ABV Chicago Craft Beer Podcast (general)

A decade-and-a-half ago, West Coast DIPAs were changing the craft beer curious into full-on obsessives, and breweries were in an IBU arms race to melt faces with hop bitterness. Recently, now that some of the haze has settled, breweries are returning to the aggressive style again - with some bringing newer juicy hop varietals to the mix, while others attempt to throw it back to the classics. For this episode, we enthusiastically drink through five locally made West Coast Double IPAs and can’t really agree on anything other than the beers taste too dang good. Also, Craig’s hyped about the features of his new chair, Ryan swears he did his research, and we put a few hops into the Hop Hall of Fame. 

West Coast-style DIPAs Reviewed

Pollyanna Brewing Company - Beads on a String

Maplewood Brewing Company - Sidewalk Surfer

Miskatonic Brewing Company - West Coast Warlock

Midwest Coast Brewing Co. - Vertical Canine

Old Irving Brewing Co. - Chaos Weaver

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_527_Local_West_Coast_DIPAs.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

The city of Asheville may not even be in the top ten most-populated cities in North Carolina, but it might be the state’s capital for breweries. Thanks to the generosity of listeners Benji and Suzanne, we drink five beers from Asheville (and the surrounding area) that represent a wide amount of styles - and Craig is absolutely giddy about a secret Chicagoland connection to one. Also, Craig has found a secret bag that is oddly fortuitous; Ryan’s taking a week off to put on bread weight; and we’d like a spritz of that Red Vine Perfume, please. 

Beers Reviewed

Hillman Beer - Old Fort Original (American Lager)

Zillicoah Beer Company - Bo Pils (Open-fermented Czech-style Pilsner)

Cellarest Beer Project - Marakio (India Pale Lager fermented in a cherrywood foedre)

Burial Beer Co. (w/ Cloudwater Brew Co.) - A Compilation of Sporadic Contemplations From Minds Unraveled (Imperial stout w/ toasted coconut, fresh orange zest, and cocoa butter)

Whistle Hop Brewing Company - Ilaria (Mezcal barrel-aged smoked peach Lichtenhainer)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_526_Asheville.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

The Baltic Porter is making some more regular appearances in breweries’ seasonal lineups, so we find five local examples of the robust lager style to sample for this episode. We also ponder the benefits and drawbacks of barrel-aging this particular style, throw around the word “creamy” a lot, and admit we don’t always want the slow pour. Plus, Craig becomes Greg, Ryan keeps trolling the Young Sheldon podcast, and one brewery has made us almost entirely forget about a ska band.

 

Beers Reviewed

 

Old Irving Brewing Co. - Ursa Major

Goldfinger Brewing Company - Baltic Porter

Phase Three Brewing - Baltic Porter

Black Horizon Brewing Company - Forgotten Tomb (Bourbon barrel-aged Baltic Porter)

Imperial Oak Brewing - Bourbon Barrel-Aged Ragnarok

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_525_Baltic_Local.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:37am CDT

It’s been over a decade since Craig and Ryan have been out to beautiful San Diego, and thanks to listener Dave Adams, the podcast gets a lovely flavor vacation with beers from five of the city’s breweries. The lineup is stylistically diverse, the rankings deviate in the middle, and at least one beer surprises at every step. Also, there’s a lukewarm take on POGs from our youth; one brewer profile is seemingly inviting potential suitors; hop kief gets its introduction; and the path from Flavor Utopia is followed to meet Smokey Robinson at ‘Gasmville. 

Beers Reviewed

Burgeon Beer Company - Invita (Mexican-Style Lager)

Seek Beer Co. - Scenic Route (Strawberry & Banana Fruited Sour)

Ketch Brewing - Celestial Navigation (San Diego-Style IPA)
Pure Project Brewing - River Queen (Murky Triple IPA)

White Labs Brewing Co. - Frankenstout WLP096 Frankenyeast Blend (American Stout)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_524_San_Diego.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Sometimes you want a stout that’s not sweet, adjunct-free, and stripped down to just the base style interpretation, and we were so excited to find five readily-available local examples. (No barrels, coconuts, vanilla beans, or cacao nibs were harmed in the making of this episode.) In addition to our straight stout sippin’, we marvel at Dog Surfing Championships, discover that The Alley is still around, and speculate that one brewery must’ve put a chip in Ryan’s brain.

Beers Reviewed

Roaring Table Brewing - Baby You Don’t Know (Oat Stout)

Revolution Brewing Company - Repo Man (Rye Stout)

Half Acre Beer Company - Original Reaper (American Stout)

Mikerphone Brewing - Symphonic Stout (American Stout)

Hailstorm Brewing Co. - The Malt Slayer (Russian Imperial Stout)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_523_Stout_Me_Up.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Donning our heavenly jackets for this one, we drink the final set of Revolution’s Deep Wood lineup for the 2023-2024 season. Three ‘wines and a stout make up this unsurprisingly spectacular four pack, and even through all of our nit-picking we can’t deny who is making the best barrel-aged beers in the city and state. Plus, we’re doing our part to stop the TV game show idea shortage; Craig shares his Deep Wood release party recaps (with some glaring consequences); and Ryan gets to test out his Doug Veliky impression. 

Deep Wood 2023-2024 Beers Reviewed

Straight Jacket (Bourbon barrel-aged barleywine)

Ryeway to Heaven (Ryewine aged in bourbon and rye barrels)

V.S.O.R. Select (Ryewine aged in bourbon and rye barrels)

On & On Part 3 [collaboration w/ Half Acre Beer Co.] (Blended double barrel-aged stout)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_522_DW_On_Heavenly_Jacket.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Our 34th state show is just as sweet as it is sour, as we tackle five beers from South Carolina courtesy of listeners Benji & Suzanne. Even though it’s a bit heavy on the tart beers, we learn about five breweries that represent a pretty good cross section of the South Carolina brewing scene. Also, Craig needs to bail someone out of the hellscape that is a community Facebook group, Ryan has stern words of warning about ranch delivery methods, and we’re attempting to flex our marketing muscles again. 

Beers Reviewed

Munkle Brewing Co. [Charleston,SC] - Saison

Holy City Brewing [North Charleston, SC] - Sparkly Princess (Sour IPA)

Westbrook Brewing Co. [Mt. Pleasant, SC] - Ranch Water Gose (Gose aged in tequila barrels w/ lime & salt)

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company [Charleston, SC] - Sour Mango Papaya (Sour ale w/ mango & papaya)

Ghost Monkey Brewery [Mt. Pleasant, SC] - Jojo Coffee Stout

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_521_The_SC_Show.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Ever since January 22nd of 2014, the ABV Chicago podcast has released a new episode every single week - and nobody could be more stunned about this fact than us. To commemorate a decade of arbitrary beer reviews, brewer interviews, and tipsy shenanigans, we open ten beers from ten breweries that all also got their start in 2014. The twist is that Craig and Ryan both present their five beers to the other as a blind tasting, forcing some surprising brewery, style, and “secret theme” guesses. Also, we spend a little time on memory lane, rank some celebrity hunks, and do what we do best: talk about candy, mostly. Thanks for checking us out at any point over these ten years, and expect a lot more to come because we literally don’t know how to stop doing this podcast.

Beers Reviewed, In Half-Blind Order

Middle Brow Beer Co. - Yard Work (Kölsch)

Illuminated Brew Works - Clurichaun Trap (Session Stout)

Imperial Oak Brewing - Roundabout (Pale Ale)

Werk Force Brewing Company - Really Decent (Light Lager)

Penrose Brewing Company - Day Off IPA

Sketchbook Brewing Co. - Amistosa (Mexican-Style Lager)

Marz Community Brewing Co. - Boogie Nights (Dark Wheat Ale)

Pollyanna Brewing Company - In the Cards (Hazy American Pale Ale)

Maplewood Brewing Company - Barrel-Aged Cuppa Stuffff (Imperial Stout aged in bourbon & whiskey barrels w/ vanilla beans, cacao nibs, and coffee)

Noon Whistle Brewing - Good Piebrations: Banana Cream Pie (Hefeweizen w/ bananas & vanilla beans)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_520_10_Beers_10_Years.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

It’s been almost three years since the announcement that Hop Butcher for the World would be taking over the original Half Acre brewery space, and it’s been a year since the rebranded taproom opened. So we take time to sit down with co-founder and co-owner Jude La Rose for a long chat about the present and future of his brewery that was recently named Craft Beer & Brewing magazine’s top Small Regional brewery in the country. We dive into formulating recipes, developing a lager program, releasing periodic barrel-aged stouts, and giving a defined purpose to every hazy beer they release. We also reminisce about the early days and what it means to take over such a legendary Chicago beer location. In addition, we also review four Hop Butcher beers of different styles, get curious about that kief, and somehow fall into old sitcoms. All that and a shout out to the late Stas Bulanda. #BringBackFirkinFridays

(Hit the GoFundMe for Nick Segura if you can help in any way.)

Jude La Rose interview (00:07:34 - 0:1:18:56)

Beers Reviewed

The Origins of Polka (Saaz-hopped Czech-style Pilsner)

Symbols of Math (Vic Secret, Sabro, and Simcoe-hopped [clear] Double IPA)

The Adventures of Strata and Peacharine (Strata and Peacharine-hopped [hazy] Double IPA)

Lincoln Anniversary Stout (Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_519_Hop_Butcher_Taproom_Edition.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

You don’t turn to us for advice on a balanced breakfast, but we’re happy to spoon up five cereal-inspired beers so good that even Mikey likes it. Through clever use of ingredients (or just throwing the cereal right in the beer), these beers really test the nostalgia influence of sitting a foot from the TV in our PJs while watching Captain N: The Game Master. Also, we consider all the different ways to attack the mat, share our own cereal biases, establish our independence through Cocoa Puffs, and endorse Malt-O-Meal above all. I’d say this episode is pretty gr-r-r-eat!!!

Beers Reviewed

WeldWerks Brewing Co. - Bamm Bamm Rubble Rubble: Watermelon (Sour ale w/ fruity rice cereal, watermelon, milk sugar, vanilla, & marshmallow)

Tripping Animals Brewing Co. - YABADABADU (Sour ale w/ orange, lemon, cherry, tangerine, vanilla, F**ty P*bbles, and milk sugar)

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company Cereal For Dinner (Blonde ale w/ vanilla bean, toasted coconut, toasted almonds, and lactose)

Artesia Brewing - FrankenStan (Sour ale w/ strawberries, marshmallow, and honey)

Old Irving Brewing Co. - Cinnamon Prost (White stout w/ Saigon cinnamon, Tahitian vanilla bean, and milk sugar)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_518_Cereal_Beers.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

We fetch another round of barrel-aged beers for this episode, but with a twist: all four beers are aged in different kinds of brandy barrels. We explore the world of sweet brandy barrels and how they work on different styles, and we are totally surprised by our takeaways. Also, we talk mixed drinks, New Year sugar fears, John Entwistle, cooked malt, surprising personal revelations, and Jolly Rancher complaints. (Such a fine barrel.)

Beers Reviewed

Third Space Brewing - Wisconsinator (Doppelbock aged in Wollersheim Distillery brandy barrels)

Central Waters Brewing Company - Peach Brandy & Maple Barrel-aged Barleywine (English-style barleywine with honey aged in peach brandy barrels & Bliss maple syrup barrels)

Maplewood Brewing Company - Black Seed (Wheated stout aged in apple brandy barrels)

Half Acre Beer Co. - Cherry Brandy Benthic 2022 (Cherry brandy barrel-aged stout with coconut and vanilla)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_517_Brandy_A_Fine_Barrel.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Recorded on Black Friday (and previously released a month ago for our Patreon subscribers), this episode is our return to the Bourbon County lineup - after managing to get ourselves uninvited from the Goose Island media tastings. Luckily, we have our own beer sherpa in Beer on the Wall owner Ryan Tracy as he joins us to sip through all six beers in the back of his Elmhurst tasting room. Also, we measure the tasting against seeing the third Trolls movie in theaters, make plans to eat some rice cakes and drink some Dr. Fongs, try to eat everything at the fancy restaurant, shout out our special tube guy, and identify which store is actually ruining the BCBS release. In terms of beer rankings, two reviewers reach a consensus, and one is way out in left adjunct field. It’s a fun one, folks.

