Crown Brewing

Mmmm, another delicious brewpub to add to the list. Crown Brewing is new - brand new (opened June 13, 2008). Jim Cibak, Brewmaster poured the Pale Ale for us last Monday and I fell in love with it. I've actually been craving it all week. I know it was going fast so he is probably already out.

This place is a keeper, though. Right now the beer selection is small but the beer is fresh, complex and (the two we tasted) have been worth coming back for.

Keep up the good work, Jim!

International Brewers Day - Who Knew?

As I do frequently (okay, daily!), I was checking my RSS feeds from the various blogs to which I subscribe. Our old friend Andy at Flossmoor Station was kind enough to point out that today is International Brewers Day. The website contains a plethora of information on the first observance of this obscure but no less important holiday. Thank you, Jay Brooks, for creating a holiday to thank the people who help us enjoy beer!

Tony and I extend a heart-felt "Thanks" to all of our brewer friends at our favorite brewpubs across the United States! God Bless!

Mini Celebration of Indiana Beer Week 2008

Although we are unable to participate in "formal" events this week, Tony and I were joined by our good friend Steve for a small microbrew tasting on our patio Monday, July 14th.


Several wonderful beers were sampled. The gentlemen started with a Flossmoor IPA but I began my tasting with a bottle of Mad River Steelhead Double IPA (which we all shared).

The beer was extremely tasty with a sweet aroma - which I likened to toasted marshmallows. It was very drinkable and would pair nicely with grilled food.
Captain Steve brought a bottle of Victory Brewing Company's HopDevil Ale.

According to their website, "Menacingly delicious, with the powerful, aromatic punch of whole flower American hops backed up by rich, German malts. HopDevil Ale offers a roller coaster ride of flavor, coasting to a smooth finish that satisfies fully."

We agree. This was a delicious, hoppy ale with great color and taste.

We finished our tasting with two bomber bottles from our good friends at Three Floyds. We drank a Fantabulous Resplendence as well as a Blackheart. Both beers have been on rotation once or twice at the pub and are hoppy and strong. Of course the bottles pale in comparison to the fresh brews enjoyed at the brewpub. Currently Triple F has the Fantabulous Resplendence on tap along with an AlphaNaught which has Tony's name written all over it!

Rock Bottom - Orland Park

Hmm, I guess we're officially beer snobs. We visited the Rock Bottom in Orland Park, IL. We'd heard this was a really good one. But I was disappointed. Yeah, the IPA was as light as a Lite. My Pale Ale was drinkable but not even good. Tony had two of the IPAs so it couldn't have been too bad. The restaurant itself was nice (new and clean).

The stop at Rock Bottom was dinner on our way to the former World Music Theater (and former Tweeter Center now known as First Midwest Amphitheater) to see Joe Cocker and Steve Miller. The show was awesome! But, they wanted $12 for either a Blue Moon or a Fat Tire. What are they thinking? So, we stopped at Flossmoor Station on our way home to cleanse our palates and drink some good beer.