Chicago Area Craft Beer calendar, October 19-26

October 17, 12:14 AMChicago Craft Beer ExaminerMark McDermott

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Chicago Craft Beer Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

The Lagunitas folks are coming through
this week. Photo by Mark McDermott

 Monday, October 19

6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
The Bad Apple Beer Dinner

The Bad Apple, 4300 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago (773) 360-8406

$50/person – Reservations encouraged.

A full dinner with courses matched to Petrus Aged Pale Ale, Southern Tier Pumking, New Holland Charkoota Rye, Arcadia Ales Cereal Killer Barleywine and others.

Tuesday, October 20

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Samuel Adams Beer Dinner

Timothy O'Toole's, 5573 Grand Ave., Gurnee, IL (847) 249-0800
$45 per person.
Timothy O'Toole's Inaugural Beer Dinner is a five-course meal paired with Sam Adams Coastal Wheat, Octoberfest, Irish Red, Brown Ale, Blackberry Witbier and Imperial Stout.

8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Ruby Brown Munich Dunkel Tapping

Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery, 1035 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor, IL (708) 957-BREW The next tapping will be the release of "Ruby Brown" Munich Dunkel, previously previewed at Oktoberfest events across the city. A deep copper/brown lager with aromas and flavors of chocolate, roast malts, and a classic lager finish. The body is medium to light and tips the abv scale at 6%.

Wednesday, October 21

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
"Drink Me" Ale Tapping

Rock Bottom Yorktown, Yorktown Center, Lombard, IL (630) 424-1550

6:00 - 10 p.m.
Lagunitas Tapping

Bavarian Lodge, 1800 Ogden Ave., Lisle, IL (630) 241-4701
Enjoy two limited release Lagunitas specialties: "Hop Stoopid" & "A Little Sumpin' Extra" on draft. Plus, sample the Lagunitas line-up of fine beers with Lagunitas Brewing Company's Karen Hamilton. Prize Raffle for Lagunitas merchandise after the tasting session.
21 & Over Only in the Pub Room | No RSVP's Needed.

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
American Craft Beer Expo

Binny's Beverage Depot - Lakeview, Ivanhoe Castle & Catacombs, 3000 N. Clark St., Chicago (773) 935-9400
Sample a collection of the best beer from the finest craft breweries in the country! Pouring over 100 different beers, from old favorites to new, hard to get and seasonal selections. Space for this tasting is limited and reservations are required.
$15 W/Binny's Card / $20 non-members. Call (773) 935-9400 for more information.

6:30 - 8:45 p.m.
Sprecher Beer Dinner

The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St., Rockford, IL (815) 962-8758
Welcome master brewer Randy Sprecher for a multi course beer dinner. Five courses paired with five great Sprecher brews - just $45/person (price includes tax and tip). Beer pairing are Sprecher Oktoberfest, Shakparo Gluten Free Beer, Sprecher Pub Ale, Black Bavarian, and Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout. Randy will discuss his brewing style and food pairings and sign 1 liter collectible bottles of his Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout. Tickets on sale now at the bar -- get yours soon as space is limited: call 815.962.8758 or email info@theolympictavern.com

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Beer 101 Class

Barley & Hops Liquors,18452 S. Halsted St., Glenwood, IL (708) 754-9999.
A one-hour class for beer lovers, taught by fellow Chicago Craft Beer Examiner Marty Nachel. Click his name for details!

8:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Old No. 38 & Oysters

Cole's Bar, 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago 773-276-5802
Join Cole's for a sampling of free Raw Oysters brought to you by Plitt Seafood and Old No. 38 Stout from North Coast Brewing. There will will also have a pint special of $4.00 Old No. 38's. Live music by the Thin Man Cabaret!

Thursday, October 22

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Rock Bottom Chicago Anniversary tapping Party!

Rock Bottom Chicago,  One West Grand Ave., Chicago (312) 755-9339
We turn 14 and want to party! Join us for the unveiling of our Anniversary Ale, an American-style Ordinary Bitter. We combine English Maris Otter malt with American Crystal hops to create a tasty session brew perfect for the fall. You can also sample the GABF Silver medal winning 'Crow and the Sparrow' Belgian Rye-PA!

6:00 - 10 p.m.
The Good Life with New Holland Brewing Co.

HopCat, 25 Ionia, Grand Rapids, MI (616) 451-4677
Live "The Good Life" with 20 different and rare drafts including 2 firkins and a unique selection of locally made spirits from New Holland Brewing Co. There will be plenty of fun, food and drink, as well as a Carved Pumpkin contest, a Best Scarf contest and live music.

6:30 p.m.
Shaw's Oyster Festival Brewmaster Dinner

Shaw's Crab House, 21 E. Hubbard St. Chicago (312) 527-2722
$64.99, all-inclusive An evening of food and beer pairings as Shaw's hosts a special beer dinner at the Oyster Hall of Fame in Chicago. The six-course menu, prepared by Chef Arnulfo Tellez, features the season's freshest ingredients, which Shaw's Sommelier Steve Tindle pairs with Goose Island Beers. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with an Oyster Reception, followed by dinner at 7:15 and discussion led by special guest, Greg Hall, Goose Island Brewmaster. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call Shaw's at 312.527.2722 to make your reservations.