BCBS Beers Reviewed

Bourbon County Brand Stout 2023

Bourbon County Brand Eagle Rare 2-Year Reserve Stout

Bourbon County Brand Angel’s Envy 2-Year Cask Finish Stout

Bourbon County Brand Backyard Stout

Bourbon County Brand Bananas Foster Stout

Bourbon County Brand Proprietor’s Stout 2023

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_516_BCBS_2023.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

In what is likely our most decadent Barrel-Aged December™ episode yet, we sample four enormous stouts from WeldWerks’ Medianoche series that are as complex as they are thick (or thicc, as the kids say). Co-founder Neil Fisher gave us some mic time back during GABF that is shared here, and he helps us understand how his Greeley, Colorado brewery’s signature stout series differs from others. Also, Craig gets some much-needed Cronch validation, Ryan’s taking a trip down Peanut Butter Memory Lane, and I fear we veer towards Font Arguments Podcast again. 

Beers Reviewed

Medianoche 2023 (Bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout)

Peanut Butter Cup Medianoche (Bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout w/ cacao nibs, peanut flour, and peanut butter cups)

Tropical Medianoche (Bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout w/ bananas, coconut cream, and pineapple)

Medianoche: Amburana Vanilla Luar (Imperial stout aged in bourbon and Amburana barrels w/ vanilla)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_515_Weldwerks_Medianoches.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

There’s no escaping Deth, so we gather up four of the barrel-aged Revolution stouts from this year’s Deep Wood lineup and drink with reckless abandon. It’s no shocker that Revolution is still running the best barrel program in the city, but even with the bar raised as high as it is, the beers on the show clear it with ease. Even one beer challenges our “beer of the year” title (in a crowded year of stellar Rev beers). Also, we talk about odd movie theater experiences, cream some bean salad, escalate the Math versus English turf war, and remember how LMFAO was culturally significant at one point. Yes, we also talk about beer. But you can’t deny that it would be better with two Keith Davids.

2023 Deep Wood Beers Reviewed

Deth’s Tar

Cafe Deth

Deth by Cherries

DBVSOD

 

Direct download: ABV_Chciago_514_Marked_for_Deth.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

For over 15 years, Metropolitan blessed this great city with high quality lagers and traditional German styles. They ushered in a second wave of Chicago craft brewing back when there were next to no options available. It’s safe to say that without Metropolitan, the Chicago craft beer scene wouldn’t have grown the way it did. Now Chicago will have to move on without Metro, who will be closing their doors for good on December 17th. We take this episode as an opportunity to appreciate their excellent lineup one more time, share many meaningful personal memories about the beers and brewery, and to say thank you for stubbornly making lagers even when it wasn’t cool to do so. Thank you, Metropolitan crew, and we wish you a clear and fulfilling path forward.

Beers Enjoyed

Flywheel Pilsner

Krankshaft Kolsch

Stromhaus Helles

Heliostat Zwickel Lager

Arc Welder Dunkel Rye

Afterburner Oktoberfest

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_513_Metropolitan_Forever.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Earlier in November, the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild put on the 21st Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers to recognize some of the breweries making the finest wood-aged beers around. We got our hands on five (out of the eleven) Illinois medal winners - and our first-ever Best of Show beer - to help us audition to become FoBAB judges some year. We share some FoBAB “by the numbers” and recap the awards with a slight angle towards our Fantasy FoBAB league interests. Also, Craig is opening up to the possibility of tinsel, Ryan is destroying himself for pleasure (as usual), and we point out which beer is the Warren Zevon of barrel-aged beers. 

Medal Winners Reviewed

Off Color Brewing - Mezcal Barrel-Aged Beer for Tacos (Gold in Specialty/Experimental)

Sketchbook Brewing Co. - Red Wine Barrel-Aged Tripel G (Gold in Other Pale Beer)

Half Acre Beer Company - Orin (Silver in Other Dark Beer)

Mikerphone Brewing - Slappa Da Base (Silver in Strong Porter/Stout)

Hidden Hand/Solemn Oath Brewery - Oaked Val D’or (Gold in Wild Beer/Brett & Best of Show)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_512_FoBAB_Winners_2023.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Hop on the Brown Line straight to Browntown with us, as we discover a hopefully-growing local resurgence of the brown ale with five examples from Chicagoland breweries on this episode. Adjunct or not, these brown ales all have a unique angle on the style - and most would absolutely kill on cask. We also discuss the worst possible colors for mayonnaise, we consider the best brown for the Thanksgiving table, Ryan shares his true feelings about the apple orchard, and Craig am become Cronch, destroyer of dry ramen. 

Beers Reviewed

Spiteful Brewing - Bowmanville Brown

Phase Three Brewing - Midst

Maplewood Brewing Company - Brownie Points

Werk Force Brewing Company - Axis: As Bold As Beer

Around the Bend Beer Company - Puffing Billy

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_511_Chicago_Browntown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Carbonated water treated with hops is pretty simple in concept, but these five breweries prove that there’s a lot of variation and skill that goes into making these “zero/zero” drinks. And it shows that no matter how well non-alcoholic beers have progressed, some drinkers looking for a dry spell just can’t quit the hops - and now they don’t have to! We get extremely refreshed on this zero alcohol show while discussing many areas of potential for this rising trend. Also, Craig needs some real talk on a confusing bathroom arrangement, Ryan’s watching his calcium intake, and we want to know if kids should be drinking hop water before one of us looks like a bad parent.

Waters Reviewed

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company - Hop Splash

Third Space Brewing - Hop Water: Citra Lemon

Noon Whistle Brewing - Hop Water

Revolution Brewing - Super Zero

Marz Community Beverage Co. - Hop N’ Honey Water

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_510_Hop_Waters.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Though it might be one of the smallest states, the brewing scene in Delaware is mighty, and we’re ushering in our 33rd State Show with a lineup of five flavorful beers from five different breweries. Thanks to Ryan Tracy (and family), we’re able to live vicariously through his travelogue while sipping these delectable beers, just missing out on the coastal views and massive plates of seafood. Also, Ryan flies too close to the sun with his back scratcher, Craig’s working on the leg rolls, and one podcast studio gets absolutely drenched in an exploding beer.

Beers Reviewed

Blue Earl Brewing Co. [Smyrna, D] - Oktoberfest (Märzen)

Mispillion River Brewing Company [Milford, DE] - Not Today Satan (American IPA)
Thompson Island Brewing Company [Rehoboth Beach, DE] - Never Been Wrong (Barrel-Aged Sour Belgian Blonde)

Big Oyster Brewery [Lewes, DE] -  Noir et Bleu (Belgian Tripel w/ blueberries and black tea)

Dewey Beer Company [Dewey Beach, DE] - Thrills: Strawberry, Watermelon, Lemonade (Fruited Sour)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_509_The_DE_Show.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Chicago’s biggest, baddest and most-barreled festival is back in its 21st year, so we’re eager to FoBABble about it for the first time in four years as a lead-up to the competition. We also open four barrel-aged beers from breweries that have been FoBAB staples (and previous medal winners) to lubricate our discussions of new and returning breweries at this year’s fest, our “first pour” picks, festival attendee tips, sleeper breweries not to miss, and Fantasy FoBAB Power Rankings. Also, Ryan has a shameful admission about common bird identification, we ride the plot line of sniffs, and Craig’s getting the BabyBjörn ready for his unprepared podcast partner.

Beers Reviewed

Off Color Brewing - Beer For Burgers: Prime Cut (Helles Bock aged in bourbon barrels blended with fresh Helles Bock)

Short Fuse Brewing Company - What The Night Brings (Imperial stout aged in bourbon and cognac barrels w/ dates and figs)

Half Acre Beer Company - Double Barrel Catch Hell (Double barrel-aged imperial stout w/ Madagascar vanilla and Saigon cinnamon)

Mikerphone Brewing - Sweet Drams (Double mash imperial stout aged in Pappy 15 bourbon barrels)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_508_FoBABlin_5.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

The seven barrel-aged beers that comprise this year’s Luchador lineup feature styles and ingredients we have rarely - or never - seen in the past, and no local “special release” lineup is getting as experimental as this one. Flavor master Jacob Sembrano is at it again, and we’re here to drunkenly rave over the barrel-aged results. There are many true “wow” moments on this one, and at least one bird that tried to ruin it all for everyone. Also, Craig has neighborhood watch concerns about bananas, Ryan’s ready to huff that bean bag, and beer jerseys are getting raised to the rafters. 

Beers Reviewed

Bad Mermaid (Imperial Blonde aged in rye whiskey and rum barrels w/ dulce de leche and coconut)

Lucha Royal (Imperial Saskatoon ale aged in French black currant liqueur barrels)

Gigante (Double barrel blonde barleywine aged in Barbados rum barrels, finished in Colorado rye whiskey barrels)

El Petito (Double barrel blonde barleywine aged in Colorado rye whiskey barrel, finished in French apricot brandy barrels)

Rey Gordo (Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels)

Señor Finito (Imperial stout aged in Colorado rye whiskey barrels w/ cocoa nibs, mesquite beans, and canella)

Don Moustache (Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrel w/ Mexican Mazapan candy and cocoa nibs)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_507_Cruz_Luchadors_2023.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

We’re indulging in our capital vices for our yearly attempt to destroy each other over bad beers, and this one features some of the most unexpected pours we’ve ever seen. There’s at least one beer here that unexpectedly brings out an extra large dose of wrath for one podcaster, and it’s not even the mystery beer in the box. WHAT’S IN THE BOX?? Also, Craig is investigating some decapitated pigeons, Ryan’s plan backfires, and we both learn to fear the SlenderCan. And make sure you stick it out for one of the most horrifying Cuvées of Doom ever concocted. 

Beers Endured

[LUST] Kultowy Browar Staropolski - Bestbir Pszenica z Sokiem Pacific z Grejpfrutem (Grapefruit-flavored wheat beer)

[GREED] O’Fallon Brewery - Cherry Chocolate Dark Wheat (from 2017??)

[PRIDE] Dugges Bryggeri - Cola (Cola-inspired sour w/ nutmeg, lime, cinnamon, and vanilla)

[GLUTTONY] RAR Brewing - Out of Order: It Wasn’t Easy (Pastry sour w/ pineapple, lemon-lime, coconut, lactose, and pastry cream)

[SLOTH] Penrose Brewing - Wild XI (Oak-aged American wild ale, from 2015)

[ENVY] 903 Brewers - Dr. Seltzer (Hard seltzer slushy w/ fruit and spices)

[WRATH] Aslin Beer Company - Pinkies Up (Quintuple IPA)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_506_Torture_Test_Se7en.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Chicagoland is pretty gifted in lager-centric breweries, but now that trends have shifted back towards the more drinkable, almost every brewery is featuring more and more lagers. This is an extremely good thing. For this show, we do a blind tasting wherein we match a local lager-focused brewery’s beer against a local “everything” brewery’s beer along style lines and give our unbiased opinions. Our arbitrary reviews won’t prove much, but we do have an opinion on which brewery we think is making the best lagers in Chicagoland. Also, we force the title colon thanks to A.I. which introduces us to Chi-Taste-O. (We recommend you get a 6-pack of lagers ready and responsibly drink every time we say, “Chi-Taste-O.”) Plus we’re making bread references, attacking the Veggie Stick stash, and valuing rusticity. So sayeth the Mayor and Seer of Chi-Taste-O. 

Beers Reviewed and Battled Blindly 

 

Alarmist Brewing - Crispy Boy (Pilsner)

Vs.

Dovetail Brewery - Pilsner

 

Half Acre Beer Company - Helles

Vs.

Metropolitan Brewing - Stromhaus (Helles)

 

Miskatonic Brewing Company/Seldom Beer Co. & Streetside Brewery - Loggers From Vienna (Vienna-Style Lager)

Vs.

Goldfinger Brewing Company - Vienna-Style Lager

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_505_Lager_Heads.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Now somewhat relegated to an occasional fall seasonal from breweries, the Amber style is essential to the history of American craft beer as we know it. So we’re pumped to see five local breweries dabble in amber ales and lagers, and we fall in love all over again (with the beers, not each other). Also, Craig has an unexpected pet, we accidentally have a moment of real beer talk about wilds and sours, Ryan vetoes an obvious 311 reference, and we are bringing our own ludicrous drinkware to the District Brew Yards until someone tells us “no.” Whoa-oh. 

Beers Reviewed

Casa Humilde Cerveceria - Alba (Mexican-Style Amber Lager)

BuckleDown Brewing - Alien Avatar (Amber Ale)

Maplewood Brewing - Amberana (Amber Ale conditioned on Amburana wood)

Off Color Brewing - Beer For Huddles (Amber Ale)

Burnt City Brewing (?) - Titan Walls 5 (Amber Lager)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_504_Amberama.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

We were just back in Denver for the 41st Great American Beer Festival, and we’ve got an episode chock full of interviews and beer highlights that’s as good as gold (medals). Catch up on our beer-y travels as we hit the festival floor for about 14 total hours and stop into several great Denver taprooms and bars, sharing our experiences and regrettable food decisions along the way. Plus, we talk to a bevy of fascinating brewers and brewery owners from all over the U.S. and we hear stories about an onstage proposal, a beer made with the cast of Hamilton, a terpene-infused milkshake IPA, a brewer who has won Master Distiller, and the (maybe) real original year of Bourbon County Stout. And to top that off, we open three Denver-area beers in the hotel while trying to soothe our ragged voices and heal up from a serious vapors affliction. PLUS, Craig’s going ASMR while Ryan’s recording from the chaise longue. 

