Beer Hoptacular!

The first ever Beer Hoptacular! will take place from June 4-5 at the historic Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. Breweries from around the world will converge on Chicago for what is sure to be a hoptacular event! Tickets are still available for all sessions, and you can get them here. In the meantime, check out the list of breweries that will be represented.

Chicago
Goose Island
Half Acre
Argus Brewery

Suburbs
Roundhouse Brewery - Aurora
Two Brothers - Warrenville
Limestone Brewing - Plainfield
Flatlanders – Lincolnshire
Mickey Finn's - Libertyville
Lucky Monk – Barrington
Wild Onion - Lake Barrington
Lake Bluff Brewing

Out of State / Country
Dundee
Bell's
Summit
New Belgium
Destihl
Dogfish Head
Great Lakes Brewing
Magic Hat
Pyramid
Stevens Point
New Holland
Crispin Cider
Sierra Nevada
Affligem
Boston Beer Co./Sam Adams
Negro Modelo/Modelo especial
Strongbow Cider
Woodchuck Cider
Magner’s Cider
Brooklyn
Imperial Cerveza

Craft Beer Week in Chicago May 17-23

Less than a month after the Craft Brewers Conference was held in Chicago, beer enthusiasts will once again descend upon Chicago this May. The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild will host the 1st annual Craft Beer Week, which takes place from May 17-23 at various venues across the city. This event will coincide with the nationwide celebration of America Craft Beer Week. For a full list of events, check the official website.

It seems that beer is all the rage in Chicago lately. With breweries like Goose Island, Piece, Revolution Brewing, Half Acre, Metropolitan Brewing and the soon to be open Haymarket Pub & Brewery, there is no shortage of good beer in Chicago.

Let's not forget the Chicago Beer Hoptacular, which take place from June 4-5 at the Aragon Ballroom. You can get your tickets here.

It's definitely good to be a beer lover in Chicago!

Monday Morning Coffee Break

I had a great extended weekend. I must say that I wasn't that impressed with my trip to Hot Doug's. We waited about an hour in line and left a little disappointed, but I will give it another chance sometime. On the other hand, I enjoyed Great Lake Pizza much more. We arrived a little before five and there was already a line. The place is really really small and has room for 10 people. We ordered two of the three pizzas that they make. It was definitely on the expensive side, but I would back for sure.

I also made my first trip to Half Acre Brewing where I picked up a four pack (16oz cans) of their Gossamer Golden Ale. I am not a big fan of golden ales, but this beer is very refreshing and tastes great. It's back to the grind, but another short week awaits me. I hope everyone had a great weekend and happy Monday!

• The Gorillaz performed on "The Colbert Report"
• MMJ played a very intimate gig at NOLA's Preservation Hall
• Further to cover six Grateful Dead albums at Further Festival
• Mr. Miner gives a Phish history lesson on Deer Creek & Alpine Valley
• Phish will plant a tree for every order during their green sale
• Thurston Moore to release Yoko Ono book that actually flies

Jeff Beck - Definitely Maybe

Beer Alert: Half Acre & Three Floyds Collaboration

I love it when musicians collaborate to create something unique. But when two breweries get together, the sky is the limit. Chicago upstart Half Acre and the pride and joy of Munster, IN Three Floyd's have collaborated to brew a Helles Bock called "Invasion". No word on when the beer will be released, but it's currently fermenting. I can't wait to get my hands on this!

[via Chicagoist]