As the beer industry goes global, stay local with these domestic brews
by Ben Madeska

We are living in a golden age of brewing. Microbreweries are popping up pretty much wherever people drink beer (so, well, everywhere). And now that none of the big three—Coors, Miller, Anheuser-Busch—are American-owned, it’s time to take a chance and support the little guys. Goose Island will always be a hometown favorite, but Chicago is now overflowing with quality craft beers from around the country. Most of these breweries are marked by an irreverent sense of fun, thumbing their noses at the traditionalists. (And maybe mooning them, too, for good measure.) So put down that can of one-dollar Pabst; here are some favorite domestic beers to drink as summer winds down.



Maple Oat Ale
Peak Organic; Portland, Maine
This small brewery focuses on high-quality brews made with all-organic ingredients, and their Maple Oat Ale is a collaboration with two other local organic companies. The oats come from GrandyOats in Maine, and the maple syrup comes from Butternut Mountain Farms in Vermont. The beer itself has a subtle maple flavor, and the oats give it a touch of creaminess. With a crisp and fruity hop finish, it’s refreshing and very drinkable. Available at Binny’s Beverage Depot (213 W. Grand, 312-332-0012); $3.99/22 oz.

Pilgrim’s Dole Wheat Wine
New Holland; Holland, Mich.
Similar to a barley wine but made with 50 percent wheat malt, wheat wines have a unique, mellow taste. Pilgrim’s Dole is a rich, flavorful and satisfying beer. It’s very malty with a touch of sweet milk chocolate around the edges and some notes of ripe fruit. With all the wheat malt, it’s reminiscent of eating Whoppers. A great strong ale, drink this as dessert. Available at Armanetti Wine Shoppe and Beverage Mart (3530 N. Lincoln, 773-529-0288); $7.99/22 oz.

Dreadnaught Imperial IPA
Three Floyds; Munster, Ind.
An Imperial IPA is basically a regular IPA that’s spent some time in the gym and is maybe now ready to kick your ass. Dreadnaught is a beer for the hop lovers out there—and one that may convert the rest. It pours thick and coats the mouth with all that fresh hop oil. It’s very fruity, almost seeming sweet, but it’s impeccably balanced and brimming with other flavors. Smooth, full and crisp, this compulsively drinkable beer is one to savor. Available at Warehouse Liquors (634 S. Wabash, 312-663-1850); $11.49/22 oz.

The Reverend Belgian Style Quadrupel Ale
Avery; Boulder, Colo.
Quadrupel, like Tripel and Dubel, basically refers to the amount of malt and sugar added to it. This translates to alcohol and flavor, so you know this is a big beer. The Reverend offers layer after layer of the classic Belgian flavors: cherry, fig, caramel, candied sugar and spice. Though ready to drink at release, this beer rewards aging. Lay it down for a few years to see a greater range of flavors and a smoother balance emerge. Available at Armanetti Wine Shoppe and Beverage Mart; $4.99/22 oz.

Dead Guy Ale
Rogue; Newport, Oregon
Rogue makes a lot of wacky beers, including juniper and chipotle flavors (which are delicious), but Dead Guy Ale has become their standard. They say it’s a Maibock, traditionally a spring style, but this is one of my go-to beers year-round. You’ll find a light caramel taste, orange and lemon notes, a touch of spice and fresh hops. Dead Guy is rich without being heavy, so it goes down easy and is perfect for lazy afternoon BBQs. Available at Binny’s Beverage Depot; $6.49/22 oz.