Besides being caught up in some extra job-type work, the server for ChicagoNow has been acting up, some I’m only now able to get into the site. I might have been able to post a number of Thursday events that are postponed because of the weird snowstorm.

This Weekend

12:00 pm • Cheesecake & Beer Flights
Iron&Glass, 632 S. Weber Rd., Romeoville, IL (815) 782-5559 Map
& Iron&Glass Minooka, 104 Ridge Rd., Minooka, IL (815) 255-2114 Map
Delicious Cheesecakes and Beer pairings are coming to I&G
Get 4 different tasty cheesecakes made by NBBA paired with 4 five ounce paired pours at BOTH locations Feb 18-21 (while supplies last).
Pairings:
~ Turtle cheesecake paired with a stout
~ Lemon cheesecake paired with a lager
~ Butterscotch cheesecake paired with a cream ale
~ Peaches & Cream cheesecake paired with an IPA

12:00 pm • Malort Day(s) Celebration!
DMen Tap, 2849 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago 773-961-8757 Map
As a tribute to Malorts return to Chicago on February 21, 2018 we are having our 3rd annual Malort day Celebration! Since it is falling on a Monday we decided to stretch it out all weekend!
Look forward to tastings of different vintages of Malort, infused Malort, Malort cocktails, food made with Malort, Raffles and more!
Schedule of events to come!
(Not a beer thing, but Malort is its own thing).

Friday, February 18

Pollyanna Jötunheimr Release
Pollyanna Brewing Co., 431 Talcott Ave., Lemont, IL (630) 914-5834 Map
& Pollyanna – Roselare, 245 E. Main St., Roselle, IL (847) 285-1909 Map
& 106 S. Riverside Ave., St. Charles, IL 630-549-7372  Map
We are debuting a new beer on Friday, Jötunheimr. It’s an especially rare Eisbock Lager and it’s fantastic!
It’s what we’re referring to as our “White Whale.” We’ve been obsessing over this idea and chasing it for years, but up until several months ago we thought we’d never be able to catch it. After months and months of head scratching and detailing how we’d actually do this thing, we put our hopes and dreams in Mother Nature’s hands. Welp, on the night of January 25, we caught our white whale.
To us, Eisbock is the apex of lagerbier, but it always felt like an impossible task. An Eisbock is made by freezing water out of a strong Bock Lager and concentrating the remaining liquid. By removing the water, the beer increases in ABV% because the freezing point of water is much higher than that of alcohol, causing the ice to separate from the newly concentrated liquid. Here’s the problem, breweries cannot legally make an Eisbock in the USA. Why? Because according to the TTB, an increase of more than 0.5% ABV through freezing is considered “freeze distillation” and must be done by a distillery.
Guess who has their distillation license?!
Yep. As a brewery/distillery, we’ve done what most other breweries in the USA can’t legally do. We brewed an 8.0% ABV Doppelbock, freeze distilled it to a 10.0% ABV Eisbock, separated the concentrated liquid from ice, and packaged it. We even sent it to a lab to confirm the ABV rose from 8% to 10%. Don’t worry, Uncle Sam, we’re paying taxes on it as a spirit. You’ll get yours. 
We’re so excited to share this beer with you. It’s truly unique and unlike anything else around. Who knows if we’ll ever make it again? For now, enjoy our Eisbock, “Jötunheimr,” while you can. 

2:00 – 10:00 pm • Quotidienne Release
Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL (847) 864-1000 Map
Quotidienne, our Belgian-style Dubbel ale, will be available on tap and, for the first time ever, in tallboy 4 pks to go!

4:00 – 8:00 pm • The Argonaut Co. Returns
Solemn Oath Taproom, 1661 Quincy Ave. #179, Naperville IL (630) 995-3062 Map
Double the freshness, double the fun when you’re hitting Friday evening beers and lobster stuffed buns… and freshly shucked oysters… and fresh from the ocean seafood boils. Okay, so like, quadruple the freshness and ALL the fun this Friday night with The Argonaut Co.

4:00 – 8:00 pm • Soul & Smoke
Sketchbook Brewing Co. – Skokie, 4901 Main St., Skokie, IL  Map
POP-UP inside the Skokie Taproom!
Enjoy the delicious meat and veggie BBQ and comfort food of Evanston’s own Soul & Smoke! (Also at the Evanston taproom on Saturday).

