Beer reviewers sip Windy City staples in honor of unpredictable weather

It has been way too long since our last review. Turns out The Record staff sometimes needs a break from editing all of our spelling mistakes and horrible jokes. We hope you missed us as much as we missed you, our loyal readers. Remember, these beverages should only be enjoyed by those 21 and over. If you are 21, remember to Stop @ Buzzed.

Seeing as we both trekked to the windy city over fall break, we thought we’d crack open a few Chicago favorites. Jack spent his time with the nerds at Northwestern University and learned how to two-thirds solve a Rubik’s cube. Yes, it is as sad as it sounds. Wisconsin still won on the road and Jack still won pub golf later in the evening (Google it, it’s worth your while).

Charlie spent his time at Loyola University; great campus, even cooler ratio. Chuck channeled his inner Good Will Hunting and hit in the batting cages at a bar in Wrigleyville aptly called Sluggers.

**Goose Island IPA**

We love it. Damn good, clean finish, hoppy, bright and notes of citrus. Definitely not your stereotypical hazy IPA that has the consistency of chocolate syrup. It tastes like a lite lit, but not in a crappy session IPA sense. If you aren’t typically an IPA drinker, this is a really good way to start without going right into the construction worker urine and pine needles. It is literally called IPA, no special name…just IPA.

**Goose Island Neon Beer Hug IPA**

It tastes like it was brewed with Vienna hot dog water or Al’s Italian Beef Gravy. Now, we condone both of these foods, but certainly not in a beverage. Honestly, tastes like how Justin Fields runs the Bears offense. Upon further review, we’ll grant that it tastes so much better out of a can. We have a love hate relationship with this beer, much like our thoughts on a Chicago Handshake.

**Revolution Brewing Freedom Lemonade**

ZAP. *insert a Borat “Very nice, I like” quote here* This Session sour ale hits hard with a tarty lemon. A beautiful concoction. With this crappy weather we’ve been having, this brew brings us back to much simpler times like ripping driver off the deck at Birchwood Municipal Golf Course this summer, just outside of Jack’s hometown of Dubuque. It keeps us hopeful. This is how lemonade beers should taste. Breweries near and far, take note.

**Revolution Brewing Freedom of Speech**

Sucks. Where’s the peach man? Our friend and observer, Mason DeGross, as if on cue, said “Oh that was peach?” upon taking a sip. Are our taste buds shriveled up from the Freedom Lemonade? We don’t think so. If you’re into lighter sours that aren’t going to rip your head off with their sourness (like some local brewery that we know), this might be the one for you. If you want a tarty seltzer, this might be the brew for you. We can’t guarantee any caloric gain from this ale. Again, marginally better out of a can, but still not our favorite.

Our next review will be a doozy. Suzy and Marty Ellis and Martha and Mike Doyle will be given guest spots in the column in our family weekend recap. Expect a heavy dose of Bad Habit and Milk and Honey, and maybe even a little chilled rosé (love you Momma Doyle). Chuck might have met his future wife in Chicago, but he found himself more focused on hitting doubles to the right field gap in Sluggers (check this bar out next time you’re in Chicago). That’s just show biz baby, it’s still a long season.