Hey there, So I was looking around and realized that not too many Chicago-based brewers do an Amber style. The only ones I can think of are Finch's Fascist Pig and Begyle's Red Bus. Can you guys name any others? (there is Great Lakes Eliot Ness as well, but not Chicago based) I guess the second part of the question is why is this style missing in Chicago? Do you think the style isn't wanted by the average drinker around here? What other semi-common styles are missing and why? Thanks for the help guys!
Fascist Pig is definitely not an amber ale, and it's probably also no longer being made. Amber Ales just kind of fell by the way side in favor of the big new thing.
@amelberth Welcome to BA! You raise an interesting question. First off, Elliot Ness is a vienna style lager not an amber/red ale. So that wouldn't be what you are looking for. As for the Chicago ones - Fascist Pig is definitely still being brewed - its still on shelves in Chicago, its just that Finches sucks and most places don't bother carrying their stuff. Its called a red ale which is essentially the same thing as an amber ale. Along with Blood of the Unicorn, Pipeworks does some one off amber/red ales such as Sam v. Unicorn, but they're only available seasonally. Rev used to have one, Red Skull, but I think its retired or possibly brewery only now. Also their christmas beer - fistmas - is an amber/red ale brewed with spices. I can't think of any others from Chicago off the top of my head. If you like the style, some regional ones you could try would be Bells Amber ale (more traditional) and Brewery Vivant's Big Red Coq (hoppier). As for the second part of your question, yea, I'd hazard a guess that the style doesn't sell all that well. Its just not a "sexy" style. And even for those breweries who do brew amber/reds - like Blood of the Unicorn - they're so hoppy that they've essentially abandoned the style.
