Taste Beer Under the Big Top At
Beer Hoptacular
http://chicagoist.com/2012/11/10/tas...top_at_bee.php
Chicago Beer Hoptacular celebrates the art of beer brewing and appreciation this weekend at Riverfront Theater. The third annual event brings 60 breweries featuring over 140 different beers together under the big top for a beer circus of sorts.
This year, Beer Hoptacular expanded to three tasting sessions on November 9 and 10. There's still time to head in tonight—the last session is from 6-9:30 p.m. The $45 flat fee gives attendees access to all the suds they can stand, a souvenir tasting glass, and cheese and chocolate pairing “classes.” Home brewing experts will be on hand to judge over 20 home brew contest submissions.
The move from
Beer Hoptacular’s previous venue at the Aragon Ballroom to the Riverfront Theater’s round tent setting has helped eliminate the crowd congestion of narrow tent tastings. The 20,000 square foot venue houses hometown favorites including Revolution, Half Acre, Finch’s, and Goose Island as well as craft selections from across the country. Guests can cast their vote for Beer Hoptacular Beer of the Year, and the rumor last night had Kentucky Ale’s Bourbon Barrel Ale in the lead.
The beer and chocolate tasting provides practical suggestions for pairing three Goose Island beers with chocolates that can be found at Whole Foods. Before beginning last night’s session, the Goose Island rep was slammed with inquiry regarding the brand’s relationship with now-owner Anheuser-Busch InBev. “I feel fine with it,” she replied. “They haven’t really messed with us so it doesn’t bother me.”
The DJ is the ring leader at this beer circus, announcing upcoming tasting classes and tap times for specialty pours. Long lines are worth the wait for specialties like Bell’s Brewery’s Oracle Double IPA and the Madagascar Vanilla Bean by Milwaukee’s Lakefront Brewery. Fans of cult favorite Great Lakes Christmas Ale should note that Beer Hoptacular marks the holiday ale’s first tap of the season. The strategy for tasting a substantial amount of ales with increasingly stumbling steps? Let’s just call it beer acrobatics.
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