I’m out for a quick happy hour tonight, and got here a few minutes early to see what new beers are on tap at 5 Seasons westside. Lucky for me Full Nelson is pouring tonight.

It’s a pale ale/IPA that is apparently brewed with Nelson Sauvin hops — a new variety from New Zealand that very few brewers had access to — that impart some interesting spicy, and uniquely citrusy (grapefruit? lychee?) qualities. It’s bright, slightly malty, and quite tasty, if a little tart in the finish. I’d recommend a stop by to try it; it’s a limited edition one-time brew.

Tonight’s forecast for Chicagoland: snowy, overnight wind gusts up to 40 mph, with a wintry mix heading in overnight. (See the outstretched flags in the background?)

Yuck.

What’s a man to do? As in judo, use momentum to your advantage. In this case, go to Whole Foods (again), get a turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce panini — Score! — and a sixer of something seasonal
to wait out the storm.

With a Bell’s Christmas Ale in hand, I am ready to brave the elements (from my heated hotel room, silly).

Yes, I had a breakfast stout with my dinner tonight. And it was good.

It’s cold in Chicago this week (40 degrees, but pretty gusty), so tonight’s beer selection had to be on point to match the conditions.

Founder’s Backwoods Bastard could be one of those brews.

This is my first Founder’s, and it’s an impressive initial impression. As the label states, this oak-aged scotch ale brings loads of flavor (smoke, bourbon), and hides the 10% alcohol level a little too well. As I am trying to get some work done tonight, I’ll have to stop at just one.

Grandma Cathy stopped by to see Harper after her meetings downtown, and we’re having a tipple to celebrate the beginning of the weekend.

Lots of yeasty fun in this grouping — two saisons and a fruity wit — plus one for the bambina (Similac’s finest 22 calorie elixir).

Happy Friday!