The Ratchet music series is always introducing us to new music, but tonight they’ll kick off a brand new bi-annual Composer Series with a month long residency by Cameron Pfiffner. more ›

Not all weizens are alike. A Berliner weisse is a sour take on the popular German style. The late Michael Jackson (beer historian, not the entertainer) traced the origins of the style back to the 16th century Hamburg. A brewer named Cord Broihan copied the style and brought it north. Berliner weisses are known for their extreme tartness and low alcohol content. The sourness is caused by bottle fermentation or by adding lactobacillus yeast bacteria. By the 19th century there were over 700 breweries in northern Germany specifically brewing Berliner weisse. Now, only a few breweries remain; 2 of those are in Berlin proper. The term "Berliner weisse" is protected in Germany. to combat the sourness, Berliner weisses are often served with raspberry syrup or woodruff. more ›

Try to resist a good dessert. You can't. Last weekend we had two very good ones at two separate locations a block apart. more ›

A long time ago in a Chicagoist far, far away, we compiled a list of 12 favorite Christmas beers. Included on that list at #2 was Anchor's Christmas Ale. Fans of this yearly offering know that no two vintages are alike. From the spices to the label, there's always something to differentiate one year from another. more ›

A problem we have with Skylark — a good one to have, mind you — is that we've managed to work our way through their entire draft beer menu, save for the most recent additions. Last week while enjoying the grilled tuna sandwich (the address for Skylark is in the "One Great Sandwich" post that went up yesterday) we were equally blissed on the beer we were drinking. more ›

It's a blessing and a curse to live so close to Skylark (2149 S. Halsted). The latter, of course, is that it's often hard to walk home after a long night of inebriation through moderation. the blessing is that their food menu goes a long way toward taking some of the starch out of the dog that bit us. more ›

A conversation we had with our downstairs neighbor and good friend last night as we were preparing to clean out Sam's Wine and Spirits out of what was left of their closeout sale: more ›