The arguments for drinking local aren’t that different than the song we’ve been hearing for a few years about eating local: You’re supporting Midwest businesses, cutting down on energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact. And if none of those points sway you, here’s a tough one to argue with: Locally brewed beer is just fresher.
Still don’t think you can give up your favorite import? You might be surprised. Lots of breweries within 200 miles or less of Chicago are expanding their offerings, experimenting with styles you once had to travel to Europe to try. Here’s a rundown of what we reach for when we need a local stand-in for an import we once thought we never could live without.
Import: Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout
Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery, Tadcaster, U.K.
Distance from Chicago: 3,831 miles
Local solution: The Poet Oatmeal Stout
New Holland Brewing, Holland, Mich.
Distance from Chicago: 102 miles
Find it at: Quenchers Saloon (2401 N. Western Ave. 773-276-9730)
Import: Duvel
Duvel Moortgat Brewery, Breendonk-Puurs, Belgium
Distance from Chicago: 4,131 miles
Local solution: Matilda
Goose Island Beer Company, Chicago
Distance from Chicago: 0 miles
Find it at: Goose Island Brew Pub (1800 N. Clybourn Ave. 312-915-0071)
Import: Skull Splitter
Orkney Brewery, Orkney, U.K.
Distance from Chicago: 3,630 miles
Local solution: Scotty Karate Scotch Ale
Dark Horse Brewing Company, Marshall, Mich.
Distance from Chicago: 141 miles
Find it at: Sam’s Wine & Spirits (1720 N. Marcey St. 312-664-4394)
Import: Saison Dupont
Brasserie Dupont, Tourpes-Leuze, Belgium
Distance from Chicago: 4,122 miles
Local solution: Bam Biere
Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Dexter, Mich.
Distance from Chicago: 196 miles
Find it at: The Publican (837 W. Fulton Market. 312-733-9555)
Import: Aecht Schlenkerla Helles Lagerbier
Heller Brewery, Bamberg, Germany
Distance from Chicago: 4,416 miles
Local solution: Gorch Fock
Three Floyds Brewing Co., Munster, Ind.
Distance from Chicago: 21 miles
Find it at: The Local Option (1102 W. Webster Ave. 773-348-2008)
Import: Hitachino Espresso Stout
Kiuchi Brewery, Naka, Japan
Distance from Chicago: 6,542 miles
Local solution: Founders Breakfast Stout
Founders Brewing, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Distance from Chicago: 127 miles
Find it at: Jerry’s (1938 W. Division St. 773-235-1006)