Beers Reviewed

WeldWerks Brewing Co. - Colorado Ale (Traditional Ale)

Burns Family Artisan Ales - Gallivant (Gin barrel-aged barleywine)

Jessup Farm Barrel House - Wheelhouse (Bourbon barrel-aged brown ale)

Interviews

Matt Brynildson of Firestone Walker Brewing Company (Paso Robles, CA) - [00:11:20 - 00:21:13]

Ryan Fields of Wild Fields Brewhouse (Atascadero, CA) - [00:26:51- 00:30:07]

Colt Carpenter of Pax Verum Brewing Company (Lapel, IN) - [00:39:03 - 00:45:42]

Leo Sawadogo of Montclair Brewery (Montclair, NJ) - [00:54:10 - 00:59:08]

Rick Hagen and Greg Meyer of Heavy Riff Brewing (St. Louis, MO) - [01:12:44 - 0:1:18:46]

Dave Lopez of Gun Hill Brewing Company (Bronx, NY) - [01:33:33 - 01:39:42]

Ryan Wibby of Wibby Brewing (Longmont, CO) - [01:50:52 - 01:57:08]

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_503_GABF_2023.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

In the week that we’re heading out west for a certain fest, we gather up four barrel-aged beers from West Coast breweries that are pretty well-known for their wood-aged offerings. Expectations are flipped on their head and a ringer is challenged as we pop a few actual corks for this one. Also, Craig wants in on the limited-edition mattresses; we open our minds to the possibilities that breweries can grow over the course of nine years; and we share the tales of the juggling Belgian Gueuze Mimes. 

Beers Reviewed

Floodland Brewing - Calling Out to Psychic Death (Dry-hopped blend of barrel-aged saisons w/ honey)

deGarde Brewing - The Broken Truck (Wild ale aged in oak, blended from four years)

Russian River Brewing Company - Small Batch: Intinction (Sauvignon Blanc-aged wild pilsner w/ Sauvignon Blanc grape juice and dry-hopped with Nelson Sauvin)

Cellarmaker Brewing Company - Bourbon Blammo! (Blend of bourbon barrel-aged stouts and barleywine w/ toasted coconut)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_502_Barrels_Out_West.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

The Great American Beer Festival is right around the corner, and since we’re attending again this year, we’re providing an audio guide to what to drink at the fest while also sipping on some previous medal winners. These aren’t just any Illinois medal winners; our four choices here are a good drive from Chicago while also representing more traditional styles. For the GABF preview, we cover what Illinois breweries are pouring, which “new-to-us” breweries have us the most excited; whose familiar faces we can’t wait to see; and which “steady hand” brewers can’t be missed. Also, Ryan’s sharing an irrational fear, we develop an open floor taproom concept to maximize turnover, and we both agree the judges are pretty good at what they do.

Beers Reviewed

Crystal Lake Brewing - Too Much Cologne (Kolsch)

Sew Hop’d Brewery - Alt 140 (Altbier)

Mickey Finn’s Brewery & Pub - Dark and Down (Dark rye lager)

Tighthead Brewing Company - Scarlet > Fire (Irish red ale)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_501_Road_to_GABF_Far_Flung_IL.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

For the second part of our big 500, we sit down with Revolution Brewing founder Josh Deth and talk about the last ten years of his brewery while sharing a rare beer from Craig’s cellar. It’s a fitting interview for this milestone, as no brewery has been featured on the podcast more - and it’s not even close. Also, we open another cellar gem while recording in the ABV West bunker for the first time since the pandemic; we discuss some of our greatest hits; we continue our wax hatred for the 10th year in a row; and Ryan struggles through another ABV By the Numbers game. Thanks for listening anytime, anywhere, everyone. 

Josh Deth interview (00:08:58 - 01:05:14)

Beers Opened

Side Project Brewing - Beer: Barrel: Time Rye 2023 (A blend of imperial stouts aged in rye barrels)

Phase Three Brewing - Eunoia Batch 1 (Barrel-aged imperial stout with peanut butter, chocolate & marshmallow)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_Episode_500_Part_Two.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

500 episodes is a long time to do arbitrary beer reviews, so we reach out for some help in reviewing a few beers from Craig’s cellar. We chose brewers that have been around longer than the podcast to reflect on the last ten years in craft beer, and they chose a beer from our list. For this part one of two episodes, we sit down with Spiteful Brewing’s Jason Klein and Half Acre’s Gabriel Magliaro. We also sip through their cellar selections, and open up one more in the ABV West Bunker for a small but mighty lineup. Plus, Craig has discovered a potential Malort cure, and Ryan struggles through an ABV By The Numbers game. Stay tuned for Part Two.

Jason Klein Interview (00:09:16 - 00:53:26)

Gabriel Magliaro Interview (01:01:26 - 01:25:52)

Beers Reviewed

Hair of the Dog Brewing Company - Don 2023 (Double Barleywine aged over four years in rye, bourbon, port, calvados and maple barrels)

Sante Adairius Rustic Ales - West Ashley Cuvée (A blend of four consecutive years of West Ashley, aged in Pinot Noir oak barrels with apricots)

Hanabi Lager Company - Hanabi Lager White Apron (Pilsner)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_500_Part_One.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Once every four years, we gather up nine Märzens or Festbiers for a blind review revue as a not-so-subtle excuse to drink what might be our favorite seasonal style. And again, we have eight local takes (and one collab from a legacy American brand) on the German-style lager to help us determine our arbitrary preferences. Surprises abound and misconceptions are challenged as this extremely drinkable nine-pack has us craving pretzels in no time. Also, Ryan has inadvertently created an eight year-old future Cicerone; Craig is once again calling for unnecessary adjuncts; and it’s ‘Oops! All Basslines!” for one beer. Light up your pretzel rod cigars and fill up your ceramic stein with Oktoberfest, and join us. 

Beers Reviewed Blindly

Maplewood Brewing Company - Festbier

Midwest Coast Brewing Co. - Oktoberfest

Sketchbook Brewing Co. - Oktoberfest

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co./Kehrwieder Kreativbrauerei - Oktoberfest (2023)

Spiteful Brewing - Oktoberfest

Temperance Beer Co. - Oktoberfest

Off Color Brewing - Waddle

More Brewing Company - Oktoberfest

Mikerphone Brewing - Kick, Push, Prost

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_499_Blind_Oktoberfests.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

We’re bringing the dry heat with our 32nd State Show, drinking through five beers from five different Arizona breweries, courtesy of listener Ryan Lamb. There’s a lot to like from this set with some essential Arizona ingredients and a few beers with heavy medal pedigree. But also, Craig’s recent Disney trip has him looking at redoing some rides; Ryan reminds us that stouts are for closers; and we finally find out what love smells like. 

Beers Reviewed

Four Peaks Brewing Company [Tempe, AZ] - Kilt Lifter (Scottish-style ale)

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. [Gilbert, AZ] - Cactus Juice (Prickly pear sour)

Wren House Brewing Company [Phoenix, AZ] - Spellbinder (Hazy IPA)

Mother Road Brewing Company [Flagstaff, AZ] - Tower Station (IPA)

Fate Brewing Company [Scottsdale, AZ] - Hatch Chile Gatos (Golden ale w/ hatch chiles)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_498_The_AZ_Show.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Revolution is back at it this summer with a threesome of barrel-aged delights for an early kickoff to the Deep Wood series, and we take our time breaking down these complex blends to find our results to be pleasantly surprising. Also, Craig ruins going to the mall; Ryan’s having breakfast with Velveeta; and we let the barrels take it to the X-treme (and Ex-Treme). 

Beers Reviewed

Dread & Breakfast (Breakfast Blend Ale with coffee aged in bourbon barrels)

Cuvée De Grâce (Cuvée Ale aged in bourbon barrels)

Life Jacket (Barleywine Ale with mango, guava, passionfruit, and coconut aged in bourbon barrels)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_497_Deep_Wood_Summer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

We can give a lot of credit to Half Acre co-founder Gabriel Magliaro for helping awaken the craft beer scene in Chicago. And more than 16 years later, Half Acre is still a leader in craft in the city and all over the country, so we’re thrilled to sit down with Gabriel for a deep dive into the history of his legendary brewery. We talk about how he was strongly advised against putting beer in 16-ounce cans, how opening a retail shop exposed the brand to a new audience, the evolution of their barrel program to its esteemed current status, and why the Lincoln taproom sale was the best of all outcomes. Then, Craig and Ryan open four Half Acre beers across a variety of styles to review, and it’s kind of a cosmic gumbo. Also, we’re trying hard to make Slowdem a real thing.

Gabriel Magliaro Interview (00:07:29 - 01:09:02)

Beers Reviewed

Green Torch (Lime Lager)

Bodem (IPA)

Slow Wink (West Coast IPA)

Double Barrel Benthic 2022 (Double arrel-aged imperial stout with toasted coconut and cinnamon)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_496_Half_Acre_Beer_Co.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

It’s another show about highly drinkable summer styles, and this minor trend of local breweries releasing hopped-up wheat beers caught our attention enough to put five beers in front of us for review. The styles differ despite their shared ingredient, and we’re as excited about the big hops as we are comforted by the soft wheat. Also, we blue-sky some product design for Impractical Packaging Brewing Co.; Craig might drizzle some honey on that dry ramen snack; and Ryan’s just looking for a little extra fiber.

Beers Reviewed

Riverlands Brewing Company - Lazy Fox (Hazy Pale Wheat Ale)

Brothership Brewing - Citra Crop Circles (Hoppy Wheat Ale)

Keg Grove Brewing Company - Vacation Haze (Hazy Wheat New England-Style IPA)

Miskatonic Brewing Company/Seldom Beer Co. - Silver Sun (Hoppy Wheat Lager)

DryHop Brewers - Shark Meets Hipster (Wheat IPA)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_495_Hoppy_Wheats.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Brad Clark is the man behind the highly sought-after blended barrel-aged beers of Private Press, and Craig sat down with him over some decanted barleywine to talk about the history and future of his members-only brewery. Brad shares how his background at the renowned Jackie O’s in Ohio led to some of the more daring experiments at his current Santa Cruz brewery, and how peaceful running led to him inventing an entire style. Also, he shares details about his meticulous blending process, how his barrels travel treacherous terrain to reach their destination, where the inspiration for his labels and beer names originate from, and why he once had to set a barrel on fire in an attempt to save it. If that wasn’t enough, we also open four of his beers that are just about unmatched in quality, and Craig talks about an unexpected visitor while dining at The French Laundry.

Brad Clark Interview (00:10:02 - 00:55:28)

Beers Reviewed

Life is Round (Blend of barleywine ales aged in bourbon barrels)

A Silent Pursuit (Blend of barrel-aged Munichwine ales)

Double Barrel Almond Suite - collaboration with Side Project (Imperial stout brewed with almonds and lactose, aged in bourbon and Cognac barrels)

Third Press (Blend of stout and barleywine ale aged in oak barrels)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_494_Private_Press.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

After six episodes and 25 beers, we’re finally putting our top 6 choices for best Chicagoland/Illinois hazy IPA to one last blind test. This showdown features four GABF gold medal-winners and two “underdogs” - and each beer impresses in its own way. Which brewery do we think is making the best cloudy juice utilizing Citra and/or Mosaic (and maybe like one or two other hops)? We’ll have a definitive arbitrary answer by the end of the show. Also, Ryan is excited about his Goop Dupe, Craig’s out there waiting for fruit to be thrown at him, and someone might just guess so good that they’ll dab into the sun. 

Beers Reviewed Blindly

DESTIHL Brewery - Deadhead: TourBus

Alarmist Brewing - Le Jus

Alter Brewing Company - Ambigram

Riverlands Brewing Co. - Dean Street

Penrose Brewing Company - Goofy Boots

Old Irving Brewing - Beezer

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_493_Hazy_Flagship_Blind_Championship.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

We’ve been admirers of Sante Adairius Rustic Ales for a decade now, and Craig’s recent trip to California brings us back the gift of SARA saisons - and a wonderful conversation with owner and co-founder Adair Paterno. The four barrel-aged saisons on this show are about as good of a lineup of beer we’ll drink all year, so get ready for the lovefest on this episode. But the real highlight is Adair and Craig’s talk which covers the early days to their now three-location status; how the house yeast culture came to be and has had to be resurrected; why so many taproom regulars have ended up joining the staff; and the time when they almost created yeast monsters underground. Also, Craig accidentally finds himself in the middle of parkour practice, and Ryan opts for opulence with the ultimate episode-ending Saison Cuvée.

