Abv Chicago Craft Beer Podcast

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)

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

We’ve been summoned to do our civic duty in Haze Court, giving five hazy beers their due process through our arbitrary…arbitration. We’re ready to be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that we should drop the charges against haze, and sentence our taste buds to about an hour of hop service. Also, we imagine adding a twist to new MLB rules, experience the Mandela Effect with Sir Mix-A-Lot, and try to keep Craig’s Hop Anger Meter below critical.  Beers Reviewed Old Nation Brewing Co. - DDH M-43 (Double Dry-Hopped New England-style IPA) Eagle Park Brewing Co. - Goon Juice (New England-style IPA) Brothership Brewing - The Arrival (New England-style IPA) Hop Butcher for the World - Oblong (Double IPA) Old Irving Brewing Co. & Alarmist Brewing - Beez Jus (DDH Triple IPA)

In less than two years, Atrium Brewing already has folks claiming them as the best brewery in Louisville - so Craig had to visit and find out for himself. Head brewer Spencer Guy hops on for an interview to talk about the brewery’s origins, being known for kettle sours but having a penchant for clean beers, and what to expect once they are able to add more space. Then we drink through five diverse offerings that range from nostalgia-inducing classics to “how could this possibly work?” in a matter of minutes. Also, we look at craft beer trends as an economist might, help settle some Simcoe misconceptions, and once again summon The Chonk.  Beers Reviewed Czech Pils O’Beer (Sour w/ passion fruit, blue raspberry, lemon, and vanilla) Dumpster Cut (Simcoe NEIPA) Chocolate Covered Cherry Boy (Pastry Sour w/ cherry, cacao nibs, and vanilla) Barrel Aged Hegemon (Bourbon Barrel-aged Russian Imperial Stout)

As if the Chicago shelves couldn’t be more saturated with tantalizing options, a whole new round of hot drops has hit recently that got us out to the bottle shops to see if they’ll take valuable fridge space away from our local faves.We have five very different beers from some notable out-of-state breweries - and we have our first ever D.O.A. Hot Drop. Also, Ryan is living with the horror of a room centipede, Craig’s working through some hop anger, and we both are titillated by The Burden of Stout. Hallelujah, it’s raining DSW gift cards.  Beers Reviewed Fast Fashion/Keeping Together - Reality is an Atmosphere: Centennial (Belgian Pale Ale) Civil Society Brewing - Fresh (New England-Style IPA) J. Wakefield Brewing - K.R.E.A.M. (Berlinner Weisse w/ strawberry, vanilla, and lactose) Mason Ale Works - Cash (Imperial Coffee Stout) Cascade Brewing - Primordial Noir (Bourbon barrel-aged imperial red ale w/ cherries and spices)

Well ahead of Derby Day, Craig trotted down to Louisville, Kentucky to check out their beer scene and bring back a five-pack, along with an interview. The range is wide on this one with easy-drinkers to adjunct-crammed sippers all fighting for the top spot in our arbitrary rankings. Also, Craig chats with Andy Cobb from Butchertown to learn about his growing operation, how to determine the right amount of coconut to cram into a stout, and the potential for kung fu showdowns over craft beer. Also, Craig shares some other unique highlights from his Louisville trip, Ryan’s considering restoring a vintage Segway, and we end our boys trip with a friendship-strengthening fist fight. Andy Cobb from Butchertown interview (00:32:55 - 00:48:41) Beers Reviewed Gravely Brewing Co. - La Bamba (Mexican-style Lager) Mile Wide Beer Company - Army Had A Half Day (West Coast IPA) Butchertown Brewing - Arise: Coconut (Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels w/ coconut) Holsopple Brewing - Apricot Pufflefluff (Fruited Sour w/ apr