4:00 – 10:00 pm • Primary Colors Release Party
The Beer and Now, 2801 Ogden Ave., Suite 7, Lisle, IL (630) 946-6660 Map
Join us as we welcome Primary Colors to the store on Friday at 4pm!
If you’ve never heard of Primary before, they have 3 beers: a Hazy IPA, a Gose, and a Belgian Style Pale Ale. But here’s the kicker… they’re meant to be mixed!
It’s a ton of fun mix them and we’re excited to share the experience with you. Come meet the mixmaster himself, Chris, as he shares samples of his favorite “recipes”. We’ll also have a pre-mixed batch on draft, plus cans to go!

4:00 – 10:00 pm • Cocina Azteca at Sketchbook Evanston
Sketchbook Brewing Co., 821 Chicago Ave. # E2, Evanston, IL (847) 859-9051 Map
Homemade tamales and salsas from Cocina Azteca, an Evanston family-owned business. Order at the bar every Friday!

4:30 – 7:30 pm • Friday Eats at Sew Hop’d
Sew Hop’d Brewery & Taproom, One Union Special Plaza Suite 113, Huntley, IL  Map
It’s a Sew Hop’d fam favorite- Stix and Noodles are back!

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Friday Night Food Truck – Brothers BBQ
Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove, IL 847-821-6140 Map
Brothers’ BBQ: Family owned and operated authentic American BBQ food truck serving the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago!

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Smiley’s BBQ
Phase Three Brewing Co., 932 Donata Ct., Lake Zurich, IL (847) 749-6693 Map
Smiley’s BBQ has dinner covered this Friday with their delicious smoked meats and homemade sauces. BBQ, P3 brews, AND live music?!

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Chuck’s Wood-Fired Pizza
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
Cold winter nights combated with HOT pizza and LIVE tunes? Sounds like a good combo to keep warm and happy.
Chuck and his crew will be here cooking up the area’s best pizzas from 5pm to sellout. No need to trudge out in the cold, they’ll take your order inside and bring it hot and ready to your table.
Nicole Devine returns to the taproom for a live set from 6-9pm. Local music, food, and beer in one stop? That’s what Saturdays should be all about.

5:00 – 9:00 pm • Prime Tacos Pop-Up
Black Horizon Brewing Co., 7560 S. Quincy St., Willowbrook, IL (630) 413-4964 Map
Excited to have Prime Tacos at Black Horizon!! Serving up their authentic Tacos and home of The Famous Hot Cheeto Burger and more!!! Come get yours while sippin’ on our delicious beers and great live music by Matt Strom! Yes pleassse!!

Saturday, February 19

9:00 am – 4:00 pm • Energy City Release
Energy City Brewing, 917 First St., Batavia, IL (630) 597-5581 Map
The nostalgia continues with Bâtisserie Peanut Butter Cup Classic! This beverage is a smooth and creamy milk stout brewed with chocolate and peanut butter to create a decadent liquid version of a peanut butter cup, 10% ABV. Available Saturday at the brewery!

9:00 am – 11:30 pm • Shelf Ice Festival Shuttles, with Kegs & Eggs
Zorn Brew Works Co., 605 E. 9th St., Michigan City, IN (219) 243-7157 Map
Kegs and eggs at Zorn: $15 breakfast buffet from 900am – 1230pm
Band from 9:00 am 12:30pm
Another band from 4pm-7
Brew bus runs continuously from 1130-130 pm between Zorn and shelf ice
Breakfast buffet:
Eggs, bacon, sausage, brioche French toast, biscuits/gravy, beyond sausage, fresh fruit

10:00 am – 1:00 pm • POUNDFIT® & BREWS
River Hawk Brewing, 24735 W. Eames St., Channahon, IL (815) 255-2202 Map
Get ready to pound out a workout then a glass! Ripstix®, music, energy, friends + your favorite wine or beer… Now that’s a great day! MUST purchase tickets in advance!

11:00 am • Tangled Roots 6 Year Anniversary Party
The Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots Brewing Co., 808 – 812 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL 815-324-9549 Map
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Music: Greg Guidotti
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Brew Club Event
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Music: Jeff Manfredini Duo
New beer releases!

