Argus Private Reserve: Belgian Ale 7.2% available in bombers
Few combinations in the NW burbs are better than Argus events at Ballydoyle Irish Pub in Bloomingdale. The Private Reserve Series is a chance to preview their small batch, limited release offerings before those beers get bottled. The Argus Room at Ballydoyle is located in the southeast corner of the pub, complete with 5 taps, booths and table dining it’s a section that’s connected to the rest of the pub but allows for an experience separate from everything else going on around it.
Brewmaster Grant Johnston has over 20 years brewing experience, the last time he created a Belgian Ale it won a silver medal at the World Beer Cup in 2008 (at Black Diamond Brewing in Walnut Creek and Concord, CA) The Argus Belgian Ale checks in at 7.2% abv, it is a spot on interpretation of the style. Many people have a love/ hate relationship with Belgian Ales. I’m attracted to the spicy, earthy medley on display here. The Argus BPA has a smoothness you would associate with a lager, along with an aroma that almost has a banana nut bread quality to it. (one of my favorite smells as a kid)
The Argus Private Reserve Series provides a chance to dine with Co Founders Bob & Patrick Jensen, along with Ballydoyle Owner Phil Cullen. Bob mentioned going forward this event will give attendees the chance to pre-order beers in their high gravity series , all of which will be distributed in collectors edition 22oz bombers. The 1st of these, their London Porter is scheduled for release next month. Bob is committed to tweaking the recipe of his beers depending on feedback from these events. ” We want your honest feedback on the beers we bring, we are willing to make changes to the beer based on your responses…and if you don’t like the beer at all we could could always sell the recipe to Goose Island” he joked with attendees before a toasting the crowd.
I for one hope the final product tastes as good as the one I had on this feelgood Thursday night in Bloomingdale.
Between rounds and tasty h’ordeurves like sesame breaded salmon and conversations about Blues & Brews – a 19 yr old music and beer festival in, Telluride, CO I met a gent from Blue Island. If I wasn’t such a lush I would give you his name, this guy was totally cool as hell. ( I kinda hope he reads this) We discussed everything from homebrewing to the best spots to drink in the south burbs. He introduced me to a group called Beer Not Bombs, a group of people who enjoy beer and are actively working to promote peace and social justice. It was the most interesting of discoveries because this crew Beers Not Bombs makes bottle openers made from Peace Bronze™; a bronze alloy created from cabling that once powered disarmed nuclear missile systems! No longer sending launch signals to the deadliest weapons ever built, we are sending messages of peace through this very same material…brilliant!
For me that’s what beer events are all about, celebrating experiences with new friends. Parties like this give me chance to catch up with old friends as well, this is is our 4th feature on the Argus ..always a pleasure seeing a family owned business sharing their passion by hosting a great event.
