The Brit and Yankee Craft Beer Podcast
By The Brit and Yankee Craft Beer Podcast
The Brit and Yankee Craft Beer PodcastAug 16, 2019
Pubcast 401 - The Brewers Palette of Hop Harmony at Tonality Brewing
Mundelein IL is home to Tighthead Brewing, who have been around for over 12 years, and now joining them is one of our newest Illinois breweries, Tonality Brewing. Tony Bena is co-founder and head brewer, and the podcast crew headed up north to find out more about TBC and sample some of his current tap list. Set in a building which they have completely gutted and renovated, TBC also features a full restaurant menu, and an ‘artistic’ theme that changes from month to month. The Brit and co-host Ken McMullen (Fox Republic Brewing) visited on a Monday when the taproom was closed, and talked with Tony about his brewing roots and the dynamics of starting a brewery. Then the conversation somehow turned to T-shirt quality and merch. We hear Tony’s views on adjuncts, why he loves coffee and his dislike for Rauch beers, the dart league at TBC, and we find out what he likes to listen to while he’s brewing.
We found the tap list to be solid and classic, and while we couldn’t try the food on this visit, we think it is worth a trip out there based on the menu options and beer quality. Cheers!
Beers Sampled:
- Analog Kolsch, Kölsch, 5.7% ABV
- Ruby Amber Waves, Amber ale, 5% ABV
- Dubbel Damage, Belgian Dubbel 6.9% ABV
- Crepuscular, Russian Imperial Stout, 12% ABV
- Minted Crepuscular, Russian Imperial Stout with mint, 12% ABV
Website: https://www.thebritandyankee.com for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 400 - THANKS to Our Listeners and The Brewers!!
This weeks' episode is a retrospective of our show and some of the milestones in our first 399 shows. It's thanks to all our listeners who keep us recording each episode, and thanks to all the brewers who have given their time to talk to us. Plus thanks to all my co-hosts along the way, especially the 'original' Yankee, Lingo! We've drunk a bunch of brews on our journey, and the last 17 years have been a blast, so we'll keep podcasting as long as we can.
The first podcast was published in Oct 2006 (Pubcast #1), back in 'Phase 1' of podcasting history. With the 'original' Yankee, my chum Mike 'Lingo' Lingafelter, we decided we would like to bring a little 'pub chat' to the internet. We had a different theme tune and a different approach to the show, with more variety, music, and full production segments, but still sampling beers along the way. The first beers we drank were Blue Goat Doppelbock from New Holland Brewing, and a Double Pale Ale from He'brew. Like us, New Holland is still going strong, but He'brew closed, then relaunched in 2022.
In Nov 2009 and Pubcast #51, we recorded a show at the legendary, but now gone, John's Tavern in Winfield IL. There we first met with a man who was soon to become a good friend and co-host for the show, Mark Naski. Mark was a genius when it came to his knowledge of brewing and beer styles, and was instrumental in making the podcast change into what it has become today. He taught us so much about craft beer, and along the way helped a local brewery with advice about their recipes. Sadly Mark was taken from us in 2021, and we miss him dearly.
In December 2010, The Brit recorded the first brewery remote when he visited Oskar Blues in Longmont CO., and experienced Ten Fidy on tap for the first time. In 2013, the boom of the craft beer industry, we really started to visit breweries for interviews with the brewers. Some of our first recordings were with breweries that are still around today such as Tighthead Brewing (Pubcast#103), Church Street (Pubcast#107), and Penrose Brewing (Pubcast#110).
It was after show 161 that we really started to focus on brewery and brewer interviews, when the Illinois craft beer scene was really starting to grow.
Our first collaboration brew was with Hopvine Brewing and brewmaster Ken McMullen. It was an English pale ale called HMQ90 (Pubcast #198), brewed to celebrate the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II, with a recipe from Mark Naski. Ken has since gone on to become another good friend and current co-host of the show, and moved over to help start Fox Republic Brewing.
Chuck Fort, Sr. Brewing Consultant (but then brewer) at Church Street Brewing, also joined the crew first as a regular guest and then by Pubcast #243, as co-host. Both Chuck and Ken continue to bring a wealth of industry knowledge...plus they're really good chums!
We experimented with video back in 2018 with a beer review show recorded at Church Street Brewing, (Barrel of Monks Beer Review), and the result was 'simple' at best. We then started up our YouTube channel in 2020 as a result of the Covid pandemic shutting down our ability to have face-to-face contact with people. Like many others, we used Zoom to chat with brewers on our Virtual Happy Hours, and then used the medium to continue reviewing brews, and then test brewers' palates with a Blind Taste Challenge series.
And that brings us up-to-date where today we try to go out and interview as many brewers at their breweries as time permits. Here's a link to a page that lists all our featured brewery interviews.
Here's to the next milestone of 500, and here's to the craft beer industry and those hard working brewers!! CHEERS!
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 399 - Jon Miller of Bubblehouse Brewing
Since 2021, Lisle has been home to Bubblehouse Brewing, and when we asked the craft beer community in the Chicago area where we should visit for our next interview, the Bubblehouse 'popped' up as a favorite. The Brit and co-host Ken McMullen (Fox Republic Brewing brewmaster) headed over there and sat down with Jon Miller, Head Brewer and co-Founder, to discover more about this very popular brewery and taproom! With a highly varied tap list, and a decor that is eclectic and welcoming, Jon and his wife have managed to create a place that the community can come together for conversation and good beer. We find out how the name came about, and how Jon started his journey in brewing like so many other brewers did, by buying a kit from the homebrew shop in St. Charles IL, our friends at Broken Brix. And there's a connection to Ken, as Jon took some of the Business of Craft Beer classes at College of DuPage, which Ken is now teaching some of the course topics. The Bubblehouse taproom is also home to a board game evening, and a game we'd never heard of, Crokinole, which Jon describes as the "perfect pub game". What is it? Tune in and find out, together with plenty of other conversation around the state of the industry and how Bubblehouse keeps their customers coming back for more of their great brews. Cheers!
Beers Sampled:
- Isle of Lisle, Mexican Lager, 4.6% ABV
- All Together Now, Altbier, 5.0% ABV
- California VooDoo, West Coast IPA, 6.5% ABV
- Origami Binoculars, Schwarzbier, 5.3% ABV
- Advantage of Absence, BA American Barley Wine, 8.5% ABV
- 10 Second Hug, Hazy DDH IPA, 6.0% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 398 - A Safe Haven for Hops at Harbor Brewing
In this episode we venture back up to Lake County and the village of Lake Villa, where we visit with a brewery that has been in existence for over 5 years, but seems to be a "best kept secret", at least from those in the southern suburbs! Harbor Brewing Company is located just a short walk from the Metra station, a stop on the North Central Line, so accessible from Chicago. Plus they have a lakefront biergarten location in Winthrop Harbor that has their great brews and awesome views!
Founder Kyle Wenzel and Head Brewer Adam Brose talk with The Brit and co-host Ken McMullen (Fox Republic Brewing) about how they have kept people coming back again and again, building up a solid taproom following, and now doing well with their self-distro. With an impressive 24 tap selection on hand, there is something for all tastes, and we get to sample a few on the podcast. We check out the large event space and how this has helped them host regular events that bring in the local community. With a 'wall o' barrels' on one side they tell us about how they are getting their barrel program off the ground. And with the beer fest season starting up, Kyle talks about how he likes to attend these so he can actually meet and talk to the attendees who are trying his beer. We find out about what they are viewing and listening to these days, and Ken has a tip for a new band he's been hooked into! Cheers!
Beers Sampled:
- Harbor Lager, American Lager, 4.3% ABV
- Buffer Zone, Dunkelweizen, 5.2% ABV
- Wintertide, Rye IPA, 6.6% ABV
- Camp Nights, Brown Ale, 5.8% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 397 - The 7th Annual Barley Wine Show
It's hard to believe we have been recording our annual barley wine show for 7 years, but yes, we have shown this style some love since our first one was recorded in the now gone but not forgotten, legendary John's Tavern in Winfield. We have tasted and reviewed over 40 barley wines from across the USA, and this year we have another 7, plus 2 from the UK!
This year, Art History founders, Tom & Cindy Rau, graciously agreed to allow us to record the show from their Geneva Lager Works production brewery location, and are part of our tasting panel, although Cindy comes along later as she has AHB biz to deal with! Joining them are co-host Chuck Fort from Church Street Brewing, Ed and Mike Seaman from the Broken Brix Fermentation Emporium, and ex-tavern landlord, John Karwoski. It's a panel of brewing experts who may or may not be familiar with the ancient style of barley wines.
Listen in to hear what they have to say about the style, and then they'll arbitrarily rate their favorite one, with all due respect to all the others we taste! Cheers!
The Lineup:
- Barrel of Monks Brewing, Boca Raton FL.
