Art History Brewing in Geneva

Daniel Booth
Beertender and sales associate
The Beer Cellar
488 Crescent Blvd. in Glen Ellyn
BeerCellarChicago.com

Favorite breweries: Man, where to start. We are spoiled here in Illinois by the sheer number of breweries available to us, not to mention the quality of product being produced. You almost can’t throw a stone without hitting some good beer around here. Personally, I’m into plain, straightforward, old-world styles. That said, I can’t go wrong with just about anything from Goldfinger Brewing Company (Downers Grove). Art History Brewing (Geneva) is high on my list as well. I think a reputation for innovation and experimentation is becoming the hallmark of new-world brewing, but it’s the history and tradition of beer crafting that geeks me out the most. At both of the previously mentioned breweries, tradition is definitely at the forefront.

I also really enjoy visiting the space at Phase Three (Lake Zurich and Elmhurst) and Roaring Table (Lake Zurich). Of the two, Phase Three is where I’ll go if I’m after quality that pushes the bounds of convention. The rice lager they released last summer quickly became one of my preferred warm-weather quenchers.

Roaring Table, on the other hand, is another spot where tradition and detail are what it’s all about. In addition to which, their cozy, literate space is a prime place to unwind at any time of year.

Phase Three is where I’ll go if I’m after quality that pushes the bounds of convention. The rice lager they released last summer quickly became one of my preferred warm-weather quenchers.

Phase Three

Drinking tendencies: Like a lot of people, I’m a seasonal drinker. In the gray dead of winter, I’m looking for dark beers, my preference being for dry, uncomplicated stouts and porters. Shoutouts to Great Lakes Brewing’s Edmond Fitzgerald and Roaring Table’s Baby You Don’t Know. They’re like flannel you wear on the inside. In warmer weather, I’m after sours, lagers, pilsners and a clear, crisp pale ale. The Drowned Lands’ Brooklet, Pollyanna Brewing’s Lite Thinking and a lot from Dovetail Brewery will all inevitably find their way into my fridge this summer, in addition to all the other great summer sippers we’ve been seeing a lot of on tap lists recently. That’s a trend I can definitely get behind.

Recent beers that have caught your eye: We recently tapped a keg of Art History’s smoked porter, and I threw back three successive pints after my shift ended. I love a good smoked beer — lager, porter or otherwise — and Art History nails this one. Rich and delicious with just the perfect amount of smokey goodness in the balance. In my opinion, definitely worth a sip.

I love The Beer Cellar’s commitment to offering a constantly changing array of options to suit anyone’s drinking pleasure. … It’s a truly special beer drinking community, the likes of which I’ve never experienced anywhere else.

The Beer Cellar in Glen Ellyn

Favorite beer bar: Raise and eyebrow if you must, but my favorite place to drink beer is where I work, our very own Beer Cellar in Glen Ellyn. Before Ben and Dave brought me on staff here, I was a customer. I love the shop’s commitment to offering a constantly changing array of options to suit anyone’s drinking pleasure. As soon as one keg kicks, we’ve got a fresh new drinking adventure ready to be tapped. If you’re looking for a place that will confront your palate with something new and unexpected every time you visit, the Beer Cellar is your ideal haunt.

The staff here are great people, and each has an impressive depth of knowledge; together, they’ve taught me a great deal in a short time. But the best part about this place is the community surrounding it. We really seem to pull in the committed beer-geek and true believer. It’s not uncommon for our regulars to show up with rare bottles to share. It’s a truly special beer drinking community, the likes of which I’ve never experienced anywhere else.

Every year I look forward to the spring’s first can of Pseudo Sue from Toppling Goliath Brewing Company. For me, the mono-hopped quencher, with its crisp citra kick, is the perfect prelude to summer.

What are you looking forward to seeing on draft this spring and summer?

Not sure what it is, but every year I look forward to the spring’s first can of Pseudo Sue from Toppling Goliath Brewing Company. For me, the mono-hopped quencher, with its crisp citra kick, is the perfect prelude to summer. Maybe it’s because I had my first one in Bayfield, Wisconsin on a fishing trip near the clear waters of Lake Superior, the memory of which is still  woven into the taste of that beer.

Secret beer spot: I’m relatively new to the suburbs. I lived the last 13 or so years on the north side of Chicago. Every time I visit the old neighborhood, I have to stop in at Bottles & Cans (4109 N. Lincoln Ave.). It’s a great shop, with shelves packed with row upon row of — you guessed it — bottles and cans. Seems more like a like a beer library than a storefront. There’s plenty to browse, and the staff are always friendly and quick with a recommendation.

Best brewery you’ve hit on vacation: Oddly enough, I don’t often  find myself in breweries when on vacation. We tend to land in museums and bars and any place with live music. That said, if you ever find yourself in Cleveland (a great town for a fun three-day weekend), shoot on over to the east suburb of Willoughby and check out The 1899 Pub. While not a brewery per se, their name comes from their 18 taps and 99-plus item menu of bottled and canned offerings. That’s a lot of options. I recommend trying a bottle of Corsendonk, a delicious Belgian ale I’ve never seen anywhere else stateside. At 1899, they carry both the Abby Pale and Abby Dark varieties.

The 1899 Pub