In Your Guts

The Faithful

2011-10-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

Friends,

We've kept this blog rolling for some time and it will live here as a form of record, but our place for ongoing conversation is now on our new website. Having two places to call home no longer made sense, so we've streamlined things.

Those of you that kindly followed this website can now keep up to speed on our new blog.

Please come join us.

Thanks for the memories,

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Deals de los Muertos

2011-10-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

A word from the Monster Mash Pit,

Halloween is lurking around the corner and to celebrate, we’re gonna do it like we use to back when our parents picked out our outfits and the acquisition of unhealthy mounds of sugar was the only thing on the agenda. We’re gonna do October a solid by encouraging you to dress ridiculous and by desecrating some gourds. In fact, we would like to offer a treat to anyone who partakes in these sadistic rituals. It breaks down as follows:

-No Jokes, perform a noteworthy trick…receive 10% off Half Acre items
-Come in and make your Half Acre Purchases entirely in costume…receive 15% off
-From October 25th to 29th, bring in a thoughtfully carved pumpkin…receive 15% off Half Acre suds & duds

…make ‘em count though as both costumes and pumpkins will be judged by us with the winner receiving yet another treat. We will give you one guess as to what that treat will be…

Bob Away,

Half Acre Beer Co.

Pale Ales & You

2011-10-04T09:12:00.000-07:00

This is the week of sun and Pale Ales.

Tomorrow, Wednesday 10/5, we release growler fills of Mr. Ouroboros, the German-Americo Wet Hop Pale Ale brewed with Kolsch yeast, at our brewery. 6% abv

Fills: $15
Fill & Growler: $19

Friday October 7th we release growlers and bombers of Tasty Waves Pale Ale, the gusher that waves goodbye to summer in all the right ways. 5% abv

Fills: $14
Fill & Growler: $18
Bombers: $6.99 (drink it right from the bottle)
T-shirts: $20

Both beers released at 12noon when our brewery store opens. 4257 N. Lincoln Ave / Chicago

A late summer charge before diving into the weighty beers of the brisk days.

Also, remember this Saturday is the pop-up cheese shop featuring some limited / generally not found brews/cheeses & breads at our brewery. Read More.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Pop-Up Cheese Shop

2011-09-29T08:38:00.001-07:00

We're pleased to announce that next Saturday October 8, 2011, we'll be hosting a Pop-Up Cheese Shop at our brewery, featuring cheese from Cellars at Jasper Hill, and bread from Elmore Mountain Bread. We'll also have some specialty beers on hand, lending delicious support...of course.

Jasper Hill is a group of people in Vermont dedicated to creating and cellaring world class cheese. We were introduced to Jasper Hill by family friends at Elmore Mountain Bread, also mega-talented Vermonters. Maybe you read about both on our blog this past spring.

Anyway, we're orchestrating a day of cheese and beer at our brewery during Jasper Hill's upcoming Chicago visit, and following it up with an evening of continued cheese & beering at Lush Wine & Sprits on Chicago Ave.

The first part will begin at our brewery at 3pm. You'll find the below cheeses being plated el solo, and/or pressed into dreamy sandwiches on hand made/carried Elmore Mountain bread. Cheese goodies will be available for purchase - and available for accompaniment with a complimentary flight of sample sized pours, representing 4 of our particularly cheese friendly brews. In short, you buy the cheese, you get the beers.

At 6:00pm, we'll take down the Pop-Up, and make our way to Lush Wine & Spirits on Chicago for an exquisite continuation.

The Lush event will be ticketed, and will run from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Lush will be preparing an array of suitable accompaniments to pair with our beer and Jasper Hill cheeses. Contact Lush for ticketing info: (312) 666-6900

Cheeses:

Cabot Clothbound Cheddar - butterscotch, tangy, brothy, nutty
Landaff - bright, grassy, tonicy (best melter for grilled cheeses)
Bayley Hazen Blue - anisey, raisiny, chocolatey
Harbison - spoonable bloomy rind wrapped in bark - sweet cream, woodsy, herbal, mustardy

Oh my, if there were ever an event to savor! Please, come join us.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Waves

2011-09-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

As fall hits and summer fades we throw out one last toast to summer.

This beer is about summer today and yesterday, a mindset, an ease.....

Tasty Waves is the summer session pale that glides in and around your long days soaked in sunshine. It's a 5% cruiser we're putting into 22's and growlers.

Put down your ambition and ride these tasty waves while it's hot.

Release date to follow.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

The Cycle

2011-09-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

We first have to step back to our last beer, StickyFat, to truly understand this beer. The next beer about to gush from the tanks is Mr. Ouroboros. Mr. Ouroboros is the follow up wet hop beer to StickyFat. Both are brewed with freshly picked, whole cone hops straight from the harvest. Both are hop forward, juicy potions demonstrating the perfume quality you can extract from the cones. And, both are odes to the lore of the fields. We were joined by friend and fellow brewer Jonathan Cutler of Piece Brewpub to bring this beer to you. We utilized a kolsch yeast strain and bags & bags of whole cone Citra to land on a beer all its own.

Mr. Ouroboros is the ghost of Coney Bottoms, the one and only concrete evidence of the StickyFat Bear. Coney Bottoms, a simple minded farmer that happened to be puttering around in the wrong row when the StickyFat bear was gorging on the ooey-gooey, was taken down by the bear. Since then, the ghost of Coney Bottoms, who the hill-people call Mr. Ouroboros, resurfaces each cycle to loom, to lurk, to gurgle.

As one farmer's 11 year old son recounts:

"Daddy, I saw the Mr. Ouroboros creaking and cacklin' in the field.......gumming all he's got left of his hand and makin' creepy."

This wet hop brew pays homage to this cycle and Mr. Ouroboros.

This will be a draft only / growler pour beer. Release date to follow.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

StickyFat

2011-09-08T08:35:00.001-07:00

***This year we've brewed two wet hop / harvest beers.

Today we'll discuss the first:

Each year hop farmers trudge into their sea of vines and pull down the hop cones.
Most of these sticky chunks will get broken down and converted to pellets so we brewers can work them all year.
However, some are left whole and quickly passed to brewers for the purpose of brewing wet hopped harvest beers.

Last year we took these cones and brewed StickyFat for the first time. StickyFat is a dark ale that's spent time with the wet hops.
We've brewed this again. It's on draft right now in our store. You can buy it beginning today 9/8 at 12pm.

StickyFat of 2010 was anything but subtle. Many flavors flying in your face at once, each fighting for dominance. StickyFat of 2011 is more refined. It's a different beer because we used new hops from a different crop year with a different approach, but tailored well and built better, with a result we're pleased to announce.

Working with wet hops is a process without strict rules. The results speak to the year, the crop, the weather and the choices you made. StickyFat is here again, our tribute to the StickyFat Bear, the very tired, the very mellow bear that looks to get hold of the hops farmers nurtured all those months.

As one farmer of old was quoted saying:

"The Bear, he sleepy, but quick. He eat the sticky hop and run away. I got nothin' left cause the Bear's fat now. It's all gone."

Sad, but true. Come grab some of the annual Wet Hop brew for your harvest time session.

We made T-shirts again this year and they are sweet.

