As warmer weather approaches, it is the perfect time to discuss the ultimate Summer beverage.  No not lemonade - beer!  And although millions of Americans love the mass-marketed, watered-down, American pale lagers from Milwaukee and St. Louis, they are not the topic of this post.  We are talking about craft beers, microbrews and fine European imports.  Beer that is meant to be sipped and savored - not consumed by the case.

It is a great time to be a beer lover.  The proliferation of quality American craft beers and microbrews provide a seemingly endless variety of diverse styles.  For inspiration, these breweries have turned to Britain, Germany and Belgium where the centuries-old tradition of artisan beer and cask ale production never died out.  At the moment, we are particularly fond of Belgian beer.  Some of the best beers in the world come from Belgium’s 115 breweries in several unique styles.  Here are a few we love as well as our  favorite spots in Chicago to enjoy them.

Delerium Tremens is a Belgian strong pale ale with an ABV close to .  We love the unique white painted bottle and the name which is latin for “trembling madness”  - a violent sickness induced by withdrawal after alcohol abuse.  Delerium goes great with the Ahi Tuna Burger at Hub 51. Remember - everything in moderation.

Chimay Grande Reserve is an excellent example of a trappist ale which is a beer brewed in a monastery under the authority of Trappist monks.  There are only 7 trappist breweries in the world - 6 are in Belgium.  The best place to enjoy trappist ale in Chicago is The Publican whose vast beer list contains all the Belgian trappist ales.  The food is unbelievable here.  Try the heavenly ham chop.

Cantillon Gueuze is an organic Lambic ale.  Unlike conventional ales and lagers, which are fermented by carefully cultivated strains of brewer’s yeasts, Lambic beer is instead produced by spontaneous fermentation: it is exposed to the wild yeasts and bacteria that are said to be native to the region in Brussels where the beer is brewed.  It is this unusual process which gives the beer its distinctive flavour: dry, vinous, and cidery, with a slightly sour aftertaste.  Pair the Cantillon Gueze with the Iron Maiden burger at
Kuma’s Corner for an “excellent adventure” - minus Bill & Ted of course!

Stella Artois is a Belgian pilsner perfect for those with the taste for something a little lighter.  Although Stella is commonplace on beer lists throughout the city, we prefer to drink it at La Madia while enjoying their excellent Neapolitan style pizzas.  After you’ve finished off your Stella, try some wine from their extensive lists.

We hope to see you out this summer enjoying some of Belgium’s finest brews.

Cheers!!

Adam