Trip Sitter, 7th Anniversary English Barleywine, 12% ABV
Trip Sitter, 7th Anniversary BBA English Barleywine, 12.5% ABV
- Harvey’s Brewery, Lewes, East Sussex UK
2013 Elizabethan Ale, English Barleywine, 7.5% ABV
2023 Elizabethan Ale, Sparkling English Barleywine, 7.2% ABV
- Riverlands Brewing, St. Charles IL., J.A.M., American Barleywine aged for 24 months in Four Roses Bourbon Barrels.
- New Image Brewing, Arvada CO., Wood Reserve Series: Port Scotch BA, American Barleywine, 13% ABV
- Church Street Brewing, Itasca IL., Barley A Prophet, English Barleywine, 10% ABV
- Prairie Street Brewing, Rockford IL., BBA American Barleywine, 12% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 396 - Black Lung Brewing Revisited
It was just over 50 podcasts ago in December of 2020 that we spoke with Josh Grubbs, as he was preparing to open Black Lung Brewing in 2021. It was a brave move as this was during the restrictions of the Covid pandemic, plus at the time he was brewing his beers out of the now closed Zumbier Brewing, and who names a brewery after a deadly mining disease! You would think that he was trying to mirror Sisyphus in Greek mythology, who was forced to roll an immense boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down every time it neared the top, repeating this action for eternity! But no, through all this, Josh has made an impact on the community of Round Lake Beach with his brewery and taproom, and has also opened a second satellite brewpub in Fox Lake which provides great view of Lake Nippersink from the patio of a 124 year old building! We catch up with Josh at his Round Lake location to get an update on his breweries. Assistant brewer Rob Noon is also in the house, and as the Brit's usual co-hosts were busy at their breweries this week, ex-tavern owner John Karwoski (Johnny K) is along to make sure he keeps him in line.
We sample some of the brews and Josh tells the full version of the story behind the name of the brewery, plus we get the stories behind some of the beer names, like "Galaxie 503" and "Mr. Willy Sub For A Day"!
Johnny K is curious about some of the entertainment equipment in the taproom and Josh tells how he has had to adapt to what the public wants when you run a small business even though it is a craft brewery. Rob reveals he has been a member of local metal band Wrath, and we find out what that's all about! And finally there is some discussion about how craft beer aficionados and consumers should be using social media, for example Untappd, to rate the beers that they try...be kind folks!!
Beers Sampled:
- Lung Light, American Light Lager, 4.7% ABV
- Eagle Fang Irish Red, Irish Red Ale, 5.1% ABV
- Caduceus, NEIPA / WineIPA, 5.4% ABV
- Noon Porter, English Porter, 5.5% ABV
- Coal River Stout, collab with Riverlands Brewing, Coconut, Pistachio, and Vanilla Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout aged for 24 months in Oppidan Bourbon barrel, 12.5% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 395 - Seasons Greetings and Seasonal Beer
We are back in the pub studio for this episode, which will be the last one until the end of January , as we are taking a short hiatus to take care of some family issues. But, we do have an all-star cast in the house with co-host Ken McMullen from Fox Republic Brewing, co-host Chuck Fort from Church Street Brewing, plus the head brewer from Church Street, Sean Gregor. And this is a bumper edition, but we hope you enjoy our festivities!
The Brit has randomly selected a six-pack of beers that appear at this time of year, some with those seasonal spices and some not. We'll be sampling these, passing on our comments and seeing where the conversation goes! Plus we find out what The Brit's favorite Christmas movie is, the backstory behind a well-known Christmas carol, and like most people, we all have no clue what the OED word of the year is and what it means! The Brit poses a question about distributorship and whether it is contributing to the craft beer industry stagnation. And finally, 'Pull-my-finger' Santa makes his annual appearance at Chuck's special request!
We hope you have a great holiday season and we'll be back in 2024 with more brewery profiles, interviews, videos and beer reviews. Thanks for subscribing!
Beers Sampled:
- Short Fuse Brewing, Schiller Park IL, The Tips, Holiday IPA with spruce tips and juniper berries, 7% ABV
- Begyle Brewing, Chicago IL, Christmas Ale, spiced beer with bay leaves and cinnamon, 7.3% ABV
- Art History Brewing, Geneva IL, Wenceslas, Bohemian-style dark lager, 6.4% ABV
- Liquid Love Brewing, Buffalo Grove IL, Jingle Bear, Brown ale with coffee, cacao. Cinnamon, maple, and vanilla , 5.7% ABV
- More Brewing, Huntley IL, Winter Fields, English-style brown ale, 4.6% ABV
- Two Brothers, Warrenville IL, Peppermint Bark Porter, Porter with dark cocoa and peppermint, 6.7% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 394 - Matt Strysik of Knack Brewing - A Craft Beer Oasis in Kankakee
The greater Chicagoland area hosts many of Illinois craft breweries, but there are plenty of downstate options to visit and enjoy. In this episode The Brit, and co-host Ken McMullen of Fox Republic, travel to Kankakee IL to visit founder and brewer, Matt Strysik, who together with his wife Emily, co-own Knack Brewing located alongside the Kankakee River.
Knack has been open for nearly a year and a half, and is the only craft brewery in town. The taproom is located in a corner building, and the brewery in a separate building right next door. Matt tells us about has some of the challenges of getting his kegs down to the basement cooler, which can only be described as a 'crawl-in' cooler. Like many small breweries, he did much of the work himself in setting up both areas, and has created a unique, welcoming place to drink great, small batch craft beer.
This is a grass roots operation but Matt is producing extremely high quality, and very drinkable beers, tapping in to the tastes of the area clientele, but also testing out the waters with some adjunct variants. Definitely worth a visit downstate!! Cheers!
Beers Sampled:
Thrilla, Kolsch, 5.2% ABV
Honey Biscuit, Helles, 5.1% ABV
Remy, Dark Lager, 5.1% ABV
Extra Super, Doppelbock, 7.5% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 393 - Bob Salzman of BBGB Brewery Hopfarm
Bob Salzman has been the Brewmaster at BBGB for around 5 years, and we need to apologize to him upfront! We have no idea why we haven't been out to taste his brews before, but we're glad we have now!
BBGB is the brewery arm of an amazing restaurant called Hardware, which from a distance looks like something out of a Mad Max movie, but in reality is an experiment in recycling. Opened in 2007, they describe themselves as a sustainable gastropub and brewery, but it also includes a 1.5 acre hop farm, and the harvest from that provided our first sample brew. The restaurant presents a wonderful place to dine, plus the whiskey collection is vast, but we were there to find out more about the brewery, and of course, Brewmaster Bob. Joining The Brit is co-host Ken McMullen, who find out about the beers, Bob's background and his passion for brewing, and how the heck they put their taps into a solid piece of rock that rivals the black obelisk in 2001 A Space Odyssey! Plus we discover that the bricks used for some of the construction of the restaurant came from a crematorium! Pretty scary, but sustainable which is what they are all about, and their full-time master gardener grows most of their salad greens onsite in a hothouse. Again, we regret not having tried Bob's brews sooner, and you can believe we'll be back to try the food, paired up with them!! Cheers!
Beers Sampled:
- Bradley's 1041, Vienna Lager, 6.0% ABV
- Fresh Harvest 2023, Red Harvest IPA, 6.5% ABV
- Saison Marilyn, Farmhouse Ale Saison, 9.0% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 392 - Brülosophy with Steve Thanos
Home brewing is where the craft beer movement all started. President Jimmy Carter back in 1978 signed HR 1337, lifting some 50 years of prohibition on homebrewing regulations, and thereby creating a thriving amateur brewing environment that developed into the craft beer industry we have today. So many professional brewers have come from a homebrew background, and one of the organizations that has produced many of Chicagoland's brewers in PALE, Plainfield Ale & Lager Enthusiasts.
One man who has remained in the club, has not become a professional, but who is very much involved in helping homebrewers with their education, is Steve Thanos. Steve is also one of the main contributors to Brülosophy, an organization that takes the art of homebrewing to the next level with their 'Exbeeriments' and discussions on brewing methods, just part of their extensive website.
In this episode, co-host Ken McMullen, who was also an originating PALE member, joins The Brit in welcoming Steve down to the Brit and Yankee Pub studio where we talk homebrew, plus we undertake one of Steve's Exbeeriments! How do we fare? You'll have to tune in to find out, but whether you are a professional, a homebrewer, or just like craft beer, this episode is a fascinating story of the total experience of tasting craft beer.
We held back and posted this episode AFTER Brülosophy posted the results of this Exbeeriment, at their request, so now you can also head over to their website and check out the full article on the results. Cheers to Steve and all those at Brülosophy!