Growlers fills $16
New Growler & Fill $20

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Galactic Double Daisy Cutter: Destinations, Vol. 2

2011-09-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor Day, everybody. If you're spending the holiday out and about, soaking up our sunny city and suddenly find yourself with beer needs of the Galactic sort, here are your Galactic Double Daisy Cutter: Destinations, Vol. 2

Small Bar Fullerton (TAPPING TODAY!)
Binny's South Loop
Whole Foods Kingsbury
Beer Bistro

Ooh, and Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar in Bridgeport still has some GDDC from Saturday night's tapping. Thanks again for hosting us alongside all those other incredible beers, Maria's!

And remember, these kegs are tapped only when the good people at each establishment see fit. Alright then, enjoy today's holiday, and more importantly, a shorter work week.

Yay!
-Rog

Galactic Double Daisy Cutter: Destinations Vol. 1

2011-08-30T15:41:00.000-07:00

In an effort to get Galactic Double Daisy Cutter down the gullets of those unable to secure a bomber or growler on release day, here's a list of outposts potentially offering encore tappings of Galactic DDC in the near future:

The Map Room
Jerry's Sandwiches & Beer
Village Tap
Hopleaf
Small Bar Fullerton
Fountainhead
Bad Apple
Acre
Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar

A couple of things to keep in mind, keg tappings happen only when the good folks at these establishments see fit.

Also, there will be a Vol. 2 to this list.

Happy hunting. We'll see you guys out there.

Your faithful Brand Wizard,
Rog

The Skinny

2011-08-30T14:11:00.000-07:00

There's been some very passionate dialogue concerning our special release beers, their quantity, how they're sold, etc.

We first want to recognize that having this debate at all is a luxury. We could concept these beers, guide them through our tanks and release them to the sound of crickets.
Fortunately, people are interested and show up to see what we made.

When we release beers, throw parties or whatever, we do our best to think through the process and run things in the best way for you, the faithful consumer, and Half Acre.

Here's where we'll address the common issues we've come across:

Why don't you release beers on the weekend, so us 9-5ers can have equal access?

-We release beers during the week because Saturdays are our tour day, which already has 100+ people lining up outside the brewery every week. To have that line and then a release line would make life for everyone a little crazy. We haven't released beers on Sundays because like most of you, we need some rest. Much like you 9-5ers we work all week, too. We actually put in hours that can sometimes be described as "brutal," and "exhausting." We're tossing around some ideas and might have a solution, but that's why releases have been during the week so far.

Bottle / Growler limits.

-They've been to high and will be reduced for the first day or two after release.

Why don't you just make more?

-We have made more. We do make more and will make more. The amount of beer we produce today relative to two years ago is pretty staggering. We have expanded….dramatically. With that said, we struggle to keep inventories in line and have responsibilities to the people carrying our beer in bars & stores. Thumbing our nose at those people would be out of line. Additionally, we produce as much or more special release beer relative to our total production than any production brewery making beer in this thirsty country.

A lottery system

- This could probably work if we had the time and energy to effectively work out the details.

We are a small brewery that utilizes every hand on deck to produce the beer we brew each and every week. Our days are long, intentions positive and aim constantly geared towards improvement.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Tears

2011-08-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

We released Galactic Double Daisy Cutter this past Friday. It sold out by 7pm.

We first want to thank everyone that came, sent people, drove hours and showed an interest in hoisting this beer. We send out a pixelated embrace to each one of you.

To those that weren't able to get your hands on some of this brew: Bottom line, we thought it would last longer. Our last big release was for Small Animal Big Machine which also sold out in the same amount of time, but was half the volume. We thought double the volume would increase the odds of spreading this hop-goon to interested parties, but again we underestimated the passion for the sticky bits.

We're going to explore some other options, but none are great and all increase the rigamarole considerably, so we'll see what hits.

That's for your understanding and solid support.

Till Then,

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Galactic DDC

2011-08-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

Friday 8/19 is the day and the Galactic will drop at 12noon when we open.

This beer insisted on being a beast. Uber-hazy and jam packed with the sticky, Galaxy hops, this beer isn't for the faint of heart.
As if pulled from the core of a distant, inhospitable planet, The Galactic Double Daisy is juicy and dank, rough and tumble and beautifully ugly. Strap on your boots and pull down some of the ooze, Galactic Double Daisy is here.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Bottle Boom

2011-08-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

We've heard of two instances where a bottle of Small Animal Big Machine has blown. We want to give anyone a heads up that if they still have a bottle or two, they should be kept cold. We don't think you have to wear artillery armor in your house, just be aware that warm environments could be an issue and this has happened.

Should your bottle have an issue, then take a photo, get a hold of us and we'll make it right.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Whooaaa Donkey!

2011-08-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

Due to our chaotic packaging schedule and our plans to travel to the Great Taste Of The Midwest, we will be postponing the release of Galactic Double Daisy Cutter until next Friday 8/19.

We don't want to rush the beer and our ability to tenderly package it, so it must wait. We apologize for the delay and we'll see you soon.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Donkey In Space

2011-08-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

We're still set go go for the release of Galactic Double Daisy Cutter next Friday 8/12.
Here are the details:

22oz bombers: $9.99
Growler refills: $17
Fill with new growler: $21

6 bottle limit per person.

We begin sales at the open of our store at 12noon.

Request: Don't cellar this beer. Buy it and drink it. Hoppy beers are meant to be consumed fresh out of the gate -- they don't get better with time.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

In & Out

2011-08-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have noticed that when shopping at the Half Acre Craft Beer Emporium that we've had a less than modern point of sale system and that speed was not our thing. If so, you'll be happy to know that we've replaced the rock, chisel and abacus with a state of the art, low-end POS system that will have you regulars gliding in and out of this joint with ease.

This becomes of particular importance on release days when lines tend to get long. It will take us a bit to wrap our heads around this technological dynamo, but once we do, speed is ours.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Galactic DD

2011-08-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

TIme to dust off the old blog and drop some beer news.

We've brewed a variant of Double Daisy Cutter we're calling Galactic Double Daisy Cutter. This version highlights Galaxy hops, a bruiser grown in Australia specifically to make pallets numb.

We're giving this one some time to relax in the tank, but it's looking like it will land in our brewery store on August 12th. Should that change in any way, then we'll let you know. We will be selling bombers and growlers. We're even going to throw some wax on this one...

The label, seen above, is particularly galactic. What you can't see here is the metallic silver that will print in the gray areas. Two headed donkeys never looked so good.

Yours,

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

New Shirts

2011-07-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

We know it's too hot for shirts of any sort, but laws and stuff say we should probably wear 'em. If you gotta wear a shirt, and you dig these styles, consider the following, freshly available for purchase at our brewery store. Please excuse Mr. Zombie Mannequin Torso.

By the way, we've got Smalls and XXL's of each of these. Hungry for more? Check out our online store, where you can find other styles for sale, all from the comfort of your very own sweat lodge; http://www.bluecollardistro.com/halfacre/categories.php?cPath=1198

Love,
Rog

Captain Fantasy Release, this Friday, 7/15

2011-07-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

Our latest saison, Captain Fantasy, will be ready for you to sip and score the moment we flip the 'Open' sign at our Craft Beer Emporium this Friday, July 15th, at noon precisely.

This tantalizer for fellow fantasizers has long, lemony legs that stem from Sorachi Ace hops and spin-kick the pear-puree we threw in this brew, commanding savory submission.

