Night after night, Northwestern students pound can after can of bilgewater without knowing any better. But fear no more! Local microbrews are a cheap solution to any student’s beer woes. Microbrews are a bit pricier than Busch, Keystone or Natty, but they also usually have a higher alcohol content, so it’ll only take a couple pints before you’ve got a healthy buzz going. And even if this beer doesn’t get you seeing double, the flavor and complexity of a fine microbrew is rich to the point of being stimulating, galvanizing and even, dare I say it — intoxicating. Enjoy a couple of these pints and you’ll end the night satisfied — with no hangover and no regrets.
By definition, microbrews are made locally and in small batches, but they can be bottled and sent almost anywhere. Both EV1 and Whole Foods carry a decent selection of bottled microbrews from Chicago and beyond. But if you want to properly enjoy a microbrew, get it on tap, or “draught” (pronounced draft), to use beer snob’s argot. This requires a little adventuring and a passing ID, but it’s totally doable. There are plenty of bars in neighborhoods like Wrigleyville, Ravenswood and Edgewater that serve a wide variety of Chicago’s finest microbrews.
A microbrewery is a beer laboratory: The brewers are always experimenting. They usually release a variety of seasonal and limited edition beers, and they often come up with something completely new and different. Despite the constant innovation, they’ve got accessible, staple beers to get you started.
Goose Island: Green Line Pale Ale
5 percent ABV
Founded in 1988, the Wrigleyville-based brewery was bought out by Anheuser-Busch in March. So although Goose Island as a whole may be getting less “micro,” Green Line is available only within Chicago city limits and only on draught. The flavor is pretty basic, but it’s the best beer for your buck and it’s almost entirely locally sourced. An excellent first microbrew.
Half Acre: Daisy Cutter Pale Ale
5.2 percent ABV
Half Acre is quickly becoming one of Chicago’s most acclaimed microbrews, and Daisy Cutter is their flagship beer. It’s nicely carbonated yet super smooth and tastes faintly of oranges, mangoes and peaches. As the weather gets warmer, this beer is perfect to drink in the afternoon at an open-air restaurant or out on the front porch.
Two Brothers: Domaine DuPage French Country Ale
5.9 percent ABV
The Two Brothers Brewery is actually run by two brothers in the west suburbs. Inspired by the time they spent in France learning the art of brewery, Domaine DuPage is hearty and could go with any meal. It has a creamy texture and tastes like straight caramel. If you’re looking for a candidate to make beer floats with, this is the one.
Metropolitan: Iron Works Alt
5.8 percent ABV
Metropolitan Brewing is located in nearby Andersonville, and they offer tours a few times a month. Iron Works Alt is a rare German-style altbier, a type no longer crafted by most mainstream brewers. This copper-colored ale is slightly bitter at first, but after a pint or two (or twelve), it’ll taste like berries. When you drink this beer, get a greasy snack to go with it.