Homebrews, Local Suds Highlight A Weekend Awash In Beer

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Sep 19, 2013 8:40PM

Photo credit: Caitlin Klein/Chicagoist

Oktoberfest season is upon us and we love this time of year because the beers get darker and the local homebrew clubs put forth their best efforts. Three events in the area this weekend shine a spotlight on local breweries and the homebrewers who turn their garages and basements into makeshift brewhouses.

The Andersonville City Made Festival on Sept. 21 and 22 brings together a litany of the major players and newer micro- and nanobreweries and brewpubs in the Chicago area. Enjoy samples, some of them rare selections, from 4 Paws Brewing, Ale Syndicate Brewers, Begyle Brewing, Finch’s Beer Co., Hamburger Mary’s, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Lake Effect Brewing Company, Metropolitan Brewing, Off Color Brewing, and Revolution Brewing. The event runs from noon until 9 p.m. both days and is located between the 5000 and 5100 blocks of North Clark Street. There’s a $5 suggested donation.

Up on the North Shore, Lake Bluff Brewing Company is hosting its second annual homebrew competition from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at their brewpub. This is a judged competition and the style being graded is Black IPA. Few styles have been more debated, or replicated, by local brewers or have stirred as much debate as Black IPA. If you aren’t a homebrewer or a fan of Black IPA, Lake Bluff will have their full tap list available. (16 E Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff)

For South siders, head to VFW Post 5079 in Bridgeport for Homebrewer’s Pride of the South Side’s (HOPS!) 16th annual Oktoberfest party from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. Sept. 21 This is one of our favorite homebrew events in Chicago. Enjoy over 60 different craft and homebrew beers, brats, pretzels and other German food. Admission grants you social member status in HOPS! for a period of one year. (3202 S. May St., purchase tickets here.)