Ty Webb wrote:Okay, seriously Chicagoans!

Goose Island! Do none of you feel it's worthy of mentioning among all these beers? Absurd! Goose Island is world-class. No doubt,.

It's good 'n solid, but nothing about which to shout from rooftops, IMO.

Ever have their 312? It's a popular draft option here, with a silly telephone handset tap. I'm surprised by the apparent overnight influx of Rogue Dead Guy on draft, but I sure as hell ain't complainin'.

I'll third the Aventinus.

Mark Hansen wrote:I used to love Genesee Cream Ale, but I haven't seen it in stores in the Chicago area for a while. Is it still made?

Indeed it is. I haven't had a Genesee in awhile, either. I occasionally used to pick it up at Miska's Liquors on Belmont back in the day.

Check out their website: http://www.geneseecreamale.com/History/

Colonel Panic wrote:

Mark Hansen wrote:I used to love Genesee Cream Ale, but I haven't seen it in stores in the Chicago area for a while. Is it still made?

Indeed it is. I haven't had a Genesee in awhile, either. I occasionally used to pick it up at Miska's Liquors on Belmont back in the day.

Check out their website: http://www.geneseecreamale.com/History/

Cool website. I think I need to order one of their bowling shirts.

I sent them an e-mail asking if it is available anywhere in the Chicago area, or where at least is the nearest distribution area. I sense a road trip coming up.

Follow-up: It looks like Indiana is the nearest state where it is distributed. Guess I'll be making a road trip in the next few weeks.

ant man bee wrote:When I was on tour this summer I discover the joy of Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout. This stuff is not for the faint of heart and you will be hard pressed to drink more than two. The flavor of this stout is absolute perfection in my book.

Oh and the label is bad ass as well:

The same brewery makes this

I hope it tastes like jazz!

stevenstillborn wrote:

slowriot wrote:sounds like a trip to my local bottle king in northern NJ

Where you be livin', slowriot? I am a proud Bottle King member. I grew up near the one in Glen Rock and I live now near the Livingston store.
By the bye, my list also reflects many's the trip to this bar in Bagota: http://www.andyscornerbar.com/

sorry i never got back to this.

the closest one to me is the livingston store, as well. a friend works there too, sometimes, when she's not at school.

when i'm feeling ambitious, i drive down to oak tree discount wine and liquors in south plainfield. that place is by far the best store for beer in the entire state.

http://www.ratebeer.com/Place/new-jerse ... s/1681.htm

slowriot wrote:when i'm feeling ambitious, i drive down to oak tree discount wine and liquors in south plainfield. that place is by far the best store for beer in the entire state.

Thanks for this. I'm making a note for my next wave of ambition.

Christopher J. McGarvey wrote:I hope it tastes like jazz!

It does!

Ty Webb wrote:Okay, seriously Chicagoans!

Goose Island! Do none of you feel it's worthy of mentioning among all these beers? Absurd! Goose Island is world-class. No doubt,.

Yeah, it's pretty good but Budweiser buyout thing leaves a bitter finish. I suppose it's like your favorite band going to a major label. To truly love something you must be able to let it go I guess. I did get to see Guided by Voices and Sonic Youth at the Finkle Steel Mill. That was AWESOME! Does anyone have a video of that? Cheers Goose Island!

Had this at the Map Room recently:



Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet. very tasty.

My brother-in-law/drummer is a connoisseur of belgian ales, and always has an impressive stockpile. After years of personal testing on my part, I think the Val-Dieu Triple is probably my absolute favorite. It's yummy.

Here's a limp-wristed description from a website:

VAL-DIEU TRIPLE
from Brasserie De L'Abbaye Du Val-Dieu is a triple ale from Cistercian Abbey du Val-Dieu with a color of golden plums, very delicate aroma, nutty, clean maltiness, and a drying finish reminiscent of garden mint.

Here's my description: Big bottle, tastes real good. Finishing off a big bottle by yourself will make you healthy, wealthy and wise....and fairly drunk and happy. Using a proper belgian ale glass is requred.