Chicago Beer Hoptacular! returned Saturday, Nov. 5 to the Aragon Ballroom for another round of craft beer appreciation and the event crowned Destihl Brewery’s Dosvidanya Russian Imperial Stout the Beer of the Year. 5 Rabbit Brewery and Piece Brewery followed with 2nd and 3rd place honors, respectively.
1. Dosvidanya Russian Imperial Stout
» Destihl Brewery – Normal, IL
A double-mashed, bourbon barrel aged American-style imperial stout with opaque/black color, very high alcohol content, robust, roasty, rich & sweet malt flavor and aroma balanced with assertive hop bitterness, flavor & aroma and fruity-ester characters.2. Vida y Muerte Ale
» 5 Rabbit Brewery – Chicago, IL
The name means “Life and Death,” which reflects the seriousness that agricultural people placed on the harvest. The beer itself is loosely based on an Oktoberfest/märzen style, a rich, caramelly beer.3. Camel Toe Egyptian Pale Ale
» Piece Brewery – Chicago, IL
Pours a dark orange color with a foamy head. Very aromatic. Great depth of aromas: hops, pine resin, oranges and various citrus. Medium/full bodied with a very smooth feel.
