It’s December–time to leave pale ales behind and fortify yourself with the sudsy sustenance of dark beer. These places serve some of our favorites.
Quenchers
Beer geeks will need a while to peruse the giant chalkboards listing more than 200 options, but we say go straight for Samuel Smith’s Imperial Stout. It may not be as legendary as Guinness, but when it comes to pure flavor, it surpasses its famous big brother. An inky black pour with an inch of cappuccino-colored foam, the brew has a dark chocolate and raisin aroma and a smoky-sweet malt taste with a crispy hoppy finish. $5 per 12-ounce bottle. 2401 N. Western Ave. 773-276-9730.
Huettenbar
An old-school German bierhaus since 1959, this Lincoln Square mainstay has seen its share of neighbors (and beers) come and go. One that remains is a beautiful example of the German altbier style: the Frankenheim. Alt means old and refers to the traditional technique of fermenting dark beers that predates the lagering style that brought golden-hues to the game. The Frankenheim has a copperish-brown tint and a frothy head, with a taste that subtly balances unsweetened chocolate and roasted malt with grassy notes and a dry finish. $5 per glass. 4721 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-561-2507.
Goose Island Clybourn Brewpub
Master brewer Greg Hall first concocted his Honest Stout back when the brewery opened in ’88, and the hands-down customer favorite returns to the taps every winter. An unfiltered brew, the Honest has a rich, full-bodied roastiness; a malty, espresso nose; caramel and plum flavors; and a strong hoppy finish. The $4 pints are sold exclusively at the Clybourn Avenue location. 1800 N. Clybourn Ave. 312-915-0071.
Piece
Piece brewer Jonathan Cutler and neighboring coffee shop Filter have teamed to create The Truth. It’s an imperial stout that’s first fermented and then blended with Filter’s brewed houseblend coffee, giving the rich, creamy brew a kick of caffeinated, mocha flavor. What’s with the name? Cutler says that it stems from being asked, “Is that beer any good?” To which he replied, “Damn, man, it’s the truth!” The 13-ounce snifters sell for $5. 1927 W. North Ave. 773-772-4422.
Rock Bottom
True, it’s a national chain. True, its downtown locale keeps the tourists pouring in. But Chicago brewmaster Pete Crowley is brewing up some pretty interesting stuff, particularly his Terminal Oatmeal Bourbon Stout. This bad boy went up against some tough competitors at the Great American Beer Festival and has won the barrel-aged category two years running. Crowley ages his creamy oatmeal stout in used Jim Beam barrels for up to a year. The wood adds flavors of vanilla, oak and a hint of bourbon to the final product. This year’s limited edition batch went up for grabs by the pint a couple of weeks ago and is predicted to sell out soon, so get it while you can. $4.50 per pint. 1 W. Grand Ave. 312-755-9339.
The Map Room
In the category of dark beers that will knock you flat on your ass, the winner is Dogfish Head Raison d’Extra. This is a barleywine style, meaning it’s fermented to have the alcoholic kick of fortified sherry wines. The bold beer is mahogany-colored, with a raisin aroma and a thick, spicy rum-like flavor. The 750 ml bottles sell for $22. 1949 N. Hoyne Ave. 773-252-7636.
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