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Over the past three months I have checked this site on a weekly basis expecting to find something worth reading. After three months I have now realized that blogs don't write themselves. It also took me three months to realize that "borrowing" beer glasses from restaurants is way easier than buying them. That's neither here nor there. But seriously, I do not condone said action unless the restaurant is asking for it...or the beer glass is asking for it...or the restaurant is really asking for it. Wink.
What better time to get back into the swing of things than American Craft Beer Week. This year American Craft Beer Week is May 17-23. If you are not familiar with ACBW then let me learn you something. In 2006 American Craft Beer Week was created to generate awareness for the role small and independent brewers play on a local, regional, and national level. From economic contributions, such as providing jobs in local markets, and sponsoring charity/benefit events, to resurrecting a rich brewing culture not seen in the United States since before Prohibition, these brewers deserve at least one week of recognition for their tasty efforts.
Celebrate this week by gathering friends for a pint at your local brew pub, even if it's just once. Visit your local bottle shop and pick out a six pack from a regional brewer. Select something you've never tried before, if you don't like it, well, just send it my way because me drink beer.
In honor of American Craft Beer Week I have been enjoying the efforts of some incredible breweries right here in the northern Illinois region: New Glarus Brewing Co. of southern Wisconsin, and Half Acre Beer Co. and Goose Island Beer Co. of Chicago, Illinois.
8.7% abv | 12 oz. bottle
Traditional Saisons are farmhouse ales brewed in southern Belgium, gold to amber in color, slightly acidic, fruity, peppery, finish crisp and dry, and generally pair excellent with food. The term Imperial designates a higher alcohol level from that of the original style.
A few times a year New Glarus brew-master Dan Carey cuts loose and brews some crazy drink so he can put his face on the bottle. Labeled as the Unplugged series, these brews are only available in very limited batches and usually never repeated.
Pouring copper-orange with billowy foam, Imperial Saison immediately distinguishes itself from other saisons with its complex aroma of sweet apricot and peach mixed with spicy yeast - one of the most enticing aromas of any other beer. Up front, acidic and citrus notes blend into added spice from the addition of Grains of Paradise. Most saisons finish very dry, however, the smooth sweetness of apricot gives this beer an added dimension that lingers on the palate, kind of like how Dan Carey's wicked-thick mustache lends added dimension to the label (go ahead, click on the picture).
Goose Island Pepe Nero - Black Saison
6% abv | 12 oz. on draft
Pepe Nero is a limited spring release once only found at Goose Island's North and Clybourn brew pub location, but has since filtered out to a few bars and restaurants in the greater Chicago area.
Goose Island's interpretation completely shatters the rules of what a saison should be. The addition of dark malts elevates this saison to a whole new level lending a chocolate-brown hue, cream-colored foam, a full-bodied, creamy texture, and roasty aroma. Tartness up front from the yeast, and a hint of black peppercorn spicing in the middle remind you that you are still drinking a saison. Flavors of caramel and roasted malt linger alongside a moderately dry finish.
Live in Rockford? Head over to The Olympic Tavern and grab a glass before it runs out.
5.2 % abv | 22 oz. bomber bottle
Up until a few years ago Goose Island defined Chicago craft brewing. For the better part of the last four years, Half Acre Beer Company has spearheaded the resurgence of craft brewing in Chicago alongside the likes of Metropolitan Brewing and the more recent Revolution Brewing.
Daisy Cutter is Half Acre's rendition of a classic American Pale Ale. The beer pours a deep gold with a white, fluffy head that remains well intact until the last sip. Daisy Cutter lives up to its names with the pungent aroma of fresh cut flowers and grass. Cascade hops really shine through with the scent of fresh-cut grapefruit, a classic component of an American Pale Ale.
Like the aroma, Daisy Cutter tastes predominantly of fresh, citrusy hops. A hint of toasted malt in the center helps to tone down some bitterness, but the beer ultimately finishes with a refreshing crisp, hoppy bitterness.
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That's it kids. With American Craft Beer Week coming to end on Sunday night, there is still time to celebrate small and independent brewers. Even if you don't get out this weekend, there are 51 other weeks in the year to enjoy fresh, quality, flavorful brews. I want to see you out there.
Visit American Craft Beer Week
Me Drink Beer.
