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.

Events for the week of September 26

There are some great craft beer events happening in Chicago this week. In addition to the Fountainhead event on Tuesday that I mentioned in a previous post, check out these other events coming up:

The Map Room is having its weekly International Night on September 28. This time it is Indonesia. I'm not sure what craft beers will be available, but I'm sure there might be something interesting (even if it is from something larger).

Also on Tuesday is a Founders tasting at Maria's in Bridgeport (formerly Kaplan's). They will be breaking out Founders Nemesis Barley Wine and have a cheese tasting. There will also be free shirts!

Wednesday Goose Island is having a German lager beer academy. $20 gets a lecture about craft beer from Head Pub Brewer John Rouben as well as a sample of 12 to 15 craft beers.

Also on Wednesday is probably the best deal of the week. Half Acre is dumping its Spring and Summer beers to make way for its Autumn and Winter brews. I'm sure space in their warehouse is limited, so we all benefit by going to the Hopleaf for a Half Acre blowout. They will be offering several of their beers and take over the Hopleaf. 10 oz. pours are only $3.50.

Thursday you can go to the Palmer House for Potter's Lounge. The class will take participants on a tasting journey focusing on the brewing process unique to each beer.

Also Thursday, Goose Island is taping a new beer at its Clybourn location. (Not sure what it is, but I'm looking forward to the Madame Rose).

Finally on Thursday, the gorgeous Mrs. Murphy and Sons is having a beer harvest. There will be 80 beers from 30 breweries. I'm not sure how  many will be craft beers, but I'm guessing there will be a more interesting selection than the standard macro fare.

Too many to choose from. Cheers!