Adair Paterno Interview (00:09:10 - 00:50:38)

Beers Reviewed

Eye of the Needle (Saison aged in Venus Spirits’ gin barrels w/ passionfruit, mango, and guava)

Intentional Invitation (Saison aged in Venus Spirits’ gin barrels w/ cara cara orange and grapefruit)

Proper Discourse (Saison aged in Frederiksdal Cherry Wine barrels)

Westly (Saison aged in barrels with apricots)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_492_Saisons_of_SARA.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Summer Craig is starting off strong this year by bringing back five fantastic beers from California’s Bay Area (and beyond) for us to fawn over and attempt to recreate those vacation vibes. We learn the backstories of these breweries and their unique approaches and cover other beer-ish topics like the follies of berry beers, aggressive bread, trad saisons, and the royal need for hop names. Also, Craig has discovered a new traveling superpower and parlor trick; Ryan has picked a winner in an East Coast vs. West Coast IPA battle; and we flip through the Sam Goody poster stand for a while. It’s better than Semi-OK.

Beers Reviewed

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing [Santa Cruz] - Hello Pretty (Organic blonde ale w/ strawberries)

Wondrous Brewing Company [Emeryville] - Rote Augen (Franconian-style Rotbier)

HenHouse Brewing Company [Santa Rosa] - Saison (Saison w/ black pepper and coriander)

Fox Tale Fermentation Project [San Jose] - No Más (Gose w/ Persian lime, pink pepper leaf, and lacto-fermented honey)

Ghost Town Brewing [Oakland] - Hammer Smashed EXP 586 (IPA)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_491_Bay_Area_Brews.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Ryan’s a University of Iowa graduate, and in the 15 years since his last visit, a few breweries have popped up and thrived in the area. After a weekend with the family in Iowa City, Ryan brought back five beers from the area to talk about what’s been happening with beer in the decade-and-a-half since. Also, Craig’s aghast to share Tom Emanski with an uninterested party, we’re both a bit confused over TMNT villains, and Ryan’s not mad about the algorithm figuring out he likes Mortal Kombat videos. We hope you like nostalgia with your beer reviews, this week. 

Beers Reviewed

Big Grove Brewery - Tailwind (Golden Ale)

ReUnion Brewery & John’s Grocery - Thrilla in Amarilla (Hoppy Wheat)

Backpocket Brewing - Slingshot (Dunkel)

Lion Bridge Brewing Company - Compensation (English-Style Mild)

Iowa Brewing Co. - Cookie Oja (Baltic Porter w/ chocolate sandwich cookies)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_490_Hawkeye_Homecoming_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Another somewhat recent trend in the world of local lagers is the Italian Pilsner, a style with only about a 30-year history that adds a bit more noble dry-hop character to something close to the Czech-style pilsner. It’s all winners on this show, except for the hosts who have to do rankings without the assistance of a large sandwich. Also, we welcome in Hot Grimace Summer, Craig’s empty hand is ever-reaching for an IPL, and Ryan’s got that soon-to-be-viral oyster cracker hack. 

Beers Reviewed

Mikerphone Brewing - Hey Mambo, Mambo Italiano!

Riverlands Brewing Company - Picchi Pils

Pipeworks Brewing Company (& J.P. Graziano) - Alla Salute

Art History Brewing - Bella Strada

Half Acre Beer Co. - italian Pilsner

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_489_Chicago_Italian_Pilsners.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

In our penultimate round before the championship, we have one spot up for grabs with these fan favorite hazy IPAs from Chicagoland breweries. Bringing our grand total of hazy IPAs blind-tasted up to 25, this episode still manages to bring some surprising sights and smells - and the show’s winner isn’t exactly what we expected. Also, we workshop a brewer’s new brand concept, Ryan is dreaming of dunking on some suckers, and Craig just wants a banana shaped like a dolphin in his drink. 

Beers Reviewed Blindly

Roaring Table Brewing - Tuba Solo

Art History Brewing - Major

More Brewing Company - Morever

Short Fuse Brewing Company - Loosey Juicy

Alter Brewing Company - Ambigram

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_488_Hazy_Flagship_Blind_Round_5.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

As we open our arms to embrace the start of summer, our empty glasses are going to need something flavorful yet refreshing. Luckily, Chicagoland breweries have been cranking out the hoppy lagers and pilsners lately, so we assemble five for this episode that are so good that they almost completely break the show. Also, Ryan speculates on banana pudding restaurants, The Queen’s death is really holding up new hop names, and Craig’s dry ramen-chomping has officially entered the canon.

Beers Reviewed

More Brewing Company & Beer on the Wall - Take One Down (German-style Pilsner)

Dovetail Brewery/Revolution Brewing - Thank You, Friends (Hopfenlager)

Roaring Table Brewing - Melts Into Air (California-style Pilsner)

Old Irving Brewing Co. - Doji* (Hoppy Lager)

Mikerphone Brewing - Lager & Lace (West Coast-Style Lager)

 

*At the time of this recording the beer was known as Oni, but is now renamed Doji

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_487_Hoppy_Lagers.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

 

We’re just about halfway to FoBAB, so we are once again doing battle with the barrel featuring a roundup of beers we’ve been saving for this very episode. These four barrel-aged beers jostle around in our arbitrary rankings as we just luxuriate in their decadence for about an hour and fifteen minutes. Also, we explain why you (and Billy Corgan) just have to pay your hackers sometimes; Ryan’s got those Dairy Queen Blizzard flavor exclusives; and Craig gets called out for the snickerdoodle, again. More barrel-aged beers? We can never get enough. 

Beers Reviewed

Revolution Brewing Company - V.S.O. Gravedigger (Imperial Scotch Ale aged two years in bourbon barrels)

Old Irving Brewing Co./Phase Three Brewing - Barrel-Aged Migration 2023 (Bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout w/ coconut, vanilla, and Ecuadorian cocoa nibs)

Half Acre Beer Company - Catch Hell 2023 (Bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout w/ cinnamon and Madagascar vanilla)

Wax Wings Brewing Company - Mezcal Barrel-Aged Sweet Eddy (Imperial stout w/ vanilla, cacao nibs, and ancho chiles aged in Mezcal barrels)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_486_MoBAB_3_Barrel_Warriors.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Our quest to find the best flagship hazy IPA from Chicagoland breweries enters its fourth round, as we blindly sample through a fresh set of five to pick a winner that best fits our own personal preferences. And though our ability to guess blind beers is as bad as ever, our taste buds are finely tuned and finally ready to deliver a surprising upset on this episode. Also, we dream up some 80s-centric unexpected sports and celebrity pairings; we’re reaching for the purple stuff over the Sunny D; and we might just let a fly determine the overall winner of this whole dang competition.

Beers Reviewed Blindly

Begyle Brewing - No Tomorrow

DESTIHL Brewery - Deadhead: TourBus

Horse Thief Hollow Brewing Co. - Spoonful

Hopewell Brewing Co. - Lightbeam

Riverlands Brewing Co. - Dean Street

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_485_Hazy_Flagship_Blind_Round_4.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

In our 31st installment of our decade-long State Show Series, we are sampling a hop-heavy lineup from North Carolina courtesy of listener Rodney Knox. We learn about these five breweries from across the state while appreciating how difficult they make the rankings segment, in more ways than one. Also, Craig shares tales of drive-thru beer stores; Ryan’s got a weird robot obsession, and we’re sold on the idea of the Sweltzer based on name alone. 

Beers Reviewed

Swells’a Brewing [Kill Devil Hills, NC] - Pea Island Parks Pilsner 

Southern Pines Brewing Company [Southern Pines, NC] - Man of Law (IPA)

Raleigh Brewing Company [Raleigh, NC] - Coffee Hidden Pipe (Coffee Porter)

Hopfly Brewing Company [Charlotte, NC] - Unity (IPA)

Foothills Brewing [Winston-Salem, NC] - Jade IPA

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_484_The_NC_Show.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Though they’re maybe not the first brewery that comes to mind when you think of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Wax Wings Brewing (est. 2018) flourished during the pandemic with their fresh hazies and complex barrel-aged beers gaining a ton of word-of-mouth momentum that saw many a beer fan traveling just for the opportunity to take home some of their lineup. Count Craig as one of those folks, as he went to Kalamazoo to snag an interview with owner Rob Hopkins and bring back a fun (and boozy) lineup of fresh beers. The highlights here are about as good as anything we’ve had all year, and thanks to that the rankings are as joyfully inebriated as we’ve been in a while. Also, Craig’s got your Guide to Purchasing a Kazoo in Kalamazoo; Ryan’s gonna buy anything that’s “rustic”; and a certain someone has just discovered that “fruit leather” exists. (And thanks to listener Benji for one of the bottles!)

Interview with Rob Hopkins (00:08:08 - 00:26:20)

Beers Reviewed

Cut ‘Em All Down (Rustic American Ale)

Knows Not What It Means (Double IPA)

She The Queen (Triple IPA w/ Michigan wildflower honey)

The Saucefather (Imperial Stout w/ coconut, vanilla beans, and coffee aged in bourbon barrels)

Goodbye Mr. Sun (Barleywine aged in rye whiskey barrels, finished in tequila barrels)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_483_Wax_Wings_Brewing.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

A new set of five hop warriors enter the extremely flimsy ring for another blind tasting to lead us to our favorite Chicagoland flagship hazy IPA. This one features many more hops than just Citra and Mosaic, so it leads to the widest range of flavors yet. Will we agree on who moves to the championship, and will any beer make it on the bubble? Listen to find out that but also which brewery could potentially be profiting big from director K*vin Sm*th, why Craig’s making a heel turn, and how we’re implementing a simplified haze SRM scale to cut through all the fog. 

Beers Reviewed Blindly

Revolution Brewing - Hazy Hero

Around the Bend Beer Co. - Juice Trials

Penrose Brewing Company - Goofy Boots

Noon Whistle Brewing - Gummylicious

Ravinia Brewing - Isle of Lost Hops: Medusa’s Lagoon

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_482_Hazy_Flagship_Blind_Round_3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

If it wasn’t obvious from the totally easy to understand episode title, this show is a return for us to a whole lineup of barrel-aged beers from different breweries we love. We add a little blind twist to this one as all four are adjunct-free affairs: just delicious big stouts in world-class barrels. Also, Craig’s totally serious about the tater tots offer, Ryan has found The Cheesecake of Beers™, and we both have a lot of thoughts about ramen. 

Beers Reviewed

Mikerphone Brewing (w/ Beer on the Wall) - Pick of Destiny #10: Raw Power (Imperial Stout Ale Aged in a Single Weller Wheated Bourbon Barrel)

Central Waters Brewing Company - Twenty Five (Blended Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout)

WeldWerks Brewing Co. - Medianoche 2022 (Imperial Stout aged in Blanton's 15-year bourbon, Thomas H. Handy 6-year rye, E.H. Taylor 6-year bourbon, and Eagle Rare 10-year bourbon barrels)

Triptych Brewing - AJ’s Stout Vol. 1 2022 (Imperial Stout aged in Heaven Hill Parker Heritage Collection bourbon barrels)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_481_B4ck_to_the_B4rrel.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Though still somewhat unknown around these parts, Cellar West Artisan Ales out of Lafayette, Colorado became known to us as an award-winning saison brewery. This episode further proves their proficiency with a variety of styles. Thanks to a porch box from founder and brewer Zach Nichols, we sample five cans of wildly drinkable and enjoyable beers as we calculate how many chapters it’ll take us to get some beers on local shelves. Also, Craig relives his Cellar West taproom visit from last fall, we consider the advantages of wine-flavored bubblegum, and Ryan wishes he was warned about the Woodman’s robot.  

Beers Reviewed

Silver Stream (Helles Lager)

Unfed Mind, Vol. 1 (Pale Ale w/ Simcoe and HBC 630)

Single Hop Saison - Emerald Spire

Bourbon Barrel Spinechiller (Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels)

Bourbon Barrel Ginger Clove Spinechiller (Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels w/ ginger & clove)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_480_Cellar_West_Chapter_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

The second installment in our ongoing (and expanding) arbitrary competition to determine what we deem to be the best Chicagoland Flagship Hazy IPA continues with this murderer’s row of five eclectic and skilled breweries. There are many joyous smells and even a false lactose spotting, but at least there are no glasses of SkittleMilk on this show. See who’s moving on to the championship round, and who may find a second chance on the bubble.

