(Why you should support your local micro-brew)
This just in! You are hearing it first from Valpolife! Beer is good for you. It makes you strong!
At least, that's what the advertisers from Guinness in Dublin were saying in the 30's and 40's. “Guinness is good for you!” were the tag-lines of the day for this dark Irish stout. Even poems were written touting its restorative powers. "Toucans in their nests agree/Guinness is good for you/Try some today and see/What one or toucan do.")
While there are obvious effects of alcohol on the human body that may be deemed unpleasant, there are many positive reasons to like beer, including its long and rich history.
Historically speaking, Guinness, for example, has been around quite a long time--since 1759--when Arthur Guinness bought the 9,000 year lease to St. James Gate in Dublin, Ireland for the purpose of building a brewery to make his delicious dark ales. (In the U.K. One does not purchase land like we would in America. The land is leased from the government and at the end of the lease it is sold back. The longer your lease for a home or business, the more that property is worth.)
Guinness is the oldest beer to date that is closest to its original recipe since its conception. The oldest commercially produced beer since its creation is Spaten. First brewed in 1397, this Munich based brewery has been keeping the time honored traditions of its beer maintained for over 600 years.
While these famous breweries have been turning out barrels of these delicious libations for generations, these mega breweries didn't start overnight. They spent years of dedication to a craft, a culture, and a vision to brew beer for the masses. Supporting your local businesses is always a great practice to add strength to our community, but have you thought about supporting your hard working local brewers? I'll get to that soon, but first another history lesson!
Since you've made it this far into the article and the history lessons haven't scared you away, let me give you another one. (Knowing the history behind local brewing is helpful in understanding the intense amount of work and creativity that goes into creating an exceptional brew.) In 1919 the United States, under the 18th amendment, began banning the sale, manufacture and transportation of alcohol, also known as The Noble Experiment. While breweries across the nation began to close out one by one, the only organizations that were left standing between 1919 and 1933, when the amendment was later ratified, were those that were able to sell sacramental wine for church services. This led to an underground movement of bathtub whiskey and speakeasies all across the United States where citizens imbibed at their own discretion. The result of prohibition was a thinning of the brewing industry leaving only mega breweries such as Budweiser and Miller (around since the late 1800's) to mass-produce beer on a national scale with little taste or creativity, while home brewers and old family recipes took a back-burner to the uncultured tastes of the corporate brewer.
Fast forward from 1933 to 1970. The microbrewery trend was born in the United Kingdom as a wave of small breweries began focusing on creating better beer with creativity fermented into every bottle. No longer was their a need to stick to the strict, rigid structure or the typical brewing recipe. These craft brewers began using spices, fruits, flavorings, and a myriad of other tastes and aromas to augment their concoctions. Their small stature marketed itself to friendly atmospheres and customer service to the patron looking for a new taste. It wasn't just an alternative to the big brand beers, it was a new positive attitude towards the industry! A revolution in brewing!
Now the United States has, according to The Association of Brewers, over 1500 craft brewers, mainly concentrated in Oregon, Montana, Maine, Colorado, Vermont, and Wisconsin. According to www.brewersassociation.org craft beer sold 9.1 million barrels of beer in the United States in 2009. For those that are playing the home game that is over 282 million gallons of beer! But surprisingly that is a very small number compared to the amount of beer sold in the United States. 205,676,000 barrels were sold in the overall US Beer Market. That means that craft brewing only makes us 4.4% of the U.S market share for beer. The rest is made by large industry brewing companies. Some of these large brewers started off as microbreweries (creates less than 15,000 barrels per year), brew-pubs (producing less than 15,000 barrels a year and serving food,) or nano-breweries (creating only 4 barrels or less per year). Dogfish Head, Victory Brewing, Sierra Nevada, Anchor, New Belgium, and Bell's are examples of great brands that have become well known regional brewers from humble beginnings.
In Northwest Indiana, we are very lucky to live in an area where we are close to the city of Chicago and right in the middle of a hub of microbreweries within Northern Indiana, Southwestern Michigan, and Northeastern Illinois. Here is a list of the top ten breweries in your area that you need to stop in at for a taste! (These aren't listed in order of quality or being superior than one another, but simply a list that any beer geek should check out on where to get a cold pint around the area.
1. Three Floyds
This place has been pumping out good brews since 1996. 3 Floyds crafts “Not Normal” beers in Munster, IN that are intense, balanced beers. Alpha King, Gumballhead, and Pride and Joy remain the popular favorites. The brewpub is located in a commercial park but well worth the drive with great beer, delicious food, and a unique atmosphere you can't find anywhere else. This writer recommends the Artic Panzer (coconut beer in a snifter), and for those that are really brave, the Ham on Rye (which honestly smells like a real ham sandwich).
2. Shoreline Brewery
The Bavarian Bombshell, Singing Sands Oatmeal Stout, and Don't Panic English Pale Ale are a few of the great 30+ brews you can find at Shoreline. Not to mention great food and a great atmosphere--this brewpub in Michigan City has bands on the weekend and is a great place to try some really great beer. (Writer's favorite is the Singing Sands Oatmeal Stout paired with a delicious pub burger on a pretzel bun with the Don’t Panic mustard made in-house.)
