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See What's in my Beer Cellar!


Dec 26, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, December 27 – January 2 | The Beeronaut

Only a few craft beer events in Chicago for days that are not New Year's Eve.

Dec 22, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, December 23-26 | The Beeronaut

Just a few craft beer tappings for this holiday week, and my wish to you for a Merry Christmas and Happy 2014!

Dec 19, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, December 20-22 | The Beeronaut

Living Social Craft Beer Fest, and many places for Bourbon County Stout, Big Hugs, and Surly Darkness in & away from Chicago.

Dec 18, 2013

Craft Beer pioneer New Albion Ale revived | The Beeronaut

New Albion Ale, America's first craft beer from the 1970's, was recently revived by Sam Adams. Here's a review.

Dec 15, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Calendar, December 16-19 | The Beeronaut

Bourbon County Stout events in Chicago and Qswego, a new line of craft beers from 5 Rabbit, more 12 beers of Christmas.

Dec 12, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, December 13-15 | The Beeronaut

More Bourbon County Stout pours, Big Hugs is unleashed in Chicago, indoor craft beer fest in Oak Forest.

Dec 10, 2013

“Dear Ab-Beer:” Advice to the Beer Lover | The Beeronaut

“Dear Ab-Beer:” The Beeronaut offers advice and answers questions from lovers of craft beer. Today, who to plan around a craft beer festival.

Dec 8, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, December 9-12 - The Beeronaut

Anniversary of Stone Vertical Epic. Bell's Black Note and Small Town's Root Beer appear. And Founders Backstage beers in Rock Island.

Dec 6, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, December 6-8 | The Beeronaut

A Bourbon County Stout Vertical, Delilah's Winter beer fest, and many "12 Beers of Christmas" promotions in the Chicago Craft Beer world. And BuckleDown Brewing opens in the near Southwest burbs!

Nov 27, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events: Black Friday and Beyond! | The Beeronaut

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout goes on sale and on tap this weekend! Where to get your BCS fix!

Nov 24, 2013

Win a VIP Pass to the Goose Island BCS release at Binny's – Beeronaut

Black Friday sees the release of Goose island's special batches of Bourbon County Stout. Win a chance to cut in line for yours at Binny's.

Nov 14, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, November 15-17 | The Beeronaut

FoBAB is sold out, but more Craft Beer events before and during: Maine Beer comes to Chicago, Bourbon County Stout breakfast in Rock Island,

Nov 12, 2013

Veteran Beer tosses its pot into the Chicago ring | The Beeronaut

Veteran Beer, a new vet-owned label in Chicago, has a goal of hiring all veterans for its operation.

Nov 10, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, November 11-14 - The Beeronaut

Events with Bell's, Summit & Great Lakes. Coast to Coast Toast, and bacon!

Nov 7, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, November 8-10 | The Beeronaut

Beer Hoptacular returns to Chicago, Two Brothers Revelry, fresh Pilsner Urquell, and more craft beer!

Nov 3, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, November 7-10 | The Beeronaut

Half Acre celebrates one year of its taproom, a country club beer fest, sour beers and Bell's at the front.

Oct 29, 2013

Oct 27, 2013

Chicago Halloween Week Craft Beer Events - The Beeronaut

More pumpkin beers, including some tapped from pumpkins! Click on to find them!

Oct 23, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, October 25-27 | The Beeronaut

The weekend before Halloween brings out the spooky brews in Chicago, plus the Mash Tun Journal, covering the culture of craft beer.

Oct 20, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, October 21-24 | The Beeronaut

Temperance pours new beers at Hopleaf, pumpkin beers tapped in pumpkins, more Chicago craft brewer events.

Oct 16, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, October 18-20 | The Beeronaut

The Chicago Beer Festival hits Union Station, more Oktoberfest and pumpkin pourings

Local Winners at the 2013 Great American Beer Festival | The Beeronaut

Local brewers bring home gold at this year's GABF. Another Chicago area Sam Adams LongShot win!

