I attended a wedding in Chicago last weekend. I spent Friday warming up with an impromptu tour of some fine beer establishments in the Windy City. The highlight was definitely Fischman Liquors & Tavern (4780 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago). It’s got all the signs of your average old school neighborhood tavern—a massive rectangular bar, a dart board tucked in a corner, a smattering of TVs, zero frills. But one look at the beer menu and I knew why people consider this place special. Choices like Central Waters Cassian Sunset, The Bruery Sucre Barrel-Aged Ale and Bourbon County Regal Rye made the Three Floyds Zombie Dust on the menu seem pedestrian. (Note: The adjacent liquor store has similarly awesome beer choices.)
I sampled a few brews at the fine place, and would love to come back for more. Unfortunately, due to an apparent rift with the building owner, Fischman is scheduled to close in the middle of July. If you’re a beer geek in the Chicago area in the next two weeks, I highly recommend a trip. You owe it to yourself to check out a true bar gem before it goes away for good.
The Almanac Beer Company Experience at Goodkind and Burnhearts
Familiarize yourself with Almanac Beer Company in grand fashion. From Monday to Friday, Goodkind (2457 S. Wentworth Ave.) is hosing a tasting menu paired with four Almanac beers—Emperor Norton Belgian IPA, Tropical Platypus Sour Blonde, Hoppy Sour Equinox, Cold Brew Barrel Noir Barrel-Aged Stout. The cost for all of this deliciousness is a mere $25.
When you’re done eating, head to Burnhearts (2599 S. Logan Ave.) for a nightcap. They’ll be pouring three limited brews that include Vanilla Cherry Dogpatch Sour, Tangerine de Brettaville Saison and Barbary Barrel Noir Barrel-Aged Stout.
You have all week to taste some amazing beers by Almanac. All it takes is a trip to Bay View.
Barley Pop of the Week
If you’re looking for another back yard session brew to turn to this summer, Enlightened Brewing has you covered. The Daily Stipend is a refreshing pale wheat ale made with Mandarina Bavaria hops (I’m seeing these citrusy tangerine hops a lot lately and that’s not a bad thing). The beer is light and has an ABV of just 4%. It doesn’t have massive flavor, but that’s just fine when the temperature creeps up.
Quick Taps
Lakefront Brewery is tapping a different firkin every day at 4 p.m. at Summerfest. That’s pretty cool.
A good article in the Chicago Tribune last week addressed the infection of several 2015 variants of Bourbon County Stout and how it could affect Bourbon County releases in the future. For what it’s worth, I don’t think it will do too much to lessen the late-November hysteria when the beer is released. Another infection might, but I’m guessing that Goose Island will be particularly careful in the future. Bacteria is feisty, and the Bourbon County issues are a reminder of how tough the brewing process can be.
New Glarus Bubbler made Draft Magazine of the best beer they tasted last week.
Events Brewing
Tuesday, June 21: Raised Grain is at The Malt Shoppe (813 N. Mayfair Rd.) and the brewery is bringing its Naked Hop Series: 3.1 Imperial Pale Ale. It’s a preview of the brew, which isn’t even at the Raised Grain taproom yet.
Tuesday, June 21: Erv’s Mug (130 W. Ryan Rd.) hosts Sour School at 6 p.m. It costs just $10. Make a reservation by calling 414-762-5010.
Wednesday, June 22: The Milwaukee Beer Society hits the road with a visit to Urban Harvest Brewing Company (1024 S. 5th St.) from 6 to 9 p.m. Try beers from the new brewery for just $10.
Wednesday, June 22: Stone Brewing is taking over the taps and Ray’s Growler Gallery (8930 W. North Ave.).
Wednesday, June 22: Un-Biers Bierklasse at Café Hollander (2608 N. Downer Ave.) focuses on gluten-free beers and ciders. Tasting starts at 7 p.m. and costs $30. Make a reservation at Bierklasse.com.
Thursday, June 23: Try beers from Anderson Valley from 4 to 7 p.m. at Discount Liquor Waukesha (919 N. Barstow Ave.).
Thursday, June 23: Learn how to make bacon fudge at Kilwins (5756 Bayshore Center) and sample Sprecher beers while doing it. It all starts at 6 p.m. and costs $35.
Friday, June 24: New Holland is bringing samples to Discount Liquor Milwaukee (5031 W. Oklahoma Ave.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 23: West Allis Cheese hosts Moo & Brew cheese and beer tasting at the Milwaukee Public Market (400 N. Water St.) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Breweries include MobCraft, Raised Grain, Company, and Enlightened Brewing. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on the Milwaukee Public Market website.
Saturday, June 25: New Holland comes to Discount Liquor Waukesha from noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday, June 25: Try samples from Barley John’s Brewing at The Malt Shoppe from 2 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 25: Sour beers are the subject of the weekly sampling at both Three Cellars locations (7133 S. 76th St., Franklin and N72 W13400 Lund Lane, Menomonee Falls) from 1 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 25: The Border War Beer Fest takes place from 2 to 6:30 p.m. at Celebration Place (5501 Ring Rd., Kenosha). It pits Wisconsin and Illinois breweries against each other in a friendly battle for votes from attendees. The winning state takes home the “Willy” traveling trophy. See the breweries and get your tickets here.
Sunday, June 26: Draft & Vessel (4417 N. Oakland Ave.) is bringing up some special bottles from its cellar, and beer buys benefit. Check out what’s available on the event Facebook page and get there early.