7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
Two Brothers Beer Dinner

Delecce Grill Pub, 3313 N Clark St., Chicago (773) 348-3313
Executive chef Josh Hansen expertly pairs with craft beers from Two Brothers Brewing Co. Call for reservations.

Tapping: Night of the Living Red

Rock Bottom Warrenville, 28256 Diehl Road Warrenville, IL (630) 836-1380

Friday - Saturday, October 23-24

6:00 - 10 p.m.
Pumpkin Ale Beer Tasting

America's Brewing at Walter Payton's Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway, Aurora IL (630) 892- 0034
 Brewmaster Mike Rybinski will be hosting a beer tasting to unveil this year's batch of Pumpkin Ale. There will be appetizers and everyone will receive real pumpkin mugs to drink out of. Additional A.B.C. beers will be available. Plus you will have to check out a really unique way to fill your pumpkin mug. $5 Admission 21 & Over

Friday, October 23

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Kenwood Liquors Beer Tasting

Kenwood Liquors, 12037 W. 159th St., Homer Glen, IL (708) 590-8210
Sampling Oktoberfests from Sam Adams, Hacker-Pschorr and Leinenkugel's.

7:00 p.m.
Founders Hand of Doom Tapping

Brixie's, 9526 W Ogden Brookfield, IL (708) 387-0050
A different rare beer is being tapped every Friday evening in celebration of Brixie's 75th Annniversary.

Saturday, October 24

1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Kenwood Liquors Beer Tasting

Kenwood Liquors, 12037 W. 159th St., Homer Glen, IL (708) 590-8210
Stiegel Pils & Gold, Hoffbrau Original, Dunkel & Hefeweizen, O'Fallon Wheach from St. Louis, St. Ambroise Apricot, and the rollout of the new Bud Light Golden Wheat.

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Beer Grand Tasting

Sam's Wines & Spirits, 2010 Butterfield Rd. Downers Grove, IL 630-705-9463
$10.00 The world of beer is as diverse as that of wine, with an enormous variety of styles and flavors and as wide a breadth for accompanying food. Come taste the crisp, fresh Pilsner beers of the Czech Republic; the sweet Ales of England; Ireland's Stouts; and the plethora of microbrews from our own country. Light to full, dry to sweet, for drinking now and for aging like fine wine. Click Sam's website link above for tickets.

3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Great Lakes beer tasting

Vrai Amour Wines & Craft Beers, 953 W. Webster Ave. Chicago (773) 549-9740
Indulge in some amazing beers that will help gear you up for the holiday season. No charge for the tasting. Bring your friends and enjoy some amazing brews with Dave and Matt. Drink. Learn. List of beers TBA... Free!

4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Oktoberfest & Beer Competition

The Homebrew Shop, 225 W. Main St., St. Charles, IL (630) 377-1338
A people's choice homebrew competition presented by the Homebrew Shop. Bring six bottles of the beer you're entering. Judging will be done by everyone in attendance beginning at 4:30. Pizza and announcement of winners at 6:00; you must be present to win. Prizes are Homebrew Shop gift certificates up to $100.

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Southern Tier Beer Dinner

Finnegans Irish Pub, 24102 W. Lockport St., Plainfield, Illinois (815) 733-5177
A dinner paired with the beers of New York's Southern Tier Brewing. Brewery rep Brad Fuller will be here talking about the beers and answering questions. Beers to be served include Hopsun, Harvest Ale, Heavy Weizen, 422 Pale Wheat, Cuvee 2, and Jah-va Stout. Tickets: $50.

Sunday, October 25

2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Freakin' Firkin Sunday!

The Livery, 190 5th St. Benton Harbor, MI (269) 925-8760
Brewmaster Steve will be tapping the Firkin cask at 3.00 p.m. (orthereabouts) on this Sunday. Enjoy a pint of real ale in its true form, and also enjoy the lively Irish Session which is the same day from 2-5 p.m.

Monday October 26

6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Fall Brewers Dinner

Rock Bottom Chicago,  One West Grand Ave., Chicago (312) 755-9339
Only $35 (plus tax/grat). Rock Bottom Chicago welcomes its new Executive Chef Chris McCoy, who offers a 6- course meal of hearty, locally sourced foods paired with malty, complex handcrafted brews. Check out the menu by clicking here. Call 312-755-1677 for reservations.

7:00 p.m. - close
Beer School's 2nd Harvest Party

Sheffield's Wine & Beer Garden, 3258 N. Sheffield AVE., Chicago (773) 281.4989
Beer School Bar's 2nd Harvest Party!!! Over 8 Harvest Ale Drafts and 2 Firkins: Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest Sierra Nevada Yakima Washington Harvest Sierra Nevada Estate Two Brothers Heavy Handed (also, Cask Conditioned) Three Floyd's Broo Doo (also, Cask Conditioned) Harpoon Glacier Harvest '09 Wet Hop & a few others

A Harvest Ale, Hop Harvest Ale, or Wet-Hopped Ale is a new brewing tradition that has developed in recent years among several West Coast breweries. Once a year, at the time of the hop harvest, several American craft brewers produce a beer similar to an American Pale Ale or American IPA, but made with freshly picked, undried hops that give the beer a unique flavor profile. The first wet-hopped beer in the United States was Sierra Nevada's Harvest Ale, brewed for the first time in 1996.