22oz: $8.99

Growler Fills: $15 ($19 w/ growler)

Come…get 2 close 2 our FANTASY!

Happy 4th of July

2011-06-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

We wanted to get a blog post out there before anyone skated off for the holiday weekend.

Happy 4th of July to all of you.

There's something great about an all inclusive holiday that celebrates everyone standing in our country by lighting off explosives and consuming in excess. Everyone can get behind the 4th. Do some neighborhoods become reckless, dangerous places hazed over with smoke & combustion, yes, yes they do, but embrace it this weekend.

Enjoy yourselves.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Dripping over Everest

2011-06-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

Two things folks:

First, tomorrow we release Dripping Saison. We're really happy with this effort. We aimed to carve this beer from the heart wood of what a Saison can achieve during the warm months. Quenching.

Draft only: $12 growler refills / $16 with a new growler
Released at our brewery at 12noon on June 29th, 2011.

Second, we have some friends that like to stomp around the earth seeing new things. They've always been kind enough to throw on some Half Acre T's when visiting far flung places and snap a photo for the guys in the brewery back home. They're trying to win a competition that would send them to base camp in Nepal. All they need is votes. Voting is super easy, just two clicks of your mice. If you have a minute, click this link and vote for them -- they're really close to being in the top few that actually get to go and walk up the big hill.

Many Thanks,

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Dripping Saison

2011-06-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

The Dripping Saison will be released on Wednesday June 29th.

This is an all draft / growler pour beer, so bring your glass and take home 64oz of summer.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Southside

2011-06-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

You may have read yesterday's post on the Chicagoist.

We wanted to follow that up with one of our own:

As a brewery we don't take on any additional accounts, whether that's the northside, southside, Milwaukee or Denmark.
That means if you are a bar two blocks from our brewery and you're jazzed about carrying our beer, we can't accept the business today. We can't because we run out of beer on an all too regular basis at the bars & stores that have already been supporting our brewery. Our added capacity that we create in our brewery allows us to make good on the relationships that exist today.

These aren't distributor issues, these aren't law driven decisions and they certainly aren't preferential treatment towards one side of a city or location.

We appreciate the people and establishments doing interesting things across this city and hope with time we can access them without the concern of flubbing the brave soles that already hooked their cart to our scrappy wagon.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Forklifts are King

2011-06-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

We knew a long time ago that our forklift was the key to our brewery. Pretty much everything we do gets heavy real quick, so using our forklift is crucial, but these days someone is using a forklift almost continuously in our brewery.

We had a forklift called the Pork Chop Express, but the Chop was experiencing some technical difficulties and kept crapping out on us, so we brought in another forklift we're tentatively calling Digital Señor. We're putting Digital S. through the paces.

To illustrate our point that any self respecting outfit needs a forklift, I'm sharing with you a couple things accomplished with a forklift today.

First -- we got another 60bbl fermenter today. This chunker is sorely needed and will be the bookend in the almost complete line of new tanks. The last one comes in about three weeks. We used two forklifts to get it in and upright.

Second, when Matt innocently pulled up in front of the brewery today, ready to brew and do his part, the ground gave way and Matt and his car fell in. In my mind there are a couple things that you should invariably be able to rely on -- one of those is the earth below you. Not so today.

Fortunately, we were armed with a slew of forklifts and were able to pick up Matt's car and restore what simple truths we have left.

If you don't have one, do yourself a favor and go grab a forklift for your home or business. Father's Day is this weekend -- might I recommend a 5000 lb truck with a quad lift and side-shifter, they are the answer to most any lifting question.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

New Saisons; An Introduction

2011-06-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

We want to start by thanking all those who came out for Small Animal Big Machine. You guys crushed that beer in record time and turned out in record numbers. Steering clear of an emotional, Tom Hanks sort of sappy moment, I'll just say thanks and extend our appreciation for supporting our endeavors.

Next endeavors:

At Half Acre we typically only maintian one house strain of ale yeast, so if we veer off the reservation a bit we usually source another strain and try to get a couple beers out of it. A one brew stand is no way to treat our one-celled sugar metabolizing friends.

We just scored some Saison yeast so we're brewing two back to back Saisons -- the first is a draft only beer called Dripping Saison. This is aimed at a core Saison to aid us all in gliding through the summer season with a stable go-to session anchor. We took a bit of it and roughed it up with some off-beat treatment that may or may not eek it's way out to you, but the bulk will be poured into growlers at our store.

The second Saison is part of a two-part double brew with our friends from Short's Brewing in Bellaire, MI. For the first half we hit the road and brewed it in MI at their facility this past Monday. The second will be brewed this Friday here on Lincoln Ave before heading out to the My Morning Jacket show.

The beer is called Captain Fantasy. We're brewing identical recipes at each location with two separate labels of our own interpretation. Captain Fantasy is a Saison brewed with pears and Sorachi Ace hops. The beer should be pleasantly off kilter and our time with Short's is always time well spent.

Captain Fantasy will be available in 22's and for growler pours.

See you here or there.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Small Animal Big Machine this Friday

2011-06-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

Our latest collaborative effort, Small Animal Big Machine, is set for release this coming Friday, June 10th.

Small Animal Big Machine will be available ONLY in 22 oz. bottles.

Brewing trailblazers, Pipeworks & De Struise co-outfitted our foray into the funky realm of sour mash brews, fermented with dark cherries and red currants. The fruit cuts the funk but jumps back before crossing into candyland. A three-point landing for this steampunk: aroma complexity, balanced flavor, ABV punch.

Bottles will retail for $11.99 each.

There will be a four bottle limit per customer.

Half Acre / City Provisions Farm Dinner

2011-06-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Every year we team up with City Provisions to take a bus out to a farm where we dine on that farm's offerings and pair our beer.

This year we're headed to Dietzler Farm where we'll be checking out the ways of their farm, having a meal amongst it all.
In addition, Koval Distillery is joining us so we'll enjoy a cocktail hour featuring their spirits.

Every year we have a nice time spacing out from the city and mucking it up courtesy of a farmer who provides a lot of the restaurants that serve fresh & local products.

We hear there are still spaces to be had. For more details and to reserve contact City Provisions.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Beer Dinner at Isla Pilipina

2011-05-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

We patronize Isla Pilipina, a local filipino establishment on Lawrence.
They enjoy beer and we enjoy food: a barter system is born.
Through this enjoyable give and take we decided to kick up a beer dinner highlighting our collective offering.

Isla Pilipina will be dropping their main menu to pull out some filipino classics just for the evening.

Isla is a BYOB, so register for this food explosion and we'll bring the glug.

June 9, 2011
7pm
$35

Check out the registration info on their site.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

The Growlers Show Tomorrow.

2011-05-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

We will be giving away 100 tickets to the Growlers show tomorrow night, where we'll have a bunch of beer and good times to be had.

We'll make it easy. First come first serve at the Bottle tomorrow night. We'll have a man with the tickets outside the Bottle at 9:00pm. If come come and he still has tickets, then you get in free. You can buy tickets here. Additionally -- all Half Acre beers will be $3.50. You can't beat that. To top it off, slather some of the The Growlers "Beach Goth" all over it and you have a night to remember.

See you there.

