Chicago Just Got Stoned

Finally, we are worthy.

Stone Brewing Co. - from San Diego, CA - began distribution to the Chicagoland area on April 1st. Stone Week, as the series of 34 planned events in Chicago and its suburbs has been called, will last until April 9th. Don't worry about the limited event dates - Stone beer will still be around for a long time!

Dale (left) and Pam Lewis (right) , owners of Finnegan's, with Greg Koch (center) from Stone Brewing Co.

Finnegan's Irish Pub, out here in wonderful Plainfield, IL, hosted an event on April 3rd boasting not only 30 different Stone beers on tap, but also a personal visit from the owner of Stone Brewing Co, Greg Koch. He is a pretty cool guy, and he signed an Arrogant Bastard pint glass for me - which can never be touched or even looked at, as that apparently will cause his signature to flake off. On top of the bookshelf you go, little glass!

 Russian Imperial Stout Flight. From Left to Right: '09, '08 Bourbon, '07, '06, '05

Having the largest selection of Stone beer on tap out of all 34 events is quite a feat. Here is the complete list of what was available - most of which still is, but only for a limited time:

• 07.07.07, 08.08.08, and 09.09.09 Vertical Epic
• 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Bourbon, and 2009 Imperial Russian Stout
• 2010, Oak Aged, and Dry Hopped Arrogant Bastard
• 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 Double Bastard Ale
• 13th Anniversary Ale
• 2009 Old Guardian Barley Wine
• Smoked Porter
• Smoked Porter with Vanilla Bean
• Sublimely Self-Righteous
• El Camino (Un) Real Black Ale *(Of which only two kegs were shipped to Chicago.)
• Stone/BrewDog Bashah
• Double Dry Hopped IPA
• Cali-Begique IPA
• Pale Ale
• Levitation Ale
• IPA
• Ruination IPA

 Main level taps

 2nd section of the main level taps

 Upstairs tap selection

My two big favorites were the Smoked Porter with Vanilla Bean, and the Cali-Begique IPA. The porter is a great dessert / finisher beer. Words can barely describe how wonderful it tastes. So far, it is the only one that Finnegan's is out of, and I can see why. Goes great in a float. The Cali-Begique is a very tasty Belgian style IPA, and pairs well with food. I was blown away by it. Both are definitely repeats.

And to finish things off, here was the menu from that night:

Flight and Food Pairing Menu

Cheers.