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Chupacabras Pale Ale

March 15th, 2010

BEER REVIEW: Chupacabras by Cucapa Brewing Company

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


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Goose Island Bourbon County Stout

February 25th, 2010

BEER REVIEW: Goose Island Bourbon County Stout by Goose Island Brewing Co.

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


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Anchor Steam

December 2nd, 2009

BEER REVIEW: Anchor Steam by Anchor Brewing Company

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

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Three Floyds Alpha King

July 8th, 2009

BEER REVIEW: Three Floyds Alpha King Pale Ale by Three Floyds Brewing Company

The flagship beer of the Three Floyds Brewing Company, Three Floyds Alpha King is worthy of gaining a cult following. After all, the Alpha is the dominant individual and the King rules over all. When you name a beer on two dominating types, your beer better be good. Fortunately this Pale Ale does that.

Three Floyds Alpha King has a good hop flavor, but it does not overpower your senses like an IPA Beer would. The deep orange color enhances the citrus aroma and the 6% Alcohol by Volume (ABV) enhances your buzz. To put in perspective, Miller Lite is 4.2% ABV, Smithwicks is 5% ABV and Goose Island IPA is 5.9% ABV.

Some bars around Chicago carry Three Floyds Alpha King Pale Ale on tap, while many are missing out on the Alpha King. One of the newer bars in the Downtown area that have Three Floyds Alpha King on tap is Theory Sports Bar & Grill. For a listing of where to drink Three Floyds Alpha King, click here.

Three Floyds Alpha King Pale Ale is Very Recommended by Gonzalo

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Murphy’s Bleachers

June 15th, 2009

BAR REVIEW: Murphy’s Bleachers in the Wrigleyville area of Chicago, Illinois

On the eve of the Chicago Baseball Cross Town Classic, what better drinking establishment to review than the Wrigleyville staple known as Murphy’s Bleachers? When the Chicago White Sox travel up north to play the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, the whole city of Chicago is either Black (White Sox) or Blue (Cubs). Smack dab in the middle of all the heckling, team pride and home runs, Murphy’s Bleachers is located across from the entrance to the Wrigley Field Bleachers. At the corner of Waveland Avenue and Sheffield Avenue, you will find the fine drinking establishment that has, more or less, been in existence since the 1930’s. Priding itself on serving strong whiskeys and quality beers, Murphy’s Bleachers impresses on all levels.

My baseball allegiance belongs to the White Sox, and let’s be honest, there is no “Comiskeyville.” The drinking us White Sox fans partake before a baseball game usually happens in the parking lot of the stadium. Well, there is Jimbo’s Lounge near the White Sox Stadium, but it doesn’t really have quality beers. Plus, Jimbo’s has been on the verge of closing for the past couple of years (in fact, their disconnected phone number is a good indication that it might be closed). Anyways, the bars of the South Side are for another article. Murphy’s Bleachers on the North Side really impressed me with their beer selection and food menu. Before officially stepping foot into Murphy’s Bleachers, I had assumptions that it was a “Cubs Bar” filled with Cubs fans and water downed beer. The bar is filled with Cubs Fans, but it does not have water-downed beer. On the contrary, the impressive beer selection had my jaw on the floor. You can find SKA Modus Hoperandi IPA, Brooklyn Brewmasters Reserve Seasonal Beers, Goose Island Matilda and many more quality ales and lagers. The best part is, they have weekly specials and their prices are very reasonable. In addition, the food menu is pretty stellar.

Overall, Murphy’s Bleachers is a must visit whether you are a Cubs Fan or not. The baseball and sports memorabilia hanging around the bar is a testament to the pride Chicagoans have for their teams, even if said team has not won a major championship for over 100 years (yeah, that was a cheap shot). Beer wise, food wise and history wise, Murphy’s Bleachers hits a home run all around. No wonder it is always packed during Cubs games.
Murphy’s Bleachers is located at 3655 N. Sheffield Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Phone: (773) 281-5356.

Murphy’s Bleachers is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo

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Market

June 1st, 2009

BAR REVIEW: Market in the West Loop Gate area of Chicago, Illinois

It may be because this bar is brand new, but Market is very shiny. Like a hot new car one would buy, this new multi-faceted restaurant and sports bar has that “wow” factor through out everything! From the beautiful wood trim to the chrome beer taps to the vibrant Panasonic widescreen televisions, and that is just the first floor. Do not dare to leave Market without enjoying a drink on the Roof Deck. An impressive lounge retreat with an outstanding view of the Skyline, the Roof Deck at Market is going to be a popular destination through out the summer.

So Market is a great place to savor a drink, but I wish the Beer Menu were just a tad greater. Granted they do have Goose Island 312 on tap and that is all I really need, but I guess I am just nitpicking. In reality, their beer menu has favorites like Stella Artois, Heineken, Guinness and Corona. Actually, enjoying a Corona and Lime on the Roof Deck while gazing at the Sears Tower (sorry, I mean Willis Tower) sounds like a wonderful way to relax during the summer.

A helpful tip to you, future patron of Market, since Market is located in the sophisticated West Loop Gate area and Oprah’s Harpo Studios are located down the block, make sure you dress to impress. I did feel a bit out of place in my White Sox track jacket. Of course though, I had no problems making my way through the bar.

Overall, Market is a stunning bar that will impress your date, friends and out-of-town guests, most importantly though, you will be fond of this new restaurant and sports bar. When you mix great food, with a respectable beer menu and a stylish atmosphere, you get this new hot spot. Market is located at 1113 West Randolph Street in the West Loop Gate area of Chicago, Illinois. Phone: 312-929-4787.