Half Acre Beer CO
Chicago, IL

The Growlers

2011-05-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

Ladies & Gents:

This Thursday 5/26 we are setting up shop at the Empty Bottle for the "Half Acre Presents, The Growlers," show. We are taking over the taps, selling beers for $3.50 per pint and looking to let our collective hair down. That, to me, sounds like a trip worth making. We'll be pouring some off the funkier froth.

We're also going to give away a bunch of tickets for free -- details coming tomorrow.

You can buy tickets here to insure you'll be there, only $8.

Come and do this.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Meat Wave

2011-05-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

Meat Wave will be released tomorrow at our brewery @ 12noon, when we open.
Our event with Floyds & Dogfish begins @ 8:00pm in Bridgeport.

In addition, we're going to be grilling Brats at the brewery during the release. So, if you swing by for the Wave, we will also get you dining on meats that have been guided into casements for your scarfing pleasure. Brats are on us.

Lets get fired up, Chicago.

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

2011-05-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

Our ode to Chicago and its affinity for pork products rolls out.....

We're pumped about this beer. And now we can all drink it together. Earthy hops abound.

We release Meat Wave this Friday May 20.... We will dole out 22oz bottles & growlers.

22oz: $8.99

Growler Fills: $15 ($19 w/ growler)

T-shirts: $20

PLEASE NOTE: OUT STORE WILL BE CLOSING AT 7PM SO OUR RETIAL STAFF CAN HEAD SOUTH TO DRINK BEER WITH YOU AT THE COLLABORATIVE EVENT W/ 3 FLOYDS & DOGFISHHEAD.

Squeal Chicago,

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Bread & Cheese

2011-05-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

This post comes to you from our own Matt Gallagher:

My brother/sister in-law, Andrew and Blair, own and operate Elmore Mountain Bread, baking bread in a wood fired oven attached to their house in northern Vermont. They're located a few miles up a dirt road from the town of Elmore, which consists of a general store and a one room school house...the only one room school house left in Vermont. Their bread is historic....a country french, seven grain, baguettes, a brewers bread made with spent grain and beer from their local brewery, maple cinnamon raisin, and a few focaccia, which are intense. My wife and I were just out for a visit and I got fat eating and drinking.

Here is what we had for dinner one night: spoonable Winnimere from Jasper Hill, Hartwell from Ploughgate Creamery, Cabot clothbound cheddar from the Jasper Hill Cellars, Edward from Hill Farmstead Brewery, and Elmore Mountain country french. All procured while touring the mud roads around the area stopping in for visits at these innovative producers. Shaun E. Hill took some time to show us around his awesome farm brewery, Hill Farmstead, located in rural Greensboro. Inside Shaun's tasting room we ran into Vince, who works down the road at the Jasper Hill Cellars. He offered to show us around and we were blown away by their cheese cellaring facility built into/under their farm. We were also lucky enough to visit with The Alchemist and The Three Penny Tap Room. Both amazing.

You may have read about these places in the NYT, or any number of national food publications. Northern Vermont food producers are trending. And deservedly so. They all work extremely hard dedicating their lives to producing something authentic. And this dedication shines through in their products. We hear these words thrown around a lot in the craft beer world, so much so that they sometimes lose their meaning....hand crafted....artesian....small batch...local. Spending time in Vermont brought meaning back to these words. Here are some photos.

~Matt

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

An Event

2011-05-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

Chicago Craft Beer Week is racing toward us. Last week we posted some details about Half Acre events during that time.
A few of these nights are going to be especially great events for us; events that we hope you don't miss.

We'll be posting on each of these events to be a bit more descriptive and shed some more light on details and cause for the event.

First:

This Friday May 20, 2011 we are doing a collaborative event with Three Floyds -- and we just tagged in our friends from Dogfish Head, as well -- at Maria's Package Goods & Community Bar + The Co-Prosperity Sphere in Bridgeport.

Chicago Craft Beer Week, for us, is about getting out with our brewing brethren and celebrating what we do. It's also about highlighting Chicago and the beer scene that's rumbling in this city. There's plenty of places on the northside that spread craft beer cheer, but Friday we'd like to take you south to Bridgeport. Chicago's other hemisphere deserves to shine and Friday we'll shine with it.

Each brewery will have numerous beers pouring. We'll have something freaky on at Maria's, then an array of beer at the Co-Prosperity Sphere, which is a block away. The Sphere has an Urban Cowboy exhibition, we'll have someone spinning and some minor edibles to keep you on your toes.

Time: 8pm - 11pm
Cost: $10 at the door at Co-Prosperity

See you there,

Half Acre Beer Co
Chicago, IL

Half Acre on you iThing

2011-05-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

Hey, so who wants Half Acre wallpaper for your favorite iOS device? Below you will find links to Meat Wave and Small Animal Big Machine wallpapers. In the future, forthcoming (and possibly past) label designs will also be appearing in device-portable format, so get excited already.

For your iPad

Meat Wave - iPad Lock Screen

Meat Wave- iPad Background

Small Animal Big Machine- iPad Lock Screen

For your iPhone

Meat Wave - iPhone Lock Screen

Meat Wave- iPhone Background

Small Animal Big Machine- iPhone Lock Screen

I don't know anything about the dimensions of all the various Android devices out there. I'm strictly iOS myself. But if one of these sizes can't be adapted for Android, give me pixel dimensions you need in the comments and we will see what can be done.

- Phineas

Small Animal Big Machine

2011-05-06T13:42:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday we brewed a collaboration beer with Pipeworks and De Struise.

This beer is called Small Animal Big Machine. I would say that each influence had a chance to impact this beer and the result will be something of its own.

We did a traditional sour mash, used Urbain's yeast from Belgium and are incorporating a slew of fruit. This beer will be here soon.

22oz bottles will be yours.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Chicago Craft Beer Week

2011-05-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

Ladies & Gentlemen,

As you know, last year was the first real Chicago Craft Beer Week. It was a great week filled with your favorite froth from around town. This year, we as a city, are celebrating again: May 19th - May 29th (we're extending it to the 29th, but the technical closing party is on the 27th)

What does this mean for you and the breweries of Chicago? It's time to expand the range of what's possible in the art of consumption.

If you want to check out the Chicago Craft Beer website, please do. It should consistently be updated.

We're planning to leave it all out on the field that week. We're hoping to see you, the beer public, out at events all week long. We have a number of events that are sure to be kick-ass.

Here are the basics on where Half Acre & Friends will be. We plan on dragging out special release beers to all these events. You will want to check with the individual establishments when gauging event times / reservations, etc.

1. 5/19 (5:30pm - 8:30pm) Beer Under Glass. All local breweries at the Garfield Park Conservatory

2. 5/20 (Times TBD) Three Floyds / Half Acre collaboration event down south at Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar and the Co-Prosperity Sphere. This will be killer.

3. 5/21 (1pm - 5pm) Map Room and FIZZ bar & Grill for a Craft Day Afternoon

4. 5/25 (5ish - late) Half Acre Hike. We will start at our brewery with a special tour (registration will happen at the participating bars) then travel to Hopleaf, Acre & Fountainhead, where we'll be pouring funky beers.

5. 5/26 (9:30 show start) Half Acre Presents The Growlers at The Empty Bottle. Half Acre is taking over the Empty Bottle and their draft lines while throwing down with the sounds of The Growlers (awesome name). We will be giving away 150 tickets to this show.

