Just as Chicago celebrates the first day of spring and puts a bone-chilling winter rife with Polar Vortexes in its past, Warrenville-based brew company Two Brothers pays homage to the cold weather with a new brew. Released late last month, Polar Vortex is a dunkel lager—a crisp beer made with German hops. Its medium body is lighter than the typical winter ale, but hints of chocolate and caramel maintain a warming appeal. Available in a larger-format 22-oz. bottle, even the beer’s packaging is reminiscent of winter, with a cross-stitch, Fair Isle-inspired label.
Beer connoisseurs—and bar-goers in general—are likely already familiar with Two Brothers: the brewing company’s Cane and Ebel (a hoppy red rye ale) and Ebel’s Weiss (a German-style hefeweizen) are popular pours in Chicago. Available at Binny’s Beverage Depot, 1720 N. Marcey St., 312-664-4394; binnys.com