Market is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo

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Smithwicks

May 26th, 2009

BEER REVIEW: Smithwicks by St. Francis Abbey Brewery

My relationship with the Irish Red Ale known as Smithwicks is like that of a friend I do not get to hang out often with: We know we are there, but for some reason or another, the scheduling does not work. Smithwicks is found on tap at many bars across Chicago. I recognize the tap handle and even gaze at it from time to time, but yet, I find myself drinking something else. I should really get in the habit of ordering a pint of Smithwicks more often (just as I should really get in the habit of hanging out with that friend).

Smithwicks is a smooth red ale from the land of Guinness: Ireland. Actually, Smithwicks is “Ireland’s oldest ale” and was first brewed in 1710. You know the beer has to be good when it has been around for close to 300 years. Smithwicks is poured with a bit of creamy head, but not as thick as a Guinness head or as a Boddingtons head. The red Irish ale has a bit of a caramel taste to it, but it is such a faint taste. What you will notice about Smithwicks more than anything else is the dark red hue of the beer.

Overall, Smithwicks is a very drinkable beer. None of the ingredients in the beer overpower your senses. They all come together nicely and produce a beer that helps you enjoy your night even more. Like that friend I do not get to hang out with often, Smithwicks becomes a barrel of fun as the night goes on.

Smithwicks is Recommended by Gonzalo

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Goose Island Harvest Ale

October 20th, 2008

BEER REVIEW: Goose Island Harvest Ale by Goose Island Brewing Co

The Harvest Season begins and ends with Goose Island Harvest Ale. Brewed by the Goose Island Brewing Company, Goose Island Harvest Ale is one of the special seasonal beers made to compliment a special time of year. The special time of year is fall, the special beer is Harvest Ale. The flavor reminds you of the Goose Island India Pale Ale, only not as hoppy. With an amber color and a citrus-like aroma, the Goose Island Harvest Ale goes well at any Fall event: Football Games, Thanksgiving Dinners, Holiday Shopping, etc.

Yes, Holiday Shopping. Enjoy a pint of Harvest Ale as you relax at the local bar near the mall.

No matter how you decide to enjoy Goose Island Harvest Ale, make sure you enjoy it soon because it is only around for the Fall.

Goose Island Harvest Ale is Very Recommended by Gonzalo

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Sapporo Edels Pils

June 12th, 2008

BEER REVIEW: Sapporo Edels Pils by Sapporo Breweries LTD, Tokyo, Japan

Very few beers make me reflect. By that I mean that I begin to ponder about the very existence of said beer in my hand. I ask questions like, “Where does this beer come from?”, “What kind of a beer is this?” and “How come I have not come across this beer more often?”. There are few beers that prompt me to ask those questions. Past beers that have awoken my mind are: Guinness, Yebisu Black and Goose Island IPA. Now I can add Sapporo Edels Pils to that list.

My first (and sadly, my last) encounter with Sapporo Edels Pils was at the Yebisu Beer Museum in Tokyo, Japan. In the glorious tasting lounge of the Museum they offered plenty of Yebisu beers to savor and to my great pleasure, they also had this lovely Pilsner on hand. I did not know at the time, but the Sapporo brand and the Yebisu brand are closely tied. Thanks to the relationship of the two breweries, there are some specialty drafts of Sapporo brand beers at the Yebisu Beer Museum. This works out well for all parties involved.

The Sapporo Edels Pils is a pilsner with a refreshing crisp body with a hint of citrus. It is by far one of the most drinkable beers I have ever tasted. When I had my first taste, I remember feeling pure enjoyment as I savored every drop. Sapporo Edels Pils is a beer that keeps on giving back even after you are done. The enjoyable and refreshing taste provided by every drop of this pilsner makes you wish it was more readily available. I have been frantically searching for a bar or liquor store that offers Sapporo Edels Pils. Sadly I have come up empty. Knowing that this beer is not as easily available across the globe makes you appreciate the moments you have with it that much more. As I mentioned earlier, I only enjoyed this beer while I was at the Yebisu Beer Museum in Tokyo. If that is the only place where you can enjoy this beautiful beer, I encourage you to find your way to Tokyo, Japan. Visit the Yebisu Beer Museum and enjoy one of the greatest beers available.

Sapporo Edels Pils is Highly Recommended by Gonzalo

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Jack’s Bar & Grill

February 21st, 2008

BAR REVIEW: Jack’s Bar & Grill in the Lincoln Park/Lakeview area of Chicago, IL

At the corner of George Street and Southport Avenue you will find the agreeable Jack’s Bar & Grill. This corner bar is a great neighborhood spot to enjoy a good meal, catch a sporting event, chat with the bartenders (ask for Toni, she will treat you right!) and most importantly enjoy a good brew. Jack’s Bar & Grill has a safe selection of beers. By that I mean they have beers that you would be familiar with: Stella Artois, Blue Moon, Miller Lite, Corona, Amstel Light, Guinness, etcetera. Yet, Jack’s is also attempting to introduce hard-to-find and unfamiliar beers to the neighborhood. Beers such as Maudite and Delirium Tremens are also found on their beer list. What better place to try an unfamiliar beer than in the comfortable surroundings of your local neighborhood bar?

Sadly we visited Jack’s Bar & Grill during the cold winter season. From what Toni the bartender was telling me, the Beer Garden found in the back is a great place to enjoy a summer afternoon. Do not let the winter blues keep you from visiting Jack’s Bar & Grill; the great monthly beer specials, the fireplace and the lovely servers are more than enough to keep you warm during the cold winter months.

Jack’s Bar & Grill is located at 2856 North Southport Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Phone: (773) 404-8400. Website: www.jacks404.com

Jack’s Bar & Grill is Recommended by Gonzalo


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