For some reason, the city of Chicago has had a precarious relationship with alcohol in general. The alcohol prohibition, which spanned the years 1920 to 1933, prompted this development. However, when the ban was eventually revoked in 1933, the city of Chicago had a pretty fast resurgence of its relationship with alcohol.
macro close up of a beer flight in sunlight at microbrewery in Chicago, Illinois
The Berghoff restaurant – the parent company of the Adams Street Brewery – obtained the first license for liquor in the post-prohibition era. Since then, many other Chicago beer brands have surfaced. Today, the city of Chicago is home to the highest number of breweries, totalling 167 in the United States. It is noteworthy that breweries have more than doubled over five years down the line, starting from just 62 in 2013.
This goes to show how the Chicago metropolis loves this particular variety of alcohol. There are specific qualities to look out for, so here are some qualities to take note of in the best beers of Chicago city:
1. There’s A Story Behind Them
If you are not a lover of beers, you might feel out of place in Chicago. The windy city can be deemed as a drinker’s destination. Surprisingly, the beers here all have a story behind them.
No matter the Chicago beer you choose to consume, they all have a story embedded deep in the city’s cultural roots and history. Adams Street Brewery is a typical example. The inhouse brewery was established to celebrate the 120-year existence of its parent company, the Berghoff restaurant.
Thus, if you are looking for a drink in Chicago, be sure to learn about its history. It really adds depth to the experience.
2. Great Aroma
There is a special smell to the best beers. It is expected that a bottle or mug of beer hits you with the refreshing smell of what it is made from, the most common beer ingredient being malt.
You could indulge yourself and draw a sniff of your beer just before downing the drink. This aroma tells you what you need to know about your beer, and whether it’s great or not. And of course, it’ll be a great one.
3. Variety
Variety is one marker in the best beers that is not common knowledge because most beer drinkers are faithful to a specific flavor, brand, or beer type. Regardless of this, Chicago has the best options for consumers to pick from. After all, variety is the spice of life.
From Ales to IPAs, to sweet to bitter beers, there is a wide range to choose from. In addition to this, they are presented in great beer containers which are mostly glass or stein. All this makes Chicago beers suitable for everyone, and you have the chance to try a new one anytime you want a change of taste.
4. It’s Affordable
Cost is not always proof of quality, and Chicago’s best beers prove this point well. They are, in fact, incredibly affordable.
In as little as $5.50 or less, you can cop a pint of beer in Chicago’s many pubs and restaurants. In Chicago, shortage of funds would not be a deterrent to having a happy drink.
5. Great Taste And Feel
Taste is a crucial aspect of beers to take into consideration. All the specifics of your first draft should be noted. The smell of your beer gives you the first inkling of what your beer is made of, which is usually confirmed upon drinking and strengthens the case for the best beers.
Is it malty, or fruity, or coffee flavored? Is it heavily carbonated or lightly done? These are questions to ask when tasting your beer.
Do beers have a special feel? Yes, they do. The feel of a beer is more about its viscosity and the aftereffect on your tongue. Does it draw or flow smoothly when you take a full drink? Does it leave your mouth dry or refreshed? The answers to these questions will tell you about the feel of your beer.
6. Colour And Behaviour
The best beers display a fair amount of clarity with color, depending on their production style. The consistency of your beer color should also be noted here, as anything short of appropriate can mean a beer of poor quality.
The behavior of your beer in the glass should be considered as well. The best beers have a well-retained head – the foam from pouring a beer – of about 1 inch. As the beer is drained from the glass, it should ideally leave a stain on the glass. These characteristics show the carbonation of your beer.
Conclusion:
Chicago city caters to drinkers who have great taste. You can look forward to hearing the history behind any beer you choose from a wide variety. Finding out what a drink means to the people of the city helps to decide which beer is best for you. Use such qualities as the aroma, taste, and color to decipher how good a beer is.
You will find soon enough that cost won’t be a deterrent as you are sure to find one that fits within your budget. Chicago is undoubtedly the right place for your next drinking expedition.