bummer for sure.