5. 5/27 (night time) Half Acre will be joining our friends at Revolution Brewing for the closing event.

6. 5/29 (brunch time) Half Acre is gearing up with Small Bar Division to offer you guys a beer brunch. Delicious foods - including home-made pork roll, a New Jersey classic.

These will be some great events. Let us help you to embrace Chicago and it's culture of mixing intoxicating potions.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Meat Wave

2011-05-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

Chicago Craft Beer Week is rapidly approaching -- May 19th through May 29th.

We're leaving it all out on the field this year. We have a load of events, which we will post shortly. It is our request that you abandon any real life responsibilities and celebrate the mirth of craft beer with us for a full ten days. Details to follow.

We're going to release a number of beers in the coming weeks, but for one we aimed at capturing the essence of what Chicago is and how it's people do what they do. Clearly our city hosts all kinds of interests, but we combed the fabric of this town and came back with: Pigs.

Chicago has been romancing pigs and their tasty bodies in ways like never before. Pigs are hot, totally trending, and part of what we do. Chicago popular culture is running rampant with our succulent friends, while our history is steeped in pork parts.

What we're saying, is that Chicago has been entrenched in the pig for ages and we're about to climax. Meat Wave is an english-bent India Pale Ale that will be our Chicago Craft Beer Week beer. Earthy delicious, this meat centric offering is for you, Chicago.

T-shirts too....

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Northern New Mexico

2011-04-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

I recently went on a trip to Northern New Mexico and had a blast. Chicago and the high desert have practically nothing in common. Space is abundant, humidity is non existent and I didn't work for a second.

Living in a rad city like Chicago has its many perks, but dipping out of town to wander the canyons at 7000 ft has its benefits too.

Here are some pics from the trip.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

TWINS AHOY!

2011-04-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

The mighty Ginger Twin will once again drop anchor at 4257 N. Lincoln, this Friday, April 29th.

This hop thruster will be available on draft for growler pours, and in 22 oz bombers; multiple ship-in-a-bottle modeling challenges for you steady handed, sea fanatics.

22's will sell for $8.99, growler refills will be $15, and new growlers $19.

A beer befitting the burly brethren.

Longshoremen Be Ready

Ginger Discount:

*Anyone with God given red hair will be granted an 8% discount on Ginger Twin purchases.

**Anyone with God given red hair and a Longshoremen's beard will be granted a 10% discount on Ginger Twin purchases.

***Identical Twins will be granted a 15% discount on Ginger Twin Purchases

****Identical Twins with God given red hair will be granted a 25% discount on Ginger Twin purchases.

*****Identical Twins with God Given red hair and Longshoremen's beards will be granted a special treat (each) and 50% off additional Ginger Twin purchases.

(The Ginger Discount only valid at the Half Acre Beer Emporium located at the Half Acre Brewery & World Headquarters. 4257 N. Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL)

Long Live The Ginger,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

The Crusch

2011-04-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

Ladies & Gents:

We're releasing the Crusch tomorrow 4/13.

This Kolsch aims at warmer temps and the various happenings that go hand-in-hand. Roughly 5.5%, this one will be a growler buddy that won't be around long.

Draft only.

Only to be sold at our brewery.

Growler fills $14 ($18 w/ growler)

See you soon,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Marty & The Crusch

2011-04-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

Mart Stouffer's Wild America Barleywine is on schedule and ready to release on Friday, as planned.

22oz. Bomber bottles: $10.99

Growler Fills: $18 ($22 w/ Growler)

We also have another one-off to be released next Wednesday 4/13. It's a Kolsch called The Crusch. This will be a draft only release for growler fills at the brewery. Come by and pick up a growler, it's easy.......

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Goose Island & AB

2011-03-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

We've been getting bombarded with calls and questions about the sale of Goose Island Beer Co.

For the record: We wish Goose Island all the luck with their decisions, through the years they have earned the right to run their company however they see fit. They are their decisions to make and only they can understand them completely. They've been good to us, and for that we're grateful. We want what's best for the Hall's and their brewers. They blazed this path.

As for AB, well, we don't know those guys.

From where I sit, this industry is pretty great. Compared to all the truly horrible crap that happens in business -- the really terrible, sweat shop, working children to the bone, chemical rampant, human atrocity kind of crap -- this is pretty good.

Take it easy,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Marty Stouffer's Wild America Barley Wine

2011-03-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

We've been allowing Marty Stouffer's Wild America Barley Wine time to mature. Being as large as it is, we feel it can only benefit from some time to mellow and round out before we start ushering it into our bodies.

The release date will be: Friday April 8th, 2010.

There's a petition that's been created by a fan. If you're interested in getting Marty here to wash down some pints, then visit the petition and let your voice be heard. You can visit it here.

See you soon,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Longroom

2011-03-21T11:24:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night (3/22) we, as a clan, are heading over to Longroom to tip back some black beer. We'll be pouring Big Hugs, Baume', Chocolate Camaro & SS Simon Short. Come Stout with us and hoist dark beer while the getting is good.

7-10pm

Check out Longroom's Facebook post.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Ambrosia Drop

2011-03-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Ambrosia exists in 22oz bombers and kegs. It's time for you try this beer.

We will release Ambrosia tomorrow, Wednesday March 16th, 2011 when store opens at 12noon.

Bottles will be $7.99 + tax

Growler fills are $14 + tax ($18 + tax w/ growler)

Ambrosia is an interesting beer, and we're pleased with the results. Citrus snap melding with Hibiscus sweetness and warm malt notes. 6% abv gives it backbone, but clearly sessionable. Toast our longer days with this treat. *8-bit Monkey wants you to...

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

The Taj

2011-03-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

Some of the Half Acre faithful manage to tramp around the globe seeing one great sight after the next. They bring a little piece of us with them, and for that we're grateful.

For this installment, we have Kristin and Paul, of Patagonia fame, getting close with the Taj Mahal. Enjoy India.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Broken Brewery Tour

2011-03-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

To all who have come and plan on coming on our brewery tour -- thanks, we're happy to host you.

With that said, we have to make a change to how we operate things. People have now registered for our tour through June of 2012, which is awesome, but because it's free some people over order tickets then bring half the people, etc, etc. The tour is always full, or more than full, but we often wind up hosting people that have just decided to show up, which sucks for those that tried to register, but didn't try to buck the system. Long story short, it's broken.

First, anyone who has already signed up on our now unpublished Eventbrite page, fear not, we will still honor those reservations. Just show up with your printed reservation on the correct date and you will tour as planned.

For those who have not registered and would like to come on a tour, then the tour is at 1:00pm on Saturdays, you must be at least 21 years of age with ID and is first come / first serve with pre-registered guests getting priority. For non-registered guests, the tour is $10, which gets you a Half Acre glass and sampling during the tour. We take a max of 60 people, so if you're number 61, then unfortunately you won't be able to tour that day. If you don't make the cut off, don't be discouraged. You'll still have the option to sample beer in our store, and do a bit of shopping if you like. Getting to know the people drinking our beer is an opportunity we value highly, so please feel free to come on in.