Oct 14, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, October 14-17 | The Beeronaut

New Chicago brewer Une Année, Cleetus and his collaborations, Dogfish and the Dead, and hops from the Shedd,

Oct 9, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, October 11-13 | The Beeronaut

More Oktoberfest type events, harvest beers, and events featuring Chicago area craft brewers.

Baderbräu Oktoberfest: Chicago Craft Beer Review - The Beeronaut

Finally fixed the video link. I open a bottle of the new Baderbräu Oktoberfest beer, and shoot a video about it for your review.

Oct 6, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, October 7-10 - The Beeronaut

Oktoberfest collides with Pumpkin beer and Harvest Ale season in Chicago. And some craft beer and cheese events!

Oct 2, 2013

Sep 29, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, September 30-October 3 | The Beeronaut

Brooklyn Brewing comes to Chicago through Mash, Craft Beer Oktoberfests, plus Bridetoberfest. And the puck drops on the Blackhawks season!

Sep 24, 2013

Scotland's Brew Dogs Invade America for TV Show - The Beeronaut

Another "extreme brewery" will test the waters of the "reality TV" genre starting this week.

Sep 22, 2013

Beernoaut Chicago Craft Beer Calendar, September 23-26

More Oktoberfest, the rise of pumpkin beers, and a new imperial stout from Revolution.

Sep 18, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Oktoberfest Events: September 20-22 | The Beeronaut

Oktoberfest specials all over the place, a Wurst Festival downtown, the Cystic Fibrosis Festive-Ale, Goose Island 312 Block Party, more!

Sep 15, 2013

Sep 12, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, September 13-15 | The Beeronaut

Oktoberfest celebrations gain steam, another Local Option tap invasion, and Zwanze Day!

Sep 11, 2013

Indiana’s Upland Brewing Expands into Chicago | The Beeronaut

Another brewer makes its way into the Chicago market: Upland, of Bloomington, Indiana!

Sep 8, 2013

Sep 6, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer and Bears Events, September 6-8

This weekend's calendar includes a list of some places with craft beer specials during Chicago Bears games.

Sep 2, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, Sept. 3-5

Welcome new Chicago brewers Slapshot Brewing & Une Annee Brewing, check into Oktoberfest tapping and several craft beer charity events.

Aug 29, 2013

Chicago Labor Day Weekend Craft Beer Events - Beeronaut

Four days of big brews, many paired with Barbeques! Pumpkin & Oktoberfest beers appear!

Aug 25, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, August 26-29 | The Beeronaut

Delilah's 20th Anniversary, book signings, IPA, Destihl, Brooklyn, Perennial, and more.

Aug 20, 2013

ReplicAle Project Encore this Wednesday - The Beeronaut

Six beers from the Illinois ReplicAle project, each with a different single hop, will be tapped Wednesday August 21 at DryHop Brewers, Chicago.

Aug 18, 2013

Chicago’s Craft Beer Events, August 19-22 | The Beeronaut

Destihl taps, BrickStone bottles, FoBAB tickets go on sale, Chain o'Lakes brewery opens.

Aug 16, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, August 16-18 | The Beeronaut

Two more beer festivals this weekend, plus the arrival of DESTIHL and BrickStone beers in Chicago! And FoBAB tickets on sale this week!

Aug 15, 2013

DESTIHL Beers Finally Come to Chicago | The Beeronaut

DESTIHL Brewing, a downstate Illinois favorite, will finally bring its beers to Chicago.

Aug 7, 2013

Not Your Father's National Root Beer Float Day - Chicago Beeronaut

For National Root Beer Float Day, August 6, I enjoyed one made with Small Town Brewing's Not Your Father's Root Beer, at 10% alcohol.

Aug 1, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, August 2-8 | The Beeronaut

Wheaton Brew Fest, ManBQue, Tap This! salutes Revolution, Chain O'Lakes prepares for its full opening.

