Tag: Beer review

One-Take Beer Preview: Surly Damien (2016)

One-Take Beer Preview: Surly Damien (2016)
I have had to go three weeks without any alcohol, owning to prep for and recovery from that “small surgical procedure.” I have complained about in previous articles, suffice to say I’m having my “welcome back to beer” beer. I recorded this video on Halloween night, but I’ve been working  freelance job all week, so... Read more »
By Mark McDermott,
November 10, 2019 at 11:42 pm
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Beer Preview: New Holland Ichabod Pumpkin Ale

Beer Preview: New Holland Ichabod Pumpkin Ale
As we have entered into Oktoberfest and Pumpkin Spice Latte season, it follows that I have had a few of those beers sent to me by the brewers’ reps for my comment. I’ve added a new beer to my style page on Oktoberfests: Shiner Oktobefest beer. And now I have a pumpkin beer to make... Read more »
By Mark McDermott,
September 12, 2019 at 10:32 pm
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Beer By the Grill: Shiner Brut IPA

Beer By the Grill: Shiner Brut IPA
It’s gotten hot again. Not too hot that we didn’t get a walk in to the library, or tried to fix the loose garage door rails with a glob of “steel” epoxy in a hole in the concrete where the screw worked loose. But it is hot enough that Mrs. Nautical would rather I not... Read more »
By Mark McDermott,
August 4, 2019 at 10:31 pm
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Craft Beer Review: Two Brothers 22nd Anniversary

I have a little time now between long, long calendar articles about ICBW and Dark Lord Day to slip in a beer. It’s a special edition that I picked up in March, so I’d best write it up while it’s still available. Two Brothers Artisan Brewing celebrates their 22nd anniversary this year. Starting out as... Read more »
By Mark McDermott,
May 16, 2019 at 10:24 pm
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Beer by the Grill: Lagunitas Secret Agenda

Beer by the Grill: Lagunitas Secret Agenda
It’s the first spring weekend of the year. And the weather is amenable, so I’ve scrubbed down the grill, tried out a dry up on some pork cutlets, and open up a beer. As usual, this is a beer that has been sent to me for my comment. And also as usual, it’s from Lagunitas Brewing Co., which labors under the idea that I am an “influencer”. Well, I don’t want to go find for sure, because that might ruin things for me...
By Mark McDermott,
March 28, 2019 at 11:07 pm
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Local Beer Review: Hopewell Swift IPA

Local Beer Review: Hopewell Swift IPA
I’ve got a short evening to open and sample a locally made beer, which I bought myself just for this occasion. Hopewell Brewing Co. is a storefront brewery with a taproom at 2760 N. Milwaukee Ave., in the Logan Square neighborhood near other brewers like Revolution, BiXi Beer, and Maplewood. Swift IPA is one of... Read more »
By Mark McDermott,
February 7, 2019 at 4:00 pm
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Local Beer Review: Solemn Oath End All IPA

Local Beer Review: Solemn Oath End All IPA
I’ve caught a bit of a breather from the flood of calendar activities, with the new year. So I’m clearing some loose ends, finishing some article drafts, and wrapping up my stash local beers that I’ve bought for reviewing. Which means it’s time to go snag some more bottles and cans. Solemn Oath Brewery of... Read more »
By Mark McDermott,
January 2, 2019 at 11:15 pm
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Beer Preview: Lagunitas Sparkling Swan

Beer Preview: Lagunitas Sparkling Swan
I may have noticed the next beer trend for 2018. Or maybe it’s just a holiday season trend. Something to take our minds of pumpkin spice. This past weekend, I sampled a Sparkling Rosé Ale by Forbidden Root. Now I have a bottle of Sparkling Swan from Lagunitas Brewing Company, which was sent to me... Read more »
By Mark McDermott,
November 5, 2018 at 11:32 pm
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Local Beer Review: Energy City Milkshake Haida

Local Beer Review: Energy City Milkshake Haida
I’m always happy to pop the cap on a Chicago area brewer for my first time. And I was rather surprised to see this one when I discovered it. Energy City Brewing is a small brewery in downtown Batavia. It’s been known a wide palette of pale ales, many in the “milkshake category, or made... Read more »
By Mark McDermott,
November 4, 2018 at 11:21 pm
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Craft Beer Review: Noon Whistle Mr. IPA-Nut

Craft Beer Review: Noon Whistle Mr. IPA-Nut
Perhaps I added, in my own small way, to the hoopla over Mr. IPA-Nut, the collaboration between Lombard’s Noon Whistle Brewing and Planters (Kraft Heinz) Peanuts. The beer went on sale just last Friday, and sold out within a few days. At least the few Binny’s I tried had already run out on Monday. So... Read more »
By Mark McDermott,
October 30, 2018 at 11:26 pm
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    Mark McDermott

    Writer, trivia maven, fan of many things. I thought to learn all there is to know about beer as a way to stay interested in learning. It is my pleasure to bring Chicago's craft beer scene to you.

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