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 391 - Steve Woertendyke of Two Hound Red Brewing
Glen Ellyn IL is home to The Beer Cellar, one of the first craft beer bottle shops in the area, and a couple of blocks away is Glen Ellyn's intriguingly-named craft brewpub, Two Hound Red. Steve Woertendyke has been the head brewer there for 3 years and has managed to provide a well-balanced variety of brews that will be sure to suit everyone's palate.
The Brit and Yankee team of The Brit and co-host Ken McMullen, were long overdue for a visit, so we rectified that this week and headed out to sit down and chat with Steve in the soon to be full of barrels, barrel room. We talked a week ahead of their Oktoberfest celebration, so his fest marzen and the companion smoked marzen started off our interview in great style. Steve and Ken worked together many years ago at the long-defunct Limestone Brewing, so it was nice to get the two old chums together again for some pub chat! As a full brewpub with an extensive restaurant menu, we feel 2HR is definitely worth a visit so you can judge for yourselves...Cheers!
Beers Sampled:
- Angel of Lite, American Lager, 4.1% ABV
- Steel Machete, Mexican Lager, 5.5% ABV
- Oktoberfest, Marzen-style, 5.0% ABV
- Smokektoberfest, Smoked Marzen-style, 6.0% ABV
- Pale Horse, IPA, 6.4% ABV
- Boathouse, IPA, 6.0% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 390 - Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer at Go Brewing
This weekend is Labor Day and there's going to be plenty of barbecues and parties held across the state. Why not offer your guests something that won't leave them with a headache the next day, or perhaps you have guests who don't drink, but want to be part of the craft crowd.
In this edition we visit with what we believe is the only non-alcoholic craft beer brewery in the state, Go Brewing Company, located in Naperville IL. Joe Chura is one of the co-founders and the President of GBC, and James Bigler is their head brewer. The Brit and co-host Ken McMullen (Fox Republic Brewing) sat down in their brewery taproom and talked with them about their 'meteoric' rise as one of the premier NA breweries in the country.
By the time this episode has published, their Oktoberfest Märzen will have been released, but we get a pre-taste of it, and a look at the awesome can art. This brew will be a hit at Oktoberfest celebrations for those who don't drink alcohol, but want to raise their glass for a Prost toast!
We think they are going to only grow more, and The Brit has certainly been converted! We think you will be as well once you try them...cheers!
Beers Sampled:
- Suspended In A Sunbeam, Pilsner, 0.49% ABV, 45 calories
- New School Sour Berry, Sour with strawberries &blueberry,
- Damn Good Oktoberfest, Marzen, 0.47% ABV, 65 calories
- Vanilla Porter, 0.5% ABVr, 0.5% ABV
- Street Cred Nitro Bold, Nitro Stout, 0.35% ABV, 60 calories
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 389 - Sundial Brewing and Blending
There have been two new breweries opening in Illinois in the last few weeks. We visited with Fox Republic in the last episode, and this week we focus on the one that opened just a week before, Sundial Brewing and Blending.
Co-owners/brewers, Mike DeMalpartida and lan Swanson, together with co-owner Diana Carlini, have taken over the space previously occupied by Flesk Brewing, in Barrington's Icehouse Mall. There they are producing some exceptional beers using blending, barreling, and fermentation methods which are not your 'standard' styles, even though you will find a pils and a hazy on the taplist. By the way, that hazy is called a farmhouse IPA, as their twist is to use a Belgian yeast.
In our conversation we talk about how they came to start this venture, their approach to the styles they are producing, and the challenges they will face in storing and stacking their barrels. As we continue chatting it becomes more apparent that these guys really know how to produce the beers, using their experiences from home-brewing, and in the restaurant industry to understand what flavors can be obtained using a variety of different adjuncts. For example, their wit has the addition of coriander but also is changed up by using a citrus tea, making the result a wonderfully refreshing beer.
We are excited about Sundial, and highly recommend a visit to sample their brews. Tell them The Brit sent you! Cheers!
Beers Sampled:
- Wit, Farmhouse Wheat Beer with citrus tea and coriander 5.2% ABV
- Posh & Dodgy, Farmhouse Dark Mild fermented and aged in oak barrels, 4.5% ABV
- Field Stone, Farmhouse IPA, 6.7% ABV
- Dolce Far Niente, Port barrel aged Imperial Stout, 15% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 388 - Fox Republic Brewing
This episode we are down in Yorkville IL, and one of the newest breweries to open in the Chicagoland area, Fox Republic Brewing. Of course, it was a shoe-in getting an interview here as the Brewmaster and General Manager is one of my co-hosts on the podcast, Ken McMullen. Joining him is his brewer, Sam Walstaff, who we are christening “The Tallest Man in Brewing”, coming in at a fine 6′ 9″!! FRB has been open for just over two weeks at the time of recording and has shown themselves to have great promise for solid beers served in a great space with a community spirit. The Brit chats with Ken and Sam about the process of opening a new brewery and their approach to the opening days. Of course we sample some of the styles available, of which there should be something to suit all palates. It’s an exhausting process opening a new brewery and these guys have been working 7 days a week to bring Yorkville and exciting new gathering space. It’s worth a visit, so head on out there! Cheers!
Beers Sampled:
- Button Factory, Kolsch, 5.5% ABV
- Confessions of The Fox, collab w/ Church Street Brewing, English Pub Ale , 4.3% ABV
- Floating West, West Coast IPA
- Tequila Seltzers, fruit flavors, 4.5% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 387 - Kishwaukee Brewing Company
McHenry County in northern Illinois, is home to several great craft breweries, all of which you can check out on the McHenry Co. Craft Beverage Trail. This week we are visiting one of the two located in Woodstock IL, Kishwaukee Brewing who recently won a silver medal for their Bufflehead Brown Ale at the 2023 World Beer Cup.
Kishwaukee Brewing Co., is the pride of founders and owners, Dan and Cara Payson, and we visited with Dan and his head brewer, Mark Gres, to find out a little more about their success. Joining me for this interview was my co-host, Ken McMullen from Fox Republic Brewing, who may have assisted in starting the career of one of Kishwaukee's future employees...more on that in the interview.
We talk with Dan and Mark about how their brewing careers started, and how they came to join forces at Kishwaukee to produce classic, award-winning beers. Dan's approach has got them through building the brewery at the start of the pandemic, then opening after the first shutdown, only to be closed a week later with the second one. All that being in the past, they have emerged from those dark days, and are moving into a strong position as a producer of great beers in the Illinois craft beer scene. Their tap room is a wonderful space, as is the outdoor patio, and you won't be disappointed when you make a visit!
We must offer our apologies to Mark, who apparently had a mic which had 'technical difficulties' and caused him to sound like he was at the other end of the brewery. We've done our best to improve his sound in post-production, so hopefully it won't detract too much from the conversation!
Beers Sampled:
Bufflehead Brown Ale, American Brown Ale, 6.8% ABV
Sandhill Lager, India Pale Lager, 5.5% ABV
Tart Peach Saison, Wild Saison, 5.5% ABV
Pollinator, Doppelbock, 7.7% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 386 - Getting Our Kicks on Rt 66 at Old School Brewing
We jump in the car and head south to Route 66 in Wilmington, IL., where located on an island between the Kankakee River and the Mill Race channel is Old School Brewing. Paul 'Pauly' Bidne is the head brewer there, and we chat with him about his brewery which can literally be described as an 'old school' tap room/brewery producing great beers and full of friendly people and lively chat!
Pauly was a home brewer (and ex-plumber) and now one of many who have turned to brewing professionally, and learned his craft at Flossmoor Station brewery. He talks to us about his beers, and some of other stories are the friendly rivalry with the lads at Metal Monkey Brewing, OSB's relationship with Unpossible Mead, brewing NA beers and craft sodas, and some of the challenges of keeping up with beer production on a small system.
Pauly is one of the characters we love in the craft beer industry and we encourage you to take that trip down Rt 66 to visit OSB and try his beers, especially the California Common! Cheers!
Beers Sampled:
- Wildcat, Cream Ale · 5.5% ABV
- If We Build It, IPA · 6.5% ABV
- Whatcha Gonna Do, California Common · 5.0% ABV
- Mango Is Our Middle Name, Berliner Weisse · 3.9% ABV
- Malty Monkey, English Mild · 5.8% ABV
- Sax Solo, Saison · 7.0% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 385 - Icelandic Craft Beer In The House!
Recently, our friends over at Broken Brix, Ed and Sue Seaman, took a trip out to Iceland. Aside from traveling the country and going to see Chicago's legendary band Wilco for their 3-night tour in Reykjavik, Ed was on a quest to find what the Icelandic nation drank during all those long winter days! He brought back (or was it 'smuggled' back?) a suitcase of goodies, including craft beer, and who did he think of sharing them with but of course the Brit and Yankee team! We welcomed Ed and Sue to the Brit and Yankee Pub studio for this recording of a travelogue and tasting session, and joining the Brit is co-hosts and brewers, Ken McMullen from Aurora's Hopvine Brewing, and Chuck Fort from Itasca's Church Street Brewing. We didn't know what to expect, and the beers were tasted with an open mind. What we found out was that Iceland sounds a cool place to visit and that the craft beers are pretty darn good. We're not sure that any of them are exported to the USA, but hopefully Ed and Sue paint a picture of a place that you can visit to try them yourselves. One of the reasons they went there at this time of year was to see the Chicago band Wilco, who were performing 3 nights in Reykjavik, and Ed and Sue went to all three performances!!
So listen in while we hear tales of thermal pools, great food, and struggle with the Icelandic language, but are rescued by Google Translate! This is a fun episode, and many thanks to Ed and Sue for sharing the beers with us! Cheers or as they say in Iceland, Skál (pronounced “sk owl”)!
PS - sorry about the sound quality for Ed's mic...he sounds a little distant!
Beers Sampled:
- Dokken Brugghus, Paska Puki, California Common, 4.7% ABV
- Dokken Brugghus, Dynjandi, American IPA, 5.9% ABV
- Viking Brugghus, Krummi, Stout, 5.8% ABV
- Gaedingur Brugghus, Namm Namm, Milk Stout, 5% ABV
- KHB Brugghús, Gellivör, IPA - English, 6.2% ABV
- KHB Brugghús, Steinbui, Pale Ale, 4.5% ABV
- Gaedingur Brugghus, Sweet New England, NEIPA, 8% ABV
- Gaedingur Brugghus, Baltazar, Baltic Porter, 6.6%
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
"I Know My Beer!" Brewer's Blindfold Challenge #4 - Mike Marr / Buffalo Creek Brewing
Buffalo Creek Brewing is located in the northern Chicagoland suburb of Long Grove IL, and boasts one of the largest biergarten's in the area. Owner/brewer Mike Marr produces several excellent German-style beers (very suited for drinking in the biergarten!), and The Brit asked Mike to take the blindfold taste challenge on one of them. He selected their Munich Dunkel, Bus Wedgie, as the beer to identify. Did Mike pick out his beer and style? Check out our video and find out! Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Ln, Long Grove, IL 60047
Check out other episodes at our YouTube Channel...
"I Know My Beer!" Brewer's Blindfold Challenge #3 - Alex Drayer / D and G Brewing
We're having some fun with owner/brewer Alex Drayer over in St. Charles, IL. Alex produces a very drinkable Kolsch and he was up for the Blind Taste Challenge! The Brit paired his brew against one of the world's best examples of this style and asked Alex to see if he knew his beer. We're finding that the blindfold challenge is more difficult than it seems, so did Alex choose wisely...check out the video and find out!
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 384 - Hogshead 54 Brewery - Video
This is the accompanying video to our audio podcast.
Take a quick look at this unique Colorado brewery producing cask ales, then listen to the full podcast!
Cheers!
First Look: Geneva Lager Works
This week we are releasing a video episode, also available on our YouTube channel.
Art History Brewing has opened a production brewery, hidden away in Geneva IL, and we get to take a tour of the new facility. As of this video, it is not open to the public, but it is brewing all your favorite beers. The day we visited, Greg Browne was brewing up a batch of APA Lincoln Highway. Join us to take a peek in all the corners and get a flavor for life in a production brewery. Thanks to Greg, brewer Matt Johnson, and owner Tom Rau for letting The Brit poke around and get in the way!! Cheers!
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 384 - Colorado's Real Ale: Robert Bell of Hogshead 54 Brewery
The Brit took a trip out West to the craft brewing mecca of Denver, Colorado. While there, he visited a unique brewery where real ale takes the spotlight, Hogshead 54 Brewery. Robert Bell is one of the 3 people responsible for this oasis of British ales and does most of the brewing. In this special episode, we find out about his passion for brewing beers that can be dispensed through hand-pull engines (of which there are 7 at HH54), and give the drinker a taste of the UK!
Robert talks about what makes real ale so special and what needs to happen in the brewing process to produce them, and what ingredients they use. We find out the history of HH54, which is just over 10 years old, where the name came from, and how Robert came onboard. They also have keg beers and are venturing into lagers on a limited basis, some of them on cask.
Join us for this fascinating look into a one-of-a-kind brewery paying homage to the roots of British beer...check them out the next time you visit Denver!
Beers Sampled:
- Chin Wag - Extra Special / Strong Bitter (ESB), 5.8% ABV
- Barges' Mild - English Dark Mild Ale, 4.2% ABV
- Gilpin Black Gold - English Porter, 5.0% ABV
- Hogwild IPA - English IPA, 5.9% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 383 - Chuck's Wood Fired Pizza...and Beer!
We're back with and audio podcast this week, and recording down in the Brit and Yankee Pub studio. The Brit's co-host is Ken McMullen from Hopvine Brewing, and together they welcome Chuck Grote of Wood Fired Pizza fame. Chuck is probably one of the most well-known food truck vendors in Chicagoland's western suburbs, but not many people know that he also has recipes for brewing excellent beers, and has a fascinating back-story. We're peeling back the onion, and finding out a little more about the man with the distinctive look and great pizzas.
This episode was recorded just after the busy St. Patrick's Day weekend, so Chuck was happy to just sit, relax, and talk pizza and beer! He talks about how he smokes barley for his Red ale in his wood-fired pizza oven and what wood he uses for firing his pizzas. We head back in the annals of time to how Chuck's background shaped his interest in baking and then selling baking ingredients. How does he make his dough? Well, we get some details but he still keeps some proprietary secrets to himself! And why the rectangular shape? There's a story to that as well! We all reveal our favorite ingredients and sample a selection of brews...it was a great session! Cheers!
Beers Sampled:
- Chuck's Temple Red -collab with Art History Brewing, Irish Red Ale, 5.5% ABV
- Pilot Batch 40: Rye Irish Red - Hopvine Brewing, Irish Red Ale, 4.3% ABV
- Fastenbier, Art History Brewing, Franconian Dark Lenten Smoked Lager, 4.8% ABV
- Thor, Hopvine Brewing, APA, 6.0% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 382 - Saisons, Saisons, Saisons! Mike Thorpe of Afterthought Brewing
Sometimes a brewery sneaks up on you, and their beers just wow the heck out of you!! That's what happens in this week's episode when we talk with Afterthought Brewing's owner/brewer, Mike Thorpe. They have been producing beer for sometime, their first release being 6 years ago, and we have tried and enjoyed some of them obtained from bottle shops, but we had never been out to the taproom in Lombard.
OK - We're sorry!! So, this week we put that to rights and oh boy, if you like Belgian saisons and wild ales, then you'll be in heaven out there! My co-host is Ken McMullen from Hopvine Brewing, and we enjoy a range of samples that are out of this world, including a Cantillon 'calibration' beer!
Mike talks about his process for producing these ales, the types of barrels he uses, and how the yeast contributes to the fermentation process and the flavor of the beers. Their main production brewery was inherited from another brewery (where we recorded a show way back in 2013!) and it is only 800 square feet, but they are producing amazingly 'big' beers from such a 'small' space!
Please note: the taproom was very echoey, so our recording reflects that somewhat...but we hope it won't distract too much from the conversation!
Beers Sampled:
- Flowerfield #1 - Blend of Saison Meer: Lilac and Strange Wit (witbier with citrus, grains of paradise, and chamomile) aged in a Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Gin barrel
- Extra Noble - Saison brewed with pilsner malt and rye alongside Noble hops
- Bière De Pieces #44 - Blend of blonde saisons including some with second-use cherries and raspberries plus a bit of Wedding Table and then aged in the Manic mead barrel that held Bière de Pieces #39
- 5 Years, 5 Barrels - A blend of saisons aged in (1) neutral oak, (2) a marionberry gin mead barrel, (3) a black currant mead barrel, (4) a whiskey barrel, and (5) a Chardonnay barrel, including a blend of oak-aged Afterthought Ale and Thelia that was re-fermented with marionberries and huckleberries
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 381 - It's All About Bill! - 206 Brewing Company
We head out to the newest addition to the Chicago brewing scene, and the first in Carol Stream IL. A converted Subway store is now home to a nano-brewery called 206 Brewing, where we talk with owner, brewer, retired firefighter, Bill King. The brewpub had just opened for the day when we showed up, so you may get a little background noise, but hey, it's all pub ambiance!
After many years in the fire service, and still active in the Central DuPage stroke unit, Bill decided to put his homebrew experience into a commercial venture, but keep it to a manageable size. 206 is a small location that presents a selection of their own beers, plus serves as an outlet for other local craft brewery offerings. He also wants it to be a craft beer location where First Responders and Veterans can come by for a chat and a brew!
