Drinking at Work
How do you perk up a dull Tuesday? Drink at work!
Luckily, I have a new acquaintance: Gabriel Magliaro, who, with some friends, has started a new Chicago beer company, Half Acre. Their first beer—a tomcat-colored lager that is brewed in Black River Falls, Wisconsin—just landed at Pint, Rodan, Jerry’s 2, and several other bars in Wicker Park. I was intrigued when Gabriel called me about it; I mean, how many local beers are there? For a city this size, there is a dearth of homegrown ale. Business idea, people!
So Gabriel dropped off some beers, and, after a long day on deadline, I called a drinking time-out. Five of us gathered at deputy dining editor Jeff Ruby’s cubicle with our cold six pack of Half Acre. The verdict was, well, mixed.
Nora O’Donnell, associate editor: Thumbs up. It’s girly—but, then again, I’m a girl.
Graham Meyer, just-moved-back-from-DC assistant editor: Thumbs down. I think it’s too hoppy and fruity—and that’s not a good combination of things.
Jennifer Wehunt, events editor: Two thumbs up! It’s fruity without being a novelty beer.
Me: Thumbs to the side. I liked it at first—but now I have a belly ache. Whether it’s the beer or the vat of pretzels I consumed earlier in the day, it’s hard to say.
Jeff Ruby, the deputy dining ed: Thumbs up. I like it. It’s not brawny. Let’s see what Gorman Thomas has to say.
[With that, he gives beer to the Gorman Thomas bobblehead that he scored at a recent Brewers game. Thomas nods. But, before you read too much into this, Gorman also nodded at some spoiled beets we pulled out of the minifridge.]
What’s your favorite local brew?
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Coda is a blog by arts and culture editor Cassie Walker, who, love it or hate it, always has an opinion. During the course of her weekly culture hunting, she reviews high art and pop culture events so you'll know what you need to check out and what you can miss.
Comments to this blog are moderated. We review them in an effort to remove foul language, commercial messages, and irrelevancies.
Reader Comments:
Hilarious
which is better -- this halfacre or 312?
Honestly, I don't think there's a local beer brewed here in Birmingham anymore. At least, not one that I've seen anywhere lately. There used to be a restaurant/brewery downtown called the Magic City Brewery, but it closed in 2000...gosh, I am old to have remembered that. (thanks Google)
I like the Golden Arm brew at Piece. It's my favorite of the locals.
Cass, you're too funny. So when are they going to start exporting Half Acre to Gainesville, GA? We do like good lager down here.
Bill B
Thumbs up...I like to drink at work plus I got the verification question correct....