Half Acre Beer Co. Brewery Tour
Yesterday afternoon a few of my coworkers and I (that’s right, we chose to spend time together on a weekend) ventured up to the Northcenter neighborhood for the Half Acre Beer Co. Brewery Tour. The weather in Chicago has been unseasonably warm these past few days and I opted to take a long walk to the establishment, and it was so enjoyable to discover new places along the route. Back to the tour - it did NOT disappoint! This is only the second tour I’ve been on, but I can’t see many others topping it (we’ll put Goose Island to the test later this month). The hour-or-so long tour costs $10 (cash only), and includes a Half Acre glass (to drink from, then take home after the tour) and 3 full pint tokens. I’d say that is a pretty great value, possibly the best $10 I can remember spending in recent recollection. You’ll have a chance to sample Daisy Cutter, Gossamer, and Over Ale (their 3 staples), and one other variety (a winter brew was on tap this Saturday).
Our tour was led by Half Acre’s founder, Gabriel. He’s a knowledgeable, personable guy with a passion for good beer. He spent some time in Boulder learning the trade, and back in 2007 quit his other job to pursue brewing full time by opening up Half Acre. The tour was very informal - it’s a small space and Gabriel was open for questions any time. We tasted the barley grains they use to brew the beer, walked all around, and Gabriel walked us step-by-step through the entire brewing process. We learned about the origins of the names of the company, a few of the beers, and some equipment (one big stainless steel vat is called ‘George Michael’), and why one vat is completely covered in bumper stickers. Interesting little stories that make the place unique and memorable.
What I respect about Half Acre is that they could grow beyond Chicago, but they are very much interested in remaining connected with the city and their neighborhood community. Gabriel explained that beer is made to be brewed and consumed fresh, so their goal is to limit the time between when they package it and when it is sold on shelves of stores around Chicago, (averaging about a week) so you can enjoy their beer fresh. Half Acre also tests new small batch varieties almost weekly, but they go fast! The Daly Double was released on Friday, and I picked up 2 big bottles after the tour, but we were informed that the small batch varieties can sell out from their storefront in just a few days. Head on over to Half Acre’s blog to stay on top of when new batches are released.
Finally, after consuming 3 delicious pints in the middle of the day, you’ll undoubtedly want/need something to soak up that beer. After the tour comes to an end, may I suggest you head across the street for any one of the amazing burgers at The Bad Apple (extensive beer list here as well if you’re up for it).
If you’re interested in attending the tour, I’d recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before the scheduled start time. They are pretty strict about capping the tour at 60 people, and even with arriving at 12:15 pm we were probably around 40th in line.
Tours every Saturday at 1pm (except major holidays)
Half Acre Beer Company / 4257 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL
