This is the weekend of the Beer Culture Summit, an annual conference that embraces the idea that beer is more than a just a beverage. Sponsored by the Chicago Brewseum, the conference combines talks and presentation with beer tastings and brewery tours. Check out the sessions and available schedule at the link a few lines above.

This Weekend

Bubblehouse Grand Opening
Bubblehouse Brewing Co., 2121 Ogden Ave., Unit A, Lisle, IL  Map
It feels really really good to announce Bubblehouse GRAND OPENING!!! Join us November 4-7 as we throw open our doors and finally welcome folks inside.
Beers on Tap:
1. Smoky Poofs – Rye Smoked Porter. Rich flavors of Chocolate, Coffee and Rye Spice with a smoky finish from a touch of cherry wood smoked malt. Warm up by the fire with Smoky Poofs. 5.5% Alc. By Vol. 45 IBU
2. Diagonal in my Bed – SMASH Pale Ale. A single malt and single hop (SMASH) pale featuring Golden Promise Malt & Mosaic Hops. Biscuit and light caramel from the malt & berry, fruity, herbal from the hops. Enjoy when they’re there and when they’re gone. 5.8% abv. 39 IBU
3. Rasbonaut – Raspberry Lemonade Kettle Sour. Kettle Sour Dry Hopped with Lemondrop and Huell Mellon. Conditioned with Raspberry Puree. The first variation of our Kettle Sour, reminiscent of pink lemonade. Pairs perfectly with life and space travel. 3.9% abv. 8 IBU
4. 10 Second Hug – DDH IPA w. Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo, Mandarina Bavaria. Double Dry Hopped IPA with aroma of citrus and tropical fruit, bursting with flavor while finishing clean with a balanced bitterness. Like the embrace of a perfectly timed hug, best enjoyed with friends and family. 6.0% abv. 40 IBU
5. Flitterwochen – Kölsch-Style Ale. Light fruit and bready malt, finishes crisp and clean with a moderate bitterness, begging for your next sip. For the ultimate experience, ask for it in our traditional 7 oz. stange glass. Prost! 5.1% abv. 23 IBU
6. Editorial Slant – Golden Ale. Clean and refreshing, like a spirited debate. A straight forward, easy drinking beer for all occasions. 5.5% abv. 12 IBU 

Friday, November 5

Dry City Stout-Man Release
Dry City Brew Works, 120B N. Main St., Wheaton, IL (630) 456-4787 Map
This Friday is a BIG day at Dry City! We will be releasing 2021 Stout-Man and we hope you’ll be there! Brianna and Ted absolutely killed it this year and we can’t wait for you all to try this year’s batch. We will also have a few kegs of our 2020 Stout-Man, with a few tasty variations, available.
Oh and we will have a delicious donut pairing available from Violet Crumb Donuts for you to enjoy with your snifter!
Not only will we be tapping 2021 Stout-Man this Friday, but we’ve also got a few kegs we saved from last year’s batch! We decided to toss some American Oak charges into those kegs (which is what you do when you’re really small and don’t have space to actually store barrels) and then we added a few other delicious flavors! We only have a sixtels of each: Oak-Aged Stout-Man, Oak-Aged Stout-Man with Vanilla, and Oak-Aged Stout-Man with Coconut. Be sure to come see us on Friday and grab a snifter while you can!

Hidden Hand Release
Solemn Oath Taproom, 1661 Quincy Ave. #179, Naperville IL (630) 995-3062 Map
This week, the Hidden Hand story shines on with the debut of a beacon of modern hop expression in symbiotic harmony with the long storied brewing techniques of The Golden State. Not to be outshone by left coast influence we also ‘score one for the home team’ as it were, with a gleaming example of what the local hop scene has become in our own backyard.
Caught On The Crossfire IPA and On The Steel Breeze DIPA are landing all across the Chicagoland now and are available at both the Naperville and Chicago taprooms Friday at the open.

