Chicago breweries that don’t need their own thread (2026)

Discussion in 'Great Lakes' started by CityManOli, Jan 15, 2026.

  1. CityManOli

    CityManOli Crusader (422) Oct 16, 2019 Illinois
    Trader

    Happy to bring this back!
     
  2. CityManOli

    CityManOli Crusader (422) Oct 16, 2019 Illinois
    Trader

    A question I don’t know the answer to. Why does Werk Force always throw lactose in their BA stouts? It definitely helps with sweetness, but even their big unadjuncted beers always get some lactose.

    I can’t stand lactose, and it can’t stand me
     
    #2 CityManOli, Jan 15, 2026
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2026
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  3. BeerPrince22

    BeerPrince22 Pundit (805) Feb 21, 2016 Illinois
    Trader

    Where is this stated?
     
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  4. CityManOli

    CityManOli Crusader (422) Oct 16, 2019 Illinois
    Trader

    it’s on the label of most sleepy bears. For example, the one coming out, coffee rye, has lactose in it.
     
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  5. CityManOli

    CityManOli Crusader (422) Oct 16, 2019 Illinois
    Trader

    A second example, the unadjuncted DB Sleepy Bear from 21 and the FOBAB gold medal winning DB from 22 also had lactose in it.

    To their credit, they’re upfront about it, and that is appreciated.
     
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  6. audis4gasm

    audis4gasm Crusader (451) Oct 19, 2017 Illinois

    It adds body and helps stand up to the barrel. Oak can destroy a dry beer. I know it's tough for some people though, some breweries use Maltodextrin in its stead, maybe WF should too.

    Not the greatest solution, but have you tried using Lactaid?
     
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  7. CityManOli

    CityManOli Crusader (422) Oct 16, 2019 Illinois
    Trader

    That is interesting! I always wondered. Thank you for the advice.

    I have not. I tend to stay away, which is a bummer because I do miss some nice beers.
     
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  8. thewimperoo

    thewimperoo Maven (1,358) Oct 1, 2006 Illinois
    Trader

  9. aussiebeer

    aussiebeer Savant (1,209) Oct 23, 2013 Illinois

    Alarmist closing Feb 1st....... bugger
     
  10. HouseofWortship

    HouseofWortship Pooh-Bah (2,735) May 3, 2016 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

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  11. cryptichead

    cryptichead Grand Pooh-Bah (4,857) Jul 3, 2014 Illinois
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    A couple of random news:

    1. Supermoon Beer Company out of Wisconsin will start self-distributing in IL soon. Kick-off release at the Beer Temple this weekend.

    2. The White Hag out of Ireland will start distributing to IL (or rather I think contract brewing through the Pilot Project)

    Don't know anything about either of these breweries but the more the merrier and will try 'em if I see 'em.
     
  12. thewimperoo

    thewimperoo Maven (1,358) Oct 1, 2006 Illinois
    Trader

    Supermoon is great. Belgian beer focused brewery with a lot of excellent saisons. They're a must stop for me everytime I go to Wisconsin.
     
  13. MilwaukeeBeerMaker

    MilwaukeeBeerMaker Pooh-Bah (1,792) Jun 30, 2014 Wisconsin
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Could not agree more. Despite the numerous options for breweries in Wisconsin, when I decide to hit up a brewery, I usually end up there. They run a great Society with excellent beers made for the Society. IMHO, best brewery in Milwaukee.
     
  14. MilwaukeeBeerMaker

    MilwaukeeBeerMaker Pooh-Bah (1,792) Jun 30, 2014 Wisconsin
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I meant Milwaukee, not Wisconsin but I can still stand by that. Why drive hour(s) away to some brewery I kinda like when there is a world class brewery 15 minutes from my door? Always would be happy to meet fellow BA members there for a pint or two.
     
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  15. Jaycase

    Jaycase Grand Pooh-Bah (3,858) Jan 13, 2007 Illinois
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

  16. canti-yawn

    canti-yawn Aspirant (209) Nov 28, 2023 Illinois

    I almost get excited about these coupons until I realize they're actually closer to a "3% off listed price", due to taxes, coupon.
    It ain't nuthin' but it ain't enough for me to get my TaunTaun outta the garage here on Hoth. DORK!
     
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  17. keilerdunkel

    keilerdunkel Savant (1,014) Apr 8, 2004 Illinois
    Trader

    you’d pay more taxes without the coupon….:wink:

    but, Hoth… I know what you’re saying…
     
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  18. ColdOne

    ColdOne Maven (1,346) Jan 19, 2013 New York
    Trader

    Thanks. I felt like a king today when I remembered at the register. Returning to NY with $11 4-packs of Goldfinger and Art History? King, I say.
     
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  19. Nbrock24

    Nbrock24 Pooh-Bah (1,770) Mar 11, 2016 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I didn’t know until today that head brewer Roger (formerly of Corridor) has left Maplewood for Saint Errant. No idea when that happened but it popped up in my feed today regarding a collab with someone
     
  20. canti-yawn

    canti-yawn Aspirant (209) Nov 28, 2023 Illinois

    Roger, Roger.
    What's our vector, Victor?
    Selling Temperance's old equipment on clearance two years from now, Clarence.
     
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