Explosion of Breweries in Chicago

Whoa, I've had no idea that so many breweries are coming to Chicago. Even though I've read that some breweries are closing around the country, it seems that Chicago is continuing its expansion. Most of the breweries look like they are extremely local with many asking for donations to get their operations off the ground. This might suggest that people are earnest in their endeavor, but maybe don't have the financial backing; like taking a hobby and trying to make a go of it. Will this lead to a saturation of the Chicago market? Probably not. Of course, those with better brewing and business skills will survive, but I don't think any will close because of a market tipping point. Compared to other markets, Chicago still has a long way to go to catch up in terms of local breweries to population. Plus, with the decline of macro beers and the changing tastes there is a large market in the city still up for grabs. (An interesting side note is that the first rice brewery from Korea is going to setup shop in Chicago.)

What might be a trend to look for is what Last Bay Beer is doing. The people at Last Bay are trying a nanobrewery concept where they brew beer off-site and then have a small tasting room that serves growlers. This greatly reduces the brewery's footprint while allowing them to slowly expand. It's a way to start with the beer and get it directly into people's hands without the hassle of running a pub. It's probably most similar to Half Acre's approach.

Here are links to some of the new breweries. Enjoy!

https://www.facebook.com/arcadebrewery

http://4pawsbrewing.com/our-beer/

https://www.facebook.com/spitefulbrewing

http://lastbaybeer.blogspot.com/

http://www.lowdive.com/

http://broadshouldersbrewing.com/brewery/index.html

http://www.newchicagobeer.com/about/

New Exciting Brewing News

Even though I just heard about a new brewery going in off Ravenswood in the Lincoln Square/Northcenter area, I get wind of another new brewery opening in Motor Row. This is the same place that some people have called to make a music destination with hotels and clubs. Broad Shoulders Brewing looks to be coming this summer. I am for one excited about this because I love the south loop area and it's great to see some of these types of places filter down from the north side. The brewery will be using an existing building, which helps to preserve the local character of the area and Chicago. It'll also be playing up to the convention crowd. This should give tourists a better idea of the unique style that Chicago has to offer. It looks like Broad Shoulders will specialize in lagers, but have one-offs for probably more creative outlets.

It's the end of January in 2012 and the Winter Brew Festival at DANKhaus is sold out. Yep. Have to go to Craigslist to get tickets. With festivals like this selling out, it shows that there still isn't enough supply to meet demand for craft beer in Chicago. If you can't get into this, check out this list of upcoming beer events (I'm angling to get to the Night of Living Ales).

Just to note: sales of macro swill beer continue to decline. Perhaps the American pallet is waking up.

Haymarket Pub: The First Visit

It's been sometime since I have posted last, so I thought it'd be a great way to start the new year by hitting up one of Chicago's notable breweries: Haymarket Pub.

While there, I enjoyed the Allocution, Angrier Birds and Defender beers. That's why I'm conflicted about the place. Let's start at the beginning.

I was doing an assignment to write about an art gallery a few blocks away. It was a warm January day, even by Chicago standards. As I walked down Washington, I noticed that there was a sign for a brewpub and restaurant. I made a mental note of it and decided to stop by and check it out on my way back. As I made it down the street I discovered with great joy that it was the Haymarket. I was joyed at the prospect of going to a brewpub in Chicago I haven't been to. Plus, most brewpubs are chill places to relax, have some good conversation and a good beer. I couldn't have been more wrong about Haymarket.

Maybe it's the location, who knows, but the first thing I noticed were the TVs. There seemed to be hundreds of them. From every direction there was an assault of blue-tinted flashes of light. I also immediately noticed the front of store podium with obligatory "Please Wait to Be Seated" sign. Thoughts of entering an independent cool brewpub was suddenly dashed by the fact I was standing in some upscale Appleby's. I was disappointed.

The initial service wasn't much better. With all of the trixies, hipsters and scenester girls running around and the too-hard trying bartenders, you think it'd be faster to get served, but sadly that wasn't the case. I took a seat at the bar, and it wasn't until some younger kid started working that there was any real service. The place seemed more geared toward tourists and suburbanites. There was vague douche written all over everything.

OK, I think I'm being too harsh. The place had a nice look, a bit too overdesigned and the TVs were a distraction, but the beer was good. That's something, isn't it? Maybe being in the area necessitates catering to tourists. Who knows? I'll go back during lunch to try some beers maybe nibble on something, but it's hardly a destination. With luck, maybe we'll get Haymarket in bottles or cans to avoid the whole thing together.

Recent Happenings

There has been a lot of great beer stuff happening around the city. Yesterday I was in Andersonville at an Irish restaurant/pub. The place itself was gorgeous: a library, lots of wood paneling, not too many televisions. It was mid afternoon, but the overall atmosphere was great. What I particularly enjoyed was the craft beer menu. I've noticed this more and more at places, especially around the north side of the city. There was an ample selection of craft beer, and I don't believe a macro brew was even served. It's hard to imagine that in a few short years such extensive beer lists would become common. I recently dined at Fork in Lincoln Square (which has a great burger and summer salad) and it was the same thing. An extensive beer list. Now, a lot of the beers won't be rare or hard to find, but they do fit the bill and offer more selection to pair with a mood, meal or atmosphere. It was a cool late summer day, and my wife and I sat outside. I ordered a Scottish ale, which paired nicely with the crisp weather.

Some other Andersonville news: the Hopleaf is having a dinner Tuesday with the Ancient Ales of Dogfish Head. There will be a variety of beers paired with food. The idea is simple: find old recipes for beers and give them a whirl. It's given Dogfish Head some remarkable beers. Tickets are $75.

Also, you might want to get in on this: Hopleaf is holding a raffle for a five-year vertical of Dark Lord. I haven't had this stuff in years, but it is great. I actually had the fortunate pleasure of being at the first-ever Dark Lord premiere. It was like melted ice cream and there were only about a dozen of us. It certainly has grown over the years. Anyway, you can go to Hopleaf and for $20 get in the raffle. It benefits Kegs for Kids.

Side note: City Provisions on Wilson is going start brewing special beers. You can read more about it at Chicagoist.

MillerCoors Sales Decline

According to bizjournals.com, MillerCoors sales have declined for its crap macro brew section. Now, MillerCoors isn't a craft brewer, but it is based in Chicago. The company's sales for its "craft" beer section increased by double digits. All of its premium and subpremium sections declined. MillerCoors is trying to blame this on the economy, but it looks like there is fundamental shift in drinking habits. I hope this is more writing on the wall for these anti-competitive companies such as MillerCoors. Keep supporting your local beer!

Be Your Own Brewmaster

I saw this place when I was at the Ribfest over the summer, and even though I don't have the space for my own home brewing setup, I was nonetheless completely stoked about the idea of buying a house and setting up my own brewing masterpiece. The Brew Camp store is sort of like a general store for home brewing. Not only do they have all your material goods (e.g., malts, etc.), but they also have knowledgeable people to get novices off the ground. If you're like me, you'll need the help. It's great to see the craft beer movement in Chicago moving from microbrews to people making their own beer. (See the Square Kegs post earlier.) You can read more about Brew Camp at the Center Square Journal.

Make Your Own Beer and Brats

Brewer & Winemaker Supply out of south Chicago is hosting a make your beer and brat even June 25 at noon at the Marriott downtown. It looks like it'll be a lunch and learn, which is an informal gathering to discuss the techniques of making your own beer and brats. Now, I'm sure that making your own beer at home is not too difficult, but making your own brats? Stuffed casings of meat? It'd be interesting enough just to see what they are talking about.

You can find the event at the Brewer & Winemaker Supply's website.