Howdy from Chicagoland

[lehkost]

I guess an introduction is in order? I really don't know where to start in these forums, as it were.

Since I google for answers to my questions about homebrewing and end up viewing this site often enough, I thought that it was only fair enough to join in on the discourse.

My name is Bob, and I am a 28-year-old server/bartender at a restaurant/beer bar in the western suburbs of Chicago. It is easy to lose sight of homebrewing aspirations when you spend five days a week immersed in some of the best craft brews around, so I found myself unwittingly taking a good year and a half off from homebrewing before I finally got my stuff together and started again.

I have made a number of extract-based batches in the past (with one failed attempt at all-grain...not that I'm dissuaded...I'll get back on that horse, I swear!). Last week, I whipped up a couple recipes and put them into action. They are currently in primary fermentation. One is an attempt at a high-gravity Belgian IPA, the other an Imperial Milk Stout with cocoa and chiles. For what it's worth, I've posted the recipes to my personal site, or at least the ingredient bills.

Other than that, I don't know. I feel like I've already typed more than is worth anyone's time reading, but oh well. We'll see if there's anything I can put my two cents in on here...I'm far from an expert.

Cheers,
Bob Johnson

 

[khiddy]

Welcome, Bob!

What are some of the tasty craft brews you serve at your work?

 

[MrInternet]

Welcome from Lisle! Which place do you work at?? (PM if you don't want it on the Interwebz)

Is it just me or is there a glut of Naperville-area people signing up in the last few months? We should think about a club.

 

[Trevor57]

I hope it's the Bavarian Lodge. I also hope you like to give free beer to people you meet on the internet. I'm in Wheaton too. Check out knaves.org

 

[MrInternet]

I hope it's the Bavarian Lodge. I also hope you like to give free beer to people you meet on the internet.

It's like we were twins separated at birth....

 

[DragonTail]

Welcome

 

[R2-D2]

Welcome from Naperville! I'm a big fan of the Grumpy Bulldog in downtown Naperville. So, I hope it's there!

I'm all for starting a small Naperville/West Burbs group of beginners. Just let me know the date and location!

 

[lehkost]

Yes, it is, in fact, the Bavarian Lodge. Where else could it be? If you go in there, we've probably met. I've been working there for over eight years.

As for the person who asked, we keep a list of our drafts here: http://www.bavarian-lodge.com/Site/Beer_List.html

I hope I don't get in trouble with the bosses for being explicit about where I work. It's the place to be around here, and I'll do my best not to say anything to embarrass them.

 

[lehkost]

I thought that I'd posted a reply...oops...let's try this again. Trevor guessed correctly, for what it's worth. Maybe I'll see you in there...I probably already have...I've worked there for over eight years by now.

 

[jaklro]

welcome from Plainfield il

 

[Trevor57]

Nice. I was over there on saturday. I got a 120 minute, and a Hop Whore.

 

[cheesecake]

Welcome From Elgin

 

[briewer2]

Please read the house rules on that website. Being a bartender on a college campus (a few hours south of you actually) , its just about the best thing ive seen in a while.

http://www.bavarian-lodge.com/Site/House_Rules.html

 

[ibrewit]

Welcome from North Aurora. I used to work in Lisle.

 

[lehkost]

Nice. I was over there on saturday. I got a 120 minute, and a Hop Whore.

You were sitting at the table in the pub room nearest the entrance, were the one at the table who didn't eat, and I was your server. Cheers.

 

[Trevor57]

Must have been a coincidence on the order. I was at the bar with a guy wearing an Iowa hawkeyes jersey. We stopped in from like 6:30-8.

 

[lehkost]

Wow...makes sense. We moved a good six 120s last week. It was worth the guess.

 

[Pappers_]

Please read the house rules on that website. Being a bartender on a college campus (a few hours south of you actually) , its just about the best thing ive seen in a while.

http://www.bavarian-lodge.com/Site/House_Rules.html

I love those!

 

[mklawz]

lehkost - I work at the St. Charles Homebrew Shop. Last year we had our Xmas party there, did you serve us?? We were towards the back at a long table. Unfortunately we are not having our holiday party there this year. I really fought for it, but they wanted to try someplace different.

 

[mklawz]

Wow, you work at the home brew shop in St. Charles.... do they have beer guns?

Good one. I cant think of a witty reply, but watch out, your boy is on the forum.

 

[lehkost]

lehkost - I work at the St. Charles Homebrew Shop. Last year we had our Xmas party there, did you serve us?? We were towards the back at a long table. Unfortunately we are not having our holiday party there this year. I really fought for it, but they wanted to try someplace different.

Yes, I was your server. Good times. You're a bunch of nice folks. I think I'm stopping in the shop in a little bit to pick up a few odds and ends.

 

[mklawz]

I was drinking that Dragons Milk like it was going out of style. And the Duchesse went great with my dinner. Great time. Your beer knowledge is impressive, and you are very good your job.

I wont be at the shop today, worked past 2 nights. Tell them lazy b*stards to get to work! :cross: