It was after the 2009 South Side Irish Parade that the city decided to cancel the event that made everyone Irish for a day.  Apparently they felt the festivities were getting way out of hand.  It is hard to argue against that claim.  Yellow School Buses of North Siders and Suburbanites would invade the other wise quite South Side Neighborhoods.  Floods of people from all races and backgrounds would converge on Western Avenue and drink and eat and celebrate through out the local streets.  The local Irish Bars would be packed with “Irishmen” and “Irishwomen” and closed businesses such as Insurance or Lawyer’s offices would be opened to accept patrons in green clothing.  Everyone was drinking (ahem, everyone legally allowed to drink, that is).  One can observe such a scene and their first instinct would be “chaos.” Gosh darn it though it was controlled chaos!

In all my years attending the South Side Irish Parade, I never felt unsafe or threatened.  Quite the opposite, I felt welcomed.  It truly is a special type of celebration when families can coexist with alcohol-enhanced adults.   I am sure some people were more rowdy than others, but I never once experienced a fight nor an altercation.  The only physical contact I would observe is that of the local Rugby team that would host its St. Patrick’s Day game at Kennedy Park during the Parade.  Oh wait; I guess you would also physically contact people when you were jammed at the corners of the street trying to cross.  It does not matter any more though, thanks to the City of Chicago, we may never experience any of that again.  A shame it is.  Let us not forget that the core themes of the South Side Irish Parade are children, family, faith and heritage.  Not everyone in attendance may have known that, but they did respect those themes.  As cheesy as it sounds, the activities surrounding the parade reminded us all that no matter where we are from or who we root for, we have always have each other.  Chicago needs the South Side Irish Parade.

The legend of the Chupacabras speaks of a small mammal that sucks the blood of Goats & Livestock through out Mexico and the southern parts of the United States.  Chupacabras Pale Ale speaks of a beer from one of the first microbreweries in Mexico: Cucapa Brewing Company.  Both types of Chupacabras have bite!  Of course, I rather have the pleasant bite that is from the hops found in the Pale Ale known as Chupacabras then the unpleasant bite of a “real” Chupacabras.

Mexico is not known for its microbreweries.  The 2 big beer corporations, Grupo Modelo and FEMSA, basically have a strong hold on the market and the supplies needed to produce beer in Mexico.  Not that there is anything wrong with a Corona or a Dos Equis Green, but a little variety never hurt anyone.  Knowing that Mexico does not produce a lot of microbrews, I was shocked when I came across Chupacabras Pale Ale at Simone’s in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago.  Hopefully more Chicago area bars take notice and start importing microbrews from Mexico.

Chupacabras Pale Ale has a deep amber color with a nice foamy head.  If this Pale Ale had more hops and a bit more alcohol, it would be part of my favorite style of beer, the IPA family.  That is not a negative.  Chupacabras is very enjoyable to drink.  My hope is that I find it on draft locally.  If not, the cool can version will have to do until I make an excursion to the area of Baja California in Mexico where the Cucapa Brewing Company resides.

Chupacabras Pale Ale is Recommended by Gonzalo

Behold a Beer named Burger Classic.  Traditionally, when you see the name Burger Classic you imagine looking at a fast-food menu.  Well friends, prepare to alter your perception because this great Lager is not found on the fast-food menu (yet).  It is barely found at bars around Chicago.  In fact, the only bar I have come across that serves the quality beer in a can known as Burger Classic is Boni’s Sports Bar in the neighborhood of Logan Square.  This small, family owned bar that regularly has their TV’s tuned to Baseball games from all over North, Central & South America declares to be one of the few bars outside of Ohio where you can drink Burger Classic.  It makes perfect sense when you think about it: Burger Classic is a beer that goes great with baseball.  Goes great whether you are watching Baseball or playing Baseball.  Burger Classic is a light beer in the style of a PBR or Old Style.  These beers are light, refreshing and very drinkable.

Burger Classic has been around since the year 1880.  It was first brewed in Cincinnati, Ohio, by The Burger Brewing Company and then purchased by the Hudepohl-Schoenling Brewing Co..  That is as much history as I will give you on this notable Lager.  One of the reasons I enjoyed drinking Burger Classic so much was because this beer has been around since 1880!  Obviously the beer recipe is a proven winner because this beer is old and reliable.  I will not say that Burger Classic is the best beer you will ever drink, but I will say that it is an enjoyable beer that reminds you of a forgotten era.  An era where people lived simple lives and drank simple beer.

Burger Classic is Recommended by Gonzalo

It was during my quest to find Dragon’s Milk that I was introduced to Goose Island Bourbon County Stout.  They told me that Bourbon County is on the same level of a Dragon’s Milk: a beer that awakes you.  Awake me it did.

After my initial pour into the snifter, the immediate reaction came from my nose.  The powerful aroma of Bourbon fills your nostrils.  This is no mistake.  Goose Island Bourbon County Stout is an Imperial Stout that has been aged in Bourbon barrels.  That means the geniuses at Goose Island found a use for those tapped out barrels of Bourbon.  My second reaction after inhaling a sniff of the Bourbon in Bourbon County was the taste.  Like most Imperial Stouts, you get a rich assortment of chocolate, caramel, smoke and vanilla.  It sounds like I am describing some sort of dessert, but trust me; only Adults over 21 should partake in this 13% Alcohol By Volume beer.  In addition to the dessert-like ingredients, the Bourbon aspect of this Imperial Stout endures in the taste and together they make every one of your senses become conscious.

The best part of Goose Island Bourbon County Stout is the drinkability.  You can enjoy it with a meal or pound it down till you can longer stand.  For a beer with such complex flavors and aroma, it is incredibly smooth.

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout is Very Recommended by Gonzalo

On the heels of the first Super Bowl Victory of the New Orleans Saints, Mardi Gras 2010 was a carnival to remember.  Parade Beads hung on the edges of balconies, breasts and trees.  The streets of the historic French Quarter were filled with subscribers to the idea of enjoying life.  Not many worries crossed the minds of these Citizens and Tourists of New Orleans, LA.  The only worries one had was “When is the next parade?” and “What do I drink next?”  With an abundance of parades and floats, and with an endless amount of alcohol, these questions offer many answers.

Drinking in the French Quarter of New Orleans is unlike anything you will ever embark on.  Drinking in the French Quarter of New Orleans during Mardi Gras is another world.  The bars never seem to close.  If they do close, the party carries over into the crowded streets.  For those of you that are of the legal drinking age of 21, there is a vast amount of alcohol at your disposal during a Mardi Gras celebration.  From “Big Ass Beers” to the famous “Hand Grenade” of Tropical Isle and the colorful Hurricanes of Pat O’Brien’s, you will never have the excuse that they didn’t have anything you like. Heck, they even have Jello Shots!  Beer enthusiast will find many bars that cater to your love of ales & lagers.  Although when in New Orleans, I encourage you to drink local and find yourself some of the fine brews of the Abita Brewing Company.  My recommendation: Abita Amber.  Abita Amber has just enough flavor to satisfy your taste buds and smooth enough to encourage heavy drinking.

Of course drinking is not the only vice available in the French Quarter.  Any vice you may have is available on the legendary Bourbon Street: food, souvenirs, dancing, sex, smoking and Jesus (at many of the intersections of Bourbon Street you will find “Jesus Corners” consisting of Christians and Religious Folk urging all the “sinners” of Mardi Gras to repent).  Of course, some of the vices call on you to be of a certain age, but young or old, you will find something to entertain you in the French Quarter.

A helpful tip to cure a hangover: beignets and café au lait from Cafe Due Monde.  The acclaimed beignets of Cafe Due Monde are available 24 hours and are the perfect way to lift your spirits.

Since it’s founding in 2005, The Beer Bistro has been a haven for beer drinkers in the West Loop area.  With its welcoming bar and laid back workers, The Beer Bistro is a great locale to drink and learn about beer.  In fact, the bar was built out of love for beer.  It’s true and says so right on their website.

When drinking one of the many beers available, do not forget to enjoy the food.  The Beer Bistro has delicious food offerings and a very unique burger called the Gourmet Burger.  This burger comes on a pretzel roll with peanut butter, fried egg, bacon and cheddar.  Pretty unique, huh?  My initial reaction before ordering the burger was “Peanut Butter?  On a burger?”  I decided to trust the bar tender on this one (she was right about the Sierra Nevada Brew recommendation) and ordered my first burger with peanut butter.  After enjoying every flavorful bite of the Gourmet Burger, I wondered why it took me this long to combine meat with peanut butter.  This delightful combination would have been ideal during my late childhood/early teen years!  Needless to say, the Gourmet Burger tasted great and it really went well with the IPA I was drinking.  Order it next time you are in the West Loop and you will not be disappointed.

Overall, The Beer Bistro does a nice job of balancing a mighty beer selection with a cozy neighborhood bar mentality.  The servers and crowd make you feel welcomed and the food is always served to your liking.

The Beer Bistro is located at 1061 W. Madison Street in the West Loop area of Chicago, Illinois.  Phone: 312-433-0013.  Website: thebeerbistro.com.

The Beer Bistro is Recommended by Gonzalo

One of the best ways to warm up during the winter is by ordering a pint of Victory Storm King Stout.  Brewed by the Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, this fine brew was no doubt made to keep you warm during a king-size storm.  This imperial stout comes loaded with the essential ingredients to keep your body warm (or numb): a high alcohol by volume and an easy-to-drink taste.  Most stouts are heavy and you get filled up quickly, Storm King Stout will keep you drinking all through the night.

When you take your first drink, you will smell and taste some coffee and chocolate notes.  What follows will be a pleasant mixture of coffee, chocolate and hops.  Before Storm King Stout, I would limit my stout intake to one pint a night.  Now thanks to this satisfying stout, I can drink till the storm clears!

