Binny’s New Brew: Two Brothers SideKick

This week’s Binny’s New Brew comes hand selected by Tom Bergman, our man in the beer aisle in Highland Park. Tom is stoked on the arrival of Two Brothers Brewing Co’s newest year-round release in cans, SideKick Extra Pale Ale.

 

When did you get Sidekick? 
A couple weeks ago. SideKick joins Outlaw IPA as a year-round canned release.

 

Why SideKick?
There comes a point where every beer nerd needs a break from the boozy onslaught of barrel aged stouts and tongue-thrashing bitterness of imperial IPA’s. Sometimes you just want to drink a beer (or three). SideKick is a subtle, sessionable option – it practically drinks itself!

 

How does it taste?
It’s crisp and delicate with a touch of sweet malt. There’s a nice balance of citrus, melon, and strawberry, and it finishes with just enough bitterness to remind you you’re drinking a pale ale.

 

Sounds delish! Now tell us about yourself – how long have you been with Binny’s and what’s your favorite part about working here?
I’ve been at Binny’s since September 2009. The highlight of my day is the smile on a return customer’s face after I’ve introduced them to a new beer style. Oh, and someone brought me a can of Heady Topper the other day – that was pretty sweet.

 

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Binny’s New Brew: Smuttynose Baltic Porter

Ben Morgan, customer service manager and resident beer geek at Binny’s Lakeview recommends Smuttynose Baltic Porter. It only seems fitting as winter doesn’t seem to want to leave Chicago.

 

Alright, so when do you expect to get this fantastic porter in?

It’s hitting the shelves of Binny’s this week!

 

Why’d you recommend this particular brew?

Smuttynose rarely disappoints, and this beer is one of their best, and it’s only $5.99 a 22 oz bottle at 9.2% ABV. It’s the perfect dark beer to help pass this abysmally overlong winter, haha!

 

Yeah, about that… So, how does it taste?

The color is an opaque black that lets in little to no light, with a lovely brown lacing that invites the drinker in warmly. The aroma is reminiscent of a freshly made chocolate fudge, or a really good glass of chocolate milk and just a hint of dark fruit such as bing cherries or dried dates. The taste definitely has the fudge quality that you get in the nose and a little bit of caramel, a touch of coffee, smoke and a little raisin. The creaminess of this beer is what really sells it for me. You can barely detect the 9% alcohol until you reach the end of the bottle, leaving you wanting another one!

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Champaign: Sake Seminar With Lindy Mangubat

Kassai!

 

 

Learn the ins and outs of this ancient beverage from Lindy Mangubat, CSP, current Sake specialist for Southern Wine and Spirits. She will teach you the rich history and wonderful variations of Sake, while of course, tasting several different Sake types and styles.

 

What: Sake Tasting with Lindy Mangubat
Where: 802 Town Center Blvd
Champaign, IL 61822
When: Friday, April 5th at 6:30pm

 

Seating is limited.
To RSVP email champaign@binnys.com or call 217-355-0625.
Free with your Binny’s card.

 

 

Toni Kukoc is coming to Binny’s!

Bacardi Rum and Toni Kukoc? What more could you ask for!

 

 

Toni is joining Binny’s alongside the Bacardi Girls as they demo classic Bacardi Rum cocktails!

 

When: March 23rd from 2-3pm
Where: Binny’s in Niles
8935 N. Milwaukee Ave, Niles, Il 60714

 
*Must be 21 years old or be accompanied by an adult.

Binny’s Loaded Bloody Mary

Day after the St. Patrick’s Day… Saturday mornings after a night at The Hanguppe… Another Cub’s loss… we’ve all been there. But don’t worry, this bloody mary was designed to help you get through it all.

 

Cocktail GlassBinny’s Loaded Bloody Mary

Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix
Your choice of vodka
Dash of hot sauce

 

Now for the good part- the garnish. On a skewer place a:
Pickle
Piccante Salami
Peccoroni with red pepper
Cocktail onion
One massive blue cheese stuffed olive
Drench in balsamic vinaigrette

 

Give our South Loop Tasting Room a visit and one of Binny’s awesome bartenders will be sure to whip up this meaty cocktail for you!

Countdown to St. Patrick’s Day: Two Days!

As you prepare for these crafts (By drinking Bailey’s and wine, of course) brush up your knowledge on these key Irish sayings!

 

“Grab us a snug” means “Snag us a booth!”

 

Be sure to ask for the Black Stuff! Translation? A Guinness!

 

When asking for a “spot, drop or touch” of a drink, it means “fill er’ up!!”

 

Melted Candle Dripping Centerpiece 

 

Materials Needed:
Candle (At least 4 in. tall and thick enough to fit in bottle)
Bailey’s Bottle
Green Crayons
Lighter

 

Directions:
1. Insert candle stick into bottle. (Begin this process over foil)
2. Apply heat to where candle is inserted to merge the two together.
3. Allow candle to melt until it begins dripping.
4. Hold Crayon close to heat and the Crayon will begin to melt/drip down the bottle.
5. Repeat this process until you have your desired centerpiece look.

 

 

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Binny’s New Brew: O’so Night Train

Ken Habenicht, beer manager at Binny’s in Buffalo Grove recommends the Binny’s New Brew of the week and breaks down why he loves being in the beer industry so much!

 

Which brew are you recommending this week?
O’so Night Train

 

What made you recommend this particular brew? What’s it taste like?
We just got this in the beginning of March and it’s been a popular pick! The nose on this brew took me by total surprise. Sweet vanilla notes were very present and what can I say, I’m a big fan of Vanilla porters & stouts. There is a nice roasty, creamy, and definite coffee notes present. Has a medium body with a dark brown color.

 

Mhmm.. sounds yummy! We’ll be sure to give it a try! So now, a little about you! What’s your history with Binny’s and what’s the best part of the gig?
I’ve been with Binny’s for 8+ years now and I really enjoy interacting with the customers about what interests them. It’s a true pleasure to see their eyes light up when you show them some special new beer that they absolutely must try. It reminds me of when a child opens up a Christmas gift and the pure excitement that radiates out of them. I’ve heard a customer more than once say looking at our beer wall is like being a kid in a candy shop. Need I say more?
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Countdown to St. Patrick’s Day: Two Days!

It’s Thursday and we’re ready for some Whiskey! Celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day weekend with an authentic Irish cocktail!

 

2 Days Left to St Patrick’s Day Weekend! Sláinte!

 

Bushmills Irish Buck


1.5 oz Bushmills Blended Irish Whiskey

2 oz Ginger Ale
1 Squeeze Lime Juice
1 Wheel Lime

 

Combine the whiskey and lime juice over ice in a collins glass. Top with ginger ale and garnish with a lime wheel.