This is not a perfected science and we reserve the right to make decisions that insure the tour isn't a drag for anyone involved. Thanks for your understanding and we'll see you at the brewery.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Ambrosia

2011-03-08T14:08:00.001-08:00

The release for Ambrosia will be next week. Not sure what day -- might do a midweek deal, but still not sure. Still haven't tasted the final version, but excited for this beer. Spring, this is for you.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

What a tank

2011-02-25T12:28:00.000-08:00

We welcomed a new tank this week. This one, like the last couple, is a 60bbl fermenter. This tank will get our inventories up a bit and allow us to keep on track. After all, you're thirsty, and we understand that.

We're doing better getting tanks into the building. We piss off less and less people, fewer car horns and lines of traffic. This one was almost a little too easy, barely a ruffle.

It was only a few tanks ago that an eccentric gentleman screamed and honked the horn constantly for a solid five minutes before continuing on down the street with more screaming and honking till his noise faded from distance. There's always next time.

Have a solid weekend,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Ambrosia

2011-02-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

We brewed a beer called Ambrosia that will soon drop out of the tank.

Ambrosia is a wheat beer brewed with Hibiscus flowers and Oranges. This one has been on the docket for a while and finally hit it's launch -- 22oz bottles & draft, but not for a couple weeks....

We recently took over more space in our brewery -- the last bit to be had. We moved our offices into this space and made our old office a staff break room of sorts that is now home to a gaming system (pictured above). The original Nintendo was video gaming at its finest. RC Pro-Am blew minds. Anyway, we scored a Nintendo, then the gun, and are now on our way.

This Ambrosia label featuring our own 8-bit creation surely nods to the pixelated wizardry of old. Can't wait till the beer is done.

In addition: if anyone is holding a working copy of RC Pro-Am or Mega Man, we will pay you for it.

Much Obliged,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Marty Stouffer's Wild America Barley Wine

2011-02-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

As a brewery this is our first "tribute beer." A beer brewed specifically to pay homage to someone or something that we feel lent an interesting twist to life. With that we give you Marty Stouffer's Wild America, a barley wine in honor of wild life's quintessential badass.

Back in the mid 80's to early 90's, before nature shows were commonplace, you may recall a show on PBS by the same name of this beer. It chronicled Marty Stouffer romping through the North American bush with a camera capturing burly creatures existing in the wild. A lot of serious footage caught of some amazing things. Personally, I'd tune in with my dad and watch Grizzlies throw down over territory, bighorn sheep drive their skulls into one another, mountain lions take down mule deer and Marty raising one cute-as-hell baby critter or another. Good times.

We brew this tribute beer because 1. A bunch of us at Half Acre watched these shows as kids and really enjoyed seeing these things. And 2. Because there's a lot of paths you can take when deciding what to do with your time, and deciding you're going to chronicle yourself raising a bear cub is pretty awesome. "I was thinking after school I'd try to land an entry level job, but instead I figured I document my life with this Grizzly cub in the hopes that I can reintroduce Grizzlies to the Rockies." Path less traveled.

So, maybe you got to see Marty's footage after he spent many years trucking through the back country, maybe not. Either way, surely you can respect people that apply originality to their thought process then have the balls to get it done.

We thank Marty Stouffer for hearing us out, allowing us to do this and for sending a bunch of Wild America box sets for us to watch. One of these box sets will be given to a lucky customer the day of the release.

This beer is a month or so out, but we wanted to prime you for this special offering. 22oz bombers & draft.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

The Threads

2011-02-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

Today we're launching a new online store for Half Acre gear. We're getting rolling with some of the basics, but hope to populate it with more rad items for you and yours.

If you have suggestions on items you'd like to see, then feel free to let us know. Enjoy superior shopping freedom on the world wide interweb.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Baume' & Callow Knife

2011-02-18T06:52:00.001-08:00

Today is the day for these two to ride with you.

Really happy with both of these......

We will begin selling both today at 12:00pm when the store opens.

Baume' will be available in 22oz bottles for $8.99 & growler fills for $15 ($19 w/ growler)

Callow Knife will be available for growler fills only for $14 ($18 w/ growler)

Callow Knife T's are $20

Alright then, lets move forward and get crackin'.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Over Ale Cans & Poor Island Bastards

2011-02-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

We mentioned recently that we're adding Over Ale cans to the line-up. Today we made good on that. You'll start seeing them pop up around town and hopefully gracing your glass before long. This beer is an unsung hero, and one you should partner with first chance you get.

I also wanted to mention that a select group of the Half Acre squad are now on the island of St. John. I don't know about you, but I feel awfully sorry for them. Today the thermometer on my porch said it was just below zero degrees. Yup, all that cold and they're missing every bit of it. Pictured above is a shot of one, Michael T. Carroll - resident Brewer & Troubadour, chewing the fat on a veranda with a freaking wine glass in his hand. My guess is there was some delicious food being cooked inside and each one had wallowed in crystal clear water most of the day. Suckerrrrrrrs! This is some of the sweetest winter we've had yet, and it's all ours.

Have fun in your tropical nightmare, ladies.

Our Best,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Double Whammy

2011-02-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

We've been under the gun moving the beer as of late. We pushed things this way and that way, but we're coming up for some special release air. Next Friday 2/18/11 we're planning to release two beers: Callow Knife Pale Ale (growlers only) & Baume' Chocolate Rye Stout (22oz bombers & growlers). One is a new beer that's late to the game, the other a yearly release that we brew as an anniversary beer. Both should land in a winter sweet spot for us all.

You may have noticed, winter has been powerful these last couple weeks. There's been much said of it, but that storm was awesome. I went out to wander the streets with the dogs that Tuesday night, a little after 11pm, when things were coming down hard, the drifts had formed and the lightning and thunder were in force -- it was a ghost town. It was great to see our city stop. Stopping is good sometimes.

Nature is king.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co.

Chicago, IL

Doom

2011-02-01T14:21:00.000-08:00

We've realized that the storm barreling down on our community is far too great to work tomorrow. Working tomorrow would be placing ourselves in harm's way. As a result, we at Half Acre will be forced to take shelter in our homes, the Devil's drink in hand, and wait this out.

Neither our brewery or store will be open tomorrow. If you need beer, come tonight. Open again on Thursday.

Hopefully you too can take nature's nod and use this opportunity to enjoy some pause.

Happy Snow Day,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Tours

2011-01-28T14:51:00.000-08:00

We've been getting a lot of calls over the last few months (a lot this week) about tours of the brewery. People visit our tour registration page and realize that our tours are booked up into 2012. We realize that's ridiculous and we would like to get more people in to take a look at the machine and listen to us blather, but there isn't any more time in the week, unless we compromise our sanity. We take 60 registered tour folks per week, and for now, that's all we can handle.

We do try to squeeze in a couple extra folks last minute, but that doesn't always work out.

We will get our best people into some sort of think tank environment and try to work through the code until we figure a way for you, the tour hungry, to get in this place. Till then, please hang tight.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Callow Knife

2011-01-27T15:15:00.000-08:00

We will not be releasing Callow Knife tomorrow.

A little of this and some of that and delay ensues.

This upcoming week is going to be a bear, but we'll serve it up as soon we're able.

Till Then,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Wearin' It Wednesdays

2011-01-26T09:51:00.000-08:00

From now on, our store will host a new Wednesday special we're calling "Wearin' It Wednesdays."

We have a lot of customers that wear their Half Acre gear with pride and now we will reward those flying the colors on Wednesdays. If you come in to our brewery store wearing Half Acre gear, then you get an automatic 10% off on any Half Acre product.

