This brewery doesn't seem to be on anybody's radar: http://chainolakesbrewing.com/ The location--inside the former McHenry Brewery building--sounds cool, and today is their grand opening so I can finally try their small batch beers. Anybody else heading over there?
Have not heard about this, looks like I'm only 15 min away -- might have to convince the wife to make a trip up there later.. Thanks for the heads up!
Dig this! A mile away at 4145 w. Orleans St. in McHeny also, is the fledgling My Three Sons Brewing, in a small strip mall. Gotta get up there and check both breweries out.
Seems they are a cash only operation right now, so keep that in mind. I plan on trying all their offerings, and will report back....these guys seem really excited about what they are doing, so let's hope the beer is good.
They were out of their beers by 2:45. They did however have firestone walker double jack when I arrived.
They are brewing on a small system, so while it was a shame they ran out of their beers, I can't say I'm too surprised. Better planning next time, let's hope. They put on DFH Aprihop, ST Afterburner, Tighthead Comfortably Blonde and FW Double Jack afterward. Maybe more, but we took off and hit Mackey's once we realized we weren't going to be able to try anymore of COL's beer. That being said, we got to sample all but the Scotch ale. The ESB was spot on: crisp, sweet, malty and smooth. The Prairie pale ale and COL's IPA, however, were less than satisfying. They both had a slightly metallic taste and I couldn't tell if they were supposed to be representative of a more "English", malt-forward take on the styles, or if they just haven't dialed in their recipes yet. They weren't bad, but I wouldn't pick them again as they are now. Still, they are brand new, the taproom is welcoming and the location is prime. I'm hoping for improvements in the beer and am willing to give them time to come into their own. Here's hoping they succeed.