We hear from Bill about why he wanted to embark on this project, what types of beers he likes to drink and how he speeds up his brewing schedule by using Kveik yeast. Plus, he tells us the story of the décor and his recipe for good biscuits and gravy! This podcast will be published the day before their Grand Opening on March 18th, 2023, so you may want to head over there that weekend and check them out - tell them The Brit sent you!!
Beers Sampled:
- Honey Brown - American Brown Ale, 5.8% ABV
- Engine House Stout - Dry Irish Stout, 4.7% ABV
- Pseudo Lager - Vienna lager recipe using ale yeast, 5.3% ABV
- Mackinac APA v1 - American Pale Ale, 4.9% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 380 - FOBAB Beers and Volunteers
This episode might seem late for last year's Festival of Barrel Aged Beers (FOBAB), or perhaps too early for next year but...there were a number of FOBAB brews that needed drinking so we gathered a few chums at the Brit and Yankee Pub and had a tasting session!
On the distinguished panel are FOBAB volunteers Ken McMullen from Hopvine Brewing, Kevin Herbst, and John Bittermann, plus your host Phil 'The Brit' Clark. Then rounding everything out is someone who has had entries at FOBAB, co-owner of Art History Brewing, Tom Rau.
We find out why the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild relies heavily on volunteer help to ensure the festival is a success, plus how you can sign up and help out in the future. Plus of course the usual pub chat including how The Brit keeps his toenails under control, what steps are taken to control 'over-served' attendees, the rigors of emptying the 'slop buckets', and the pros and cons of the UIC venue. Tom Rau also provides his views from the brewer's side and how the decisions are made of which beer and style to enter for any given year. And finally, each panelist tells us which of the beers they preferred...not the winner, as these are all winners!
Yes, it's a longer episode but we hope that you enjoy the perspectives of some of the people who experience this great festival as volunteers, and perhaps you will volunteer for the 2023 event!! Cheers!
Link to ICBG Volunteer signup
Beers Sampled:
Tin City Brewing - Paso Robles CA, Malus At the Palace - Dry Cider, ABV 11% - Best of Show 2020, Gold Medal - Cider Perry Mead Category
Alter Brewing - Downers Grove IL, King's Blood - Cherry-wheat aged in red wine barrels, ABV 5.5% - 2016 Silver Medal, Fruit Beer Category
Destihl Brewing - Normal IL, Saint Dekkera Reserve Sour - Flanders Oud Bruin, ABV 7.2% - 2020 Gold Medal, Wild Beer Sours (Acidic)
Off Color Brewing - Chicago IL, Beer for Burgers - Helles Bock Style Beer blended with Bourbon Barrel Aged Lager, ABV 7%
Cruz Blanca Brewing, Chicago IL, Barbarosa - black and red raspberry ale aged in Heaven Hill bourbon and Cabernet red wine barrels - 2021 Gold Medal, Fruit Beer Category
Wolf's Ridge Brewing, Columbus OH, Dire Wolf - Armagnac - Imperial Stout aged in Armagnac Cognac barrel, ABV 10.8%
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@thebritandyankeepodcast
Pubcast 379 - David Files of Energy City Brewing
Energy City Brewing was one of the early pioneer breweries in the Fox Valley area, and gained quite a following from craft beer drinkers. David Files, along with his wife Heidi, first opened in Batavia IL and sold their limited number of styles from a small location beside the Fox River, so small that people had to line up outside and they only opened one day a month for to-go sales. Six years later, things are very different with the expansion to a taproom, a wide range of beers with one they are particularly known for, and their customers can now get their beers through a wide range of distro channels.
We have long wanted to meet with David and find out more about him and ECB, so when an opportunity came up we jumped at it. The Brit's co-host for this episode is Chuck Fort from Church Street Brewing, who has known David since their days in Urban Knaves of Grain, and now professionally as ECB brews their production runs at Church Street.
We find out about David's background, the early days in the small river location and how they came to the current taproom, and of course we are sampling his beers. Their range of fruit 'smoothie' beers and pastry stouts have been big sellers, and The Brit challenges his tastebuds with a couple of these. What we do find out is that David and ECB are producing high quality beers, and being very successful at doing it. Oh, and he will tell us about his extra-long shuffleboard table that stands in the taproom! Cheers!
Beers Sampled:
- Westphalia Jump Start, Dortmunder lager with Saphir hops, ABV 6.5%
- N9nth Circle, Baltic Porter (collab with Church Street Brewing), ABV 9.5%
- Bistro Smoothie - Mango, Banana & Pineapple, Flavored Berliner-Weisse Style fruit beer, ABV 6.5%
- Bistro Grape PB&J, Flavored Berliner-Weisse Style fruit beer with Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly, ABV 8%
- Marmion Abbey Quadruple - Batch 2, Belgian Quadrupel, 11% ABV
Here's out short video from the visit to the brewery... https://youtu.be/Mo0CzL573JI
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@thebritandyankeepodcast
Pubcast 378 - Erik Pizer of Flipside Brewing
This week we are excited to visit again with someone who has been on our podcast before, and is now owner and brewer at his own establishment. Erik Pizer has been part of the brewing community in the Chicagoland area for many years, and is now firmly ensconced in Tinley Park at Flipside Brewing.
Open for just under 6 months, he has built his business around the brewpub model, providing a range of solid beers and other liquors, while offering a fantastic food menu. Located only a short distance off I-80, this is fast becoming the place to hang out for locals. We talk about how he is trying to provide a small, but full range of offerings including beer cocktails, locally distilled liquors, and as The Brit discovers his "well-balanced" beers. As Erik says he has 10 years of experience so he may not know all of what to do, but he does know what NOT to do, and we agree that he's doing things right!
Tinley Park is another core of great craft breweries and we highly recommend a visit to Flipside during your visit! Cheers!
Beers Sampled:
- Grey Skies Surprise, Dortmunder Golder Lager, ABV 5.9%
- Driveshaft, West Coast IPA, ABV 6.5%
- Haunted Past, English Mild, ABV 3.8%
- Warm Hug, American Porter with vanilla and coffee, ABV 5.5% ABV
- Pigloo, Barleywine, collaboration with Miskatonic Brewing, ABV 10.5%
Here's our short 'teaser' video showing the brewery... https://youtu.be/6i6WWXKjAZc
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@thebritandyankeepodcast
Pubcast 377 – Metal Monkey Brewing: 7 Years On
Last week our podcast interview was with one of the newest breweries in Illinois, and this week we chat with one that has been around for over seven years...Metal Monkey Brewing in Romeoville IL.
We have been tracking the owner/brewer team of Dan Camp and Jason Janes since their opening, which incidentally saw some 1100 people attend. We checked in with them 1 year later in show 215, we featured them in our series of 'live' recordings featuring breweries along the I-55 corridor, and most recently albeit March of 2020, we 'zoomed' with Dan during the pandemic.
So, it just made sense that following their recent 7-year anniversary weekend, we should sit down and get a retrospective from them on how this journey is progressing. We are pleased to say that the beers and their prospects are still great! But don't take our word for it. Listen to this podcast where Dan and Jason provide some stories from their history, including how their 'original' pickle sour, Rick, came into being. Plus an insight into the future, all to the background of construction noises. Construction for what? Tune in to find out!
Beers Sampled:
- Breath of Pestilence, Czech Pilsner, ABV 5.7%, collaboration with Glacial Tomb
- Horns Up, Golden Ale with Blood Orange, ABV 5.1%, collaboration with Elwood in The Morning on QRock 100.7
- The Gnostic Mass, International IPA, ABV 8.5%
- Monkey Fuel, Belgian Tripel, ABV 9.3%
Click here for short video highlighting the brewery.
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@thebritandyankeepodcast
Pubcast 376 – Sturdy Shelter Brewing
Over the past couple of years, the Fox River Valley is starting to rival downtown Chicago in the sheer number of craft breweries. The tri-cities of St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia alone can boast 11 locations and Sturdy Shelter Brewing is the newest of these, located beside the Fox River in historical downtown Batavia.
Co-owner and brewer, Frank Mercadante along with his wife Diane, and General Manager Oliver Bulley have created a taproom and brewery that has become an important meeting place in the Batavia community, plus the all-important brews are well made and there is something for everyone.
The Brit and co-host Ken McMullen (brewmaster at Hopvine Brewing) visited with the Sturdy Shelter team one Monday when the brewery was closed and we could sit down and enjoy some good conversation, and sample some of their current taplist. We find out how the name of the Italian Pilsner came about, the history of the building, and plans for the future.
Beers Sampled:
- Francesco, Italian Style Pilsner, ABV 5.6%
- Batavia Lager, Helles Style Lager, ABV 5.5%
- Huckleberry Sour, Fruited Kettle Sour, ABV 4.3%
- Pulped Up! Tropical, New England Hazy IPA, ABV 7.1%
- Robustacious, Imperial Red Ale, ABV 7.5%
- Porter, ABV 5.3%
Click here for short video highlighting the brewery.
