Year 1: Bourbon Casks. Year 2: Port Wine Casks. Goose is the architect of this style and their performance with this lineup is a testament. There’s one less variant than last year and the 2023 release seems much more intentional with more structure than previous vintages. In fact, the most polarizing variant this year, might also be the best one.  You can see Goose Island building on their foundation in an elegant, purposeful way this time around. It’s impressive to see that 31 years after its debut, and nearly 70 Bourbon County variants later, the team is still excited about embracing he ..read more

1128 N 9th St. Milwaukee, WI 53233 Pilot Project Honors Brewing History + Crafts a New Era in Milwaukee.  Water. Hops. Barley. Yeast… and the missing ingredient ….Culture. Radio Milwaukee’s HYFIN spotlights Black and Brown owned breweries. Chicagoans  – Moor’s Brewing Co, Funkytown and Casa Humilde Cerveceria all made an appearance. The fest was a backdrop to celebrate Theodore Mack Sr, the Alabama native founded People’s Brewery in WI, the first Black owned brewery in the nation.  The Mayor of Milwaukee proclaimed this glorious late summer afternoon to be his day. Theodore, asi ..read more

Bourbon County Angel’s Envy 2-Year Cask Finish Stout The greatest stout in American history – Goose Island’s Bourbon County Stout is set to make it’s return this Fall with a tight five-variant lineup focused on extended age releases and a return to the classics.  Bourbon County Brand Angel’s Envy 2-Year Cask Finish Stout is the company’s first time bottling a BCS that was aged in wine casks. As an homage to the source whiskey this variant spent a year in Angel’s Envy bbls before transferring to Ruby Port Wine bbls for another year.  We would argue that Prop 2017 (Bananas Foster BCS ..read more

Sticker Pack! The beauty of DLD is that no one gives a fuck if you don’t like it or if you plan on going. It’s very much an unapolgetic festival for people who get it. We spent a lot of time under the concert tent for Enforced and Municipal Waste. Unlike years past you could walk right up and try any available variant with no resistance. Dark Lord 2023 + Hi-Way Raspberry Diamond Danishes   The bottle share tent and the concert space were just as packed as you remember them. Traffic between those space was noticeably not at full tilt like years past. Variant with the most buzz had to be Ra ..read more

Brewed In Germany Since 1634 Paulaner Brauerei, the brewery itself, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Spring is the season for fresh, seasonal ingredients. We encourage you to take advantage of this celebratory atmosphere with the light and refreshing taste of these beers. Aside from being part of Bavarian culture and regional identity, Paulaner often served at traditional beer gardens and at Oktoberfest celebrations, making it an integral part of the Bavarian beer experience. Paulaner Hefe-Weizen Munich Wheat Beer  Characterized by a balance of fruity and spicy flavors ..read more

Moor’s Brewing Imperial Porter, Chicago, IL A Pair of Black Chefs Join Forces with One Chicago’s few Black Breweries for a Five Course Feast in Fulton Market. The team at the Moor’s Brewing Company has one of the most unique footprints in all of Chicagoland. You can find their portfolio everywhere, the President’s Lounge on 79th St. to the Four Seasons Hotel and all points in between.  Their approachable hop forward styles, refreshing lagers and elegant dark ales have made them a popular choice in bars and restaurants across town. There was no regard for a traditional tasting f ..read more

 486 Pennsylvania Ave. Glen Ellyn, IL The last brewery in this charming, DuPage County village was Glen Ellyn Brewing circa 2011 located 1/2 mile from here.  Two Hound Red Brewing is a project that launch in 2019 and leading the brewery operations is a fella we’ve know for a decade – Steve Worertendyke.  Steve’s a military veteran whose background includes stops at Limestone in Plainfield and Two Brothers Brewing. He was also a member of the Misfits Collective that had eyes on the space that would later become Oswego Brewing. We immediately give him credit for int ..read more

The A Biker Dude Double Classic Smash Burger at Exit Strategy Brewing7700 Madison St. Forest Park, IL It’s hard to explain the phenomenon that is A Biker Dude Smash Burgers. Every weekend he pops up at select suburban breweries and full on fucking frenzy ensues. Some customers follow him from stop to stop like their favorite jam band. Burgers are sold out in a blink.  Folks in attendance today report previous lines forming as early as an hour ahead of orders being placed. We are no stranger to leaving occupied Chicago for an adventure, so we caught up with the crew at the closest location ..read more

Our All Time Favourite Off Color Release – Fox In The Snow You forget how good this place is. Off Color is a brewer’s brewery. It’s where other brewers makes sure they visit when in town. Founded in 2013, John Laffler, Dave Bleitner and the gang are known for its unconventional, innovative approach using unusual ingredients and brewing techniques to create a range of unique and delicious batches. The importance of having a crew like Off Color in Chicago cannot be overstated. In a city known for its love of bold flavors and big personalities, Off Color is a perfect fit. Their commitment to push ..read more

Chicago’s Own, Northman Cider Co. Cider Summit Chicago is the annual two session festival that marks the end of CiderCon Week in Chicago. The 9th annual party included a fruit spirit and cider cocktail pavillion upstairs, while artisan cider makers celebrated pouring 200 ciders to a packed house on the main floor.  The Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier is a stunning example of classical architecture, with its beautiful vaulted ceiling, grand columns, and elegant chandeliers. The building has a rich history, having been originally built as an exhibition hall in 1916, and has since been beautiful ..read more