Deep, Dark Beer Can Also Be Light and Refreshing

Not all dark beers are created equally. Take this week’s Beer of the Week: Schwarzbier, from the Mönchshof Brewery in Germany. The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper says since it’s low in alcohol, it is very easy to drink (think warm weather sipper out in the backyard). Here’s to deep, dark, delicious drinking. Cheers.

Loving Leelanau: A Refreshing Beer of the Week

When I think of Leelanau, Michigan, I think of deer hunting, cherry pie and water sports. But the local brewing company also produces some fine beer. The namesake’s Good Harbor Golden Ale is a French style bière de garde that’s inhabited by wild yeasts and spends a fair amount of time in French oak. Produced in Dexter, Michigan, you should be able to find it at finer bars and liquor stores around town. We know for sure they have it at The Hopleaf, ground zero for our BofW feature every Wednesday. Cheers.

Belgian Classic Is Our Beer Of The Week

Few people in Chicago know their Belgian beers as well as Michael Roper. As the owner of The Hopleaf, he has given these complex, nuanced beers a grand stage, and he is always more than happy to talk to patrons about them. But this week, he’s sticking to an old favorite: Orval. They only make one beer, in the same size bottle, destined for one specific glass. Hoppier than most Trappist beers, Roper says you can’t go wrong with this Belgian classic. Cheers.

Apricots & Hops = Beer of the Week

I realize most craft brew fans look to places like Portland and Colorado (even Chicago) for new flavors and cutting-edge brewers. But don’t forget about sleepy, minuscule Delaware, home of Dogfish Head Brewery. This week, The Hopleaf’s Michael Roper is bullish on a seasonal brew that combines apricots and hops. It’s clever name? Aprihop. Cheers.

Beer of the Week Hails From Western Suburbs

The Two Brothers Brewery in west suburban Warrenville (we’re talking pretty far west of Chicago) has been producing award-winning beers for many years now. One of their latest has caught Michael Roper’s eye this week, as it’s something he sells frequently at The Hopleaf in Andersonville. It’s their Domaine DuPage, a French style country ale that, as Michael describes it, has the essence of caramel malt. Beer for dessert, perhaps? Cheers.

WhiskeyFest Hits Town

Tickets to Chicago’s WhiskeyFest may be sold out tonight, but there’s still a lot in store for whiskey fans around Chicago this weekend.

Delilah’s has had whiskey specials each night of the week, but the big event is the official WhiskeyFest after-party tonight at 10 p.m., no tickets necessary. The party features many guest distillers and guest bartenders Preston and Julian Van Winkle.  Drink specials are $3 for Maker’s Mark Bourbon. If that’s not enough, Delilah’s Upstairs is hosting the Black Grouse Experience soul dance party. Read More