Your source for breaking news on craft beer's latest arrivals & limited releases.
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The Women of Binny’s are back with their latest collaboration, a juicy creation with women-owned ERIS Brewery and Cider House. To craft this fruit-filled cider, the Women of Binny’s visited the ERIS facility in Old Irving Park. They started with ERIS E-Phoria as a base and then experimented with adding a variety of juice concentrates from Old Orchard. This Michigan company has been supplying breweries and cideries with high quality juices for decades, offering everything from popular berry and stone fruits, to exotic tropical favorites. After several rounds of blending and tasting, the winning combo of kiwi and pear was selected. Kiwi is particularly apropos given the Gala apple variety used to ferment this cider originated in New Zealand. Crack open a can and pour into a glass, for your own personal South Pacific pear-adise. |
Eris Kiwis In Pear-adise collaboration with Women of Binny'sSparkling with champagne-like color and clarity, bright apple and floral pear aromas float from the glass. It begins with a burst of juicy pear, followed by honeyed Gala apple sweetness that’s accented by a luxurious streak of vanilla. There’s just enough zesty acidity here to temper the sweetness, with touch of tangy kiwi rounding out the finish. For a simple yet superlative cocktail, try serving over crushed ice with a splash of aged rum. |
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Diesel Thunder began as an experimental double IPA, crafted at Firestone Walker’s R&D pilot brewhouse in Venice. It was a hit, so much so, that it made it into distribution via the Firestone Walker IPA Variety Pack. The standout favorite of the pack, fans couldn’t get enough, resulting in this limited re-release. For the first time in a six-pack, experience the unbridled dank powerhouse that is Diesel Thunder! |
Firestone Walker Diesel ThunderSparkling golden in the glass, the nose here is massively dank and tropical, with aromas of muskmelon, pineapple, and cannabis floating above the foam. Medium in body, it begins with a rush of mango, followed by the classic golden gooseberry flavor that Nelson Sauvin hops are famous for. The finish is invigoratingly bold and bittersweet, delivering a tidal wave of ruby red grapefruit, accented by notes of cedar and black pepper. |
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It seems like breweries start shipping their Oktoberfest lagers earlier every year! That’s right, even though it’s only mid-August, our shelves are already packed with malty marzens and golden festbiers. We’re kicking off the 2026 Oktoberfest season with a brew from our friends up north. Central Waters Octoberfest is a dependable favorite, and a must try alongside grilled bratwurst topped with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard. |
Central Waters Octoberfest LagerPouring chestnut in color and topped with tan foam, caramelized malt aromas float above the glass. Medium in body, a wave of toffee malt character washes across the palate, yet it’s impeccably balanced by just enough herbaceous noble hops. The finish is surprisingly crisp and refreshing, concluding with a touch of hop spice. |
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While we’re excited that autumn is just around the corner, it’s still a long wait until we get to celebrate our next Flagship February. Until then, why not keep the spirit alive and reach for a Flagship brew on Fridays? Join us as we raise a glass to craft classics you can depend on. Over the past two decades, we’ve seen thousands of IPAs come and go. Bell’s Two Hearted endures. |
Bell's Two Hearted AleRELEASED IN 1997 - Named after the Two Hearted River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this Midwestern favorite has grown to become one of the most recognized IPAs in America. For years the packaging didn’t even broadcast that it was an IPA. Bell’s let the liquid speak for itself, and the beer with the brook trout on the label has stood the test of time. Built upon a solid malt backbone, ale yeast delivers fruity esters that meld seamlessly with citrusy Centennial hops, culminating in a bright and grapefruit forward finish. |
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This week we welcome back a classic that we haven’t seen in years. Perfect for the warm August weather to come, Sierra Nevada’s Kellerweis is their refreshing take on a Bavarian-style hefeweizen. First a short vocab lesson – hefe is German for yeast and weizen for wheat. Hefeweizen is the unfiltered German wheat beer that you’ll see people enjoying at the many bierkellers throughout Bavaria. Sierra Nevada takes the extra step of brewing this beer the old-fashioned way, in open fermentation tanks to let the unique Bavarian yeast strain develop its fullest depth of flavors. Combined with the impeccable quality control of Sierra Nevada’s modern brewhouse and packaging line, you’re left with a world-class hefeweizen that rivals even the best that Germany has to offer. |
Sierra Nevada KellerweisBe sure to pour this hefeweizen into a tall glass, to release the captivating mix of spicy and fruity aromatics. The notes of banana and clove are thanks to the hefeweizen yeast - which remains suspended throughout the beer, helping to produce its soft golden haze. Silken upon the tongue, a wave of creamy wheat washes across the palate, giving way to notes of banana bread and a hint of allspice. The finish is refreshingly crisp, delivering a bright streak of lemony citrus that leave the palate eager for another sip. Complex yet perfectly balanced, this hefe sets itself apart from many of the weightier craft examples that too often deliver over the top banana flavor and heavy dessert spice. An exceptional offering that’s been sorely missed - grab this before it disappears once again. |
