5 Must Try Brews at Midwest Beer Fest
Midwest Beer Fest is going down this weekend outside Barrelhouse 34 in Downtown Champaign. The celebration highlights great and limited-edition beers all brewed locally here in the Midwest. Nick Rainey, General Manager at Barrelhouse 34, gave us the inside scoop on which beers to look out for this weekend!
Revolution Brewing - Northeast Hero
This is the Chicago brewery’s first Hazy IPA. Crossing defiantly through the haze, their newest bold Revolutionary marshals an engaging fruit-forward hop character to join an irresistibly silky finish. An initial dry hop of Citra, Chinook, Centennial, and Denali is followed by a second round of Citra, Cashmere, Galaxy, and Mosaic -- creating a fusillade of American hop flavor. ABV: 7.0%, IBU: 55.
White Oak Brewing - Happy Tree
Normal, IL’s own White Oak is bringing a very unique brew this year. Brewed in collaboration with Funks Grove, this Imperial Stout consists of 100% maple tree sap in lieu of their Normal brewing water. The maple sap provides about 10% of the fermentable sugars and imparts an earthy tree-like flavor. ABV: 10.0%.
Riggs Beer Company - Citra-Weizen
We all know Riggs well here in Champaign County! This take on their traditional Hefeweizen is dry-hopped with Citra hops to give it a citrusy & juicy aroma. The brewers say that Citra-Weizen is the ideal beer to help you beat this Illinois mid-summer heat. ABV: 5.3%, IBU: 12.
Hopewell Brewing Company – Clover Club
Hopewell is a Chicago brewery with a very small, tight knit team. Clover Club is a Sour Ale inspired by the pre-Prohibition cocktail of the same name. Brewed with raspberries and botanicals, this bright pink beverage is tart and fruity, accented by a dry and herbaceous finish. For those looking for a fruity touch to their beer, this is the brew for you! ABV: 6.2%.
4204 Main Street - Rather Large American
4204 is located in Belleville, IL and took a closed down steakhouse and turned it into a brewery. Rather Large American is a seasonal release that runs from May through September. This imperial IPA is large; big on body and big on hop aroma and flavor. This beer will secure everyone's right to bear fistfuls of choice. ABV: 9.0%
Trying amazing Midwest beer this weekend is easy at Midwest Beer Fest. 1 ticket = 1 dollar, and you can pay with cash/credit/debit to purchase tickets, which buy the beers at tents. Most beers cost 4-5 tickets (16 ounce pours). You can also taste anything for 1 ticket! The event begins at 4 p.m. and will also feature food trucks, kid friendly activities, and free entry for all. See you at the fourth annual Midwest Beer Fest!