9:00 am • Benthic 2021 Presale
Half Acre Beer Co., 2050 W. Balmoral Ave., Chicago 773-754-8488 Map
Under the weight of the ocean, at the bottom of the world, all things sway with the current. In time and Tide balance prevails.
Benthic is a compilation of beers that bend past the traditional on their way to an outer realm. They are fantastic sensory realities delivered through the extreme use of raw material, a commitment to time and the hard work of many. The Benthic Region is the deepest areas of the ocean, a place unknown to almost everyone. The Benthos is a conceptual place we can all experience when completely immersing our thoughts in something. This beer visits both.
PURCHASE INFORMATION
A ticket link will be made available on 11/4. It will go live at 9 AM on 11/5. Purchase of ticket includes 12 12oz cans; including 4 Benthic and 2 each of the 4 other variants. Limited to 1 per person.
A queue on the ticket link will form based on volume at random. After successful purchase, guest will be emailed a link to schedule pickup. Proxies permitted and can be added at second scheduling event. Tickets may sell out while you’re in the queue.
2021 ORIGINAL BENTHIC – Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout with Coconut and Coffee – 13.5% abv. Hand-toasted coconut, Dark Matter Varios coffee. Blend of Heaven Hill, Willet, Weller, and EH Taylor barrels.
2021 VANILLA BENTHIC – Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout with Coconut – 13.5% abv. 2X Hand-toasted coconut, Madagascar vanilla beans. Blend of Heaven Hill, Willet, Weller, and EH Taylor barrels.
2021 XTRA DUBL BENTHIC – Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout with Coconut and Coffee – 13.5% abv. 3X Hand-toasted coconut, 2X Dark Matter Varios coffee. Blend of Heaven Hill, Willet, Weller, and EH Taylor barrels.
2021 RUM COCOUT BENTHIC – Rum and Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout with Coconut – 13.7% abv. Hand-toasted coconut. Blend of Appleton and Cruzan barrels, Basil Hayden and Heaven Hill barrels.
2021 VAMPIRA BENTHIC – Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout with Coconut and Coffee Aged 10-22 months – 14.1% abv. Hand-toasted coconut, Dark Matter Varios coffee. Blend of EH Taylor, Buffalo Trace, 4 Roses, and Weller barrels.
Our 11/5 presale is to purchase the 12 can package which includes all beers listed above. All variants are only available in this format. Wednesday 11/10 is the start of scheduled presale pick ups. Original Benthic 2021 will also be available packaged to go and on draft, alongside a rotating Benthic variant on draft. Check our previous post for more presale purchase info.

12:00 – 11:00 pm • BCS Fridays at Goose Island Clybourn
Goose Island Brewhouse, 1800 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, IL (312) 915-0071 Map
We’ll be tapping something special from our cellar every Friday leading up to Black Friday,
11/5 – 2015 Bourbon County Regal Rye Stout
11/12 – 2015 Bourbon County Rare Stout
11/19 – TBA
Limited availability. First come, first served.⁠ On-site consumption only.

3:00 pm • Bourbon Barrel Aged Laux Brau
Black & Gray Brewing Co., 311 Barrington Ave., East Dundee, IL (224) 484-8200 Map
This year’s BA Laux Brau is ready and available for purchase starting at 3 pm.
This beer spent over 10 months in Elijah Craig bourbon barrels and is a big, boozy, Russian Imperial Stout with an assertive bourbon flavor.
Available in 750 mL hand-filled bottles, there is a 2 bottle per person limit. Cost is $20 per bottle, tax included.
Last year’s Laux Brau sold out by the end of the weekend, so if you have been looking forward to this release as much as we have, we recommend making a point to stop by sooner rather than later to grab your bottles.

4:00 – 11:00 pm • Paint It Plaid Release
The Church Street Brewing Co., 1480 Industrial Dr. Ste. C, Itasca, IL (630) 438-5725 Map
Paint It Plaid is brewed to perfection and ready to serve. This rich, robust Scotch Ale has roasted caramel malts combined for a complex brew. Your pallet will be awakened with toffee and fruit flavors with a hint of peated notes from the barrels.
High gravity brew starting at 1,100 SG. 10.9% ABV 40 IBU
13% Buffalo Trace Barrel Aged Release TO BE ANNOUNCED

6:00 pm • Axes and Ales Collaboration
Short Fuse Brewing Co., 5000 N. River Rd., Schiller Park, IL 847-260-5044 Map
Very excited to release our collab with the Schiller Park Fire Department, Axes & Ales, this Friday! 
Axes and Ales is an American wheat style beer that has a new type of malt and hops that was designed specifically for us! This smooth, lightly dry hopped beer will bring out the fun, tropical and citrus flavor with every sip!
For every pint purchased, $1 is given back to our local firefighters Looking forward to enjoying the beer with everyone, while helping support our neighborhood heroes!

6:00 pm • Toppling Goliath Term Oil(s) Special Tapping
Global Brew Tap House, 339 W. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL (224) 520-8686 Map
Toppling Goliath Term Oil(s) Special limited tapping. Term Oil Coconut Monster Cookie and Fluffernutter!! Do not miss out on this event.
Term Oil Coconut Monster Cookie is inspired by one of TG’s favorite cold-weather treats. This bourbon-barrel aged stout will warm you with notes of fresh monster cookies baked with heaps of honey-glazed toasted coconut, a touch of peanut butter, and candy coated chocolates.
Term Oil Fluffernutter begins with a blend of Imperial Stout that aged in bourbon barrels for over a year. To that decadent base, then addition of dry roasted peanuts, peanut butter, marshmallow, and vanilla beans to create the liquid version of the classic Fluffernutter sandwich.
Advance tickets $40 through Eventbrite.