3. Crown Brewing
This Crown Point, IN staple since 2008 has been rising rapidly in popularity. Creative brews like Pumpkin Ale, Blueberry Wheat, and Milk Chocolate should make this place a must-taste on a long weekend. Located next door to the famous Crown Point Jail were John Dillinger escaped in 1934, which was also used in the 2009 movie Public Enemies, you can visit dressed in your non-thirties era clothes and grab some Carriage Court Pizza while you are there.
4. Figure Eight
Hallelujah! Valpo beer geeks rejoice! Not only did we have a fantastic BrewFest in 2010, but we got our own hometown brewery! Figure 8 has come to save us from boring beer! Located on Lincolnway, you can stop in the small store front for a taste of their many recipes! Ro Shampo, Offwidth, Snake Pro IPA, and the Replicale 2011 are must haves. Don't have time to stay and chat? Don't worry. With growlers at affordable prices you can take home your favorite new-found brews and share them with friends and family. Even on Sunday!
5. Back Road Brewery
Since 1996 this little brewery has been pumping out some local favorites into your local liquor store, such as Back Road Ale, Midwest IPA and an American Pale Ale, that are all delicious. You can stop in their La Porte location for some Growlers or pick up a six pack at your local liquor store.
6. The Livery
Need a weekend getaway? Try Benton Harbor where you can find a local pub called The Livery. Once a horse stable 100 years ago, it’s now featuring 12 taps of micro-brews, a beer garden, and a Cafe where chef Mark Albers creates and crafts sandwiches and snacks to pair perfectly with your craft beverages.
7. Goose Island
G.I. is doing quite well in the brewing industry. Labeling themselves as Chicago's Craft Beer, they have brewpub locations in Clybourn and Wrigleyville. You can sample their beer in the great city of Chicago or pick up some of their great brews at your local liquor store, such as 312, Honker's Ale, and, for an exquisite taste that pours more like a fine wine than a beer, try Sofie, Matilda, Fleur and Pere Jacques. (For a more extreme taste, try Night Stalker and Demolition.)
8. The Berghoff
A Chicago institution opened in 1898 by Herman Joseph Berghoff, this Mecca of German food is a must when you travel into the city. Not only was it the first business in Chicago to regain their liquor license after Prohibition (issued liquor license No. 1), and one of the first brewpubs in Chicago, it had been brewing famous ales, lagers, rootbeer, and whiskey in Fort Wayne since 1887. The Berghoff restaurant closed in 2006 after 107 years of service. Carolyn Berghoff, the 4th generation of the Berghoff line, reopened the cafe in 2006 during lunch hours only. Luckily for me and you, in 2007 she decided to reopen the Berghoff's doors to the full restaurant, bar, and cafe experience with a slightly tweaked menu. You can still enjoy classic German favorites passed down through the generations or try some new creative fare. Either way, you'll taste a bit of history the next time you are in the Windy City.
9. Dark Horse Brewery
Featuring Crooked Tree IPA, Raspberry Ale, and a Reserve Special Black Ale that makes motor oil seem like a watered down cherry soda, Dark Horse out of Marshall, MI creates strong brews for people who like intense flavors and out-of-this-world beer. (If you love dark beers, the Reserve Special Black Ale is a definite on your list.)
10. Bell's Brewery
A regional craft brewer since 1985, Bell's is everywhere good beer is sold! Stopping in at the Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo presents “interesting food, an extensive art collection, and live music Thursday through Sunday.” Hopslam Ale, Oberon Ale, Cherry Stout, and Third Coast Old Ale are my preferred favorites. The Amber Ale and Porter make great additions to any get-together. Stop in to your local store and pick some up today.
11. Half Acre Brewing
Yes I know I said 10 but I felt I had to mention this brewery as well. In 2006 Half Acre started out as a dream and began brewing their recipes out of Sand Creek Brewing Co to gain awareness of their new brand. A few years later, these guys have their own brewery in Chicago and are selling their draft beers in many location all across Chicagoland. Check out their location list on the website for details. With American Chocolate Rye Stouts (Baume') and a Big Hugs Imperial Stout, these guys are as crazy as they are creative. Try their Guava Wheat India Pale Ale, and their Ginger Twin India Red Ale for a unique beer experience!
While there is nothing wrong with going down to your local liquor store, bar, or pub and buying the daily drink special of lager for $1.50 a glass, just remember: there is a whole world of possibilities and tastes out there for every beer drinker. Whether you prefer something light, dark, heavy, sweet, balanced, hoppsy, malted, or bitter, there is a cold beer out there somewhere that beckons you to give it a try.
Neil Davey is a local Valparaiso, IN resident with a passion for home-brewing and beer in general. A Food and Hospitality Major from Ball State with a Philosophy Minor, he currently lives with his beautiful wife and two cats. He is currently living out his dream as a pet rock salesman, and enjoys feeding his pet Unicorn, Buford. Or so he tells us...