Photo Courtesy of Chicago Beer Geeks

On Sunday, August 26th, I went to the Zoo only this time it was not the usual family outting this was adult only fun. Brookfield Zoo hosted its first ever Zoo Brew at the Pavillions on the zoo grounds. A $45.00 ticket got you into the event to listen to live music,  taste 40 different beers, represented by 14 breweries, such as Argus Brewery, Blue Moon, Crispin, Crown Imports, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Lakefront Brewery, Inc., Leinenkugel’s, Magic Hat Brewing Company, New Belgium Brewing Company, Newcastle, Samuel Adams, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Wild Onion Brewing Co., Hopothesis Beer Co.,  and Woodchuck Hard Cider.

Photo Courtesy of Chicago Beer Geeks

While I’m a newbie in, on and around the beer scene, let’s face it, I’m no Chicago Beer Geek, however, I did notice the long lines, which was a bit of a bummer and the whole 20 ticket system was also a kill joy. Let’s be honest for $45.00 bucks you expect to drink your fill with out the worry of running out of tickets and not be limited by a predetermined amount. Despite those 2 infractions, I still had a great time and must admit,  I’m also excited to see Argus stepping out more into the beer scene, they represented the WILD HUNNITS righteously ( yes I know how that is spelled, that is dedicated to Nick from Argus). It was also the first time I have had the chance to try anything from Hopothesis Beer Company and the Wild Onion. I must admit they both left quite an impression, especially Wild Onion’s Pumpkin Ale. I look forward to checking out more from both of these breweries. This makes me realize that I need to stop being a hermit and  that I have been slipping and need to step up my beer game.

Now for those that were there, I’m sure they will agree, while there were many other noteworthy breweries there, the spotlight for the night really belongs to Firestone Walker Brewering Company. While I did not personally get a chance to sample all of their beers, because the line was insanely long for them, the DBA (Double Barrel Ale) impressed my pallette for the night. I chatted it up with quite a few ladies that found themselves back in line 3 or 4 times wanting more. It’s a well balanced English Pale Ale with a diverse taste of flavors and it was defintely a winner for the night.

Despite the rain, more than a few hundred beer geeks braved the weather for good beer and great times. I look forward to this being an annual event and also the changes that comes along with enhancing it more into an even greater event. Also a special thanks goes out to Chicago Beer Geeks for the posted photos, I’m sure you all know that of course Nik of CBG was on the scene and it just isn’t an official beer event without those guys.

Photo Courtesy of Chicago Beer Geeks