Chicagoland Lagers (2022)

100% never heard of them. And they have a Grodziskie on tap?

Shame on me.

 

The Grodziskie is definitely one to try, it's much more balanced than Gizmo Windjammer, which was an intense smoke bomb.

 

Anyone try Pollyanna's Eisbock Lager, 'Jӧtunheimr'? Seems there will be some limited distro next week for those not near any of their locations.

Details from their social media in case anyone is interested in the beer.

 

Delicious and a dangerously hidden abv.

 

Unintended Czech Dark Lager tasting tonight:

Phase Three's P3 Czech-Style Dark Lager >> Maplewood's In The Trees

The Phase Three version was balanced and quite tasty, with notes of medium-roast coffee bean, cream, some bakers chocolate & faint mint.

The Maplewood version finished with an abrasive black licorice note, which dominated an otherwise decent beer.

I'd absolutely have the P3 version again; I'll be passing on Maplewood's next time.

 

Odd because I had the Dovetail Czech Dark Lager next to In Dark Trees and all
i wanted was more of the Maplewood. I didn't get any black licorice in Maplewood's.

 

@Number1Framer -- not sure if you started or completed your mission, but thought I'd report that Roaring Table has 4-packs of their Doppelbock still in stock.

 

Thanks for the tip! Lift off is planned for Saturday. Got a whole circuit planned that should end with a couple pours and some take away at Roaring Table. Any good dinner spot suggestions near Roaring Table?

 

BBQ Productions just north on Rand.
https://www.wegrillitall.com/

BTW -- RT allows carry-in food.

And FWIW -- no Czech beers on tap, but you can get the Helles from the Lukr tap -- that beer is in the Munich groove right now.

 

There's also Consume, which is very close to Roaring Table. They typically have a decent selection of taps as well (and pours of bourbon/whiskey, if you are into that).

 

Can you recommend this place for food? I knew it was there, but have never ventured in.

@Number1Framer -- RT also has some special deals from local vendors on the weekends. Good idea to check their FB page for upcoming events.

Looks like this place: https://www.facebook.com/sernasgrill/ is going to be there this Saturday.

 

Consume is good people. Very nice tap/scotch list made them my absolute go-to local watering hole, the food helps keep me there, even though it's a touch in the too-high-end style for rabble like me. Highly recommend giving them a shot.

 

Man, as a native Lake Zuricher, it pains me to be unable to recommend much in the way of real food 'round here. The above-mentioned BBQ Productions and Consume are solid enough choices, frankly. Hay Chihuahua (across the street from Consume, kiddy-corner from RT's shopping center) does some tasty - if not all that flashy - Mexican fare. Giordano's is down the shopping center, if you dig some deep dish. The Hungry Mule, also down the strip, is alright for some burger-y fare.

 

My goodness, the Eisbock from Pollyanna is my beer of the year so far (It's only February!) It is 10% abv and tastes like a creamy Doppelbock. I know it sold out almost immediately at Roselle but I'll be going back for some crowlers. The story behind how they made it is incredible.

 

You evil SOBs!

There's no way I can swing it all in one day so now I'm having a big sad about this. I will however be at the Central Waters barleywine thing that morning and my DMs are wide open...

 

Hmm…not loving the P3 Czech Dark Lager. Someone upthread described it as “too hoppy” and that’s how I feel about it too (mostly in how it finishes). That said, it’s a decent enough beer and I’ll have no problem finishing the 4-pack, but it doesn’t hold a candle to Wenceslas.

 

@Number1Framer -- how's the excursion going?