Jul 31, 2013

Interview with Director Joe Swanberg of "Drinking Buddies"

The new indie comedy "Drinking Buddies" uses the Chicago craft beer scene as a setting. I got to talk with director Joe Swanberg.

Jul 25, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, July 26 – August 1 | The Beeronaut

IPA Day is August 1, Solemn Oath has a seafood boil and food trucks, Baderbrau has art, Tribes holds its first beer festival.

Jul 18, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, July 19-25 | The Beeronaut

Naperville Ale Fest, more dinners and tapping, and South Loop debuts with a collab with Lake Effect!

Jun 23, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, June 24-27 | The Beeronaut

Off Color Brewing makes its debut this week, Deschutes & Great Lakes celebrate 25 years, Atlas celebrates 1 year.

Jun 21, 2013

Goose Island Closing Clybourn Brewpub? Not so Fast! | The Beeronaut

Talks have broken down between Goose Island's Clybourn brewpub and the property's leaseholder. Should they move?

Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, June 21-23 | The Beeronaut

Two Brothers Summer Fest (formerly Hop Juice Fest) is this weekend, plus many Solstice parties, Mad Hatter, and Founders Day!

Jun 18, 2013

Big Shoulders Debuts with Hopapalooza IPA | The Beeronaut

A chat with Rich Szydlo, whose Big Shoulders Beer Co., is new in Chicago with Hopapalooza IPA.

Jun 13, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, June 14-16 | The Beeronaut

Solemn Oath tappings, Revolution tastings, and beer-centric Father's Day.

Jun 9, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, June 10-13 | The Beeronaut

A Good Beer Hunting seminar, plus more import and local takeovers and beer pairings.

Jun 4, 2013

DryHop Brewers Opens with Growler Saturday, June 8 | The Beeronaut

DryHop Brewers in Chicago's East Lakeview opens with a Growlers Saturday June 8th, and begins full food service June 13.

Jun 2, 2013

May 31, 2013

The Beeronaut Annex: Chicago's Bartender Exchange


Untitled (111 West Kinzie, Chicago, 312-880-1511) has teamed up with Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon to host award-winning cocktail professionals from across the country along with Chicago’s celebrated mixologists to shake things up together behind the bar at Untitled’s illustrious Whiskey Library. 
Every second Tuesday of the month, join us as guest bartenders and Untitled's best create their own unique whiskey cocktail menus. Taste the best from across the country in one place, on one night.

When: Every second Tuesday of the month from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. The next event takes place June 11.
PRICE: No admission fee.
RSVP: First come, first served...and we can guarantee you want to get served.

Ramping up to HQ Beercade’s Pinball Expansion | The Beeronaut

I visited the new Pinball arcade at Chicago's Headquarters Beercade. Cause ever since I was a young boy, I've played that silver ball… Oh, there's beer, too.

May 29, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, May 30-June 2 | The Beeronaut

Chicago Craft Beer Week is over, but the beer flows on, including a Kegs for Kindneys event, and Lagunitas dinner pairing.

The Beeronaut Annex: Jim Beam Blackhawks Cocktails

I'm starting a new category in my Beeronaut posts called the Annex. Here you'll find some stories and press releases that don't quite fit my beer-centric or local view, but that you may be interested in.
With the Blackhawks going for the do-or-die against the Red Wings tonight, I have an email from the Jim Beam folks suggesting some cocktails. Hey, I'm all for the distilled spirits. Just keep a good beer chaser on hand. Click the title to read on!

May 23, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Week Highlights, Sat. May 25 - The Beeronaut

West Loop Craft Beer Fest, the Beerfly Alleyfight, CCBW is going out with a bang!

Chicago Craft Beer Week Highlight, Friday, May 24 | The Beeronaut

Chicago Craft Beer Week heads into its last weekend with local and rare beers everywhere!

May 21, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Week Highlights, Thursday, May 23 | The Beeronaut

High gravity beers, Big Sky, a gruit beer, and some VaVaVoom at Finch's.