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@thebritandyankeepodcast
The 6th Annual Barleywine Show: J.W. Lees Harvest Ale / AUDIO Version
Note: there is a video version of this show available here
This year we changed the format for our Barleywine show to focus on a vertical of a classic beer. The Brit was able to source 4 variants of the classic J.W.Lees Harvest Ale from one of his favorite watering holes, Broken Brix Fermentation Emporium in St. Charles, IL. To share in the tasting he invited his co-hosts and some guest brewers to sample them. Sipping with The Brit are co-host Ken McMullen, head brewer at Hopvine Brewing Co, Steve Newman and Sam Altaner from Brother Chimp Brewing, and co-host Chuck Fort and head brewer Sean Gregor from Church Street Brewing Company. Oh, and a cameo from Mike Seaman of Broken Brix and a bonus beer at Brother Chimp!
Beers Sampled:
- J. W. Lees Brewers, Harvest Ale, Barleywine, 11.5% ABVHarvest Ale - 2017 - Matured in Sherry Casks Harvest Ale - 2017 - Matured in Calvados Casks Harvest Ale - 2015 - Matured in Lagavulin Whisky Casks Harvest Ale - 2017 - Matured in Port Casks
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
The 6th Annual Barleywine Show: J.W. Lees Harvest Ale
This year we changed the format for our Barleywine show to focus on a vertical of a classic beer. The Brit was able to source 4 variants of the classic J.W.Lees Harvest Ale from one of his favorite watering holes, Broken Brix Fermentation Emporium in St. Charles, IL. To share in the tasting he invited his co-hosts and some guest brewers to sample them. Sipping with The Brit are co-host Ken McMullen, head brewer at Hopvine Brewing Co, Steve Newman and Sam Altaner from Brother Chimp Brewing, and co-host Chuck Fort and head brewer Sean Gregor from Church Street Brewing Company. Oh, and a cameo from Mike Seaman of Broken Brix and a bonus beer at Brother Chimp!
Beers Sampled:
- J. W. Lees Brewers, Harvest Ale, Barleywine, 11.5% ABVHarvest Ale - 2017 - Matured in Sherry Casks
Harvest Ale - 2017 - Matured in Calvados Casks
Harvest Ale - 2015 - Matured in Lagavulin Whisky Casks
Harvest Ale - 2017 - Matured in Port Casks
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/6QreGGD2CrM
Pubcast 374 – ‘Tis the Seasonal Ales!
It's the time of year that breweries release beers that contain cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and other adjuncts. The Brit visited a local chain liquor store and randomly selected 7 beers for the panel to taste and chat about. And that panel comprised the two co-hosts of the podcast, Chuck Fort from Church Street Brewing, Ken McMullen from Hopvine Brewing, and back because he hasn't been to the pub for a while, beer-nerd and chum, Tom Ryan.
We of course divert from chat about the beers and cover many topics including the World Cup, and the origins of demerara sugar. Which of these brews came out the favorite? Or perhaps it was more than one! Tune in and find out!
Beers Sampled:
- Fistmas, Revolution Brewing – Chicago IL, Red Ale with ginger and coriander, 6.5% ABV
- Vixen, Around The Bend Brewing – Chicago IL, Pistachio Cream Ale with cinnamon, 5.0% ABV
- Gingerbread Unicorns, Pipeworks Brewing – Chicago IL, Rye Ale with vanilla, ginger cinnamon nutmeg, black pepper and lactose, 6.5% ABV
- Nutcracker, Boulevard Brewing – Kansas City MO, Winter Warmer, 7.8% ABV
- Christmas Ale, Anchor Steam Brewing – San Francisco CA, Special Ale with notes of orange, honeysuckle, toasted malts, and eucalyptus, 7.0% ABV
- Island of Misfit Beers – Sam, Obscurity Brewing – Elburn IL, Milk stout with vanilla, 5.0% ABV
- Barrel-aged Frosted Frog Christmas Ale, Hoppin’ Frog Brewing – Akron OH, Winter warmer, 8.6% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Pubcast 373 – UK Special – Firebird Brewing
The Brit is on vacation visiting family in the UK, so what better opportunity than to visit a few pubs and a brewery! The southern county of Sussex is home to Harvey’s Brewing, originating in 1745, but it also boasts plenty of new craft breweries including the one we visited, Firebird Brewing, located in an old brickworks factory in Rudgwick, Sussex.
Co-founder / brewer Richard Peters was kind enough to allow us to sit down with him at the end of the day’s operations, in the brewery taproom. Firebird was started by Richard and his business partner, Bill King around 8 years ago. Both of them have long brewing pedigrees with Bill coming from the legendary Sussex brewery, King & Barnes, and Richard from Courage. As we chatted, there were cleaning operations going on for kegs and their bottler, so we get plenty of atmospheric banging as the bungs were hammered back in!
That said we were able to chat with Richard and find out some of the differences between the US and UK craft scene, plus sample a couple of their excellent brews. And to keep their employees happy, a perk to working at Firebird is haircuts on a Monday after work in the taproom!!
Tune in to this episode to get a great insight into modern British brewing! Cheers!
Firebird Beers Sampled:
- Heritage, Sussex Best Bitter, 4.0% ABV
- Work Ethic, New England IPA, 5.0% ABV
- Bohemia, Unfiltered Pilsner, 4.8% ABV
- Vice, Hefeweizen, 5.0% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Behind The Pint - Episode 4: The Lager Resurrection?
In this bumper episode of Behind The Pint we are exploring why lagers have experienced a new surge in popularity, even though they have been the backbone of the beer industry for hundreds of years. The Brit and his Yankee co-host, Chuck Fort from Church Street Brewing, took a road trip downstate to Urbana IL, and met up at Riggs Beer Company with the two brewing Riggs brothers, Matt and Darin.
Both Church and Riggs have been making lagers for many years, and doing so very successfully. We dive into lager styles, what the secret to making a great lager is, and Matt talks to his experiences brewing in Germany. Of course the conversation takes a few diversions along the way and we sample the Riggs lagers, including their new 6-Row Pils. Cheers!
Riggs Beer Sampled:
- American Lager, 4.4% ABV
- 6-Row Pils, 5.0% ABV
- Helles, 5.3% ABV
- Doppelbock, 8.0% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Pubcast 372 - The 5th Barleywine Classic
Every year in the January/February time period, the pub staff and a lineup of guests sample a selection of that outlier style, the barleywine. For 2022, we had set a couple of dates but had to postpone them due to some life stuff happening. Then it got to be summer when a young beer drinker's fancy turns to lighter styles. Well, not us!
Gathering in the air conditioned climate of our favorite winery and meadery, Broken Brix in St. Charles IL, The Brit and his co-hosts faced the challenge of six high-ABV barleywines, most of which were barrel-aged, and brewed in several states, including our home state of Illinois.
The guest lineup was a local who's who of the craft beer industry, and in the photo below, left to right; Ed Seaman from Broken Brix, Chuck Fort from Church Street Brewing, Steve Newman from Brother Chimp Brewing, Tom & Cindy Rau from Art History Brewing, Ken McMullen from Hopvine Brewing, and craft beer consumer, Tom Ryan.
This year, we had a barrel-aged theme, with 2 entrants from Illinois, and one each from Ohio, Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon. Which ones did the panel prefer? Listen in and hear our comments and conversation! Plus, there's bonus brews at the end supplied by our host Ed and one from Steve.
Our Barleywine Lineup:
- Around the Bend Brewing, Chicago IL - Proximal, Barrel aged barleywine September 2019, 13% ABV
- Platform Beer Co., Cleveland OH - Panic Switch, Barrel aged rye barleywine, 11%
- Dry Dock Brewing Co., Aurora CO - Hazelnut Bligh's Barleywine ale aged in bourbon barrels for 10 months, 11.5% ABV
- Sedona Brewing Co., Sedona AZ - Barleywine, 15% ABV
- AleSong Brewing and Blending, Eugene OR - Maestro, Barley wine aged in a combination of whiskey (bourbon, wheat and rye) and red wine barrels, 13.2% ABV
- Flossmoor Brewery, Flossmoor IL - 2017 Wooden Hell barleywine aged in bourbon barrels, 9.1% ABV
- Flossmoor Brewery, Flossmoor IL - 2021 Wooden Hell barleywine aged for 25 months in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels, 25th anniversary edition, 11% ABV
Our 'Bonus' Barleywines:
- Brother Chimp Brewing, North Aurora IL - Samson, Barleywine, 10.2% ABV
- Sierra Nevada Brewing, Chico CA - 2000 Bigfoot Barleywine, 9.6% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Pubcast 371 - Reeve Joseph of Odious Cellars
This week we are excited to be talking to Reeve Joseph who is bringing mixed culture and sour ales to Chicago with his project called Odious Cellars. He is currently brewing out of Duneyrr Fermenta Brewery in Chicago's Motor Row, while working on their taproom in west Logan Square. That said, you can obtain their brews at various outlets across the area, and we highly encourage you to do so!