Craig’s recent travels brought him to Ethereal Brewing who have been bringing a wide variety of bold styles to Lexington, Kentucky for the better part of a decade. We hear from co-founder and head brewer Brandon Floan on the brewery’s evolution, the real fifth element, the ease of barrel access in actual bourbon county, how making sake is different than making beer, and how to brew a beer that gives you weird dreams. We also talk about misunderstood roller coasters, Craig’s entirely useless smell-based superpower, and the unfortunate way Baba Yaga and Dark Lord are connected. We also have a first on the show with sake - and we were totally, actually unprepared. Beers Reviewed Throwback (Pilsner) Fad-tastic (NE IPA) Bellerophon (English Barleywine aged in bourbon barrels) Bananas Foster Baba Yaga 2022 (Imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels w/ bananas, Tahitian vanilla bean, molasses, and cinnamon) The Void Sake Co. - Echoes Horchata Nigori (Junmai Nigori Sake w/ vanilla bean and cinnamon)

Inching ever-closer to our Belgian cycle, we finally reach for the Dubbel on this show by drinking the style-originator and several American examples - including one big-time medal winner. With such wide variety on the style that are mostly good in their own way, we try to examine what makes a Dubbel such a beloved style - even when you’re not ingesting gamey meats. Plus, we introduce tickling to the Olympics, put Brendan Fraser and Hugh Grant into a buddy comedy, and explore your body as an intimate landscape. Now’s a good time to remind our donors to “dubbel” their donation.  Beers Reviewed Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle - Westmalle Trappist Dubbel Illuminated Brew Werks - Intimate Landscape Sketchbook Brewing Co. = Back Alley Abbey  Temperance Beer Co. - Quotidienne Vintage Brewing Company - Dedication

We don’t always have the best luck with fruit feature shows, so we hand our expectations over to some of our most trusted local brewers to give grapes a chance. All five bottles on this show feature unique grapes from the rest, so Craig schools us off the vine. Also, we have a therapeutic conversation about grocery stores, discuss how EastSide Gushy Got Chonked (Vol. 1), perform Nerds Box-to-mouth, admire the bold dismantling of a rotisserie chicken, and learn some new words.  Beers Reviewed Off Color Brewing/Speciation/Native Species Winery - Garamond (Wit Ale fermented in Barolo Foedre then aged on Frontenac Gris grape pomace) Supermoon Beer Company - Gloe (Mixed Fermentation Saison fermented w/ Brettanomyces in French Oak Barrels with La Crescent White Grapes) Half Acre Beer Co. - Hot Hot Day (Mixed culture lager w/ Roussanne grapes blended with mixed culture witbier) Hopewell Brewing Co./Speciation Artisan Ales - Taxon Cycle (Wild Ale w/ Traminette Grapes) Keeping Together - Creature of Infinite Contradic

Sometimes you just gotta say, “What the f***?” and open five cans absolutely crammed full of fruit slurry and let the whole notion of beer just leave your mind. We’re down with the thiccness for this episode, watching our glasses become opaque with a pulpy sludge while measuring the detritus on each glug-glug pour. So while they may not be beer per se, are they fun to drink? Also, we re-examine the days of the week, learn the truth about MC Hammer, develop some can-rolling techniques, and experience THE CHONK. Come on and get fruit stupid with us. “Beers” Reviewed BlackStack Brewing - Are You There God? It’s Me, Guava (Triple Guava Smoothie Sour w/ vanilla and lactose) Energy City Brewing - Bistro Smoothie: Mango Pineapple Banana (Berliner-Style Weisse w/ mango, pineapple, banana, and natural flavor) Phase Three Brewing Company - Double Nectar: Raspberry, Blackberry, Blueberry (Sour Ale w/ fruit) More Brewing Company - Peach Cobbler (Fruited Sour Ale w/ peach, vanilla, granola, and milk sugar) Drekker Brewing

For the third straight year, we return to the type of enormous barrel-aged beers that destroyed us throughout December…and fall in love all over again. This lineup of five is going down in the history books, as they not only compete for rankings on this show but several are also in the very early running for our year-end lists. Complex barrel blends and big adjunct additions go toe-to-toe with our sobriety, and it’s a hell of a way to ring in Craig’s birthday. Speaking of, we wonder about an alternate reality with #SoftCraig, throw out even more Milwaukee love, and contemplate the mysterious CD long box. (Plug in your Game Genie for the Enhanced episode.)  Beers Reviewed  Temperance Beer Co. - Might Meets Right: Orange Chocolate 2022 (Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout w/ roasted cacao nibs and dried sweet orange peel) Private Press Brewing - Cosmic Echoes [Batch  1] (Blend of Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout and Barleywine Ale) Central Waters Brewing Company - XXIV (Blend of Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stouts) Triptych B