Our way of saying, sweet threads man.

Today is the first day, so lets hope you chose wisely this morning when covering your frame.

Cheers,

2010-12-23T12:22:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder: Anyone who managed to sign up for tours on either Christmas day or New Years day before we were able to discontinue registry -- we will not be offering tours either of those days. We are closed for business on both days. No tours and the store is closed. Thank you for your understanding.

As the holidays bear down us, we'd like to wish you all a pleasant holiday. The ability to step back and take stock is good for all. So, from our bizarre family to yours, Cheers.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Holiday Hours

2010-12-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

During the holiday season the Half Acre Craft Beer Emporium will have a revised schedule.

We will be closed December, 24th, 25th & 26th.

We will also be closed January 1st & 2nd.

All other hours will be the same. Thanks you for your cooperation.

Happy Holidays,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

On Photon gear up and Thanks

2010-12-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

On Photon is upon us. Here's what's what and a big thanks to our friends who are taking part:

Half Acre, Chicago IL

Three Floyds, Munster IN

Piece, Chicago IL

Goose Island, Chicago IL

Revolution, Chicago IL

Flossmoor Station, Flossmoor IL

Metropolitan, Chicago, IL

Pipeworks, Chicago IL

Short's, Bellaire MI

Dogfish, Milton DE

Cigar City, Tampa FL

Six Point, Brooklyn NY

Bill Kim & The Urban Belly / Shack Clan

Derek's Dogs

Nice Cream

Jim Shearer

The fine folks who bring us H20 & Photon particles

The creator of the portable bathroom & the people behind the people.

The guests bringing us music and, you, our guests.

Thanks,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Double Daisy Cutter / Doble Cortador

2010-12-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

The Double Daisy is now in consumption format. This one is a real treat to have around the brewery and I plan to take full advantage.

The first opportunity for you to take some in will be at our impending party, On Photon, this Saturday December 18, 2010. If you didn't score tickets to that event, then you'll be able to buy Double Daisy at our store in both growlers & 22oz bomber bottles on Wednesday December 22, 2010. We will begin selling at 12:00.

Prices will be:

Growler fills: $17

22oz bombers: $9.99

There's a 6 bomber purchase limit.

For those that will ask, this was a 30bbl bactch.

The DDC will also pop around town at your favorite watering holes.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Store Closing Early 12/18

2010-12-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

All those planning to shop at Half Acre Beer Co's Craft Beer Emporium on December 18th, 2010 should be advised the we will be closing early for a private event.

Store Hours:

11am - 5pm

Thank you

Half Acre Beer CO

Chicago, IL

On Photon

2010-12-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, we sold out our upcoming party, On Photon, this past Friday in record time.

We clearly upset some people and understand why. There's no great way to do this and every option leaves someone at a disadvantage. This is very much a learning process for us and we hope to improve things in a way that closer levels the opportunity for people to join us when having events.

I could go through our reasoning for doing things the way we did, but the bottom line is we thought we'd have tickets long enough and were doing things in a way that anyone who was truly interested could get a crack at them.

We appreciate your comments and will definitely take them into consideration when doing this again.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, I

Who Needs a Hug?

2010-12-07T15:29:00.000-08:00

Good people of the blogosphere, this is Rog, Half Acre Beer Company's head of snacks and morale, jumpin' in quick here to invite you all to come Hug it out with us tomorrow night at Archie's!

Archie's Iowa Rockwell Tavern rules for hosting, and is located at 2600 West Iowa St, in Chicago's 60622 part of town.

All 100% of a keg filled with this latest imperial stout, hugged in Dark Matter Coffee, will be tapped at 7pm. We're gonna drink it, then soak it up with complimentary vittles from pals at Derek's Dogs and Deli. At 10pm, it'll be time for a catnap.

Come to us, with open arms.

2010-12-03T11:13:00.001-08:00

All tickets have been sold out for On Photon.
Hopefully you got your hands on some.
We wish we could extend the count, but our brewery is only so big.

Thank you to everyone who waited in line and pit forth the effort. We'll see you on 12/18

Sent from my iPhone

On Photon......SOME details

2010-12-02T05:22:00.000-08:00

Tickets for On Photon go on sale tomorrow 12/3 at 12:00.

The cost is $40 per ticket / maximum 10 tickets per person.

Date of On Photon: 12/18/10

Time of On Photon: 6 - 9:30pm

Location of On Photo: Half Acre Brewery, 4257 N. Lincoln Ave

Total tickets available: 275

Here are SOME details:

Some of the kegs :

Half Acre

Three Floyds

Short's Brewing

Cigar City

Sixpoint

Piece

Flossmoor Station

Pipeworks

Some of the food:

Bill Kim, Urban Belly

Derek's Dogs

Dessert & WATER

Some of the entertainment:

Our resident vinyl roughneck, DJ Major Taylor

+ Special Guests

+ Many photon particles

Giving you all the details would take some of the fun out of it.

Maybe you made it out to our last party at the end of Chicago Craft Beer Week.

This will be better.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

The Big Middle Finger

2010-12-01T07:44:00.001-08:00

In years past, I'll admit it, winter has had me beat. The brewery gets cold, arctic temperatures while walking the dog, digging out the fork lift in the alley, etc. But not this year. We at Half Acre are taking a stance and our friend, Winter, gets the big middle finger.

First day of December and you want to drop some snow, no problem pal, I hope it's up to my femurs by mid afternoon. Twenty-five degrees, that's ok, let me shed a layer because the sweat is beginning to dampen my shorts and tank-top.

No crying this winter, Winter, it's all bravado and smooth sailing over here. Our first dagger in your side: Double Daisy Cutter. We've kicked up a big batch of this and it's gurgling away in our cellar as I type. It will first be available to be consumed at will during our party, On Photon, on 12/18. After that it will be available in our store for growler pours and in 22oz bottles.

So smoke that, Winter.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Hugs

2010-11-29T11:48:00.000-08:00

We'll be releasing Big Hugs Imperial Stout this Friday 12/3 @ 12 noon.

We're still walking the beer through its process so I won't yet speak to its pizazz, but we've got high hopes.

Growlers will $17 for refills & $21 if you need to purchase the growler, as well.

22oz bomber bottles will be $10.99 each

Destroyed rainbows, simply a bonus.

Hearts,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

On Photon

2010-11-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

Ladies & Gentlemen,

We're having an event at our brewery (4257 N. Lincoln Ave) and you're invited. This will be one of two events that we hope will bookend each year. The first: a winter celebration. A time to exercise the demons and flush it all out.

The cost is $40 per person.

Date of event: 12/18/10 from 6:00 - 9:30pm

275 tickets to be sold. Once they're gone, that's it.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday 12/3 at our brewery store only. Big Hugs Imperial Stout will also be released the same day & time (12noon) (another blog post to follow).

What's the deal with this party you ask?

A plethora of food, all you can eat.

An array of entertainment, maybe all you can handle.

An array of beer, all you can drink. A range of Half Acre beers, including Big Hugs imperial stout brewed in collaboration with Dark Matter Coffee and also Double Daisy Cutter / The Doble Cortador, which is fermenting in preparation of this night.

Also special release beers from other brewers you know and love.

All proceeds go to benefit this party.

So bring your demons and lets have at it together.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Pay-To-Play

2010-11-23T12:16:00.001-08:00

There's been a lot of buzz about a recent article that came out in Crain's.