This episode was recorded via Zoom, but joining The Brit in the pub studio are the pubcast's co-hosts, Chuck Fort from Church Street Brewing, and Ken McMullen from Hopvine Brewing. We have a couple of shout-outs for this edition; first to Marge Wright who first opined on the marvels of OC styles, and secondly to Beer On The Wall in Park Ridge for opening their doors on a 'closed' day to allow me to purchase some additional cans.
We covered the obligatory topics of Reeve's start in brewing, but wanted to focus on the 5 beers we had to drink. Each had a unique profile, plus the can art is magnificent - it's worth buying just for that! So, listen in and hear what Reeve and the lads have to say about his beers!
Our Odious Cellars Sampler:
- Physis Nomos, Brett IPA, 5.5% ABV
- Novo Terrano, Wet-hopped Brett IPA, 5.5% ABV
- The Secret History of Things, Mixed-culture Saison, 4.2% ABV
- Divination, Sour Ale with Raspberries, Blueberries, Meyer Lemon, & Yuzu, 5.6% ABV
- Everywhere and Everywhen, Mixed-culture sour Ale, 6.1% ABV
And Reeve is drinking:
- Ode To Whimsy, Brett Witbier with Indian & Moroccan coriander, Satsuma mandarins, & Meyer lemons, 5.0% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Behind The Pint - Episode 3 - The Rising Cost of Your Pint
We all know that the cost of goods and labor is going up, but how does this affect the cost of your pint of craft beer? We gathered 3 brewers to discuss this and help you, the craft consumer, understand why the price of your pint and 4-pack might be a little higher this year.
The Brit's co-host for this is Ken McMullen from Hopvine Brewing (Aurora IL), and joining them in the pub studio is Art History Brewing's (Geneva IL) co-owner, Tom Rau. And over Zoom, we welcome Josh Grubbs, owner/brewer of Black Lung Brewing (Round Lake IL).
Not only do we consider the economics of producing a good craft beer, but we also are drinking some! Here's what we consumed:
- Black Lung Brewing - Lakeside Blonde, Blonde Ale, 4.7% ABV
- Black Lung Brewing - Galaxie 503, Maltshake IPA, 7.0% ABV
- Art History Brewing - Moda De Noche, Dunkel Lager, 5.0% ABV
- Hopvine Brewing - Hopviner Pils, North German Pilsner, 6.2% ABV
We did have some connection issues towards the end of recording for which we apologize but could do nothing about! Cheers!
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Pubcast 370 - Jamie Albert of Will County Brewing
This is our Illinois Craft Beer Week edition, and we’re doing a Zoom call with Jamie Albert from Will County Brewing. Head directly south down Rt.59 from the Brit and Yankee pub studios, and just before you get to I-55 you will find Shorewood IL, home to Will County Brewing. March 2022 saw the 4th Anniversary for WCB, and head brewer/owner Jamie has seen the location grow in reputation and barrels produced, plus several medal successes for brews with some unusual adjuncts.
We first talked with Jamie in an episode of our Covid-induced series, Hops at Home (Ep. 10, April 18 2020), and just over a year later we check back in with Jamie to see how things are shaping up now we are getting back to relative normality. Of course, we’re drinking some of their brews selected from an extensive tap list that currently has classics and new styles. Jamie talks about how they are doing since Covid, expansion plans, and upcoming beer fests, one of which is coming this weekend and is benefiting the Will County Habitat for Humanity organization. Listen in to find out what makes this one unique!
What We’re Drinking:
- Ken & Phil – A Lot of Fight, Red IPA, 6.7% ABV
- – Eradicator Bock, Doppelbock, 8% ABV
- Jamie – Brennus, Irish Red Ale, 5.9% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Pubcast 369-Church Street 10 Year Anniversary...Our First Visit
Church Street Brewing is celebrating their 10 year anniversary! We have always had a great relationship with these fine folks, and we have enjoyed their brews for many years and followed their changes and expansion with interest. There was a social media post asking for memories of the brewery, so we thought we would replay our first visit to them back in July of 2013, when The Brit sat down with the owners Lisa and Joe (who was also then the head brewer) Gregor. Their classic approach and styles have long server the palates of their faithful customers, and today we see this family business stronger than ever with Sean Gregor taking the reins of head brewer. Take a listen down memory lane and hear how it all started.
Cheers!
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Behind The Pint Episode 2: Is The World Really Clear On Hazys?
Today we examine the craft style phenomenon which seems to be highly divisive, Hazy or New England IPAs. You either love 'em or hate 'em!
We assembled a panel of local expert brewers from the Chicagoland area who join Phil 'The Brit' Clark to examine this relatively new style. They include my co-host Chuck Fort, Sr. Brewing Consultant at Church Street Brewing, head brewer Eric Bramwell from Riverlands Brewing, and Steve Kamp from Evil Horse Brewing.
We dive into what the style is, the differences between NEIPA and West Coast IPAs, what hops are used, how the boil process goes, and we even talk about hop and pint pricing and how the costs are rising these days, and also if you should add lactose or not. All this and more as The Brit gets educated in an effort to get a better appreciation for the style.
Of course we drinking some brews, and these are:
- The Brit and Chuck – Hazy Little Thing, New England/Hazy, 6.7% ABV, Sierra Nevada Brewing
- Eric – Dean Street IPA, New England/Hazy, 6.8% ABV, Riverlands Brewing Company
- Steve – Sgt. Reckless, , 5.5% ABV, Evil Horse Brewing
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
Behind The Pint - Episode 1: Is Craft Beer Really Just Beer?
We begin a new series of podcasts where we try to delve a little deeper into the business of craft beer. We want to go Behind the Pint. To kick us off, we're asking if Craft Beer is really just beer, or if it's a marketing ploy that has exploded into an industry.
We have three local Chicago industry experts, 2 brewers and one craft beer guru, on hand to pass opinions and talk about the topic in general. First up is my co-host for this episode. brewmaster at Hopvine Brewing in Aurora IL, Ken McMullen. Supporting the brewing side is owner/brewer Chris Valleau from Forest Park's Exit Strategy Brewing. And finally, beer consultant, educator and writer, and international beer judge, Marty Nachel who helps provide the bridge between the brewers and the consumer. Phil 'The Brit' Clark asks the questions, and of course we all have something good to drink while we chat, which we list below.
What's the final verdict on 'craft beer' - listen in and find out! Cheers!!
What We Are Drinking:
- The Brit - Orenda Vol 2, Orenda - Volume 2 (Grape Brandy 2017-2021), 11.0% ABV, Pollyanna Brewing
- Ken - Double BBA Vlad the Second Mexican Chocolate, Russian Imperial Stout, 14.1% ABV, Hailstorm Brewing
- Chris - Corazón, Mexican hot chocolate-inspired Milk Stout, 7.2% ABV, Exit Strategy Brewing
- Marty - A Little Crazy, Belgian Pale Ale, 6.8% ABV, Revolution Brewing
Cheers!
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Pubcast 368 - Nothing Odd about Matt Manthe of Odd Breed Ales
In this edition, my co-host Chuck Fort (Church Street Brewing) and The Brit welcome a 2021 GABF Gold Medal winner and someone who is intensely passionate about his craft. Matt Manthe is the brewer behind Odd Breed Ales, a small brewery in Pompano Beach FL, who is making quite a mark in the arena of wild and farmhouse ales using a unique mixed culture of wild yeast and bacteria, and aged them in oak barrels. His success at GABF came in the Mixed-Culture Brett Beer category, and Matt tells us all about how he comes to be able to make such fantastic brews. Also joining us is return guest and chum of the podcast, Kevin Abbott, who is Director of Operations for Barrel of Monks Brewing in Boca Raton FL. BoM is the partner brewery to Odd Breed and he tells us how the relationship came into being and the many benefits it brings both parties.
This is an in-depth podcast which should appeal to home and professional brewers as well as the craft beer drinker who wants to understand more about this side of the industry.
Want to know what a puncheon is? Want to hear Matt's thoughts on how to store the bottles in your cellar? Does the water quality affect the type of beers Matt makes? These and many more questions are answered here.
It was recorded via Zoom and Matt's connection sometimes suffers from connection 'blips', so please forgive those few seconds, as this is a great opportunity to hear from an expert who has a passion for working with wild yeast and barrels. Alas, distribution has not reached Illinois yet (any out there who want to jump in, please contact Matt and Kevin!), but listen for Matt hinting about possibly entering a brew into this years FOBAB...we can only hope!