Saturday, November 6

Elder Brewing’s 4th Anniversary
Elder Brewing Co., 218 E. Cass St., Joliet, IL (815) 651-4200 Map
We are turning four!! Keep the weekend of November 4th-6th free. We have some fun stuff planned! Help us kick off winter and celebrate the last four years. Thank YOU for helping us to stick around. It’s not been easy, but it sure has been fun. 
WARDEN returns to Elder Brewing Co. Saturday at 7 pm, after almost exactly 3 years. What have they been up to? Come out and see!
Plus, an opening feature from Offkey and Overweight.
We are super pumped to see both bands for our four year anniversary Saturday night show on November 6th. We promise you’ll enjoy a full range of music variety with these two on deck.
We will have food options available as well. 

12:00 – 6:00 pm • Vets on Horses Fundraiser
Evil Horse Brewing Co., 1338 Main St., Crete, IL (708) 304-2907 Map
Come out for fun night of live music by the Weekend Alcoholics, delicious bbq, great beer and a silent auction! All proceeds benefit Vets on Horses, a local organization in Mokena that works with veterans. All proceeds benefit Vets on Horses!

12:00 pm • Pollyanna St Charles Second Anniversary
Pollyanna Brewing Co. – St. Charles, 106 S. Riverside Ave., St. Charles, IL 630-549-7372  Map
We’re celebrating our second anniversary in St Charles on Saturday!
We’ll be releasing the following as part of the celebration:
• 750mL/375mL Bottles: Aquavit (NEW spirit) – 80 proof
• 2pk 16oz Cans: Bourbon Barrel Aged Hideaway – 13.0% ABV Imperial Milk Stout aged in High Rye Bourbon Barrels with Tugboat Coffee, Maple, Cocoa Nib, & Vanilla Bean
Food and music will be happening all day as well! Both the Aquavit and BBA Hideaway will be available in Lemont, Roselle, and St Charles. Mug club can pick up everywhere on Friday.

4:00 – 11:00 pm • Energy City Release at Church Street
The Church Street Brewing Co., 1480 Industrial Dr. Ste. C, Itasca, IL (630) 438-5725 Map
& Energy City Brewing, 917 First St. Batavia, IL (630) 597-5581 Map
Energy City has something very new for you this Saturday at the brewery…our first sangria-themed beer: Concord Crush!
This beer is bursting with vibrant aromas of grape jelly and luscious Citra hops. Soft earthy notes of supple grape skin and leathery stems make themselves known with each sip. Savor the sweet and fruity flavor, cut with a full-bodied texture and dry, slightly tart finish (6.0% ABV).
New beer will be available for online pre-order Wednesday at noon on our site (pickup only)
Drive-thru pickup time at Energy City Brewing: Saturday, November 6th from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Walk-in pickup at Church Street: Starting Saturday, November 6th while supplies last!

5:00 – 9:00 pm • Fire & Smoke BBQ, Michael Rawls, and more!
Miskatonic Brewing Co., 1000 N. Frontage Rd, Darien, IL (630) 541-9414 Map
Please join us as we welcome the delicious pop-up Fire & Smoke BBQ back to our taproom. They will be serving up their tasty menu from 5p to sellout.
The awesome Michael Rawls is back and rocking out starting at 7p.
Our beer release this week is an exciting one. Give the event a follow and stay up to date!

5:00 – 7:00 pm • CCK Mobile @ Mikerphone Brewing
Mikerphone Brewing, 121 Garlisch Dr., Elk Grove Village, IL 847-264-8904 Map
The Chicago Culinary Kitchen Food Truck is back in action! Come by one of our favorite local breweries for a night of BBQ & Beer! Menu TBD.
Windows open @ 5pm until 7pm or sell-out!
Stay tuned to social for menu & event updates. Want to stay in the know? Join our Heads Up list! Send “Let Me In” to jay@chicagoculinarykitchen.com for more CCK news

6:00 – 11:00 pm • Svengoolie on the Big Screen
Cigars & Stripes, 6715 W. Ogden Ave., Berwyn, IL (708) 484-1043 Map
Every Saturday Svengoolie on our BIG SCREEN and all TV’s including the beer garden.
Why not come early and catch the 3 Stooges?
Food and Drink specials always a fun time.

7:00 – 8:30 pm • Foedre Tasting and Blending Seminar at Off Color Brewing
Off Color Brewing – Mousetrap, 1460 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago (312) 929-2916 Map
A program of the Beer Culture Summit. Tasting some of Off Color Brewing’s fancier foedre and puncheon aged wild ales direct from the barrels. John Laffler guides you along with a discussion of blending principals including the opportunity to give it a go yourself.
Ticket fee includes private seminar in Off Color’s brewery as well as tastings and more. This unique opportunity to enjoy the event at Off Color has an extremely limited capacity due to COVID-19. All guests must show proof of vaccination. Tickets $40 here.