Beers Reviewed Blindly

Open Outcry Brewing Company - Delirio

Alarmist Brewing - Le Jus

Phase Three Brewing - Pixel Density

Sketchbook Brewing Co. - Insufficient Clearance

Midwest Coast Brewing Co. - Elevator to Nowhere

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_479_Hazy_Flagship_Blind_Round_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Seemingly popping up on more local taplists than ever, smoked beers are moving past being a niche brewery-only oddity. We find five beers that enlist smoked malts in their production to give off a surprising variety of flavors - and a refreshing level of nuance. Also, we role play our own Chopped appearances, spend some time living in the aftertaste, and accept that this might be one of the best top-to-bottom lineups of beer we’ve done all year. Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.

Beers Reviewed

Alarmist Brewing - Bamberger (Rauchbier)

Maplewood Brewing Company - Over Fire Island (Smoked Porter)

Soundgrowler Brewing Co. - Burning Hill (Rauch Marzen)

Dovetail Brewery - Rauchdoppelbock

Art History Brewing - Good Night Bamberg (Rauchbier)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_478_The_Smoke_Shop.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Savoy, Illinois’ Triptych Brewing and their creative, artfully-crafted brews, and we’re toasting to them with four of their barrel-aged beers. We went into this one expecting quality beers, but the results far exceed what we could’ve imagined - and should have every Chicago big beer lover driving south for these specialty releases. Plus we’re reaching alcohol-by-volume heights we hardly ever see, so we’re soaring by rankings time. Also, Craig’s only green t-shirt gets him into trouble, Ryan reaps what he sows re:BCBS, and we get a little sad thinking about a lonely whale. 

Beers Reviewed

Batch 969 [collaboration w/ Foreign Exchange] (Barleywine aged in Amburana and bourbon barrels)

AJ’s Stout Vol. 2 [2022] (Blended barrel-aged imperial stout)

Dearest Anna (Barrel-aged imperial stout w/ Intelligentsia coffee and Tahitian vanilla)

52.5 Hz (Bourbon barrel-aged stout w/ pistachios and Ugandan vanilla beans)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_477_BA_Triptych.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

In this first round of what will become an ongoing arbitrary competition, we conduct a blind tasting of five Chicagoland breweries’ go-to, year-round, flagship hazy IPAs to determine our favorites - and to move the top beer(s) onto the championship round. For this one, we start with two newer flagships, a top award winner, and two of the original local hazies - and the results catch us totally off guard. Also, Ryan’s got a new swear word to consider thanks to his six year-old, we’re expanding our merchandising brand, and Craig’s Mosaic blindness actually comes in handy for once. Stay tuned for Round 2 in a few weeks, as we scour the shelves for more flagship hazy IPAs to toss into the ring. 

Beers Reviewed Blindly

Old Irving Brewing - Beezer

Hubbard’s Cave - Fresh IPA

Solemn Oath Brewery - Small Wave City Club

Half Acre Beer Co. - Waybird

Maplewood Brewing Company - Son of Juice

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_476_Hazy_Flagship_Blind_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Even without a proper cask engine, we sample five Chicagoland interpretations of centuries-old English styles to appreciate what is hopefully a still-growing trend. The beers sometimes overlap in style but none are done exactly the same way, which makes this a nice little learning experience. Also, Ryan lets the AI script a few scenes for the podcast, we’re trying hard to find a suitable replacement for “mouthfeel,” and Craig’s ready to go pro with his vape tricks for ESPN7. Plus, there’s a Jack Bauer mission, greasy digits, crewneck tattoos, hard corn, a crazy game of UNO, and a good morning at the White Castle. So basically, the least English episode ever.

Beers Reviewed

Miskatonic Brewing Company (w/ MobCraft) - Gled Tae Meet Ye, My Name Is English-Style Mild

Roaring Table Brewing - Warbler Vivant (Dark Mild)

Illuminated Brew Works - Her Majesty’s Satanic Request (ESB)

Soundgrowler Brewing Co. - Butcher Bird (ESB)

Midwest Coast Brewing Co. - English Sporting Beer (ESB)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_475_English_Style_Chicago.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

St. Patrick’s Day in Chicagoland is a whole season, and thanks to that more local breweries are making the curiously not-traditional Irish Red Ale. To learn more about this style (and give ourselves a nearly-impossible guessing challenge), we do a blind tasting of the five beers on this show. Also, we let the AI bots tell us more about ourselves, we’re dancing in the aisles over that joyous romp The Banshees of Inisherin, and we’re looking for new partners for our Glass Wavy™ line. So, whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just starting out on your craft beer journey, ABV Chicago is definitely a podcast worth listening to for its lively discussions, informative interviews, and engaging content. Cheers!

Beers Reviewed Blindly

Midwest Coast Brewing Co. - Irish Tommy

Funkytown Brewery - Cuffin’ Season

Begyle Brewing - Dicey Riley

Old Irving Brewing Co. - Lucky Linny

BuckleDown Brewing - Good Times

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_474_Irish_Reds_Blind.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Listener and friend Don Kasak conceptualized this show around five Illinois breweries that are practically suburbs of St. Louis, and we are more than happy to drink through a lineup from this mostly unfamiliar-to-us territory. We also can’t get over Smokey Robinson’s new album and song titles, Craig discovers that side-of-the-tongue flavor, and Ryan’s got some hot tips on pretzel investments. 

Beers Reviewed

Millpond Brewing & Incubator [Millstadt, IL] - Lawrence (German-style Pilsner)

Excel Brewing Company [Breese, IL] - Lefty’s Lager (Helles Lager)

Stubborn German Brewing Company [Waterloo, IL] - Stubbornfest (Märzen)

White Rooster Farmhouse Brewery [Sparta, IL] - Syllables (Foeder-aged Mixed Fermentation Saison)

The Old Bakery Beer Company [Alton, IL] - 7th Anniversary Imperial Stout (Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout w/ chocolate, coconut, caramel, and peanuts)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_473_Stl_IL.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

We’re taking our taste buds on a trip down south thanks to listener Crystal Nguyen we get to sample five unique and tasty beers from the Dallas area. There’s a beer that’s even better when sipped, one that might be made with “Skittlemalt,” and one that inspires the singing of “SkaMan.” Also, we’re thinking big for our eventual Texas show; we look for new innovations in leather pants (and stray cat storage); and we’re putting sippy-cup lids on snifters.

Beers Reviewed

Celestial Beerworks [Dallas, TX] - Murphy’s Law (Dark Lager)

Turning Point Beer [Bedford, TX] - Dangerouser Salad (Berliner Weisse w/ blueberry, vanilla, coconut, almond, and granola)

Community Beer Company [Dallas, TX] - Hop Unity: Green Edition (Double IPA)

Bitter Sisters Brewing Company [Addison, TX] - Family Trip (Belgian Tripel)

Peticolas Brewing Company [Dallas, TX] - The Usual (Barleywine w/ cherries, fresh orange peel, bitters and whiskey soaked American oak chips)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_472_Dallas.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

We’re flipping to Side B of the 2022-2023 Deep Wood releases for this episode, and it’s a whole lineup of immaculate bangers. It’s two ryewines, one stout, and two barleywines with a bigger emphasis on special barrels and extended wood-aging to create the magic in these 12 ounce cans. Plus, Craig’s looking for new ways to trick his Apple Watch; Ryan will trade you half of an open can of DBVSOJ for a Switch controller; and we get to hear the syrup-drinking story again.

Beers Reviewed (2022-2023 releases)

Ryeway to Heaven (Ryewine aged in bourbon barrels)

Boss Ryeway (Ryewine aged in WhistlePig The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu’s Pacific barrels)

V.S.O. Dark Mode (Imperial milk stout aged in bourbon barrels)

Straight Jacket (English Barleywine aged in bourbon barrels)

D.B.V.S.O.J. (Cuvée of barrel-aged English Barleywines aged 1-3 years and rebarreled and aged in Templeton Rye barrels)

 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_471_Deep_Wood_VSoooo_Good.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

More breweries are embracing malt-forward easy-drinking options as an essential part of a seasonal lineup, and the Schwarzbier may be one of the styles seeing the most taplists these days. For this show, we put five locally-made Schwarzbiers through a blind tasting to help us better understand the style and see how subtle variations can make all the difference for our arbitrary rankings. Also, we fit Chicagoland breweries into boy band archetypes; Craig’s going hard on the Schwarz puns; and Ryan tries to assert himself as the young/cheeky one. 

Schwarzbiers Reviewed (Blindly)

Soundgrowler Brewing Co. - No Ice

Skeleton Key Brewery - 7th Evil Ex

Half Acre Beer Company - Schwarzbier

Riggs Beer Company - Schwarzbier

Pipeworks Brewing Company - Select Schwarzbier

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_470_Schwarzs_Unseen.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Since throwing open the doors to their Lincoln Ave. taproom just a few months back, Hop Butcher has worked to offer some draft variety by stepping outside of the style(s) for which they’re most recognized. For this episode, we got our hands on four cans that are not IPAs to see how well one of the country’s best haze producers can make something for the hop-averse. Also, we say hello (and goodbye) to Winter Break Ryan which opens an unclosable rift between the hosts over crewneck sweaters and turtlenecks. We also consider the missed opportunity of an Italian Pilsner show; Ryan bores the bartender with his old man shit; Craig’s got a bizarre preference with beer and pizza; and we have a bold new marketing plan for HBFTW and the White Sox. 

Beers Reviewed

Cricket Hill (ESB)

Supreme Being (German-Style Pilsner)

Double Saaz (Italian-Style Pilsner)

Magic [Collaboration with is/was brewing] (Saison)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_469_Hop_Butcher_No_IPAs.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

To commemorate our 9th year of this podcast, we celebrate local breweries that opened since we first started broadcasting our shabby little beer reviews. Craig and Ryan each bring three blind beers to the table for the other to guess with a focus on years and a few additional mystery themes. It’s also one of those shows where you get to hear Craig fall head-over-heels in love with a beer, which is always a treat. Also, we’re angling to take that Girl Scout cookie taster position; Ryan’s just completely flummoxed by a bomber; and Craig is Raging Against A Thin Stout.™ We want to thank everyone who has ever listened or supported the show in any way for making nine years a possibility - it feels truly surreal.

Beers Reviewed Half-Blindly

One Allegiance Brewing [opened 2020] - Double Vanilla Rambler (Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon Barrels w/ vanilla beans and cocoa nibs)

Werk Force Brewing Company [opened 2014] - Genuine Authentic (Black Pilsner)

Miskatonic Brewing Company [opened 2015] - Rye Bell Witch (Imperial Stout aged in Rye Whiskey Barrels)

Skeleton Key Brewery [opened 2016] - Indomitable (Double Rye IPA)

On Tour Brewing Company [opened 2017] - Apres (Black Lager)

Double Clutch Brewing Company [opened 2021] - Helles Rauchbier Lager

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_468_9_Year_Blind.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

After two years of selling bottles from what is essentially his front porch, Rob Brennan opened the doors to his Milwaukee taproom in 2022 - and his rustic farmhouse beers are absolutely worth a trip. For this episode, we drink through four funky and beautiful Supermoon bottles that show artistry beyond what you might expect from such a young brewery. Also, Craig has a bounce in his step (and not just because of the house cultures); Ryan shares some moon facts and comes up with the perfect collaboration; and we’re both aching for that Yanni/Bootsy/McD collab to drop. 

Beers Reviewed

Saison Bay View (Farmhouse style saison brewed w/ pilsner, malted spelt and oats)

Oaxen (Abbey Style Pale Ale brewed w/ aged hops & fermented w/ Brettanomyces Bruxellensis in neutral French Oak)

Epitope (Bière de Coupage - Young saison blended w/ French oak fermented saison aged for 3 years)

Marbelle (A blend of mixed culture saisons fermented in French Oak aged 12 months, refermented on Petite Pearl wine grapes & Tart Montmorency cherries)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_467_Supermoon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

We were just as surprised as anyone to find five beers that are made to mimic a briney jar of pickles, and it’s certainly something you have to be really into - or just brace yourself and gulp. Both are true for us on this episode, as one host might have some major life regrets after going through all five of these puntastic pickle beers. Also, we play a short original dice-rolling RPG called “Pickle Me This, PickleMan”; Craig is trying to define that “classy energy”; and Ryan is just holding on for dear life.

