There's lots of anticipation for pumpkin spice, cool autumn days and Oktoberfest, and that's great, but let's not rush summer – let's savor it. It's perfect beer garden weather, so celebrate with some fine, local craft brews. Here are just a couple of breweries to wet your whistle.
Across the street from the Lincoln Home is Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery & Eatery, 500 S. Sixth St., a staple in Springfield for over 10 years. Order from the bar in the bocce ball beer garden or go on in and look at the variety of flagship and specialty brews on tap: Ditzy Blonde, American Wheat, Mother Road APA, Upside Brown Coffee Ale (made with Wm. Van's roasted coffee beans), Isaac's IPA, Obed's Pride Amber Ale, and Hefenator Hefeweizen. The spring and summer brews on tap will help you get your recommended daily allowance of fruits when you sample the Strawberry Blonde Ale, Blueberry Wheat and the Tropical IPA. Don't forget about an apple a day – the hard cider is made from pressed apples.
According to Lauren Stead, marketing director for parent company Conn's Hospitality Group, some of the brews change seasonally and are not announced until two to three weeks before they are released. In other words, we'll have to wait patiently for the announcement of Oktoberfest brews and have a flagship beer while we're waiting.
Walking distance from Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery is Buzz Bomb Brewing Company, 406 E. Adams St., where you'll get a kick out of reading the beer menu: Barfight Brown Ale (American), Orange Whip (cream ale), Curse of the Golden Banana (Hefeweizen), Black Widow (cider), If You Don't Like Sour and Watermelon Stuff, You Won't Like This (Berliner Weisse), Walk of Shame (IPA), Angry Red Head (red ale) and Semi-Dry Hard Apple Cider (traditional).
Brewery partner Josh Flanders said there are more specialty brews available currently, and as far as Oktoberfest is concerned, some fan favorites might come back, such as the Poor Decisions Pilsner or the Czech Pilsner. Stay tuned for the full fall lineup, and in the meantime, check out Buzz Bomb Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 18, starting at 3 p.m. Buzz Bomb will be debuting several Oktoberfest-style beers and other local breweries will also be participating, plus live music, food, games and kids' activities.
Hail a cab, Uber or Lyft for a short ride to the Springfield Beer Company, 3788 W. Wabash Ave., which is next door to Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Since food is not served at Springfield Beer Company, owner and brewer Ryan Kunken suggests bringing your Freddy's order with you, or have dinner delivered so you can dine while enjoying a craft brew.
The tap list is too long to list all of the craft delights, but Kunken highlighted a few: Imperial IPA, Mexican Lager, Bohemian Pilsner, Blonde Ale, Apricot Milkshake IPA and a variety of ciders. He said Oktoberfest brews will be released mid-September, and Springfield Beer Company brews will be available during the Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival (Sept. 3) and the Devon on Tap Decatur Craft Beer & Music Festival (Oct. 8).
Jump back in the designated driver's vehicle and head east to Engrained Brewing Company, 1120 W. Lincolnshire Blvd., where you can order food and adult beverages made from locally sourced ingredients. Raise a toast to the brewery's ninth year in business. Brent Schwoerer, owner, founder and brewmaster, has brews on tap and craft brews available in stores throughout central Illinois.
Grab a seat at the bar and select a seasonal brew: Brazilian Bombshell (pale ale); Peach Seltzer made with 100% real fruit; Lemonpress Shandy made with real lemons; or Shandberry, which is half Lemon Shandy and half Blackberry Lager. You can also select from the eight year-round brews, starting with the Great Prairie German Lager or the Farmyard Hefeweizen, both winners of the Best of Craft Beer Silver Award, plus Lokal Hop IPA and Folsom Irish Red Ale. Don't forget the stouts, both flavored with coffee – Fox Moon Oatmeal Stout and the Custom Cup Coffee Stout.
Schwoerer will have the fall lineup soon and plans to create more seasonal varieties and one-offs, in addition to expanding Engrained Brewing Company's distribution footprint.
There's lots more where that came from. Check out the Illinois Times' Fall Guide for even more Oktoberfest events, and remember to party responsibly.
Holly Whisler is enjoying each and every remaining summer day and would like to try some blonde beers and maybe a milkshake.
