Monthly Archives: March 2019

Pubcast 306 – David Kelley: Macushla Brewing

In Glenview IL, Hackney’s restaurant is a stalwart classic, but not many people know that right next door, there is a small brewery that seems to have slipped under the craft beer radar, Macushla Brewing. We decided it was time to put that right, so the Landlord, Phil Clark, and guest co-host Ken McMullen headed north at the invitation of head brewer, David Kelley.

What we found turned out to be a gem with the setup and atmosphere of the brewery and taproom, but more importantly with the brews on offer. There are enough taps and style varieties to appeal to most tastes, and each one we tasted seemed to be spot on flawless.

David has been involved in craft beer in one role or another for a little over ten years, and is really knowledgeable about yeast and how it plays a crucial role in producing excellent beer. He’s got creative freedom, and he produces solid brews, which he bases on a two-beer approach. Plus a stunning reveal on David’s everyday brew, but a save with his craft selection!

The Brews we sampled:

  • Czech Yourself, Czech Pilsener, 5.5% 25 IBU
  • LOUminator, New England IPA, 7.0% 70 IBU
  • Cherry Glazer, Door County sour, 4.8% 9 IBU
  • Honey Bear, Belgian Tripel, 11.0% 25 IBU

Play the show from our player or the Podbean player below…

Music:
Fiddle-De-Dee by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
Happy Life by FREDJI https://soundcloud.com/fredjimusic https://www.facebook.com/fredjimusic/ Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/u4PI5p5bI9k

Pubcast 305 – Ike & Oak Brewing

Woodridge is the location of Ike & Oak, and specifically close to the Seven Bridges complex. About 5 weeks ago, the doors finally opened on a brewery that was much anticipated due to the grain silo that prominently marked the location of this venture.

The Brit, Phil Clark, and guest co-host Ken McMullen from Hopvine, arrived early on the Saturday of the St. Patrick’s weekend and found owner Ed Randquest opening up the doors. Then a black jeep pulled up and brewmaster, Nathan Tertell, headed in to face the mics and questions of the podcast crew.

Despite the early hour, brews needed to be sampled while we chatted about this new brewery and restaurant, which has been playing to packed tables and tap rooms ever since day one. Is it the food, the beer, or a combo of both that seems to be attracting craft beer lovers and families the same? As we chatted, we found it was a top class chef for one, and a top class brewer for the other, joined by the vision of host Ed.

In our first segment, Ed talks about the origins of the name and how they developed their menu to be a little different to just another ‘burger and beer’ menu. Then Nathan chimes in the second segment with his background and impressive brewing pedigree, and we talk about some of his styles of brewing, and of course we find out that hazy NE IPAs are a best-seller and we discuss why. The Brit did try the Hopper Dropper IPA after the recording and if you want a great, medium body IPA, then thsi is his recommendation.

It just works, and its winning new punters every day. Join us as we find out the story of Ike & Oak, and then experience it for yourself.

The Brews we sampled:

Play the show from our player or the Podbean player below…

Pubcast 304 – Riverlands Brewing

Listen in with The Brit, Phil Clark, and guest co-host and Church Street brewer, Chuck Fort as we get an exclusive look at the latest suburban brewery to join the growing population in the Fox River corridor. Riverlands Brewing in St. Charles opens their doors on Friday, March 16, ready for the St. Patrick’s weekend, and co-owner/head brewer Eric Bramwell, and co-owner/”future”-assistant brewer Dave Marck sat down with us to talk about their story and of course, we sample some of their brews that will be on tap for the opening weekend.

This new brewery spares no expense to make great classics, new styles, and plenty of them, with a nod to as much local decor and local ambiance as they can. They are just part of a team of 5 family and friends, who are all super-approachable, humble as to their roots and the recognition of the craft brewer population who have helped them get to where they are now.

They also have brought on-board Jeremy Teel as tap-room manager, and for those who know Jeremy from past locations, you know his expertise will flow over into the front-of-house operations. So, whether you go the opening weekend or not, put it on your list for a visit! And with the English Pub Mild on tap, and Dave a Tottenham supporter just like The Brit, maybe we’ll see more English pub games and Premier League early Saturday mornings…I’m working on convincing them!


The Brews we sampled:

Play the show from our player below… 

Pubcast 303 – Lager Louts

We missed a week, but we’re back for a show that is focusing on the lighter side of craft beer. We ask if there is there a resurgence of lager styles pending for 2019, or will hazy and brut IPAs remain the trend? We pick 6 samples from Illinois breweries and discuss if these are worth putting into your fridges for everyday drinking, or just when you need something cleaner, and less hop-infused.

Joining The Landlord, Phil Clark, is guest co-host and brewer from Church Street, Chuck Fort. Making up the menage-a-lager is ex-tavern owner and friend of the show, John Karwoski.

We delve into the finer points of lagering, what the difference is from ale, discuss why ‘best by’ dates are important, describe lagers as ‘swiggable’, and make some arbitrary judgments on all of our random samples.

The Brews Reviewed are:

Play the show from our player or the Podbean player below…