Chicago Craft Beer Week Highlights for Wed., May 22 | The Beeronaut

CCBW rockets over Hump Day with more local brewers, some that aren't even open yet! And KBS.

May 19, 2013

May 18, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Week Highlights, Sunday May 19 | The Beeronaut

Wrigley Rooftop parties, trolley crawls, plus BCS, KBS and 50/50 Eclipse in one place!

May 15, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Week: May 17 Highlights & Extras | The Beeronaut

CCBW Friday has events with Begyle & 18th Street, Revolution, Solemn Oath, BCS and KBS!

May 14, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Opening Day Highlights & Extras

Chicago Craft Beer week kicks off Thursday, May 16. Here are just a few of the opening day highlights!

May 12, 2013

Beeronaut is Back: Pre CCBW Chicago Beer Calendar, May 13-15

Before CCBW kicks off: Deschutes dinner, Revolution events, and Buckledown debuts.

Apr 19, 2013

Apr 18, 2013

Berghoff relaunches beers with new brewer and recipes | The Beeronaut

Berghoff relaunches with new beers and new brewery.

Beeronaut Craft Beer Events, April 19-21 – Hibernation notice | The Beeronaut

Ballpark Brew Fest, AlphaBeer, Delilah's barrel-aged beer sampling. And I explain another hiatus.

Apr 16, 2013

Baderbräu Returns – Again | The Beeronaut

Baderbräu has a new brewing partner to help relive the short supplies that made it hard to find since its re-introduction last July.

Apr 14, 2013

Beeronaut’s Chicago Craft Beer Events, April 15-18 | The Beeronaut

Stone, Lagunitas, Revolution, Oskar Blues, SKA events. Atlas/DryHop collab brew.

Apr 11, 2013

Beeronaut’s Chicago Weekend, April 12-14 | The Beeronaut

Solemn Oath Tapping, one place with Dark Lord AND KBS, and Tinley Park's Brew & Vine Fest

Apr 7, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, April 8-11 | The Beeronaut

New Brazilian craft brewer debuts here, more Game of Thrones, Waukegan's ZümBier, Greenbush pops up, as does Bourbon County Stout.

Apr 4, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, April 5-7 | The Beeronaut

5 Rabbit opens its doors, Bigby's pops sparse Belgians, and Gapers Block hosts a pub crawl.

Mar 31, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, April 1-4 | The Beeronaut

Game of Thrones and Samuel Smith beer events, Kentucky Breakfast Stout now pouring, a night of collaborative beers.

Mar 24, 2013

Mar 22, 2013

Chef Cleetus Friedman now at Fountainhead | The Beeronaut

Chef and collaboration brewer Cleetus Friedman will now ply his trade at Fountainhead Restaurant in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood.

Mar 21, 2013

Beeronaut's Chicago Craft Beer Events, March 22-24

Game of Thrones Beer arrives, more big stout tappings, like BCS, plus Barley's Angels and beer with stories.

Mar 19, 2013

Craft Beer Review: Revolution 3rd Year Beer | The Beeronaut

A nearly instantaneous review of Revolution's 3rd anniversary barley wine, served at Standard Market in Westmont. In a word, YES!

Mar 17, 2013

Beeronaut's Craft Beer Events, March 18-21

More stout events including 2013 KBS, Hofbrauhaus' Grand Opening, Dayman Coffee IPA, Revolution on Tap in Westmont.

Mar 11, 2013

Dark Lord Day Tickets on Sale this Sunday! | The Beeronaut

3 Floyds has announced tickets for the April 27 Dark Lord Day will go on sale Sunday, March 17 at noon!

Chicago Pre-St. Pat’s Weekend in Beer, March 11-14

Deschutes brings new IPA, Local Options's πr(squared), and St. Pat's previews.

Mar 6, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, March 8-10 - The Beeronaut

Off Color makes it beery debut, Haymarket has a Sausagefest, and the Irish Fleadh parade hits Oak Forest.