12:00 – 4:00 pm • Vegan Market
Soundgrowler Brewing Co., 8201 183rd St., Ste P, Tinley Park, IL (708) 263-0083 Map
We are kicking off our monthly themed markets in our Barrel Room Saturday, February 19th! Join us to peruse, eat, and explore local vegan vendors. We will have 15 super talented local merchants, all 100% vegan, selling wares from bakery, street food, comic books, skincare, and more. And, did we mention that our beers are vegan as well?! So grab yourself a beer and come explore our vegan market in our new beautiful space.

12:00 – 4:00 pm • Funkytown & Moor’s Beer Showcase
Jewel-Osco, 87 W. 87th St., Chicago (773) 487-8700 Map
Aisle 4 turnup! Sampling at Jewel/Osco, 87 W 87th St. (off State).

12:00 pm • IBW Beer Release
Illuminated Brew Works, 6186 N. Northwest Hwy., Chicago (708) 669-7287 Map
Starting at noon we’ll be releasing the extremely rare and thoroughly delicious collaboration we did with Old Irving Brewing Co., Ancient Magick, that has been lovingly barrel aged in W.L. Weller barrels for almost 2 years. This stuff is incredible, just so good. This 11% stout with cocoa, cinnamon, peanut butter and marshmallow has relaxed into a black velvet and lace throne for the vanillins, oak and bourbon notes imparted from almost 2 years cozied up in wood. The IBW BEER CULT gets first dibs at the stash, but we’ll release whatever allocations are left to you, the uninitiated, once they are done having their way with it.
BARREL AGED ANCIENT MAGICK is packaged in 750ml bottles and will be available out of IBW LODGE #1 exclusively for $24.99 while supplies last.

12:00 pm – 1:00 am • Winter Luau
One Allegiance Brewing, 10215 S. Harlem Ave., Chicago Ridge, IL (708) 529-7067 Map
Aloha, friends!
Escape the winter blues as you join us for a Hawaiian-themed experience in the taproom!
The taproom will be transformed into an island oasis for you to enjoy your night as you sip on Hawaiian-themed beer and cocktails!
Beer Drop:
Pina Colada Suckerpunch Berliner Weisse
Pineapple Suckerpunch Berliner Weisse
Pull those Hawaiian shirts and dresses out of your closet because we’re also doing a Hawaiian-shirt/dress competition! The coolest Hawaiian dress or shirt will win a $20 gift card!
Mario’s Tacos will be here to serve up delicious tacos from 3pm – 8pm and the John & Phil Band will serenade us from 7pm – 10pm.
Cheers and mahalo!

12:00 pm • Shelf Ice Brewfest 2022 (SOLD OUT)
800 Franklin St., Michigan City, IN  Map
Sorry! The event has sold out.
It’s back! The amazing winter beer fest held outside in the Uptown Arts District in downtown Michigan City.
The Shelf Ice Brewfest is an outdoor winter beer festival hosted by the Michigan City Mainstreet Association. The event highlights Michigan City’s 3 local breweries (Shoreline Brewery, Burn ‘Em Brewing, and Zorn Brew Works) and brings together dozens of other regional breweries for a exhilarating experience. Information here.

12:00 – 5:00 pm • Delilah’s Vintage Beer Fest
Delilah’s, 2771 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago 773-472-2771 Map
Our 24th annual Vintage Beer Fest! Over 100 International Beer Options – Many in Multiple Vintages!!!
Showcasing the Finest Strong, Sour Barrel Aged Beers !!
Some of me Breweries Include –
Anchor, Bell’s, BrewDog, Carnegie, De Dolle, Dogfish Head, Drie Fonteinen, Fuller’s, George Gale, Goose Island, Half Acre, J.W. Lees, Jolly Pumpkin, Lo Rez, New Holland, Orval, Pipeworks, Prairie, Rochefort, Rogue, Sierra Nevada, Thomas Hardy, Three Floyds, Unibroue $20
An Unprecedented Selection Of Rare Beers Will Be Available

