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:
- Cruz Blanca, Chicago IL, Mexico Calling, Mexican-style lager, 4.7%
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Hopewell Brewing, Chicago IL, First Lager, American lager, 5.1%
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Hailstorm Brewing, Tinley Park IL, Hotel Life, American lager, 4.7%
- Wild Onion Brewery, Lake Barrington IL, Radio Free Pils, Bohemian Pilsener, 5.2%
- Prairie Krafts Brewing, Buffalo Grove IL, Prairie Pilsener, 5.0%
- Buckledown Brewing, Lyons IL, Fritzicuffs, German Pilsener, 5.0%
