Experience before you go . . .
So after we had our daily allowance of Lactose from Forbidden Root, we decided we had one more stop in us that evening. We scoured our Brewery finding devices and settled on Off Color Brewing. Technically in Lincoln Park, it is east of Wicker Park, near the Red Line at North/Clyborn. We dialed up Mr. Uber and headed over.
The main brewery is on Dickens, near Pulaski. We were headed to their Taproom, which they call "The Mousetrap". We meet John at the door. He's a colorful guy with a cheerful grin and he keeps the riff-raff out, but we got in anyways. The Mousetrap is a nice building with brick walls on the interior and wood floors and a very comfortable feeling. Erin is behind the bar pouring for us and Ben is the manager. The brewery has been in business for about five years and the Mousetrap was opened about six months ago. Erin pours me a Zwickel (the German name for sample port) called the "You Never Take Me Anywhere Nice". It's an unfiltered beer with a "rounder mouthfeel" and distinct bread notes (5% ABV). Joe has the "EEK!", a 5.5% ABV collaboration with Miller Brewing. Ben tells us that the Apex Predator is their highest volume beer, accounting for about 60% of their sales country-wide. And speaking of which, they are currently in 39 states! They've never made an IPA or a Pale Ale. The Apex Predator is a Farmhouse Ale and it caught me off guard for its full body and flavor. 6.5% ABV.
The artwork in the place (on the walls, on menus, etc.) is done by a Chicago Public Schools art teacher named Nicki. Ben says that the comraderie is strong in the brewery and they have a faithful community of followers, some who contribute to the brewery's success, like Nicki. Joe decided to take some of the artwork home with him, in the form of four fine beer glasses, packed tightly for the plane ride back to Orange County.
The beer heritage is strong here. One of the owners worked at Goose Island, another one at Two Brothers. Ben gave me a tour of their facilities and explained even more of their philosophy. They cater to the weather. In the hot summer they brew a lot of sour beers. In the cold, they brew more big stouts. Being summer, we tried a beer they make called "Spots". It's a 3.8% ABV beer inspired by Tiki drinks. It's a Berline Weisse beer with Melon and tropical fruit hints and a tart, citrus-y kick. Wonderful and very drinkable!
On the tour, we stopped at the five big red wine casks they have, with bright red trim. They also have two french oak barrels and one Calvados Foeder. Magnificent looking with the bright red trim and their huge size!
Thank you Ben and Erin for your hospitality and all the information you shared. Keep on rocking John!
I was very happy we stopped at Off Color. I know you will be too. Stop by their merchandise section before you leave, talk with John, and get some great T's and hats with more of Nicki's art work. Also, get some of that great, cold Off Color beer to go.
Until next time and remember.........
Go get'cha one!!
