Chicago Pre New Year's Craft Beer Weekend, December 28-30

It's Winter, that means some Bourbon barrel beer, some of which is being pushed through a Randall (and we all know how painful that can be.

Chicago Weekend Craft Beer Events, December 21-23

A few non-End-of-the-World related events.

Doomsday-Free Chicago Craft Beer Calendar, December 17-20

No more less than sophomoric gloom and doom predictions here (that's in my next article). Just more good beer fun!

Chicago Craft Beer Calendar, December 10 to 13 - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Lots of Christmas beers pouring this week!

Chicago Craft Beer News & Calendar, December 7 - 9

Some news highlights about Flesk, Off Color & Spiteful Brewing. Haven't heard of 'em yet? You will.

Beer Hunter's Dream: Both Westvleteren 12 and Vertical Epic 12.12.12 Hit Stores

Two of beer geekdom's most sought after brews come out within 10 days of each other.

Chicago Craft Beer events, December 3 - 6

Beer events come thick and fast with lots of holiday beer tappings and beer dinners.

Chicago Weekend Craft Beer Calendar, November 30 - December 2

A Grayslake brewer opens, a Gary brewer has its Kickstarter, Zwanze Day, Kentucky Breakfast Stout in Rock Island, and a historic neighborhood pub crawl.

Chicago Weekend Craft Beer Calendar, November 26-29

I have grand opening events for Jerry's new Andersonville location, and some holiday beer dinners.

Chicago Black Friday weekend Craft Beer Events

I have only a few events for your shopping breaks. But there they are.

Winners at Chicago's Festival of Barrel-Aged Beers

Goose Island's Fulton brewery and brewpubs win six medals, other local brewers score big, too!

Chicago Thanksgiving week craft beer Calendar

Here's where you can get away to prepare for the rush to Turkey Day.

Chicago Weekend Craft Beer Calendar, November 16-18

Couldn't get tickets for FoBAB? I have other fun stuff for you.

Square One's Beer Menu intrigues in South Loop

I got to have a meal (and a beer) at a spot with a good beer list, and light bites at nice prices.

Craft Beer Preview: Newcastle Werewolf

Here's a review of the current seasonal from Newcastle.

White House publishes homebrew beer recipes

Got some early impressions of the newly released White House homebrewed beer recipes. Mainly, they're using the same equipment as any beginning brewer. So you can make them yourself!

Tickets on sale Saturday for Festival of Barrel Aged Beer

This not not yet have reached the frenzy of a Dark Lord Day, but I predict this will sell out within the day for the first time.

Tasting Gluten-Free Beers

I do it for you! Checking out Gluten-Free beers. With an accompanying One-Take Beer Review video!

No plans to publicize White House beer homebrewing recipes

White House chefs do not plan to "release" their homebrewed beer recipes. I've always said online petitions are pretty useless, anyway.

Stone Brewing's "Enjoy By" IPA pursues freshness in Chicago

Stone Brewing wants to make sure you have their IPA as fresh as possible.

Oskar Blues bring Colorado cans to Chicago

Oskar Blues Chicago can invasion is this week! Be informed! Read about it here! (I mean, at the link at the start of this sentence.)

Meet the new beer in town: Hopothesis IPA

Once again, I get to talk to the creator of a new craft beer here in Chicago: Hopothesis Brewing.

Craft Beer Review: Lagunitas Fusion VIII

Reviewing Lagunitas Fusion VIII beer, brewed from a Chicago-based homebrewer's recipe.

Baderbräu Returns! A talk with new owner Robert Sama

Finally got this interview up, now that Baderbräu bottles are in stores.

One-Take Beer Review: Baderbräu Chicago Pilsener

A pioneering Chicago craft beer returns!

Pictures - 10 Best Chicago Summer Beers

I've put together a slide show of my 10 picks for great Chicago beers for this hot summer!

Craft Beer Preview: Newcastle Summer Ale

Here's one summer beer suggestion, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday week!

Chick Beer - 4 (out of 100) at RateBeer

1.6 of 5.0. There are some wonderful witty women who love good beer and read my stuff, so I took the bullet and tried this sexist marketing ploy disguised as a lite beer so you don't have to. Hey, Chick Beer Co.: "Sex & the City" ended years ago. A six-pack that looks like a purse isn't going to attract beer loving women.