Beers Reviewed

Mikerphone Brewing - Slick Pickle Rick (Golden Ale w/ dill pickle juice)

Noon Whistle Brewing - Pickle Someone Your Own Size (Berliner Weisse w/ pickles)

Three Blondes Brewing - Dill With It! (Cucumber Dill Berliner Weisse)

DESTIHL Brewery (& Suckerpunch Pickles) - Dill Pickle Sour Beer

Prairie Artisan Ales - Spicy Pickle Monster (Sour Ale w/ dill pickles, orange, lemon, and lime)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_466_License_to_Dill.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

It’s always a good idea to welcome a new year with good vibes, and we’d be hard pressed to find a brewery better than New Glarus to fit that bill. For this show, we have five seasonal or speciality release beers from Wisconsin’s premier craft brewery, and the excellence unsurprisingly holds for the duration. Also, nothing beats a car full of jerky smells; Craig embraces the Live Más mentality; and Ryan’s bloodlust is finally explained. Side effects of this episode may include sour throat, time traveling, and rabble-rousing.

Beers Reviewed

R&D Vintage 2021 (Gueuze-style Ale)

Black Currant ‘22 (Fruit Beer)

R&D Champ Rosé (Belgian Strong Ale w/ grapes)

Weizen Doppelbock

R&D Bourbon Barrel Stout (Bourbon barrel-aged sweet stout w/ cocoa nibs, vanilla, and coffee beans)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_465_New_Year_New_Glarus.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

It’s not just stouts, barleywines, and sours that should receive the benefits of wood-aging. For our final episode of Barrel-Aged December, we try five beers from breweries brave enough to take their drinkable cold-fermented beers and let them rest in different types of wood for any matter of time. The results are truly unique and enlightening as to how wood can transform a lager, and we bend our elbows with almost too much confidence for the night. Also, there’s motorized-cart mayhem in the grocery aisles, weather-based clothing gets a rebranding, and we play a soundbite-based game of Name That Wood. Happy New Year to all - and thanks for listening to us at any point in this past one. 

Beers Reviewed

Forbidden Root Brewing Company - Hoodie Weather (Oak-Aged Vienna Lager)

Werk Force Brewing Company - Rip Cut (Oat Lager aged in oak puncheons)

Solemn Oath Brewery - Foederface (Foeder-Aged Märzen)

Begyle Brewing - Foeder Doppelbock (Oak-Aged Dopplebock)

Waypost Brewing Co. - Keptwell (Bourbon Barrel-Aged Lager)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_464_Lagers_In_Wood.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:14am CDT

Focusing on drinkable lagers, pales, and IPAs has already carried Half Acre to legend-status locally, but their barrel program has developed into an undeniable force over the last few years - and we’re not even talking about Benthic for this one. We have five big barrel-aged beers from this year that are an impressive ode to one of Chicago’s best breweries. Also, Ryan has developed a whole new family of app-based apps that’ll revolutionize the dining industry. Plus, Craig dives deep into Half Acre’s cosmic gumbo writeups; we get our Glass Wavy on; and there’s a building nitro twist ending to this one. 

Beers Reviewed

Vim (Barrel-Aged Baltic Porter)

Orin (Blended Barrel-Aged Strong Ale)

Before Land Shook (Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels w/ marshmallow, vanilla, and sea salt)

Sickle Through Sable (Barrel-Aged stout w/ cocoa nibs)

World of Bog (Bourbon Barrel-Aged Barleywine)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_463_BA_Half_Acre_Non_Benthic.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Throughout this year we’ve been collecting barrel-aged stouts from different states without a real purpose for them: until now. From five states we have three straight barrel-aged stouts and two that are pastrified - and all are in the running for top spots in our rankings. Also, we engage with some AI-generated characters for their opinions about which states make the best barrel-aged beers; we push for more BA brown ales in 2024; and we make a few dirty boy snack confessions. Big thanks to Aaron Carlson for a few of the beers, and Dolphin Man for his valuable perspective. 

Beers Reviewed

Ethereal Brewing [Lexington, KY] - Baba Yaga (Russian Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels)

Warrior Brewing Company [Duluth, MN] - Barbarian (Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels)

Denton County Brewing Company [Denton, TX] - Night Witch (Bourbon barrel-aged Imperial Stout)

Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. [Decorah, IA] - Term Oil S’mores (Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels with natural and artificial flavors)

WeldWerks Brewing Co. [Greeley, CO] - Starry Noche 2022 (Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels w/ coconut and hazelnut)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_Ep_462_BA_Stout_Grab_Bag.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

As winter barrel-aged beer releases expand into more adjunct variants and special barrels, you can’t overlook the base. For this show, we blind sample six barrel-aged local stouts that are part of a seasonal release lineup - but without any of the added gimmicks. We base our opinions only on the liquid in the glass, and we continue our rich tradition of being terrible at guessing the beers. There are more twists and turns than a high-occupancy vehicle-based action thriller, and we try not to be swept away by the relative viscosity. Hop on board.

2022 Beers Reviewed Blindly (in order of appearance)

Goose Island Beer Co. - Bourbon County Brand Stout

Revolution Brewing - Deth’s Tar

Old Irving Brewing - Krampus in the Buff 

Temperance Beer Co. - Might Meets Right 

Werk Force Brewing Co. - Sleepy Bear Single Barrel

Cruz Blanca Brewery - Rey Gordo

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_461_Chicago_BA_Base_Blind.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

We kick off Barrel-Aged December a little early with a six pack of mostly locals who took home medals at this year’s Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers. Unsurprisingly, this lineup is all killer with no filler, but there are a few style surprises from some familiar breweries that steal the show. We stumble into covering a whole category’s winners while running through an updated FoBAB “by the numbers.” Also, we consider how much wood a beer must touch to qualify for an entry; Craig is gonna get so yelled at during rankings; and we implore someone at ICBG to let Randy Mosher check his coat. 

Medal-Winning Beers Reviewed

Off Color Brewing - Tequila Barrel-Aged Beer for Tacos (Gose style beer aged in oak tequila barrels with lime juice and salt added) - Bronze in Other Pale Beer

Forbidden Root Brewery [Columbus ] & Derive Brewing Company - Well Positioned (Oak-fermented Saison) - Silver in Other Pale Beer

Ravinia Brewing Company - Spanish Cedar-Aged Steep Ravine (IPA aged w/ Spanish Cedar) - Gold in Other Pale Beer

Around the Bend Beer Co. - 1825 (Barrel-aged Raspberry Ale w/ Brett) - Silver in Wild Beer/Brett

More Brewing Company - Lucky Bamboo (Rum barrel-aged Tiki Sour w/ pineapple, passionfruit, lemon, lime, and bitters) - Silver in Fruit Beer

Mikerphone Brewing & Goose Island Beer Co. - Double LP: Side B (English Barleywine aged in bourbon barrels) - Gold in Barleywine/Wheatwine

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_460_FoBAB_2022_Winners.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

In this return to one of our favorite Colorado brewery’s beers, we find some of the more offbeat and odd offerings from Weldwerks. Also, Craig catches up with co-founder and head brewer Neil Fisher to chat about how they’ve decided to grow within Greeley, why their concept of collaborations has evolved, and what makes a Medianoche so dang thick. These five flavorful beers bring out 15 barrels of bad impressions, the duality of man, and the possibility of Canned Cocktail January. Also, why is Ryan’s 6 year-old suddenly talking about Simon and Garfunkel? All that and more on this week’s…ABV CHICAGOOOOOO.

Beers Reviewed

Root Beer Float Stout (Milk stout w/ sarsaparilla, birch bark, milk sugar, vanilla, and natural flavors)

Smoke & Peaches (German-style smoked lager w/ smoked malt and smoked peaches)

Wild Mountain Mint Mojito (Imperial sour ale w/ mint, lime, Turbinado sugar, and natural flavors)

Trade Secrets (Double IPA) Collaboration with Cerebral Brewing

Midnight Magick 3: Last Barrel on the Left (Barrel aged imperial stout blended from 52-month bourbon barrel stout and 38-month aged bourbon barrel stout)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_459_WeldWerks_3_WeirdWerks.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

As we brace ourselves for an extended Barrel-Aged December, we dip back into the summer archives for this final Oregon-centric show from Craig’s trip to highlight these Pacific Northwest breweries that are around a year old. And if you think new Oregon breweries can’t live up to those legacy ones we all know, then you should give this one a listen. Also, we consider how breweries could ford their beers across bodies of water; we cast some liquid spells; and we share some beer drinking progression theory on a collegiate level. 

Beers Reviewed

Van Henion Brewing [Bend, OR] - Helles Lager

Fracture Brewing [Portland, OR] - Czech Dark Lager

Funky Fauna Artisan Ales [Sisters, OR] - Right to Bloom (Saison w/ Tangerine, Plum, Strawberry, Grapefruit, Guava, Hibiscus Flowers and Rose petals)

Brujos Brewing [Portland, OR] - Sitra Achra (Double Hazy IPA)

Nebuleus [Portland, OR] - exchanging glances (Wine barrel-aged blended saison)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_458_New_OR.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

We’re just going to come out and say it: this is the best lineup in the history of this series, and it might be the best complete lineup of barrel-aged beers to come out of Chicago this year. Cruz Blanca’s playfully-conceptualized yet artfully-crafted Luchador series goes in directions many barrel-aged brewers don’t - and all the big swings pay off. Nothing is lost with the switch to 12-ounce cans and only six offerings this year, especially when they all bang this hard. In addition to a possible “beer of the year” candidate for both of us, we’re trying to solve the Fedora Pool Mystery, dreaming up the perfect donut pairings, and getting ready for the pit. 

Beers Reviewed

La Tormenta (Imperial pineapple ale aged in Barbados rum barrels with canella and spices)

Barbarosa Con Café (Imperial black and red raspberry ale aged in red wine barrels w/ Metric coffee)

Señor Finito (Imperial stout aged in rye whiskey barrels w/ cocoa nibs, mesquite bean, and canella)

Tarzan Boy (Imperial stout aged in Barbados rum barrels w/ banana, Mexican vanilla, piloncillo, and Metric coffee)

Rey Gordo (Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels)

Rey Cuvée (2019, 2020, and 2021 Rey Gordo blended and rye barrel-aged w/ Mexican vanilla) 

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_457_Cruz_Luchadors_2022.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

With one summer and one fall release, Revolution has already put six cans of this year’s Deep Wood series out into the world, and we’re eager to have them all side-by-side. We sample five stouts and a black barleywine aged in a variety of barrels, and nothing here is threatening their title of best barrel-aged brewery in Chicago (in our opinion). Also, we brainstorm attractions that could be added to local taprooms; we trademark Tall and Dangerous grocery stores; Ryan’s bringing back his Year One self; and Craig explains the drawback of bringing Deep Wood beers to C2E2. 

Beers Reviewed (Deep Wood: 2022-2023)

Deth’s Tar (Imperial Oatmeal Stout aged in bourbon barrels)

Café Deth (Imperial Oatmeal Stout aged in bourbon barrels and steeped with fresh coffee beans)

Coconut Deth (Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels with coconut)

Deth by Currants (Imperial Oatmeal Stout with currants aged in bourbon barrels)

Thundertaker (Imperial Rye Stout aged in bourbon barrels)

Lumberstruck (Black Barleywine Ale aged in red wine barrels)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_456_Deth_Becomes_Them.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Unknowable horrors await us on our sixth annual Torture Test show, wherein we try to find weird, old, and terrible beers to blindly afflict one another, and this one’s crawling with impossible-to-guess styles and shapeshifting ABV. We try to avoid adding ounces to the simmering Cuvée of Doom by guessing whatever we can about these beers while (often) choking down what’s in the glass. Ryan pumps himself up with the Unsolved Mysteries theme song, Craig keeps feeling the effects of a flavor creeper, and we experience The Longest Finish. 

Beers Survived

Local Option Bierwerker - Dampf Loc c. 2015 (Dampfbier)

Rinkuškiai - Effin Awesome (Imperial Lager)

Grupo Modelo - Chelada Piña Picante (Pineapple and Pepper beer)

Athletic Brewing Company - Oktoberfest (Non-Alcoholic Beer)

Bell’s Brewery - Neptune: The Mystic (Imperial Stout w/ black pepper, hickory bark, dandelion root, spices, molasses, and maple syrup with cayenne peppers, star anise, raisins, and dates added)

Oliphant Brewing - Milkman Manbaby (Milky Weizen Dunkel Stout)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_455_Torture_Test_666.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

For the 40th year of GABF - and the first festival in three years - we had to go bigger than ever, so much so that we couldn’t fit it into one episode. Even though Ryan stayed behind in Illinois, Craig succeeded in drinking all the beers Denver had to offer and bringing back some stellar interviews from some of his brewery highlights - along with an all-time bucket list guest. Even though we recorded this over two days and thousands of miles away, we manage to drink through some beers that have a GABF connection and give some one-sided reviews. For Part Two, Craig goes into his Saturday afternoon session experiences, and we discuss the highlights of this year’s awards. Check that guest list below!

