Only once did I see my sweet old grandmother indulge in an alcoholic beverage, and it was after a scorching hot summer day in the garden. Taking a can of beer from the fridge, sunhat still on, she popped it open with her soiled fingers and knocked it back, taking a long swig from the frosty can. In the gruffest voice I’d ever heard from such a lady, she said, “There’s nothing like a cold beer on a hot day.” Ain’t that the truth, Granny.
Popping the cap off a bottled beer just doesn’t have the same charm as that “shhck” sound of opening an aluminum can in the summertime. And do you know what that sound is? Freedom—glorious freedom to take that can where glass can’t go. Read on for 14 new or new-to-can canned beers from Chicago breweries, plus a few from the surrounding area. Most are sold at Binny’s unless otherwise noted, but supporting your local corner store is encouraged. As is shotgunning.
Heather Schroering is RedEye’s nightlife reporter. Additional reporting by music reporter/craft beer fanboy Josh Terry.
Corridor Brewery & Provisions Wizard Fight American IPA*
6.2 percent ABV, 32 ounces
While this creamy IPA with Amarillo, Mosaic and Citra hops is a mainstay at the farmhouse-focused Lakeview brewery from the folks behind DryHop Brewers, the tap lines are constantly rotating with new brews, most available to take home in 32-ounce crowler cans.
Tasting notes: The way this brewery seamlessly balances their hop-forward flavors is nothing short of sorcery. –Josh Terry
*Available only at Corridor Brewery & Provisions (3446 N. Southport Ave. 773-270-4272)
Pipeworks Brewing Co. Lil Citra session IPA
4.9 percent ABV, 16 ounces
A new summer cooler from the Logan Square brewery with plenty of Citra hops and even a kung fu kitty on the can.
Tasting notes: A pitch-perfect IPA from a brewery at the top of its game. –J.T.
Hop Butcher for the World Alemerica the Beautiful American pale ale
6 percent ABV, 16 ounces
A tropical citrusy summer seasonal with Mosaic hops from the former South Loop Brewing.
Tasting notes: If you’re not careful, a four-pack of this absurdly refreshing beer will be gone before you can say “Mosaic hops.” –J.T.
Maplewood Brewery Crushinator session IPA
4.5 percent ABV, 16 ounces
Big on hops and low in ABV best describes this deceivingly dense May release from the Logan Square brewery.
Tasting notes: Crisp, peaches, Gushers, day-drinking, robots on the moon. –Heather Schroering
Aquanaut Beer Co. Stella by Starlight Belgian-style IPA
7.2 percent ABV, 16 ounces
A heavy-hitting spring release from the Ravenswood brewery inspired by English-style beers.
Tasting notes: Rich, dense, Juicy Fruit, high-fiving mermaids. –H.S.
Tighthead Brewing Co. Scarlet > Fire Irish-style red ale
5.6 percent ABV, 16 ounces
A roasty red ale by the Mundelein, Ill., brewery that made it to cans this spring.
Tasting notes: Nutty, smoky, barbecue, scary stories around the campfire. –H.S.
Crystal Lake Brewing Lakesider American marzen ale
5.6 percent ABV, 12 ounces
A hopped-up take on a Bavarian-style beer is one of the suburban brewery’s core pours that hit cans within the past year.
Tasting notes: Pine, flower stems, bread, German polka. –H.S.
Revolution Brewing Citra-Hero IPA
7.5 percent ABV, 12 ounces
A Citra-hopped explosion from the Avondale brewery released in June.
Tasting notes: A should-be summer standard that saves the day with its take on one of the most en vogue hops. –J.T.
Lagunitas Brewing Co. 12th of Never American pale ale
5.5 percent ABV, 12 ounces
Brewery founder Tony Magee held out on canning beer for 23 years, but the time is now with this first-ever can release to hit shelves this week.
Tasting notes: The only way this wonderfully distinctive beer could pack more citrus flavor is if it were actually orange juice. –J.T.
Baderbrau Brewing Chicago Pilsener
4.8 percent ABV, 12 ounces
With a local history that can be traced back to the late ’80s, this Czech-style Pilsner comes from the Bronzeville outfit with a 25,000-square-foot brewery and taproom that opened in May.
Tasting notes: Too bad this brewery already has a beer called the Lawnmower Lager, because this Pilsner has just the right amount of crisp flavor to help your ass with mowing the grass. –J.T.
Burnt City Brewing Retrofit lime radler
3.7 percent ABV, 12 ounces
The fourth release from the Lincoln Park brewery since it changed its name from Atlas Brewing Co. in May is a summer seasonal brewed with real key lime juice.
Tasting notes: Zesty, salty, lime tortilla chips, coconuts on the beach. –H.S.
Temperance Beer Co. Restless Years rye pale ale
5.8 percent ABV, 12 ounces
The Evanston brewery started canning last August, and this summery party beer is one of the lucky packaged four.
Tasting notes: Hop-forward without unnecessary bitterness, this is a prime example of how to do an overdone style well. –J.T.
Solemn Oath Brewery Funsponge Belgian-American blonde ale
4.8 percent ABV, 12 ounces
Last year’s canned beer guide reported on the Naperville, Ill., brewery’s plans to can, and this year-round beer is part of the debut.
Tasting notes: Melon, Sweet Tarts, punk rock, SpongeBob SquarePants. –H.S.
Two Brothers Brewing In the Flesh American sour ale
4.1 percent ABV, 12 ounces
Brewed with real pineapple, this summer sip is brand new from the Warrenville, Ill., brewery.
Tasting notes: Tart, bright, tropical candy, golden sunsets, Wu-Tang Clan. –H.S.
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