Yeah we know what episode this is, and truthfully, the pressure of somehow delivering The Funny Weed Number Show was too much, leading us to sip on five delicious dark lagers instead. We explore some of the range a “Dark Lager” can have while finding ourselves in a real rankings-based bind. Also, we have run-ins with NBC sitcom doppelgangers in very unexpected places, we ascend (and descend) the flavor mountain, and we discuss if a Cold Black IPA is a thing. And we back our way into a 420-appropriate set of topics like White Castle 1921 burgers, Boston Dunkies, the Hotel Transylvania film series, and just the nastiest NSFW chips you can find.  Beers Reviewed Riverlands Brewing Company - Midnight Silence (Schwarzbier) 1840 Brewing Company - Schwarzen Katze (Schwarzbier) Cellar West Artisan Ales - Metaluna (India Black Lager) Old Irving Brewing Co. - Lifesblood (Dark Bock Lager) Pipeworks Brewing Company - Dunkel

We’re finishing off this season’s Deep Wood series from Revolution by doing all the non-stouts - and in many ways we’ve saved the best for last. Though the barrels deservedly get top-billing, it’s hard to ignore how dialed-in the base beer recipe is in all of these - and somehow they get better every year. All these ‘wines inspire a midshow 3-day nap, but we also invent a can-based Chopped challenge for your friends, dream up the inverted mozzarella stick, share tips for beating the Maple Man, and do uncouth things with the Super Mario 3 Strategy Guide issue of Nintendo Power magazine. Beers Reviewed Gravedigger Billy (Scotch Ale aged in bourbon barrels) Straight Jacket (Barleywine Ale aged in bourbon barrels) Maple Jacket (Barleywine Ale aged in bourbon barrels with maple) Blackberry Finn (Barleywine Ale double barrel aged in bourbon barrels with blackberries) Ryeway to Heaven (Rye Ale aged in rye barrels) V.S.O.R. (Rye Ale aged in rye and bourbon barrels)

Once brewed as a “superbier” to push the limits of ABV in a Belgian Blonde ale, the Tripel has almost a century of history with many American breweries embracing its fruity and spicy barrage. We try five Tripels, including the style standard, to better familiarize ourselves with this Belgian staple - and to help us complete half of our Belgian Beer Cycle. Also, Ryan gives the play-by-play in the 5 year olds basketball class, we sample the newest flavors of Jeez-Its, Craig wants all the brandy barrels, and we brace ourselves for the oncoming onslaught of Fiber-Forward IPAs.  Beers Reviewed Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle - Westmalle Trappist Tripel Une Année Brewery - Tripel New Glarus Brewing Company - Triple 5 The Church Brew Works - Millenium Tripel Imperial Oak Brewing - Beermuda Triangle: Peach Brandy BA Tripel w/ peaches

Ushering in our 8th year of the podcast, this anniversary episode is a surprisingly sessionable trip down memory lane. Each host blindly leads the other through three beers of their choosing with the caveat being that all breweries must be Chicagoland local and would have already been open in 2013. Then, there are other connecting themes behind our choices that the other must guess - all while we find ourselves reeling pickled off of a bunch of 5% beers. Also, we decide which restaurants we would actually stay the night at, take drastic measures to put each other at aromatic disadvantages, and nod along to the Tart Suggestion. Pop two quarters in the blast chiller and get your plants out of my butt zone - we’re already looking ahead to the next eight years. Beers Reviewed Half-Blind (in order of appearance) Light the Lamp Brewery - Still Single (Belgian Blonde) Une Année Brewery - Less Is More (Saison w/ oranges) Horse Thief Hollow Brewing Co. - Little Wing (Pilsner) Temperance Beer Co. - Smittytown (ESB) Emm