This content was originally published by The Hop Review, a digital magazine that joined the Hop Culture family in March 2020.
This piece was written by Robert Battista.
Chicago Craft Beer Week is finally upon us and there’s no better way to ring it in than spending the night at Beer Under Glass. Normally held inside Garfield Park Conservatory, this year’s BUG was held exclusively in the outdoor gardens due to ongoing construction. There was quite a buzz on social media with many labeling the event “Beer Adjacent to Glass” or “Beer Nearby Glass”, but regardless of location, BUG has always been about the beer and raising awareness for the conservatory.
As rain fell throughout the morning, last minute preparations were made in order to accommodate the large crowds. The days rain made the grounds exceptionally muddy, and the rear beer tent was hit the hardest. The ground resembled the Woodstock mud pit, but some fine folks were handing out plastic bags and booties to keep your feet dry. A little mud wasn’t going to stop the masses from the great beer that could be found throughout that tent.
In one corner, Goose Island was pouring some real gems with the Pineapple Brettanomite being a personal favorite. Around the corner, Perennial was stealthily pouring barrel aged versions of both Abraxas and 17 Mint Chocolate Stout. Both were a real treat to try and are definitely worth the hype. A few steps away, Half Acre was pouring Galactic Double Daisy Cutter, which is now available in the tap room and to-go in growlers. Keep your eyes peeled for these beers throughout CCBW.
Rain or shine, under glass or near glass, you can’t go wrong with this event. Pete Crowley, Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, and everyone involved deserve a huge round of applause for pulling off another successful BUG given all the circumstances.