12:00 pm • Solemn Oath StoutDay 2022
Solemn Oath Brewery, 1661 Quincy Ave. #179, Naperville IL (630) 995-3062 Map
& Solemn Oath Brewery Still Life, 2919 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago  Map
We host dual celebrations of dark beer the likes of which we have never thrown before. Both locations will be tapping one keg each of 10+ different dark beers from the Solemn Oath and Hidden Hand cellars including the last kegs in existence of some rare barrel-aged releases at each, one off and draft exclusive Black Night Sighs variants (both locations), and more right at the open. The party starts at 12pm at both SOB Taprooms with taster wristbands available for pre-order at this link right now!
 In Naperville, the one and only Biker Dude pops up at 1 pm for his first smashing service of 2022 from 1pm until he sells out (this, we can confidently guarantee).
 In Chicago, our neighbors from Paulie Gee’s will slide through from 3 to 8 pm to serve up their Sicilian-style squares so be there or be…

1:00 – 2:45 pm • Temperance Trikonasana (Yoga & Beer Tasting)
Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL (847) 864-1000 Map
Our Temperance Trikonasana series pairs beer with yoga and a cause. Jenny Arrington of Rebel Human brings her “Rebel Human Way” class to the brewery. Once our bodies and minds are opened, we’ll have a beer together and learn about the charity we are supporting this month (100% of your entrance fee goes to the chosen charity!).
Our February charity is The Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education.
Sign up here ($30),

2:00 – 6:00 pm • Nice Buns
Mikerphone Brewing, 121 Garlisch Dr., Elk Grove Village, IL 847-264-8904 Map
Nice Buns is serving dinner from 2p-sellout

3:00 – 7:00 pm • Westmont Winter Beer Festival
Ty Warner Park, 800 W. Blackhawk Dr., Westmont, IL (630) 963-5252 Map
Join us at the 2022 Winter Beer Fest which will feature craft brewers from the Chicagoland area! Ty Warner Park will host many breweries! Participants will receive twenty (20) four ounce pours of a variety of craft beer selections. The event will have heated and lighted tents, camp fires, outdoor seating, and Food Trucks to provide different food selections for patrons. 
Tickets $45 here through Feb. 18, $65 at the door.
Visit the Event site for updates and a list of brewers pouring.

3:00 – 4:00 pm • Brewery Tour & Tasting
Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL (847) 864-1000 Map
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process while drinking fresh beer.
Each ticket costs $10 and buys you:
– A backstage pass to the brewery
– Beer samples
– A souvenir pint glass
– 20% discount on merchandise that day
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
– Tour size limit is 24 people
– First come, first served
– Tours last about 45 mins
– 21+ only
The Chicago Reader rated our tour 4 stars, see where the magic happens!

3:00 – 8:00 pm • Pair-it-Up @Miskatonic Brewing
Miskatonic Brewing Co., 1000 N. Frontage Rd, Darien, IL (630) 541-9414 Map
Treat your palate to Pair-it-Up‘s warm and scrumptious Tikka Masala Meatball Sub and loaded Fusion Nachos with your favorite craft brew at Miskatonic Brewing!

4:30 – 8:30 pm • Burning Bush Food Truck
Burning Bush Brewery, 4014 N. Rockwell St., Chicago (773) 681-0215 Map
La Hamuita Food Truck

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Sew Hop’d Food Truck
Sew Hop’d Brewery & Taproom, One Union Special Plaza, Ste. 113, Huntley, IL (815) 701-8819 Map
Our awesome friends from Fire and Smoke will be here with their amazing BBQ 5-8 pm

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Saturday Bites: Mario’s Cart
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
A Saturday evening of beer, blues, and tacos? Sounds a little bit like heaven to us.
Mario’s Cart will be serving up tasty Mexican cuisine starting around 5pm on Saturday. Live blues by Keith Scott at 6pm.
Don’t miss another stellar Saturday at Riverlands.

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Karaoke Night! At the WH Taproom
Harbor Brewing Co. Lakefront Craft Biergarten, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor, IL  Map
Ernie is hosting KARAOKE every 3rd Saturday at the Taproom!
Come on out and show us what ya got!

6:00 – 10:00 pm • Love Hangover
Black & Gray Brewing Co., 311 Barrington Ave., East Dundee, IL (224) 484-8200 Map
ONE day only! Come and join a GREAT event at Black & Gray Brewery! We will have DUELING Food Trucks, Pierogi Rig out of Chicago & Duke’s Blues N BBQ!! Black & Gray will also have a GREAT Beer selection that we will be pairing with food and giving cooking recommendations to those who like to GRILL/Smoke!

