Twelve years ago, as I was just dipping my toe into the world of craft beer, a co-worker said to me, “You must go to the Bavarian Lodge all the time.” I had no idea what she was talking about. It turns out I was working around the corner from one of Chicagoland’s best beer bars. From that moment on, I left work an hour early on Fridays, took the last seat at the bar, and let the bartender educate me. On that stool I had my first Zombie Dust, Allagash White, Bourbon County, and on and on. The pretzels were good, too.
A couple years later, Solemn Oath Brewery opened just a few miles down the road from The Bavarian Lodge and, as luck would have it, most of my friends lived just a short distance away. On Memorial Day 2012, we were some of the first people to visit, grab a couple growlers, and drink beer made by the most exciting brewery in the suburbs since, maybe, ever?
For the first few months of its existence, Solemn Oath’s website was pretty basic. But its header image showed a stunning photo of a beer, its foam creeping all the way over the top of the glass, poised near the edge of the bar. I was obsessed with that photo. Eventually, I found out it was taken by Michael Kiser for Good Beer Hunting. Here was a website with grown-up writing about beer, and incredible photos of beers, the insides of breweries, and the people working in them. It showed me that this new hobby of mine had room for critique and big conversations.
Ten years later, you’re reading my words, looking at my very lackluster attempt to recreate that photo at Solemn Oath’s 10th anniversary party at the Bavarian Lodge on Good Beer Hunting. A lot of roads led to this photo and these words. I’m thankful for all the friends I’ve made in beer, and an opportunity to share all this with you. Here’s to 10 more years.