If you liked this edition, we are hoping to get Matt back on for more insight, so please send us your comments, emails and qAlso joining us is return guest and chum of the podcast, Kevin Abbott, who is Director of Operations for Barrel of Monks Brewing in Boca Raton FL. BoM is the partner brewery to Odd Breed and he tells us how the relationship came into being and the many benefits it brings both parties.uestions, and we'll work on a better mic and connection for Matt!!
Cheers!
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BritAndYankeePodcast
Pubcast 367 - The Curious Case of Banging Gavel Brews
It was beautiful Fall weather when we headed down to Tinley Park to record our latest episode outside in a beer garden. We're at Banging Gavel Brews who have been brewing since the end of 2014 but still have not been able to brew or serve at their chosen location for a variety of reasons. Instead, they have opened up a fantastic beer garden, complete with their version of a 'jumbotron' so their patrons can enjoy the outside, drink their great brews, and watch their favorite college and pro sports.
Owner Jim Richert and head brewer J.T. Rea welcome The Brit and co-host Ken McMullen with samples of their current tap list, and relate the tale of their historic house that will eventually become their brewpub. We hear about the buildings' origins and the problems encountered during the reconstruction, but the end is hopefully in sight!
Join us to hear about the brews, the beer name origins and the the theme of their brewery, plus we find out about J.T's background and how he started in brewing and the path life took him to be here at BGB. We recommend a visit before the beer garden closes on Oct 31st. After that it is back to cans only as the way of obtaining some of their very drinkable beer!
Brews Sampled:
- Civil Code, Märzen, 5.7% ABV
- Amicus Curiae, Kölsch, 4.5% ABV
- Offshore Trust, Tropical IPA, 5.1% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Archive Edition – Werk Force Brewing circa 2016
As we are busy with Fall pub activities, we jumped into the Brit & Yankee archive and pulled out this episode from May of 2016. It was one of the first onsite interviews and featured co-host Mark Naski and The Brit, on the road down at Werk Force Brewing. Here we chatted with owner/brewer Brandon Wright, ahead of their expansion and the closing of the homebrew piece of their business. You’ll see the coziness of the taproom as it was and the cramped brewing conditions from the photos in our web post. Now they have expanded and expanding even more, as their brews are forever in demand with the craft beer community.
Brandon has always been a chum of the podcast and we’d like to thank him for his continued support. Tune in to this ‘historical’ episode. Cheers!
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Pubcast 366 - Lane Fearing of Roaring Table Brewing
We finally made it up to Lake Zurich and to a brewery that we have long wanted to check out and sample their brews, and with a 4th Anniversary looming at the end of September this was the right time! Roaring Table Brewing has been slowly but surely producing some of the finest brews in the area, and even national craft industry magazines are starting to be aware of how good they are.
Co-host Ken McMullen and The Brit sat down with Lane Fearing, half of the dynamic duo who run the business, Beth May being the other. Due to a storm running through the area and knocking out the home power, Beth couldn't be with us, so it fell to Lane to face the questions from the B&Y team.
As we chatted, we sampled the cask, hand-pull Best Bitter and found out how Shakespeare had an influence of naming the brewery. Then we moved on to a classic bottle-conditioned saison and how their magnificent foeder plays a leading role in many of their brews. For the final curtain, we headed to the bright tanks, and tried the latest batch of their NEIPA and a preview of the just-released doppelbock, which they were canning the next day and is now available. Apologies for the first 8 minutes of audio as The Brit's mic wasn't fully engaged, but no matter, Lane's was fine and he's the man we came to chat to!! Cheers!
Brews Sampled:
- Best Bitter, English cask ale, 4.6% ABV
- Beth, Saison, 6.7% ABV
- Tuba Solo, NEIPA, 7.2% ABV
- https://roaringtable.com/, Doppelbock collab with Black Lung Brewing
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Pubcast 365 - In Memoriam - Mark Naski, our friend
We are rebroadcasting a show first recorded back in 2012, from the early days of our podcast. This episode was recorded before The Brit persuaded ex-pat Fin, Mark Naski, to join as co-host, and features Lingo and The Brit getting a beer appreciation lesson from him. We really didn't know anything about beer before Mark came around (and some people say we still don't!), and his schooling helped us be more knowledgeable about craft beer and brewing, and developed the podcast to become a little more than just two guys drinking beer.
Soon after this recording, we persuaded Mark joined us as our 'Brewmaster' and give his technical expertise to the show. We have created a video version of this show which has many of our favorite pictures of Mark, and this is the way we want to remember him. He was a generous man with his beer, his food, and his knowledge. He was our friend, and a friend to many others across the Midwest.
A couple of years ago, Mark moved out to Boise, Idaho, and immediately made an impact to their burgeoning craft beer market. You can check out our series of 5 episodes which he brokered for us, with breweries in Boise, on our YouTube channel.
His loss will be felt for sometime, but we know he is in the big brewery in the sky that never closes, and he has left behind a lasting legacy for all those who knew him. He was one of those people who you were glad he was in your life, and our thoughts are with his wife Tiina and all of his family.
Kippis Mark!
Pubcast 364 - Kali Gajewski of Sedona Beer Co.
It's a second 'vacation' recording, and this time we are at the Sedona Beer Company, gazing at the beautiful red rocks and getting a good dose of vortex energy. Heading up this operation, together with her husband Mack, is Sedona native Kali Gajewski.
The Brit sat down with her in their cool patio courtyard, of course with a couple of brews and found out about what makes them the top dog for brews and food. Not only do they have a great selection of styles on tap, but also a fine selection of specialty brews which come out of their awesome, reusable barrels called Squarrels, which we talk about in detail and are a cornerstone of SBC's sustainability certification.
From the last episode we have gone 180 from grass roots Verde Brewing, to a more 'tourist' setting, but in both cases we have brewpubs that have character, and people who are passionate about brewing beer and do it very well! Please check out SBC if you are in the area, and let us know what you thought...we highly recommend them! We sampled most of their brews, and The Brit returned with a bottle of the Scotch², which he and Ken McMullen sample midway through this podcast! Cheers to getting your vortex under control at this fab location!
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Pubcast 353 - Alex Goetting of Verde Brewing Company
Nestled just south of Sedona AZ, is a small town of 15,000 called Camp Verde, centered around the Verde River valley. Alex Goetting is a 32 year old who has founded a local watering hole in a small industrial area, where Verde Brewing Company provides some great craft beers to the local community and tourist population.
Take exit 287 off I-17 S , take a left past the new Starbucks, and head about 1/2 mile down Industrial Drive and the signs for VBC take you to a warehouse location that provides indoor and outdoor seating, great beers, and some tasty 'pub' food. Alex had just finished transferring beer to a bright tank, and took out some time to chat to The Brit about starting up, surviving the pandemic, and what the future holds. If you are out this way, this brewery offers a great ambiance for drinking well-made, solid craft brews.
Cheers Alex, and thanks to the great wait staff there as well.
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!
Pubcast 362 - Big Thorn Farm & Brewery: The Great Outdoors
We first found Big Thorn back in December of 2018 when we tasted their Wood Thyme Tart Gruit, and from then on we were hooked! It took us until September 2019 to arrange to visit the brewery, as it is 3 hours south of the B&Y pub down in Georgetown, IL. It was worth the wait, and co-owners Anna Schweig and Aaron Young showed us their brewery and fermentation room which was built by them, and remains one of the only off-the-grid breweries in Illinois. It's amazing the quality of the brews produced by brewer Aaron, using local ingredients and fermenting them on different wood varieties to impart subtle flavors into their beers.
At the beginning of June, The Brit and his wife, the lovely Kimberlee, headed back down to the brewery to see how things had changed, post-pandemic. The amazing Tree House bar is still the centerpiece, but the addition of a food truck with a fantastic chef, has meant that you can add great food to the list of beers, making it possible to spend an entire day down on the 'farm'.
The Brit brought back a selection of their bottles, plus a fantastic rice peach brew in a howler, and Anna contributed a bottle of the upcoming release for Father's Day, Dad's Bourbon Stout. Ken McMullen from Hopvine and Chuck Fort from Church Street headed over to the pub garden one hot and sultry afternoon, and we sample four of Big Thorn's offerings. And as we sample we talk about electric Harley's, electric SUV's, foraging, and the lads do a little birdwatching as the population of birds visit the pub's bird buffet! Oh, and we check out the 'nodules' on the bottom of the Big Thorn snifters, and find out what they do...yeah, it was definitely a laid back episode!
We highly recommend a visit to BTF&B very soon for anyone looking to experience something new in craft beer and breweries. Cheers!!
Brews Sampled:
- Fight For Your Rice (peach), Rice Beer, 5.0% ABV
- Scruit, Sour Gruit, 5.0% ABV
- Oats #3, Sour ale with raspberries, 5.0% ABV
- Dad's Bourbon Stout, Imperial Stout aged on Bourbon-soaked oak, 10.0% ABV
Website: www.thebritandyankee.com ... for pictures and more!