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Karaoke Night!
Harbor Brewing Co., 811 Sheridan Rd., Winthrop Harbor, IL  Map
Ernie is hosting KARAOKE every 3rd Saturday at the Taproom!
Come on out and show us what ya got!

Sunday, February 20

Elder + Oat Monthly Variety Boxes
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
We have partnered with Elder + Oat Bakery to be a pickup location for the monthly donut variety boxes.
Boxes are available to pick up at Side Lot on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Next Pick up is 2/20/22.
Pastry Variety Box
6 Pastrys: A mix of all of our current offerings: Raised, Old Fashioned, Vegan, Baked, GF, etc.
Gluten Friendly Box: 6 Item mix of E+O’s current donuts and “mini-loaves”, all made gluten-free.
$17. Order here.

10:00 – 11:00 am • Beer & Yoga
Imperial Oak Brewing Co., 501 Willow Blvd., Willow Springs, IL (708) 559-7311 Map
Join us for a 60 minute guided yoga  lesson every Sunday from 10am-11am in the Willow Springs Savage Oak Room.
After you’ve reached a higher physical, mental and spiritual plane, reach for your cool down pint in the pub! Just $20 covers your class and your first pour of any IOB beer.
Our space is limited to 30 people, so come a little early to grab your spot and stretch. Please remember to BYO yoga mat and $20 (cash only).

10:30 – 11:30 am • Yoga with Jen
Oswego Brewing Co., 61 S. Main St., Oswego, IL (331) 999-1991 Map
Yoga at OBC will incorporate a vinyasa, power, yoga class designed to challenge, awaken, and detoxify every muscle of the body. This energetic flow style class guides students towards greater awareness of self, personal transformation and empowerment. It will sculpt, tone, and condition both your body and mind and at the same time bring forth a whole lot of fun and playfulness. The class is appropriate for all levels. Modifications and variations are encouraged to accommodate individual needs and experience levels. A yoga mat is required, a towel and water are strongly recommended.

12:00 pm • Cajun Food by Mary
McCarty Mills Taproom, 140 S. River St., Aurora, IL (630) 229-0451 Map
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Mardi Gras Mini Bites

12:00 – 5:00 pm • Chicken Truck Sunday in Oswego
Oswego Brewing Co., 61 S. Main St., Oswego, IL (331) 999-1991 Map
The Country Grill chicken truck comes every Sunday, rain or shine, to Oswego and brings the finest rotisserie chickens, ribs, homemade sides and wraps!
Check out our menu.
If you want to pre-order, just send us a Direct message what food you want us to reserve and at what time you plan to pick it up!

1:00 – 4:00 pm • Uncle Cam’s Sandwiches
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
Soups and sammies on a winter Sunday , gathered in the taproom for live music and camaraderie? Sounds like a divine time to us.
Uncle Cam’s Sandwiches returns to the taproom for some down-home comfort food starting around 2pm.
Lisa Thomen heats things up with a live acoustic set from 2-5pm.

1:00 – 8:00 pm • Smittytown Market
Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL (847) 864-1000 Map
Come support some of your favorite local vendors directly at our indoor market. Grab a beer, browse, and buy!

2:00 – 6:00 pm • Pop-Up Kitchen: Bootleg Bâtard!
Sketchbook Brewing Co. – Skokie, 4901 Main St., Skokie, IL  Map
Enjoy this pop-up by local bread and pastry-makers Bootleg Bâtard!
Menu TBD but will include pastries sweet and savory.
Count on us for delicious food every weekend!

3:00 – 10:30 pm • Moor’s Brewing Presents: All-Star Game Day Party
Haymarket Pub & Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 638-0700 Map
The Rhythm. The Flow. The Finesse. The Passion. The People. The Culture. This is where basketball and Hip-Hop become one.
Moor’s Brewing Co. hosts the All-Star Game viewing party and will be sampling out their beers while DJ Mustafa Rocks & DJ V-DUB keep you dancing.

4:00 – 5:30 pm • Girl Scout Cookie Pairing
Tapville Social – Naperville, 216 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL (630) 536-8739 Map
Tapville Social is pairing beer and cider with Girl Scout Cookies.
Get Tickets here ($30).

4:00 – 10:00 pm • 15 Lakes Bistro
Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing, 216 W. Clayton St., Waukegan, IL (847) 445-2467 Map
Burgers, curds, fresh made chips and so much more!