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_454_GABF_2022_Part_Two.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

For the 40th year of GABF - and the first festival in three years - we had to go bigger than ever, so much so that we couldn’t fit it into one episode. Even though Ryan stayed behind in Illinois, Craig succeeded in drinking all the beers Denver had to offer and bringing back some stellar interviews from some of his brewery highlights - along with an all-time bucket list guest. Even though we recorded this over two days and thousands of miles away, we manage to drink through some beers that have a GABF connection and give some one-sided reviews. In Part One, Craig talks about his experiences at WeldWerks, Peculier, Cellar West, Hops & Pie, and the Denver Rare Beer Tasting - in addition to his first two sessions at GABF.

Part One

Beers Reviewed

Cellar West Artisan Ales - Spinechiller (Bourbon Barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stout)

Cellar West Artisan Ales - Cone Country (Golden Wet Hop Pale Ale)

Beachwood Brewing - Amalgamator (West Coast IPA)

Interviews

Zach Kelly of HenHouse Brewing Company (Santa Rosa, CA) - 00:24:15 - 00:31:52

Shyla Sheppard of Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. (Albuquerque, NM) - 00:43:09 - 00:51:54

Seth Morgan and Andrew Truemper of Denton County Brewing Company (Denton, TX) - 00:58:15 - 01:10:30

Kevin Davey of Wayfinder Beer (Portland, OR) - 01:14:52 - 01:22:54

Kelly Montgomery of Third Eye Brewing Company (Cincinnati, OH) - 01:26:12 - 01:29:40

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_454_GABF_2022_Part_One.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

The 30th installment in our State Show series takes us to the Southwest thanks to listener Don Kasak’s recent trip to New Mexico. To beat that dry heat, things stay pretty light on alcohol with five beers from four breweries that fortunately aren’t light on flavor. Also, Craig runs into a surprising t-shirt at a beer fest, Ryan looks for the flavors that exist in the negative spaces (ooooooh), and we would really love a be-turtlenecked Brian McKnight to sing a love ballad about kölsches. 

Beers Reviewed

Santa Fe Brewing Company [Sante Fe, NM] - NMX Standard (American Lager)

Boxing Bear Brewing Company [Albuquerque, NM] - New Mexi-Kölsch

Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. [Albuquerque, NM] - Rancho Light Lager (Light Lager w/ lemon zest)

Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. [Albuquerque, NM] - Savage Times (Sour IPA)

Rowley Farmhouse Ales [Sante Fe, NM] - Germophile - Prickly Pear (Berliner Weisse w/ prickly pear)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_453_The_NM_Show.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Just off the Lake Michigan shoreline sandwiched between popular vacation beach towns, there’s a little farmhouse brewery in Fennville, MI called Waypost. Opened in 2018, the folks at Waypost make a variety of styles exceptionally well (and even have a GABF Gold for Saison in their recent history). Ryan brought back five beers from his summer trip, and he’s positively giddy to finally share them with Craig. Also, we are on the search for the perfect T-shirt, Ryan stands up for Little Caeser’s pizza, and we’re both kind of mesmerized by the oddities of the South Haven Meijer. 

Beers Reviewed

House Lager (Zwickelbier)

Grisette (with Earl Grey tea)

Current (Pale Ale)

Flora (Foeder-fermented saison w/ elderflower and hibiscus)

Helles Bock

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_452_Waypost_Brewing.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Further expanding our recent slew of city-centric shows, Craig took a brief trip to the Twin Cities area and scored five killer beers from Minneapolis breweries. In addition to learning about weird Minnesota beer laws and Ryan trying to imagine Feather Bowling, Craig snagged an interview with Dan Herman and Tom Berg of Falling Knife Brewing. Also, we consider what it’d take to become a sommelier for pancakes (batterino), aim our gripes at the inventor of ducking autocorrect, and get goofily excited over a sticker. 

Falling Knife Interview (00:47:05 - 00:57:24)

Beers Reviewed

Utepils Brewing Company - Helles (Helles Lager)

La Doña Cervecería - Doña Oscura (Dark Lager)

Modist Brewing Co. - Small Hang Glide (Wheat Pale Ale)

Pryes Brewing - Royal Raspberry Sour (Berliner Weisse w/ raspberry)

Falling Knife Brewing Company - Very Old Painless (Bourbon barrel-aged English Barleywine)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_451_Maximum_Minneapolis.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Who says you need a reason to saison? Saison is all the reason you need. On this landmark episode, we again drink five different takes on our favorite style of beer - but we pepper this one with some interviews. You’ll hear from Sarah Flora from Flora Brewing on how she ended up releasing a saison with Chicago’s Pilot Project, in addition to how the art world brought her to be one of the most popular homebrewers on social media. Then we hear from Sway Brewing and Blending’s Matt Sampson on how a side project of a side project ended up releasing exquisite saisons in 16 ounce cans out of Door County, Wisconsin. And Afterthought’s Mike Thorpe phones in briefly to talk about his Revolution collab. As a bonus, you get to listen in as Ryan experiences a beer as he never has before: blasted through his nasal cavities at an extreme rate of propulsion. If that’s not enough, there’s brewery theme parks, heavy bubbles, and a popcorn-based TikTok challenge. It’s episode 450 - something had to explode.

Interview with Sarah Flora - (00:10:11 - 00:23:35)

Interview with Matt Sampson - (00:43:15 - 00:53:37)

Interview with Mike Thorpe - (01:13:44 - 01:15:32)

Beers Reviewed

Flora Brewing/Pilot Project Brewing - Blossom Tonic (Saison w/ tart cherry juice, rosemary, and coriander)

Young Blood Beer Company/Fair State Brewing Cooperative - Death, Taxes, and 1-94 Construction (Dry-hopped Belgian-style saison)

Sway Brewing + Blending - A Lovely Place to Be (Foeder-fermented mixed-culture spelt saison)

Seedz Brewery - Green Bottle Saison (Whole leaf hoppy saison)

Revolution Brewing Company/Afterthought Brewing - Foreknowledge (Dry-hopped saison)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_450_Saison_Is_The_Reason.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

For our 29th State Show in our decade-long intermittent series, Craig’s travels reward us with beers from one of the great beer states in the nation: Oregon. This impressive lineup of five different styles from five breweries put this one high on our all-time State Show list, and our rankings are more difficult than ever. Also, Craig learns the hard way about Oregon’s gas-pumping law; Ryan is the reluctant IBU expert; and we play a location name game of “Oregon or Oregoff?” 

Beers Reviewed

Fort George Brewery [Astoria, OR] - Spruce Budd (Spruce Beer)

Von Ebert Brewing [Portland, OR] - Volatile Substance (American IPA)

Wolves & People Farmhouse Brewery [Newberg, OR] - Foothills (Barrel aged saison w/ pineapple sage, szechuan peppercorns, and lemongrass)

Alesong Brewing & Blending [Eugene, OR] - Coconut Rhino Suit (Imperial Milk Stout aged in bourbon barrels w/ toasted coconut)

Pelican Brewing Company [Pacific City, OR] - Mother of All Storms (Barrel-aged English Barleywine)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_449_The_OR_Show.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

It’s our job to bring together five local table beers (and deal with Eddie Munster), so we seek to further understand this lighter cousin of saison by talking with Mike Thorpe of Afterthought Brewing about the style and his TableFest™ on September 11th. Also, Ryan finds the perfect work night beer; Craig says the brewery name that makes him squeamish; and we both create the flavor better known as Thunder. The tables are our corn.

Mike Thorpe Interview (00:11:27 - 00:23:10)

Beers Reviewed

Off Color Brewing - Beer For Lightweights

Afterthought Brewing Company - Table: Contessa

Metropolitan Brewing - Micro-Volt

Mikerphone Brewing - On the Table and Dreaming

Sundial Brewing & Blending - Table Chardonnay

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_448_Just_Tables.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

BlackStack Brewing has built quite a reputation off of exceptionally well-crafted hazy IPAs, and we have three of them in this lineup to prove it’s true. Craig also managed to find two other styles to help us better understand this five year-old brewery out of St. Paul, MN. You gotta love a show that challenges your expectations of style, and this one reinvigorates some haze appreciation on our part. Also, Craig excitedly recaps his time at the World’s Largest Bouncy Castle; Ryan invokes Patio Dad to gain a new perspective on haze; and we’re a little nostalgic for the Kveik Days of 2019. Also, Google translates into peanut butter, Roll Your Own Ham nights, and (heavy sigh) Critical Meat Theory. 

Beers Reviewed 

Giving Trees (Mixed culture foeder-fermented Berliner Weisse w/ apple cider, cinnamon, granola, and brown sugar)

DDH 755: HBC 586 (NEIPA)

Kveik 755 (NEIPA)

Trust the Process (DDH DIPA)

Maximum Drip (Milk stout w/ coffee)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_447_Blackstack.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Unlike a usual episode where we rub our fuzzy faces and gaze at our navels, this peach beer show comes with a twist. Certainly we review five local beers under a shared theme of “beer with peaches,” but we also foray into a dice-rolling RPG-style podcast with a whole game based around a popular mustachioed video game character (who is not Mike Haggar from Final Fight…sorry). Fortunately, the beers are much better than Ryan’s dice rolls, and Craig’s playing like he has a GameShark. Also, we talk about what Spirit Halloween does in the offseason, imagine other fruit-based mascots, and get some trivia on these five breweries to help move the game along. 

Beers Reviewed

Goose Island Beer Co. - Sounds Queer, I’m In (Wheat ale w/ peaches & natural peach flavor)

Phase Three Brewing - Raw: Passion Fruit// Peach (Wheat ale w/ passionfruit and peach)

Around the Bend Beer Company - Vivian (Pistachio cream ale w/ peaches)

Pipeworks Brewing Company - Ride the Gnar (Sour ale w/ peach and white grape)

Hopewell Brewing Co. - Fun Facts (Wild Ale w/ peach and black tea)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_446_The_Peach_Pit.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Known as Beervana for a reason, Portland, Oregon is maybe the premier beer destination city in the United States. Summer Craig recently spent some time getting to know the beers of the Pacific Northwest, and he got some help from accomplished beer writer Jeff Alworth. The Beer Bible author gives us the story of Portland’s beer proclivities and how they don’t always follow the national trends. Also, Jeff gives us good Portland beer history, explains how the hazy trend might’ve actually started out west, and tells us whether or not “smoothie sours” made it into the recent reprinting of his book. We also review five stellar beers from Portland breweries, yell stuff at HackerMan, conceptualize Inkblot Brewing, and try to solve a beer snob mystery.

Jeff Alworth Interview (00:14:58 - 00:51:24)

Beers Reviewed

Breakside Brewery w/ Barley Brown’s Beer - WanderJack (American IPA)

Ruse Brewing - Wolves in the Rain (West Coast IPA)

Wayfinder Beer - Original Cold IPA

Little Beast Brewing - Dream State (Foeder-aged Ale w/ strawberries)

Upright Brewing Company - Pathways (Blended saison)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_445_Portland_Oregon.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

The hefeweizen is a pretty universally appreciated summer beer, and we’ve amazingly never dedicated an entire show to the style. But thankfully a bunch of cool local brewers have put their best non-hoppy hazies in cans for us to consider, as we rise from 5% ABV all the way up to 5.4% ABV in this lineup. Also, we do some summer PD by putting Summer Craig through a SWOT analysis; Ryan has rediscovered his Willi Becher; and we have Hefeweizen Opinions (on HBO). There’s also a game that Ryan’s unfortunately calling Beerdle, and Craig’s wife gets in on the ranking action.

Hefeweizens Reviewed

Revolution Brewing - El Hefe Loco

The Conrad Seipp Brewing Company - Bavarian Hefeweizen

The Hopewell Brewing Co. - Here & There

Roaring Table Brewing Co. - Secret Beach

Maplewood Brewery - Bavarian Dream

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_444_Local_Hefes.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:25am CDT

Though it may not be many people’s pick for Oregon’s best beer city, it’s hard to ignore the quality beers produced in Bend. From Craig’s trip, we have five diverse beer styles from five different Bend breweries that both impress us with new flavors and stir up some nostalgia. Also, Craig talks about his trip to The Last Blockbuster and quizzes Ryan on related trivia. Plus there’s talk of squirrels drunk off of tree fermenters, a Rule 34 Brewery, imaginary berries, and a desperate plea for someone to take Ryan’s unwanted DVD of the movie “Funny People.” Make it an ABV Chicago night, and we’ll take care of those late fees.