Should we worry about Michigan Brewing's foreclosure?

Should we worry about Michigan Brewing's foreclosure? Shut down after years of money woes despite growing production.

One-Take Beer Review: Newcastle Summer Ale

Hey, it's time for another One-Take Beer Review!

Regional brewing roundup: Michigan, Iowa, Quad Cities

News of closures at Michigan Brewing and Hub City, Bent River expands, and a new nano in Rock Island.

Two Bros. Hop Juice Fest is this weekend

Still time for you to get tickets for 2 Brothers' Hop Fest this weekend in Aurora.

Chicago craft brewer news roundup

A roundup of new brewer news from Lagunitas, 5 Rabbit, Big Chicago and Limestone>

Chicago Craft Beer Week highlights: Sunday, May 27

Chicago Craft Beer Week ends Sunday with brunches, BBQ, Blues, and one more pub crawl.

Chicago Craft Beer Week highlights for Saturday, May 26

CCBW wrapping up with an "East/West/No Coast" matchup, Mayfest in Indiana, more rare beers and tap takeovers.

Chicago Craft Beer Week highlights: Friday May 25

Revolution's Tap Room opening is sold out, but there's plenty to go around at CCBW. Tappings with Smuttynose, Clown Shoes. Sixpoint, Solemn Oath. Baderbrau & 2 Bros, and a homebrewers dinner pairing.

Chicago Craft Beer Week Highlights: Thursday, May 24

Baderbrau is back, Sheffield's taps its Sierra Nevada Beer Camp, Moonshine open house, Bowling with Brewers, and a Craft brew'n'view, Thursday during CCBW.

Chicago Craft Beer Week highlights, Wednesday, May 23

Beer tours, gallery of historic beer buttons, and sketch or photograph a model from the Black Tulip label Wednesday during CCBW.

Chicago Craft Beer Week highlights: Tuesday, May 22

The guys from Big Sky stop by, a Downstate Illinois beer fest, local casks and Belgian styles at Tuesday's CCBW events.

Highlights for Chicago Craft Beer Week, Monday, May 21

Brewer meet & greets, a trolley tour, rare collaborations and Dryhop's debut at CCBW on Monday, May 21..

Chicago Craft Beer Week highlights, Sunday, May 20

Sunday's CCBW: Mini Golf at Goose Island, Metropolitan Firkins, and a Tribute to Macho Man.

Chicago Craft Beer Week events, Saturday, May 19 - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Saturday's CCBW highlights: Mash Tun Fest, Solemn Oath and Light the Lamp's new taprooms, Beerfly Alleyfight! and beer with tattoos!

Chicago Craft Beer Week highlights: Friday May 18

Friday's Chicago Craft Beer Week highlights include the debut of the new Solemn Oath Brewery.

Highlights for Chicago Craft Beer Week day 1: May 17

Free Dark Lord! Pouring new locals and rare beers for the opening of Chicago Craft Beer Week.

American Craft Beer Week events with Dogfish Head

Before Chicago Craft Beer Week kicks off Thursday, here are a few American Craft Beer Week events with Dogfish Head

Chicago area winners at the World Beer Cup

Haymarket, Goose Island, Shoreline, Revolution, Flossmoor Station, Crown and BrickStone were among winners at the 2012 World Beer Cup.

"Next Year" is now! Vote Chicago for BeerCity USA 2012

Some of the many reasons,
old and new, why Chicago is
"Beer City USA!"

Charlie Papazian runs this poll each year to name "BeerCity USA." This is certainly our year, with several new brewers open, and at least a dozen more on the way!

Goose Island Brewmasters Dinner at Schubas in Chicago

06-13-2012 Goose Island Brewmasters Dinner at Schubas in Chicago

This weekend's Chicago craft beer highlights, May 4-6

Your May weekend holds more beer festivals from here to Galena.

