Blog

In this month’s brewery spotlight, we’re checking out 10 Barrel Brewing which was founded in 2006 by three natives of Bend, Oregon. Since then, they’ve expanded their operation with pubs open in Boise, Portland, Denver, and San Diego—but they’ve kept things tightknit, with the ‘team’ feeling more like an extended family of beer-loving adventurers.Thirsty for craft beer? Check out what we’ve got for sale at the Liquor Barn online store.16 BarrelsBilled as an American Strong Ale, this beer pours w …

Tailgate parties: a sacred American tradition for which we should all be proud. It also happens to be one of the best things to do with friends on Thanksgiving—after all, you need something to look forward to before the awkward dinner with the in-laws.The trick to a successful Thanksgiving tailgate party is to pick some reliable, tasty beers that aren’t going to knock you on you ass—and that’s what we’re here to help you with. Find these beers and more great tailgating drinks at Liquor Barn. Sam …

In our quest to turn the spotlight on some of America’s best up and coming breweries, this month we’re taking a look at AleSmith who are based out of San Diego and have been carefully crafting delicious beers since 1995.Originally founded by Skip Virgilio and Ted Newcomb, the brewery was eventually purchased by Peter Zien in 2002, who went on to become San Diego County’s only ‘Grand Master Level 1’ beer judge—which we assume means he knows his hops. You can find Alesmith and other awesome craft …

Summer and wheat beers pretty much go hand in hand. The reliably citrus and floral taste of a good wheat beer such as Hefeweizen are perfect for a hot day at the beach or an evening barbecue. A unique wheat beer from Germany that’s recently found its way into stores such as Liquor Barn is Gose (pronounced like the word “goes”). If you’ve never heard of it, now’s the time to learn!Gose is a beer that originated in the German city of Goslar, Lower Saxony. It was first brewed in the early 16th cen …

Are Jackalopes real? Do hybrid bear-rabbit-human beasts roam in the forest? Is that a yeti on your beer can? No, definitely no, probably yes.Jackalope brewing company, based in Nashville, TN, has a thing for brewing intriguingly hopped beers and naming them after fantastical creatures. The next time you stop by Liquor Barn, ask one of our friendly associates if we have any Jackalope brews in stock (and if not, maybe plan your next vacation to Nashville so you can pay pay this mythical brewery a …

When you pick up a gargoyle-branded bottle of any one of Stone Brewing Company’s beers, one of the first things you notice is that this brewery takes itself seriously. They also reserve a lot of scorn for certain unnamed mass-marketed companies who have sold watered-down lagers to ignorant consumers. Depending on your taste in beer, this either makes them geniuses who are ahead of their time, or arrogant bastards who should keep their mouths shut. Considering they produce an American double ale …

Back in 1986, three friends from Boston went on a trip to Europe. They were so inspired by the rich traditions of breweries in countries such as Germany and Belgium that they decided to start a brewery that emulated the love of beer and life they saw on their travels. Harpoon Brewery has grown a lot in 30 years, and now brews beers in Boston and at a facility in Windsor, Vermont. But to New Englanders, they will always be the first craft brewery in the proud city of Boston (not to mention, hosts …

It’s March, which means one of America’s favorite holidays is here: Saint Patrick’s Day!  Somehow it’s become a tradition to drink beer dyed green, which is something the Irish themselves don’t do. But they do know how to have a good time, and it probably has something to do with the incredible ales, ciders, stouts, lagers, and even IPAs coming out of the Emerald Isle. If you want to celebrate St. Paddy’s day like a proper Irish lad or lass, why not drink what they drink in Dubl …

Oh, boy. We’re so close to Super Bowl LI (that’s 51, for those who don’t understand Roman numerals), between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. In honor of The Big Game, you deserve a frosted one. Since the game will probably last about four hours, you’ll have plenty of time to sip on a beer or two. And besides the action itself, we all know that the commercials are why most people watch. Here are some of our all-time favorite ads for (what else?) beer. Which one is your favori …

Sometimes you just want to drink a pint of suds. It doesn’t always have to have some multi-million dollar branding campaign behind it, or four different kinds of hops. Yes, the lager hasn’t exactly gotten much love lately, but we do owe this unpretentious blue-collar beer a little bit of love. Here are some of our favorite lagers. Look for lagers and more at any one of our Chicago-area locations. Sam Adams Boston LagerAs the legendary New England-based brewery is proud to say, “This is the …