It's Friday, and that means it's time to start lining up your targets. To get you started, I'm stocking the pond with a beer that I've been especially enjoying this week, and it's another Chicago local. Because Chicago is PRODUCING. After that, you're on your own. Happy hunting.

Begyle Brewing — Crash Landed America Pale Wheat Ale

Kevin Cary, Matt Ritchey, and Brendan Blume from Begyle Brewing have been quietly working in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago since late last year after their successful kickstarter. They've collaborated with other local brewers, filled their delivery van (the former catering van from City Provisions deli), and taken advantage of self-distribution laws to stock the shelves at places like West Lakeview Liquors and Beer Temple. There's about half a dozen different styles available at any given time. And a special shout-out to Melanie Hudson, a high school friend of the guys who illustrates some of the coolest labels in the business.

Every bottle, from their stout to their IPA, has been well made and balanced, some more adventurous than others. They're getting their beer legs quickly. And now they're gearing up for the launch of their unique CSA model and their first Chicago Craft Beer Week with special releases and events.

I could have picked any of their bottles as a hat tip toward their continued success, but today I'm drinking their Crash Landed American Pale Wheat Ale. It's a sharp, well-bittered ale with some citrus and perfume in the aroma, backed by a slightly fruity and malty wheat backbone. The amber-golden color and medium body provide an uncommon richness in a standard wheat. 7%.

Enjoy your Friday afternoon. And kick off the weekend with Begyle's Crash Landed, and others —

Available in bottles:

City:
Bottles and Cans – Lincoln and Belle Plaine (North Center)
West Lakeview Liquors – Addison and Leavitt (North Center)
Gene’s Sausage Shop – Lincoln and Lawrence (Lincoln Square)
Andersonville Wine and Spirits – Clark and Foster (Andersonville)
Provenance Food and Wine – Lincoln and Leland (Lincoln Square)
Provenance Food and Wine – California and Logan (Logan Square)
Vas Foremost – Milwaukee and California (Logan Square)
Printers Row Wine Shop – Dearborn and Polk (Printers Row)
Gentiles Wine Shop – Taylor and Racine (Little Italy)
Eno Wine Bar – Michigan and Grand Ave.
Capones Liquors – 3678 N Elston Ave.
The Beer Temple – 3185 N Elston Ave.

Suburbs:
Artisanal – 414 Linden Ave, Wilmette (near Linden Purple Line)
Cardinal Liquors – 7780 N. Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL

Available on tap:
Acre Restaurant
Jerry's (Andersonville)
The Green Lady
Troquet
Fischman Liquors & Tavern
Rockwell's Neighborhood Grill
Marion Street Cheese Market
Amelias Good Food and Drink (Forest Park)
Atlas Brewing Co.
Fountainhead