Beer News for June 2012

Lagunitas has indeed reported, in many different locations around Chicago, hat they are indeed building a brewery here in Chicago, which is good for us for more than the simple reason than it will allow me to wrap its reviews onto this Midwest Beer Blog. It will make it even more widely available on tap here too, and maybe lower prices a bit. Recent tastings of 'Lil Sumpin' sumpin' (thanks Steve A) and an older one of Maximus can be reviewed here then. Details include using the huge steel mill I have seen along the tollway at 18th street. They plan to open the taproom by this November, and the brewery open in October 2013. It is planned to be a 250 barrel facility. More information when it is available.


There is some new beer out there, we have already tasted, called Chi-Town beer. The labels and case packages are nice and reflect the city, with such names as Pier Pale Ale, and Windy City Wheat . Chicago Beer Company is in downtown Chicago, adn will be increasing in size soon. I have tasted a couple but will be reviewing soon. Their flagship, Windy City Wheat, is a classic Belgian Style Wheat, which reflects the Windy City nickname. It is currently being brewed by contract brewer San Creek, in Black River Falls. They were the previous location of Chicago favorite, Half Acre, until they built their facitlity on the North Side of Chicago.


Jarrett Payton All American Wheat Ale is on the shelves. I haven't tasted it yet, but I like the wheat ales usually (see here). I hope Jarrett is interested in selling us some beer because it is good and not because he is the son of a Chicago icon. If it is the latter we might have to start drinking beer made by Bill Murray's kids or Jim Belushi! Yikes.
Here's an orginal thought. Why not call it Walter Payton #34 beer or something? Jarret Payton? Really?
Plus, I of yet havent been thrilled with Argus beers in the bottle, so I am not sure I will even try this one.
Just thought I would throw it out there. Anyone try it already and want to comment on it?