This snow sure looks pretty, but walking in it when can make you parched, especially when you have neighbors who don't shovel in front of their houses. 'Course, you can also use the weather as an excuse to stay in this evening. We don't mind; it just means that there'll be more beer for us this evening at LUSH Wine and Spirits University Village (1257 S. Halsted). They're hosting a vertical tasting of Schmaltz Brewing's He'Brew Jewbelation ale, including this year's "Jewbelation Twelve" release, made with a dozen malts and a dozen hops. This free tasting runs from 6-8 p.m. and seems like the perfect fire-stoker for this evening's glögg fest at Simon's. more ›

Growing up on the Northwest side of the city meant that we looked forward to "carnival season," that period during summer when every Catholic parish transformed their parking lot into a sticky mélange of sawdust, neon lights and electric cables; horny teenagers acting like fools and skeevy laborers sizing them up like slabs of beef while blaring hair metal at full volume on questionably constructed thrill rides; games of skill offering prizes ranging from stuffed animals and toys to Def Leppard bandannas and coke mirrors; beer tents, soda syrup and vomit. One day we hope one of the local brewers will pay homage to carnival season with a line as tasty and with labeling as bright and freakish as Schmaltz's "Coney Island" line of lagers. more ›

With a name like the Schmaltz Brewing Company you'd think this would be some sort of April Fool's joke. It isn't. Schmaltz is the brewer behind the He'Brew line of kosher ales like Jewbelation, Genesis/Messiah Bold, and Origin Pomegranate Ale. All of these are strong, serious session ales. more ›