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If you’ve never tried a slice of kringle, time to taste what you’ve been missing. This Danish baked good is so beloved by Wisconsinites that they declared it their official state pastry. If you have tasted one, there’s a good chance it came from Racine. We’re fans, but if you’re feeling ambitious, we suggest you give our recipe a try. The perfect pairing – this latest release from Central Waters. We’ve had raspberry, cherry, and pecan in the past, this time we’re serving up chocolate. |
Central Waters Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Kringle StoutThe nose here is big and decadent, delivering aromas of vanilla, hazelnut, and chocolate fudge. Plush upon the palate, it glides effortlessly across the tongue, delivering a mix of maple, hazelnut, and caramel. The finish captures the familiar warmth of pastry paired with coffee, with mocha latte lift giving way to the richness of chocolate covered bourbon creams. |
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Sourcing water from the famous artesian spring from which they take their name, Abita Brewing Company’s commitment to quality ingredients has cemented them a place in Louisiana’s rich culinary traditions. Their broad portfolio of deliciously food friendly beers can be seen everywhere from starred restaurants to backyard crawfish boils. The caramelized malt character of their flagship Amber Lager makes it a fool-proof pairing for nearly anything cooked on the grill. Be it sticky glazed pork chops, spicy grilled shrimp, or smoky salmon filets, next time you BBQ, make sure to have lots of Abita Amber on ice. |
Abita Amber LagerOpening doors in 1986, Abita is one of America’s longest running independently owned craft breweries. Amber was the first beer offered by Abita and it remains their flagship to this day. A touch of caramel malt sweetness is tempered by just enough German Perle hops to keep things perfectly balanced and crisp. Especially popular in the restaurants of New Orleans, this toasty lager is a must try alongside Louisiana classics like jambalaya and etouffee. |
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Few breweries know as much about the art and science of brewing as Germany’s Weihenstephaner. Tracing its roots back to the 8th century, Weihenstephaner officially commenced brewing in 1040, making it the oldest continuously operating brewery in the world. Their Original helles lager pours a brilliant shimmering gold and is topped with a beautiful crown of white foam. Never heard of helles? The Barrel to Bottle crew has you covered. |
Weihenstephaner Original LagerSimilar to a pilsner, but not quite as dry, this sessionable helles lager features Perle hops from the famous Hallertau region of Germany. This beloved German hop imparts a touch of herbaceousness to both the nose and the finish. Clocking in at 5.1% ABV and 21 IBU, the adept balancing of malt sweetness with hop bitterness results in an elegant lager - one that’s pairs exceptionally well with a wide variety of cuisines. A timeless classic. |
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Kolsch is the signature beer style of Koln Germany. Satisfyingly crisp and thirst quenching, this sparkling golden ale is especially well suited for summertime refreshment. Part of the magic behind the style is the hybridized fermentation process. Primary fermentation takes place at warm temperatures using ale yeast. This is followed by a period of cold conditioning, aka lagering. As a result, you get to enjoy a beer that offers the fruity aromatics of an ale, and the crisp finish of a lager. Several American brewers celebrate this classic German style, with some crafting beer that rivals even the best that Cologne has to offer. One such Kolsch is Coaster King, a collaborative brew from Maplewood and Goldfinger. Whether you’ve long been a fan of Kolsch, or are new to the style, Coaster King is one you don’t want to miss. |
Maplewood Coaster King collaboration with GoldfingerSparkling golden in the glass, the fruity Kolsch yeast contributes stone fruit aromatics that mingle with a hint of floral German hops. Medium in body, honeyed malt sweetness washes over the tongue, adeptly balanced by the soft bitterness of herbaceous noble hops. The finish is refreshingly crisp, with lingering notes of black tea, orange peel, and peppery hop spice. |
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2026 marks 30 years for 3 Floyds and they’ve opened up the archives to rebrew some of their most requested fan favorites. Last time we poured a Rye Da Tiger, it was from a bomber bottle! This Rye IPA combines the bittersweet and citrusy character of classic 3 Floyds IPAs with the spiciness of rye. |
Three Floyds Rye Da TigerPouring copper in color and topped with a crown of white foam, aromas of grapefruit zest, blackberry, and earthy rye spice float from the glass. Medium in body, a rush of caramel malt sweetness is accented by a touch of allspice, followed by flavors of strawberry and nectarine. The hop forward finish delivers a bright burst of apricot, followed by lingering notes of pineapple, grapefruit, and resinous pine. |