Beers Reviewed

Crux Fermentation Project - Island Pilz (Tropical Pilsner)

Boss Rambler Beer Club - We’ll Do It Cold! (Cold IPA)

The Ale Apothecary - Connor (American Wild Ale aged in Pinot Noir barrels w/ marionberries)

Boneyard Beer - Notorious IPA3 (Triple IPA)

Deschutes Brewery - The Abyss: Coconut (Imperial Stout aged in whiskey barrels w/ roasted coconut flakes, licorice, cherry bark & vanilla beans)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_443_The_Bend_Show.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Plunge that hand deep into the slushy depths of that beach-ready cooler and help yourself to a cold and refreshing serving of…lactobacillus, saccharomyces, and brettanomyces?! That’s right - we are packing our coolers with refreshing and fruity mixed culture sour beers from local breweries to bring some new energy to our summer gatherings. These are the kind of tart beers that can only be measured in beach balls, deck chairs, patio lights, and floppy sun hats. Also, we imagine the stories behind memorable commercials and jingles; we identify the most well-rounded brewery in Chicago; Ryan does whatever the labels tell him to do; and Craig knows which fruit is the scariest. 

Beers Reviewed

Is/Was Brewing - Levain Yuzu (Saison fermented in oak w/ mixed culture and yuzu added)

Odious Cellars - Alabaster (Mixed-culture sour w/ white peach, wildflower honey, and vanilla)

Maplewood Brewing Company - Softcore Mutation: Foeder Raspberry (Mixed-culture foeder-aged sour w/ raspberries)

Duneyrr Artisan Fermenta Project - Sauvyn Tropica (Hybrid ale co-fermented with sauvignon blanc grapes, dragon fruit, mango, papaya, and pineapple)

Hopewell Brewing Co. - Neon: Mangosteen Pitaya (Mixed-culture sour w/ mangosteen and pitaya puree)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_442_Mixed_Culture_Cooler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

For almost 30 years, Alan Sprints and his Portland, Oregon brewery Hair of the Dog pioneered American craft beer through some of the earliest barrel-aging experiments and developed potent beers built for aging, creating some of the original “whales” in the process. Once Alan decided to retire and close his legendary brewery in June of 2022, Craig booked a trip to experience Hair of the Dog for a final time and to get Mr. Sprints on the microphone to reflect on his career and look ahead to the joys of retirement. In addition to the interview, we are fortunate to drink through five Hair of the Dog beers and cross off a significant line on our beer bucket lists. We also speculate on the brewery’s actual magical powers, open the oldest beer we’ve had on the show, and play some 1993-based trivia along the way. Thanks again to Alan and his whole crew - all of beer has been made better because of Hair of the Dog.

Alan Sprints Interview (00:07:02 - 00:20:01)

Beers Reviewed

Polka Dot (American IPA)

Doggie Claws: 2012 (American Barleywine)

Matt: 2019 (Strong Ale)

Adam: Batch 102 (Old Ale)

Cherry Adam from the Wood: 2022 (Barrel-aged Old Ale w/ cherries)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_441_Hair_of_the_Dog.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

The time has finally come to pit the world’s premier saison producing cities - Chicago and Milwaukee, obviously - against one another in an arbitrary competition to determine once and for all whose farmhouses rule the I-94 corridor. We have six saisons, three from each city, going head-to-head in specified categories to help determine a “winner.” Also, we evaluate which candies would make the best breakfast food, Craig’s mundane superpower of ABV-detection, and our desire to drink fancy bathroom beers. 

Beers Reviewed

Round 1: Saisons with Brett

Is/Was Brewing - Spandrel (Saison brewed w/ aged hops, raw spelt, and Brettanomyces)

vs.

Radix Fermentation - Simpler Times: Batch 2 (Brett-conditioned saison)

Round 2: Saisons with Fruit

Keeping Together - Watching the Mind, Watching the Body (Saison w/ Michigan pears, Chaat Masala, and honey)

vs.

1840 Brewing Company - Three Part Harmony (Saison w/ peaches)

Round 3: Barrel-aged Saisons

Afterthought Brewing Company - Biere De Pieces #39 (Blended saison aged in mead and whiskey barrels)

vs.

Supermoon Beer Company - Many Phases: Blend 003 (Blended saison aged in French oak wine barrels)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_440_Saison_Death_Match.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

We’ve long loved Hood River’s Pfriem Family Brewers, and thanks to Craig’s recent travels, we are able to drink through five of their impressive beers. For this one, we experience a wider array of styles, and a few challenge the best of style available locally. Also, we dream of having our own Streisand-like underground malls, we settle into a good butt nook, and we try to forget some bad brut memories. If you’re down with P(friem), then you’re down with me. 

Beers Reviewed

Helles Lager

Sparkling IPA

Druif Blanc (Barrel-aged grape ale)

Rum Barrel-Aged Porter

Bourbon Barrel-Aged Barleywine

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_439_Pfriem_Pforever.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Pittsburgh’s Necromancer has just crossed over a year in operation, and we’re already onto our second show featuring only their beers. Why?  Kuit beer is the reason. We catch up with head brewer Lauren Hughes about five of her “Resurrection” releases - beers that were previously “dead” or so obscure that there’s almost no example for comparison’s sake. (Much like our beloved Kuit beer.) She also shares updates on Necromancer’s expansion plans and what in the hell is a Pennsylvania Swankey. Also, we test our innovative snack ideas, battle a little foam gremlin, vape the vase water, and watch as Xander Cage solves global warming. (And shoutout again to Craig’s mom, who picked up all the beers for this show.)

Beers Reviewed

Forbidden Fruit: Mango, Guava, Passionfruit (Smoked sour Lichtenhainer w/ fruit)

Rag And Bone (British Golden Ale)

Parkour (Bière de Printemps)

Münster Mash (Kuit Beer)

Bitter As Death In the Gallows (Merseburger)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_438_Necromancer_Resurrections.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

No matter how much trends fluctuate, one of the steadiest beers to bank on is the pilsner. Everyone who loves beer loves a great pilsner, and in our opinion, no beer list is complete without one. So we pick five pilsners from five midwestern states to taste through and appreciate while trying very hard to banish the term “drinkable” from the show. Also, Bo Jackson is behind the wheel on the way to our pheasant-hunting trip; we talk about how going to New Glarus is like going to Six Flags; and we evaluate which bubbles make Craig feel happy. 

Beers Reviewed

Fair State Brewing Cooperative [MN] - Superclear (German-style Pilsner)

New Glarus Brewing Company [WI] - 22 Pils (German-style Pilsner)

Noon Whistle Brewing [IL] - Brüski (Czech-style Pilsner)

Moontown Brewing Co. [IN] - Anni IV (American Heirloom Czech Lager)

Seedz Brewery [MI] - Shark Pils (Czech-style Pilsner)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_437_Midwest_Pils.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

It is once again time for us to drink more barrel-aged beers (MoBAB), with Craig and Ryan as the only two heroes that can withstand this lineup of sinister and imposing stouts. Because it’s a sequel, we brought in ALL RINGERS for this one, and capping it at four beers was the best decision we could’ve made. Also, we sketch out Jef Lambic, Attorney at Law; struggle mightily against wax; and reflect on exactly what TMNT has taken away from us. 

Beers Reviewed

Mikerphone Brewing - Sir Blends A-Lot [Blend #2] (Blend of barrel-aged imperial stouts)

More Brewing Company - Mehndi Special Reserve 2022 (Imperial stout aged in Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year bourbon barrels)

Half Acre Beer Company - Double Barrel Benthic (Imperial stout w/ coconut and cinnamon, aged in Willet/Heaven Hill bourbon barrels and apple brandy barrels)

Werk Force Brewing Company - Cowabungus Chungus (Double barrel-aged imperial pastry stout w/ coconut, vanilla, and cacao nibs)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_436_MoBAB_2_Dark_Territory.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Based in Madison, Wisconsin, Giant Jones is a woman-run, certified organic brewery specializing in big beers and obscure styles - a few of which are completely new to us. So we have on co-owner and brewer Jessica Jones to talk about how Giant Jones gets creative within the limits of organic ingredients, why some of their signature beers were born somewhat accidentally, and how they’ve evolved from their origins as a barleywine brewery. We also review five beers that each surprise and impress us - which serves as a distraction to how drunk they actually make us in the end. We also celebrate the return of Summer Craig and suffer angular smelling-related injuries. 

Jessica Jones Interview (00:07:42 - 00:51:13)

Beers Reviewed

English Style International Pale Ale

Pale Weizenbock

Grand Porter

Burton Ale

Kaves

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_435_Giant_Jones.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Established in 1998, Kuhnhenn remembers a simpler time for craft beer. But Kuhnhenn also remembers that there were big and flavorful beers done differently - to emphasize style while also honoring drinkability - in the early part of the 21st century. This lineup of five beers from the Detroit suburb-housed brewery gives us a lot of nostalgia while finding a way to keep up with some of the big flavors of today. Also, we explore the relationship between sandwich size and happiness, get our drippiest Gwar masks ready for TikTok, and get disturbed by innocuous words. Kuhnhenn remembers.

Beers Reviewed

Saucy Minx (Extra Special Bitter)

Kuhnieweizen (Hefeweizen)

Imperial Crème Brûlée Java Stout

DRIPA (Double Rice India Pale Ale)

Bourbon Barrel Fourth Dementia (Bourbon Barrel-aged Old Ale)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_434_Kuhnhenn.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Hard seltzers are starting to see a bit of a dip in sales, but it’s probably because they’re not all loaded up with chunky fruit and 250-plus calories per can. Last year’s “phenomenon” of the smoothie hard seltzer was kicked off by an offshoot of Ann Arbor’s HOMES Brewery that goes by the name of Smooj. Craig stopped by the Lab (which should really be called the Smoojery) to pick up five slim cans of thick and sludgy hard seltzer for us to review. And because we needed another layer of smoothness, Ryan subjects Craig to a complicated game of identifying Michael McDonald lyrics that has real stakes for the loser. Also, Craig should be the mayor of Hell, Lactose is Easy Mode™, and we drink the Smoovée and a can of what we’re calling SmoojYO. 

Smooj Reviewed

Strawberry Banana

Piña Colada

Tropical Trip

Orange Delight

Cara Cara Cran

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_433_Smooj.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Currently operating out of Pilot Project, Azadi Brewing may be small at the moment, but their flavors are big and inspired by ingredients from regions all over India. We talk with co-founders Bhavik Modi and Gator Schrand about their unusual collaborative process that results in a rich lineup of beers that seek to tell a story and educate the consumer about India, Indian food, and Indian communities in Chicago. (They also taste pretty great as well, we might add.) In addition, we learn about how they became featured in prominent Chicago Indian restaurants, how their logo is inspired by the Dabbawala, and when we might expect to see a taproom open. Also, we want in on the Taste Buds trading cards, dream of some perfect food pairings, and get a lesson in the chaotic Craig-style of reviewing things. 

Bhavik and Gator Interview: (00:10:37 - 00:36:33)

Beers Reviewed

Devon (Gose w/ Telicherry black pepper, Himalayan pink salt, and Indian coriander)

Cochin (Lemongrass Saison)

Shimla (Pale Ale w/ Columbus, Centennial, and Cascade hops)

Chopta (Hazy IPA w/ Cascade, Sorachi Ace, and Hallertau Blanc hops)

Hira (Belgian Quad w/ dates)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_432_Azadi_Brewing.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

Malt-forward and flowery, the bock-style lager most made for the Spring season is typically a maibock, though not all breweries embrace the confines of that title. We collect five local bocks made with Spring in mind to help Craig make up his mind about this style that once literally saved a city. We also meet two diabolical breakfast buffet villains, get our minds freaked by food commercial secrets, and start feeling real TOASTY! Shorts and a sweater? A dress and a jean jacket? We’ve got the lager beer pairing for you, lover of Spring weather.

Beers Reviewed

More Brewing Company - Bartlett Maibock

Dovetail Brewery - Maibock

Dutchback Brew Co. - Friar Bok (Lentebok)

Half Acre Beer Company - Spring Bock

Church Street Brewing Company - Magisterium (Maibock)

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_431_Bocks_of_Spring.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT

One of America’s few original styles also happens to be a commonly misunderstood one. The Cream Ale has no dairy or lactose (much to Craig’s chagrin) but is instead much more similar to the flavorful and easy-drinking Kölsch. We drink through five examples of the style to better grasp its nuances and are once again surprised by the refreshing amount of subtle variation. Also, we discuss the ultimate mind game, foosball, and accidentally give the ice cream machine sentience. (And if you’re interested in attending Gathering Place’s Lager & Friends festival in Glendale, Wisconsin on June 4th, go to our Instagram for details on how to win some tickets.)

Cream Ales Reviewed

Midwest Coast Brewing Co. - Three From the Tee

Scout & Scholar Brewing - Kolbier

Mikerphone Brewing - C.R.E.A.M.

Gathering Place Brewing Co. - Midwest Chill

Illuminated Brew Works - Mr. Monk’s Cream Ale

Direct download: ABV_Chicago_430_Cream_Team.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30am CDT