Windy Beer

I know, I know, another business trip.  But this time it was to the Windy City, and I was given a rental car that would allow me to explore some of the best beer bars that are not in walking distance of downtown.  So I was excited, and my co-conspirator Brian was game to let me pick an itinerary (a gutsy and brave concession) for us to explore.  So we got the car and headed straight over to the Hopleaf Bar (http://hopleaf.com/), #24 on Beer Advocate’s list on where to have a beer before you die, and continually listed on Draft magazine’s top 100 bars in America.

Hopleaf is in the process of expanding, taking over a neighboring property.  They specialize in Belgian food, but we were there early and the kitchen didn’t open for a few hours so I will have to come back.  There beer selection was outstanding, mixing up Belgian imports with local specialties.  I started with the Five Rabbit Viva Y Muerte Muerzerbier, a spring marzen from a local brewery that was outstanding, while Brian had the Three Floyds Das Klein Schwatz Einhorn, a black lager from the famous Indiana microbrewery.  But this being a Belgian bar, we both tried something a little bit different.  I had the Dupont Posca Rustica on draft, while Brian got the Barbar Winter Bock.  Local brewing reps were in and out, and the bartender was fantastic, answering our questions and telling about all the beers that they had.  I would have love to stay, but we had places to go and people to meet, so we headed over to Goose Island at Wrigleyville (http://www.gooseisland.com/pages/wrigleyville_brewpub/66.php) for our next course.

Goose Island is one of my favorite breweries, being one of the first places to introduce bourbon barrel aged beers.  I had met the brewer on a previous trip to Chicago (bumped into him and chatted at a beer store), and I was looking forward to checking out their Wrigley location.  The place was quiet, which allowed us to chat with our barmaid about the Chicago beer scene.  I got a flight (2 actually), which included some new offerings for me.  I liked their Sahti and their Green Line (a pale ale only brewed for the Chicago area), as well as their Fleur and Pere Jacques on draft.  Brian and I split their “Goosedillas” and beer pretzels (loved their jalapeño version) to soak up some of the drafts.  I was let down quite a bit when I saw their Bramble Rye and Bourbon Coffee stout bottles on the menu, but found out that they were sold out of these a long time ago (why keep on the menu? Just to piss me off?).  It was a good visit, even if I didn’t get to buy these specialties.

Finally, we headed off for dinner.  Sheffield’s (http://www.sheffieldschicago.com/) was noted in Draft magazine for their regional beers and their bar-b-q.  We were going to meet our group there (only one showed up due to the airlines), and it didn’t require me to move the car at all (bonus).  It was Kalamazoo night, a great microbrewery from Michigan that brews Bell’s beers, and they were offering food specials to match the beers.  I ordered the Bell’s fried chicken, using Bell’s Two Hearted IPA in the batter, with collard greens an red beans with rice.  To drink, I was able to try their Two Hearted IPA on draft AND on cask (awesome).  I also got to try their Cherry Stout on draft.  It was a great dinner and a lot of fun. 

The next day we had our meeting.  We ran late so we grabbed a couple of drafts at Ram’s brewery close to O’hare.  Nothing special, but it was a good trip.  I can’t wait to come back.  5971/11939

“Drinking beer doesn’t make you fat, it makes you lean … against bars, tables, chairs, and poles.” - Anonymous