Sonoma Life + Style 4-Pk. Beer Mugs

A visit from the Beer Fairy

So today I was sitting at my tedious temp job, barely keeping awake. At the first break I decided to walk to the Jewel next door for a quick donut. This Jewel, in Lombard, has been remodeling all month, so every once in a while there was an end cap of stuff priced to move. I guess there’s a rule that once items are on the shelf, they can’t go back to storage? Previously I’d gotten some bargains like canned chipotles for 50¢, fancy teas, etc. Near the liquor department I suddenly spotted four shopping carts full of beer, with signs reading “All 6-packs and 4-packs: $3!” This was all fresh beer, and not a BMC in the bunch except for two hers of Michelob Ultra (plus a vodka alcopop). I ended up taking 17 of those paragons home. A few others at work picked up some good beers, too. How good: My haul of 17 units, totaling $51:

Abita Purple Haze 6-pack
Anchor Liberty Ale 6
Dogfish Head Raison D’Etre 6
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IIPA 2-4 packs
Goose Island Pepe Nero 2-4 packs
Goose Island Pere Jacques 4-pack
Goose Island Sofie 4
Harpoon IPA 6
New Belgium 1554 6
Sam Adams Imperial Double Bock 4
Sam Adams Imperial Wee Heavy 2-4 packs
Sam Adams Imperial White 4

Cerveza Imperial (Costa Rica) 6
Lech Premium (Poland) 6
I got these foreign beers because I wasn’t sure I hadn’t ticked them yet. I had. In fact, I’ve already rated all these beers, but who can pass this bargain up?

So put a bottle cap under your pillow, and maybe the beer fairy will visit you tomorrow!

Tickets on sale Friday for Revolution's new brewery Grand Opening

Experience with these big local events suggests this event will sell out in a hurry! It's May 25 at the new brewery.

Brooklyn's Sixpoint Brewery debuts in Chicago this week

Brooklyn's Sixpoint Brewery debuts in Chicago this week - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

This weekend's Chicago craft beer highlights, April 13-15 - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Drink with the Van Steenberge brewer, enjoy a Brew & View at Haymarket, hit the boats for craft beer, and an art gallery for homebrew.

Win this Newcastle Brown Ale merchandise!

Drawing for free Newcastle Brown Ale Rolling cooler & glassware

BREAKING NEWS: Lagunitas announces expansion brewery for Chicago

Popular California craft brewer Lagunitas will build an expansion brewery in Chicago!

Virtual Beer Tasting of Organic Brews April 10

Have a beer tasting party without leaving home: Except I'd have to burn gas to go get the beers being discussed.

The week ahead in Chicago craft beer, April 9-12

An evening with gluten-free brews, a collaboration oyster stout, and Threadless in a can!

Beeronaut Easter Weekend events

Spring pairs beer with bikes, a rare beer event and Brew Springsteen for homebrewing.

The week ahead in Chicago craft beer, April 1-4

Opening Day beer events, more beer & food truck pairings, welcoming Milwaukee Brewing Co. to Chicago

This weekend, sorta, in Chicago craft beer, March 31 - April 1

Chicago Beer Festival, Stone Brewing celebration, 3 Floyds takeover and Hall & Oates!

Limestone Brewing closes for real this time, moving to Aurora

Limestone Brewing has closed its doors in Plainfield, but plans to reopen in Aurora this June.

Beeronaut's Chicago highlights for March 26 to 29

Another sign of summer: Bell's Oberon appears this week!

Old Chicago Beer Co. names Todd Britt as Brewmaster

The brewmaster at Goose Island's Wrigleyville pub will take over the new Old Chicago Beer Co. (the old Flatlander's).

This weekend's Chicago craft beer highlights, March 23-25 - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

A rare Surly cask at SmallBar, a Sausagefest at Haymarket

The week ahead in Chicago craft beer, March 19-22

Some barrel aged beer pourings will make you feel better after missing Dark Lord Day tickets.

Beeronaut's St. Patrick's Day weekend

Amid the usual St. Patrick's Day parties, there are strong beer fest, and your chance for Dark Lord Day tickets.

The week ahead in Chicago craft beer, March 12-15

Not even St. Pat's Day, and I have 2 dozen Chicago craft beer events.

This weekend in Chcago craft beer, March 2-4 - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Day of the Living Ales is… sold out, but there's still interesting beer out there to try.

The Week Ahead: Mardi Gras and Chicago craft beer, Feb. 20-23

Select Mardi Gras events, tappings with Dogfish head, Hopslam, Brewdog & 3Floyds.

