Tonight’s featured brewery was Lagunitas. A micro brewery that began when the founder was experimenting with small batches in his kitchen. Those small batches led to big dreams and Lagunitas is now the twenty fourth largest micro brewery in the U.S.
The nights festivities started with a purple all-American cold potato soup called a Vichyssoise. While a couple of patrons were leery of cold soup, their spirits were quickly warmed by the Czech style pilsner. A sophisticated beer that takes longer to make. Due to this many brewers avoid making this elegant beer all together.
The grilled endive salad was paired with Lagunitas Lucky 13. A bright hoppy ale that awakens the taste buds for more the more savory food to come. That savory dish was the seared duck and sweet mash boniato, paired with Lagunitas Brown Shugga. Smooth and surprisingly not sweet, the Brown Shugga has twice the alcohol content of most beers which aids in bringing out the flavor of the duck and its high fat content.
The night ends with an amazing butter rum pecan pumpkin cheesecake. Lagunitas Gnarly Wine is aimed squarly at the dessert crowd and brought out the spicy clove undertones quite nicely.
Beer School is held monthly, with a new and unique brewery featured each month. Don’t worry if you’re not beer savvy, Sheffield’s resident “Beer Dude” gives a brief tutorial before each course as to what to look for as you’re enjoying your brew. Beer, seared duck, and a “Beer Dude” all make for the education you wish you got in college.
Location
3258 N. Sheffield Ave
Chicago, Illinois