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Gone Away is back again! If you’ve been pining for an old school IPA, your ship has come in. Brimming with old-school West Coast character, Gone Away offers a refreshing taste of American IPA as it once was. |
Half Acre Gone AwayPolished copper in color and bursting with citrusy aromatics, the use of Vienna malt adds depth of color along with some caramel tinged support for the rush of resinous hops. Gone Away features CTZ, Falconer’s Flight, Chinook, and Simcoe hops. Falconer’s Flight is not a single hop, but rather a proprietary blend of varieties, created in memory of brewer Glen Hay Falconer. It’s employed here to help achieve that old school kick of bitter citrus peel and peppery spice. The finish is big and bold, with lasting notes of grapefruit, juniper, and spruce. |
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Here in the Midwest, we love a good wheat beer, especially in the summertime. Wheat beer comes in many shapes and sizes - some hoppy, some fruited, some spiced, and some sour. Our favorites showcase the soft, rounded character of wheat, yet at the same time, remain refreshingly crisp. Firestone Walker’s Cali Squeeze Blood Orange does just that. It’s available year-round, but its bright and tangy finish makes it a staple at our summer get-togethers. |
Firestone Walker Cali Squeeze Blood OrangePouring coral pink in color, the nose here is big and juicy, showcasing the vibrant aroma of fresh blood orange. Light in body, it’s soft upon the palate, beginning with a hint of sweetness that’s quickly followed by a tangy burst of blood orange. The finish is refreshingly crisp, with lingering notes of raspberry and ruby red grapefruit. Even if you think you don’t like fruit beers, Cali Squeeze might change your mind. |
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The Blake family knows a thing or two about apples. They’ve been growing them in Armada Michigan since 1946, and they’ve been making hard cider out of them for over a decade. El Chavo is one of our favorite offerings from Blake’s. Enjoy straight from the can, or for a quick and easy cocktail, try it over ice with a splash of tequila or mezcal. |
Blake's El ChavoSweet plus heat is a classic combination, and finding a beverage that artfully incorporates some spiciness is a beautiful thing. El Chavo is a semi sweet cider that’s accented with mango and habanero. The peppers are grown on the Blake family farm, and while they add some heat, it’s a lovely subtle burn that makes itself known without being overbearing. El Chavo pairs marvelously with Mexican cuisine, especially fish tacos. |
Locally brewed beer often steals the spotlight, but lest we forget, there remains a world of wonderful flavors out there, just waiting to be explored. Throughout much of the world, brewing can be a fiercely regional affair, with different counties, states, provinces, and even villages proudly touting their unique takes on classic styles. Be it locally grown hops or barley, centuries old brewing techniques, mineral rich waters, or native yeasts – many factors play into the unique tastes and terroirs that make up the world of beer. Join us as we take our tastebuds on a trip. This week we’re headed to Tadcaster, to taste an iconic English pub ale.
Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale
Amidst increasing consolidation of global beer brands, it’s refreshing to see a small independent brewery remaining fiercely committed to old fashioned craftsmanship. The Samuel Smith Brewery in Tadcaster England still sources water from a well that was sunk when the brewery first opened its doors in 1758. They’ve pitched the same yeast for over a century, and they still ferment in large open air stone fermenters known as Yorkshire Squares. Their Nut Brown Ale pours mahogany in color and is topped with cream colored foam. On the nose it’s fruity and nutty, offering notes of clove, dried fig, and demerara syrup. Creamy upon the palate, flavors of rum soaked raisins and marmalade glide softly across the tongue. The refreshingly dry finish begins with a rush of molasses, followed by notes of chocolate and allspice. Brown ales remain a woefully underappreciated beer style - give this world-class example a taste and see what you’ve been missing!
Fonio is an ancient grain that’s been grown in West Africa for over five millennia. It thrives in environments where other grains struggle, flourishing without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or irrigation. It’s been called the “Seed of the Universe” and Dogfish Head uses it in their new collaborative brew with the Grateful Dead. Citrus Daydream is a deliciously crisp lager brewed with fonio and rice. It features Contessa and Lemondrop hops and is finished with lime, lemon peel, and a touch of lemongrass. Available year-round, it’s especially refreshing when walking in the sunshine of a warm summer day.
Dogfish Head Grateful Dead Citrus Daydream Lager
Sparkling golden in the glass, the nose here is floral and citrusy, with hints of lemongrass, lilac, and pear. Medium in body, it delivers a rounded bready malt character with a touch of honeyed sweetness, accented by a bright burst of citrus and a hint of green tea. The finish is refreshingly crisp, with the mix of Lemondrop and Contessa hops providing a hint of citrusy herbaceousness that melds seamlessly with the lemongrass, lime, and lemon peel. Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione continues to prove that adjuncts, when used thoughtfully, can result in brews on par with exceptional culinary achievement.