This weekend: Chicago craft beer highlights, Feb. 17-19

Weekend Highlights: Strong and barrel-aged beers, Flossmoor Station & City Provisions releases.

Craft beer preview: Shiner Wild Hare Pale Ale

I have a preview of Shiner's first-ever Ale, Wild Hare Pale Ale.

3 Floyds sets Dark Lord Day 2012 for April 28

3 Floyds sets Dark Lord Day 2012 for April 28

Chicago Beer Festival coming March 31

The first Chicago Beer Festival is March 31 at Union Station. Get your tickets now!

The week ahead: Chicago craft beer Valentine events

Valentine's Day means romantic beer dinners, beer and chocolate pairing, or simply beer for lovers!

This weekend in Chicago craft beer, February 10-12 - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Your Valentine weekend includes Delilah's Strong Vintage Beer fest and Bavarian Lodge's Belgian Fest.

Craft beer review: Two Brothers Reprieve Schwarzbier

I tasted a black German lager from Two Brothers of Warrenville, IL

The week ahead in Chicago craft beer, February 6-9

Founders All Day IPA makes its debut this week. Some cider tasting, a Stout Spectacular and some rare Belgians in town.

This weekend in Chicago craft beer, February 3-5 - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Outside of the regular Big Game events are still a few goings-on this weekend.

Craft Beer Preview: Newcastle Founders' Ale - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

I got an advance sample of Newcastle's upcoming spring seasonal Bitter: Founders' Ale.

Goose Island Stout Fest Tickets on sale February 1!

Tickets go on sale Wednesday Feb 1 for Goose Island Stout Fest (March 17).

Pipeworks starts brewing beer in Chicago today! - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Welcome a bouncing baby brewer to Chicago! Pipeworks Brewing Co. began operation on Western Ave. today!

Chicago Beer Society News: Shootout Winners, March 3 is Day of the Living Ales

I'm a week late, but: CBS announces best beers and food at their Brewpub Shootout. Their Day of the Living Ales is March 3.

The week ahead in Chicago craft beer, Jan. 30-Feb. 2

Point beer makes some noise around here, so does Dogfish 120 Min. IPA, Metropolitan, Tighthead and other local beers.

This weekend in Chicago craft beer, January 27-29

Frank Thomas promotes Big Hurt Beer, while tastings of big, rare beers abound.

Bargain Beer Review: Trader Joe's Boatswain HLV Ale

I start reviewing bargain beers by checking out Boatswain HLV Brown Ale, sold at Trader Joe's.

The Week Ahead in Chicago craft beer, January 23-26

Bell's Hopslam, Surly Darkness, Metropolitan, Lagunitas, Slumbrew & Summit pour, while dinner's served with 2 Brothers, 5 Rabbit & North Coast.

Craft beer review: BrewDog Tactical Nuclear Penguin

BrewDog Tactical Nuclear Penguin. Click on to read my 4-star review. I had a taster at Palmer Place last year. Will it return?

This weekend in Chicago craft beer, January 20-22

Brew-Ho-Ho and AlphaBeer. If you can't get in, visit CHAOS and have some chili!

A visit to Maria's Community Bar in Bridgeport - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

A visit to Maria's Community Bar in Bridgeport - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

The Week Ahead in Chicago craft beer, January 16-19 - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Bell's Hopslam, 3Floyd/Brewdog's Bitch Please, Bourbon County Stout, Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro tapped, dinners w/Virtue Cider, Metropolitan, 5 Rabbit

This weekend in Chicago craft beer, January 13-15

Stout Fest goes on, a beer & Cheese Pairing, specialized Metropolitan Dynamo on tap.

The Week Ahead in Chicago craft beer, January 9-12

Two Brothers dinner, releases with Canadian Breakfast Stout, Hopslam, and more stout events.

Breaking: Plainfield's Limestone Brewing may close down tonight - Chicago craft beer | Examiner.com

Barring a last-minute negotiation over the lease for their building, Will County's only brewpub, Limestone Brewing Co., may be forced to close down tonight.

This weekend in Chicago craft beer, January 6-8 - Chicago craft beer

Stout Fest, a Drinking & Writing play at Haymarket, 3 Floyds Beer Brunch.