After a week off, we’re back this Friday with four of Chicago’s freshest beers to celebrate a Badger Men’s basketball Big 10 Championship and landing a few big projects. So without further ado, let’s get into it.
Phase 3 Brewing- Polish Style Pilsner (5.5% ABV Pilsner)
The biggest reason we were off last week was because we didn’t have a good Friday night pizza picture to share. We made sure we got one this week. P3 Polish Pils. This is living. A bready, earthy nose with the soft touch of fresh flowers. A crispy malty palate that is thirst quenching and ridiculously crushable. The pizza is from Big Pauly’s in Plainfield. Will County’s best pizza.
Brothership Brewing- Orbit: Two (8% ABV Double IPA)
Can you imagine starting a brewery February 2020? Nothing but hope ahead, then COVID. Fortunately for Chicago beer drinkers, Brothership has managed to hang in there. And while I was surprised to see Orbit Two come in at a slightly lower ABV than Orbit One, it’s still cray cray. Pouring a light straw haze, it’s simultaneously jammy orange and orange rindy dank. The palate is aggressively hopped, if not slightly burned (which I enjoy), and the finish is sweet but bittering. One of the very best DIPAs I’ve had so far in 2022.
Phase 3 Brewing- Czech Style Dark Lager (5.3% ABV Dark Lager)
What’s the difference between a Czech dark and a Schwarzbier? Not entirely sure, but I sure do enjoy both styles. This dark lager brings soft roasty notes on the nose with a softer bready palate that has hints of pepper and lemon. The finish has tons of creamy chocolate, but is still refreshing. I’d drink a million. It paired well with my Chicago dog, until I almost spit it out when my 3.5 year old daughter asked why I didn’t put ketchup on it.
Riverland Brewing- Anniversary IPA 2022 (10% ABV Triple IPA)
I’ve had each of Riverlands anniversary TIPAs and I’ve enjoyed them both. More of the same with III. Bert and Ernie, Bonnie and Clyde, Vic and Mosaic. All time parings. The beer looks like a big ole triple. A malty berry nose with subtle notes of alcohol. A medium body, fluffy palate where the alcohol starts and doesn’t stop until the warm bitter finish, this is a complex beer that is every bit of 10%.
And just like that, another week in the books. We hope the weekend brings great pizza, good beer, and warm and mild March temperatures to you too. Until next week, cheers!