Sunday, November 7

10:15 – 11:15 am • Yoga on Tap
Two Hound Red, 486 Pennsylvania Ave., Glen Ellyn, IL (630) 547-2912 Map
Join us Sunday, for our first ever “Yoga on Tap”!
Come enjoy 60 minutes of “you” time with Anne Taft Yoga and then cheers to a Sunday Funday with your choice of a beer, mimosa or glass of wine and stay for a delicious lunch. Cost is $25.
Email general@2houndred.com to reserve your spot today! Space is limited so don’t wait.
And don’t miss weekly drop-in yoga on Thursdays from 10:15-11:15 am!

10:30 – 11:30 am • Pints & Poses
Steam Hollow Brewing Co., 450 S. Spruce St. Unit C, Manteno, IL  Map
Start your Sunday Funday off right with Yoga at Steam Hollow! Only $15 which includes a beer ticket for beer, cider, or beermosa!

12:00 – 7:00 pm • Benefit Concert for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
Miskatonic Brewing Co., 1000 N. Frontage Rd., Darien, IL (630) 541-9414 Map
Admission is Free! For VIP tickets that include five beers during the event, a plate of food from Moe Joes, grab bag items from various members of the Nonessentials, and access to a seat in our VIP Section, go to thenonessentialsproject.com.
On Sunday, come out and team up with The Nonessentials to help Guardian Angel Community Services of Joliet. Guardian Angel works on a variety of fronts to provide adult protective services, domestic violence survivor sheltering and support, and sexual assault survivor support and resources amongst many other community services. The day will be FILLED with live music by some of the finest local talent, Cajun food by Moe Joe’s of Plainfield, beer and facility by Miskatonic Brewing (with special guest taps), AND raffle baskets provided by a variety of local craft breweries. Come for the fun and help your community at the same time! VIP Tickets will be available online soon!

12:00 – 1:30 pm • Watch Party with Thomas Jones
Sovereign Restaurant, 24205 W. Lockport St., Plainfield, IL 815-556-8577 Map
Join us this Sunday for an evening with former Chicago Bears runningback Thomas Jones! The culinary team will be serving up a special one day only “Tailgate” inspired menu. Come hungry.
For autograph ticket information, please visit www.thecollectorcave.com.

1:00 – 5:00 pm • The Holiday Market at Steam Hollow
Steam Hollow Brewing Co., 450 S. Spruce St. Unit C, Manteno, IL  Map
‘Tis the season! Get ready for the holidays with up to 18 vendors of crafted and handmade goods, holiday gifts, decor, and more!
FOOD by The Neighborhood Kitchen!
BEERMOSAS!
Live music from 2-5pm by Carla Ramsey!
Family and dog friendly!
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Holiday market dates: 11/21, 12/5, & 12/19!
Be sure to like our page to get the latest on all our Markets!

2:00 – 6:00 pm • Sunday Brunch Pop-Up
Solemn Oath Brewery Still Life, 2919 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago  Map
If you’ve never kicked the Sunday scaries with a heaping bowl of handmade ceviche and a freshly poured michelada, what are you even doing? We haven’t fact checked this statement so make of it what you will, but ceviches y micheladas have got to be a top ten hangover cure.
Not hungover Sunday? Lucky you! You get to enjoy this incredible pairing in prime form. No matter your state, come as you are to our Logan Square taproom this Sunday afternoon to enjoy a michelada sampling from Big Mich and handmade ceviches from Limon y Sal.
The Still Life Taproom is open 12pm-11pm with Limon y Sal preparing food for you and yours 2pm-6pm.

6:00 – 8:30 pm • Forgotten Half Beer Release
Goose Island Clybourn, 1800 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, IL (312) 915-0071 Map
& Goose Island Tap Room, 1800 W Fulton St., Chicago (312) 262-4717 Map
Join us for Closing Night of this year’s Beer Culture Summit with a special beer release.
At the helm of many city-wide breweries and taverns were women who were responsible for serving patrons, handling the books, and managing overall operations. The contribution of women to beer culture in late 19th century Chicago was essential to both the growth of the city and the beer industry.
Forgotten Half, a collaboration between the Chicago Brewseum and Goose Island Beer Company, aims to honor and celebrate these women. Staying true to history, this brew is crafted from period American pale ale recipes and is made with six row malted barley, Cluster hops (one of the earliest hop varieties in the country), and a strain of ale yeast from a historic brewery.
Liz Garibay and Bill Savage host a conversation about the important role that women played in 19th century beer and tavern industry. Goose Island brewers discuss the beer and the collaboration. And, of course, there’s beer!
Ticket fee ($40 here) includes a virtual music set from DJ Charlie, light snacks, and three beers, including Forgotten Half. This event has a limited capacity due to COVID-19. All guests must show proof of vaccination.