Chicago’s Art and Beer Scene

January brews — at home

Dear January,

You were mild enough for me to spend some decent moments on my deck while enjoying several commendable stouts. I even managed to get out on a snow day. This is a pretty big stretch and I want you to know I appreciate it. Your generosity allowed me to drink the following while putting my feet up and relaxing.

Willetized by Lagunitas Brewing 12.9% – This might be my favorite beer from Lagunitas. It had me at coffee and being housed inside a bourbon barrel. Ah, what a pleasant combination of coffee, chocolate, and bourbon.

Cafe Deth by Revolution Brewing 14.8% – I always snap at the Deep Wood Series, dreaming of my own endless supply. What’s not to love here? A Russian imperial stout made with whole bean coffee from my favorite coffee roaster, Dark Matter. This beer is flavorful, complex, and delish.
Deth’s Tar by Revolution Brewing 14.8% – Here we go with another winner from the Deep Wood Series. Deth’s Tar is a barrel-aged oatmeal stout that is complex with flavors of vanilla, caramel, and coconut. A beer you should sip, but Revolution makes it so hard.
Bourbon County Stout: The Original by Goose Island 14.7% – The original never disappoints and the 2020 version is no exception. A complex playground for the palate including notes of coffee, chocolate, maple, and vanilla. So good.