So far I have only come across Victory Storm King Stout at one bar: DMK Burger Bar.  It is my hope that on my 2010 Winter Expedition of Bars, more taps across Chicago gets familiar with this extraordinary imperial stout.  Not only does Storm King Stout pair well with your typical bar food such as Cheeseburgers and Fish & Chips, but it is also the perfect “lone wolf” beer.  Meaning that you can enjoy it while you sit at the bar watching your favorite sporting event.

Victory Storm King Stout is Very Recommended by Gonzalo

The Christmas Season officially arrives with a fresh batch of Goose Island Christmas Ale.  Available only during the months of November and December, Goose Island Christmas Ale is a Brown Ale that changes every year.  Simply meaning that the recipe of Goose Island Christmas Ale is altered just a bit each Christmas Season by the Brew Masters at the Goose Island Brewing Company.  The amount of Hops and the amount of Bitterness are the main ingredients that fluctuate.  When I first started drinking Goose Island Christmas Ale, it was known as a Scotch Ale.

As for the 2009 version of Goose Island Christmas Ale, you can expect the familiar mild spice aroma and brownish-red shade when you pour.  The best part of any version of the Goose Island Christmas Ale is the taste.  It is well paired with any Holiday Feast and goes down great on a snowy winter night as you relax while watching your favorite Christmas movie.

One of the bigger changes that occurred with the 2009 version of Goose Island Christmas Ale is how you can purchase it at stores.  No longer can you buy the usual beer bottle size of Goose Island Christmas Ale, it now comes in the larger, Pint Size bottle.  There is nothing wrong with a bigger bottle, but now it makes it harder to show up to a Christmas Party when you only have 2 Pint Size bottles versus a 6-pack.  Other than that, Goose Island Christmas Ale never disappoints.

Goose Island Christmas Ale is Very Recommended by Gonzalo

The real San Francisco treat is Anchor Steam Beer. Here is a beer that is pure Californian.  Not only is it brewed in California, but it also uses an old style of brewing that is representative of 19th Century California.  This old style of brewing produced what came to be known as “steam beer.”  Now a days, the Anchor Brewing Company has trademarked the term “steam beer” and advertises it as “California Common.”  Steam beer sounds cooler though.

On my recent trip to San Francisco, I happily drank Anchor Steam at every drinking occasion presented to me: at the San Francisco Giants baseball game, lobby bar of the Ritz, San Francisco Airport, in the park out of a brown bag, etc.  Speaking of the San Francisco Airport, they actually have the awesome Anchor Brewery Company Restaurant in Terminal 3.  Not only do they have fresh kegs of all the great Anchor Brewing Company brews, but they also have first-class food.  The Crab Melt was outstanding.  It tastes even better when you pair the Crab Melt with a fine brew from Anchor Brewing.  The Anchor Steam Beer is a logical choice, but if you are looking for a little more “zest”, I recommend the Anchor Porter.  The rich, smoky, malt flavors of the porter give the Crab Melt a little more of a rustic backyard taste.  Either way, you won’t go wrong.

The great news is Anchor Steam Beer and the many Anchor Brewing Company products are not just found in California, but also throughout the world!  In Chicago, you can find Anchor Steam at a decent amount of bars throughout Chicagoland, but the enthusiast in me says to go drink Anchor Steam at Twin Anchors Restaurant.

Anchor Steam Beer is Very Recommended by Gonzalo

Alcoholic beverages served over ice tend to be bourbons, whiskeys or scotches.  Well get ready to add Crispin Hard Apple Cider to the list!  The Ciders produced by the Crispin Cider Company are best served over ice.  Trust me, once you enjoy a crisp, refreshing, pint of Crispin Hard Apple Cider over ice you will want to add ice to all your alcoholic beverages…well, Ciders at least.

Ciders are a bit of a mystery to Bar Patrons in the United States.  Personally, I never considered Ciders as a source of alcoholic goodness until my travels to England. There I was introduced to Strongbow Cider, probably the most popular cider in the United Kingdom.  At the time, a pint of cider was not for me.  It was not until this past summer, when I was first introduced to the concept of serving cider over ice that my open-mindedness towards Ciders developed.  From that point on, Crispin Hard Apple Cider found its way to my personal list of “Go To” Beers.  Which is funny, because a Cider is not a Beer, but the alcohol by volume (ABV) tells another story.

Crispin Hard Apple Cider is known as the “Original” Cider produced by the Crispin Cider Company.  They do have three other cider products, but currently, the “Original” is the one cider most bars would have available.  If you come across the Crispin Cider Light, make sure you order a round.  It has the same refreshing taste of the Original, but with fewer calories!

The Crispin Cider Company is looking to enhance your pub experience by giving you an extra drinking option when you step up to the bar.  No longer will the British be the only ones to enjoy ciders at bars.  From now on, not only will the Americans have better teeth, but we will also have a better cider!

Crispin Hard Apple Cider is Very Recommended by Gonzalo