LINCOLN SQUARE — Winter Brew, Lincoln Square's craft beer-fueled response to the winter doldrums, is back, with two different experiences for ale lovers.
Tickets go on sale at noon Tuesday for both the annual Winter Brew festival, set for Jan. 30, and a new VIP beer-food pairing event, "Before the Big Pour," scheduled for Jan. 29.
Which option is right for you — assuming "both" isn't your first answer? Here are the details on each to help you decide.
• Winter Brew, DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave.: The focus here is on the beer. Lower entry price at $12 for admission; beers cost extra, typically $4 each. Greater flexibility, with two sessions to choose from — afternoon, 2-5 p.m. and evening, 7-10 p.m.
Who's pouring: Arcade, Begyle, Empirical, Finch's, Lake Effect, Metropolitan, Peckish Pig (Evanston), Sketchbook (Evanston) and Ten Ninety. Koval and Rhine Hall distilleries will also be mixing cocktails.
Tickets are available at the door only if advance orders aren't a sellout.
• Before the Big Pour, Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave., 7-10 p.m.: Showcases neighborhood restaurants as well as breweries. The $65 ticket includes seven beers, five food pairings, one cocktail and a cheese station.
Who's pouring: Band of Bohemia, Begyle, Breakroom, Empirical, Metropolitan, Spiteful and Ten Ninety. Koval and Letherbee will be serving cocktails.
Who's cooking: Bad Apple, Band of Bohemia, Fountainhead, Mash and Monti's.
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