Mar 3, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, March 3-7

"To Cure a Hangover" on tour, Tap takeovers with Goose Island, Tyranena, New Holland & North Coast.

Feb 28, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, March 1 – 3

Day of the Living Ales is sold out, but not Windy City Brewhaha (yet). Also, word on Schaumburg's Ballpark Beerfest, Off Color Brewing's Debut, and more once-only tappings.

Feb 26, 2013

New Chicago Announces New Home & Name – Ale Syndicate - The Beeronaut

New Chicago Brewing Co. has announced the location for its new brewery, and a new name: Ale Syndicate. Arcade Brewing will be making beer there with them!

Feb 24, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events: February 25-28

Stouts and Barley Wines pouring, Solemn Oath & Allagash team up, Sun King debuts in NW Indiana.

Feb 20, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Weekend Events: February 22-24

Solidarity! celebrates beer's Dark Side, two chances for New Holland beers and spirits, Banana Bread beer, and Sour beer on tap.

Feb 19, 2013

Baconfest Chicago Tickets on Sale Wednesday

Will there be beer at an event called Baconfest Chicago? You bet your backfat! Tickets on sale Wednesday, February 20 for this April 20 event.

Feb 17, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, February 18-21 | The Beeronaut

Barrel-Aged beer tappings, beer dinners with Goose, Bell's, Oskar Blues & Deschutes, and a tasting seminar.

Feb 14, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Weekend, Feb. 15 – 17

Delilah's Vintage Beer Fest, Maria's strong & hoppy beer pourings, two chili cookoffs, and more!

Feb 10, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, February 11 – 13 | The Beeronaut

Chicago Craft Beer Events, February 11 – 13Mardi Gras time: Beer dinners, French brewers and their beers, & stout pourings.

Chicago Beer and Valentine’s Events for Feb. 14 | The Beeronaut

A roundup of Chicago area craft events, dinners and tappings for Valentine's Day.

Feb 3, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, February 4 - 7

Mardi Gras, Beer dinners, and an announcement about Dark Lord Day!

Jan 27, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, January 28 – 31 | The Beeronaut

Plenty of beer dinner pairings, stouts and barrel-aged beers, and a Hopslam or two!

Jan 23, 2013

Weekend Craft Beer Events in Chicago, January 25 – 27

More pourings for Bourbon Country Stout, another Local Option beer blitz, small-scale beer fests, and Metropolitan Generator doppelbock.

Jan 20, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, January 21 – 24 | The Beeronaut

Bell's Hop Slam continues to hit town, plus a Stone Cellar Night, Oskar Blues, Old Rasputin, Sixpoint and more!

Jan 17, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer News Roundup - The Beeronaut

Doings with Off Color, Begyle, Church Street and Chain o'Lakes brewers. Hofbrauhaus Chicago sets a soft oepning, and the release for Kentucky Breakfast Stout is set!

Chicago Weekend Craft Beer Events, January 18 – 20

Hopslam strike the shores of Lake Michigan, Beer Bistro North goes All-Stout, and a chance to have a beer with Jarrett Payton.

Jan 15, 2013

Local Beer Makers Homebrew at FoBAB Documentary Party

Some of Chicago's beer bloggers worked on a short documentary about the Festival of Barrel-Aged beers. I got to go to the debut party.

Jan 14, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Events, January 14 - 17

More events with Deschutes and new beers from Firestone Walker.

Jan 10, 2013

Chicago Craft Beer Calendar, January 11-13

Events with Deschutes, Half Acre, Pipeworks, and AleSmith.

Jan 6, 2013

Draftmark Tap System Unboxing

I have a full report on this new beer dispenser for Anheuser Busch beers. The device I was sent came with a gallon of Goose Island Honker's Ale, so it's all good. Works pretty nicely, takes up less space than a 12-pack. Just foams up a lot.

Deschutes and Chicago Craft Beer Calendar, January 7 - 10


Deschutes Brewing from Oregon is bringing its award-winning beers to Chi-Town! I have the debut week schedule, plus other big events.