Here it is

We've been interviewed countless times, asked to go on TV, etc, etc.

Here's where we stand:

We have sold beer in Chicago since August 2007 on merit alone. If we don't get or lose an account because a distributor or supplier wants to buy it out from under us, well, then that's not an account we wanted to have anyway.

We started a brewing company to make beer and share it with those who enjoy it, and that's where we focus our energies. Chicago is a great town that will support what it enjoys, whether local or from out of state and there's no shortage of great places that take part in the positive process that gets good beer to good people.

Is Chicago a complex town? Sure is... Was complex before we got here and will likely always be in one form or another.

In the end, a bar carrying a beer because of a sweet deal or a brewery or distributor buying their way through town is sad. Somewhere along the line they needed the sale too bad.

As for Half Acre, our time is best spent looking for those who do want our beer for the right reasons rather than worrying about those that don't.

And that's that,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago ,IL

SS Simon Short

2010-11-19T08:08:00.000-08:00

The SS Simon Short is ready to launch.

This 6%abv earthy porter is a reliable go to for your weekend needs. We've been drinking it since Wednesday and have taken quite a shine to this dogwatch porter.

Growlers only / $12 fills / $16 w/ growler

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Hugs

2010-11-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

And the cat came back.

Soon.

Thunder & Son and The Future of The S.S.

2010-11-10T15:16:00.000-08:00

Today we transfered Thunder & Son out of the fermenter in preparation to package it tomorrow. We'll put the final touches on it and have it ready to hit the streets once the store opens @ 12noon on Friday.

Our goal with the beer was to lay it on thick and create a beer that tipped the octane scales a touch. It finished over 12% alc and flexes some heft. We're big fans of brown beers and this one will aid anyone in grinding through the winter muck. The last couple days have been climate gift, but you know it's coming.

Next out of the pipeline is a porter called The S.S Simon Short that we should be releasing next Friday. The S.S. is a porter with some base earthiness that shouts out to the Fuggles and Goldings we used to hop the beer. It's still taking shape but we're excited by what we've tasted so far.

The details for Thunder & Son release on Friday & beyond:

-It will be sold at our brewery store beginning at 12noon.

-22oz bomber bottles are $10.99

-Growler fills are $18 ($22 is you are also purchasing the growler)

This beer should filter out to some of your favorite beer bars around town.

We'll see you soon..

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Thunder & Son

2010-10-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

The temperature dive is Mother Nature's way of saying "go ahead, fellas, brew some big beers. " Who are we to tempt Mother Nature?

So we brew the Tonka truck of brown beers, Thunder & Son Brown Ale.

We just finished the first of four mashes for this 30bbl brew. For those not steeped in geekery, that means this beer is going to be a real chunker, 12+% abv.

We'll need some time to wrangle this beer into bomber bottles and kegs, but it should land right about the time the frost does.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Thanks to Phineas X Jones for helping to bring our bizarre visual concepts to life.

Brewery Tables

2010-10-16T10:36:00.001-07:00

We've been folding, unfolding, moving, sliding and beating up folding tables in the brewery for a while now. They're functional, but look like crap and are less than what we'd like. This weekend, with help of an old friend that hails from the east, we're constructing new tables made with things that were either found or left in the building when we go it.

These will be burly tables.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

New Stainless

2010-10-14T13:13:00.001-07:00

Today the building sucked up another tank. This is the second of the series of 60bbl tanks that we're installing. Next one comes early December. Once we get this tank online, we're brewing a new / large beer into it - and this is exciting.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Wake Of The Flood

2010-10-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

We've been monkeying around with a new beer called Wake Of The Flood over the last few weeks. The goal was to lean on some rye malt with this beer with a flash of pilsner malt, back it up with some crystal hops and serve up our take on a harvest beer. We've yet to complete it, but we just pulled a sample from the fermenter and it's tasting solid.

Fall is in full force so this beer will drop at a time when it can be fully appreciated. So strap on your autumnal gear and hit the woods with this one.

We'll release it Friday when the store opens (12pm)

This is draft only, so bring your growler so we top you off with this fall beer.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Beer & Democracy

2010-09-30T16:00:00.001-07:00

This dude collided the birthplace of democracy and Half Acre.

Nice.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

A Formidable Gang

2010-09-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who came out to sip some of the beers we've made over these past months. You were more & bigger than we anticipated. We underestimated you, and clearly you're not to be taken lightly. We figured we'd stroll over there with some kegs and some folks would show up to quaff a few. Turns out, many of you came, there was a line to get in and the beers popped in no time. A learning experience.

Next time we will bring 3x the beer, obviously you're thirsty.

A big thanks to Mike Roper and the Hopleaf crew for hosting all of us.

Another big thanks to you for coming out and enjoying these beers.

Cheers,

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Another first

2010-09-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

Dave from California is hosting some new ink. The Shewolf is part of his life from this point forward. Not only is it awesome to have one of our labels cross over to the eternal status of tattoo, but it's also the one that has the heads of state of both Half Acre and Three Floyds drinking the milk of life from a female wolf. Perfect.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Taking Over Japan (we're pretty sure)

2010-09-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

I think this is the coolest piece of press that we've received to date, and we have no idea what it says. I imagine it says something about Half Acre melting faces with its tonics and how there's an active, underground black market craze for our beer that's sweeping the back alley, japanese underbelly.

Many thanks to Koji for stopping by the Half Acre.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Summer Is Dead

2010-09-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

The heat recedes to make room for the cold, and we have to make some room ourselves. We made a lot of different beers over the spring and summer and it's time to make room so that we can continue.

So, we make space in our cold-room by unloading a bunch of 1/b bbls on one evening, with you, at the Hopleaf. Wednesday, September 29th we're taking over the place. Hopleaf will pass food and we will offer up eight different beers:

(Some are getting a little long in the tooth, but we're drinking them)

Daisy Cutter Pale Ale

Guajillo Baume

Shewolf IPA (3 Floyds Collaboration)

Freedom of '78 (Short's Brewing Collaboration)

Bairn Farmhouse

Longthai Rainbow Rye

StickyFat American Dark Ale

Double Daisy Cutter

& Maybe more

10oz pours for $3.50

2010-08-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

The Half Acre Craft Beer Emporium will be closing early this Wednesday 8/25. We close at 7:30pm. Please make note. Thanks.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

2010-08-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

Bairn Farmhouse is now available in both 22oz bomber bottles and growlers.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Bairn Farmhouse

2010-08-20T08:08:00.001-07:00

The Bairn Farmhouse will be released at 4:00 pm today. Then, and only then, will we begin selling growlers and 22oz bomber bottles (Growler pours $13 / bomber bottles $7.99). These Saisons continue to be a wise decision to combat the summer swelter. Take it, summer.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

New Tank Pics

2010-08-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots of the new bright beer tank. This one is more squat than the conical fermenters that are coming -- just a fat pig.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL

Feed the building

2010-08-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Today we received the first of a series of 60bbl vessels. This one is a dish-bottom tank that we'll use to carbonate beer. In total, each will hold about 2000 gallons of beer, but we'll yield roughly 1800 gallons (60BBL) each time we use them. We continue to feed this building tanks. It opens and we send in another.

Half Acre Beer Co

Chicago, IL