{"title":"Ale Syndicate","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"ale-syndicate-richie-6pk","title":"Ale Syndicate Richie 6Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAle Syndicate Richie 6Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 6-pack of imperial porter brewed in Chicago, Illinois, with an 8% ABV built on roasted barley and chocolate malts. Named \"Best Porter\" by \u003cem\u003eChicago Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e in 2013 and ranked the #3 Porter Beer in America by \u003cem\u003ePaste Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e, Richie earned a 96 rating on RateBeer — a remarkable score that placed it among the top-rated porters in the country.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 8%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Imperial\/Double Porter  |  IBU: 32  |  Brewery: Ale Syndicate\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAle Syndicate was a Chicago-based brewery recognized as \"Best New Brewery in Illinois\" by RateBeer.com in 2013. The brewery operated from its location at 2601 W. Diversey Avenue in Chicago and initially worked with partner breweries throughout Illinois before establishing its own production facility in 2014. Richie is built on a grain bill of roasted barley and chocolate malts, yielding a restrained 32 IBUs that keep bitterness in check while allowing the malt character to dominate — a deliberate choice that separates it from hoppier imperial stouts. Note that Ale Syndicate has since closed, making remaining bottles increasingly scarce.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e A mellow char greets the nose first, followed by pronounced chocolate malt sweetness. Subtle dark fruit and toasted grain notes emerge as the beer warms in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is dominated by rich chocolate malt, delivering what reviewers have described as \"liquid chocolate cake with cherries on top.\" The mid-palate introduces a light earthiness and toasted malt underpinning, while a hoppy, gently bitter undercurrent keeps the sweetness from cloying. At 8% ABV, warmth is present but well-integrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean and semi-sweet, balancing the roast character with restrained bitterness. Lingering chocolate and toasted grain fade slowly without harshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Richie\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRichie is best served at cellar temperature, around 50–55°F, in a snifter or tulip glass that concentrates its chocolate and roast aromatics. A slight chill is fine, but avoid serving it ice-cold, which mutes the malt complexity. For cocktail-curious drinkers: try it in a \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Velvet\u003c\/strong\u003e (half porter, half sparkling wine) where the chocolate richness adds depth; a \u003cstrong\u003ePorter Float\u003c\/strong\u003e with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that plays off the semi-sweet finish; or a \u003cstrong\u003ePorterita\u003c\/strong\u003e — a beer-tail blending porter with lime juice and agave — where Richie's restrained bitterness and chocolate malt provide a sturdy backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollecting discontinued craft beer from notable Chicago breweries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a rich dessert course at a dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a dark beer enthusiast who values award-winning porters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCold-weather evening sipping alongside a fireplace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Richie taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Richie delivers a dominant rich chocolate malt flavor layered with toasted grain and a hint of dark cherry, often described as tasting like liquid chocolate cake. A gentle hop bitterness and clean, semi-sweet finish keep the overall impression balanced rather than heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Richie compare to Founders Porter?\u003c\/strong\u003e Founders Porter is a standard American porter at approximately 6.5% ABV, while Richie is an imperial porter at 8% ABV with a noticeably fuller body and more intense chocolate malt character. Richie's lower IBU of 32 also makes it less hop-forward than many imperial-strength dark beers, leaning further into malt sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Richie good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its 8% ABV, layered chocolate and roast profile, and clean finish make it an ideal standalone sipper, especially when served slightly below room temperature to let the malt complexity fully develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Richie made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Richie was brewed by Ale Syndicate in Chicago, Illinois, a brewery that operated from the city's Logan Square area and initially partnered with breweries across the state before opening its own facility in 2014. The brewery has since closed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Richie?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the roast malt mirrors the char; dark chocolate truffles that amplify the beer's cocoa notes; sharp aged cheddar, which contrasts the sweetness; hearty beef stew, where the malt richness complements braised meat; and cherry pie or black forest cake, echoing the subtle dark fruit undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Richie come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Richie is available as a 6-pack of standard 12-ounce bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Richie worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Richie positions as a premium craft imperial porter, and its accolades — including a 96 RateBeer score and \"Best Porter\" recognition from \u003cem\u003eChicago Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e — place it well above average in quality for its price tier. With the brewery now closed, remaining stock carries additional collectibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Richie?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew American porters accumulated the critical recognition that Richie earned during its production run: a 96 on RateBeer, a \"Best Porter\" title from \u003cem\u003eChicago Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e, and a #3 national ranking from \u003cem\u003ePaste Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e. The beer's deliberate grain bill — roasted barley and chocolate malts at a restrained 32 IBUs — prioritizes depth and drinkability over aggressive bitterness, a balance that distinguished it in a category often dominated by hop-heavy imperial stouts. With Ale Syndicate now closed, Richie stands as a piece of Chicago craft brewing history, and any remaining bottles represent a finite opportunity to taste one of the city's most acclaimed dark beers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ale Syndicate","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838063636649,"sku":"28382","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"ale-syndicate-sunday-session","title":"Ale Syndicate Sunday Session","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAle Syndicate Sunday Session\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 4.8% ABV session ale brewed in Chicago, Illinois, by the now-closed Ale Syndicate brewery. Scored 82 out of 100 on BeerAdvocate across over 100 ratings, this hop-forward session beer earned a following for its bright citrus character and dry, clean finish before the brewery ceased operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 4.8%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Session Ale  |  Brewery: Ale Syndicate (Closed)  |  Status: Discontinued\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAle Syndicate launched around 2013 in Chicago after a crowd-sourced funding campaign, operating out of a facility on West Diversey Avenue. Sunday Session was built on a pale two-row malt base and hopped aggressively for a session-strength beer, aiming to deliver full hop flavor at a restrained 4.8% ABV. The brewery ultimately shuttered after facing financial difficulties, including unpaid taxes and the loss of its lease, making any remaining bottles or cans collectors' items rather than shelf staples.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Opens with a pronounced hoppy, berry-like fragrance. Citrus peel — particularly orange — dominates as the glass warms, joined by subtle lemongrass and ginger undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry delivers a sharp burst of bright citrus hops — fresh-squeezed orange juice, mandarin, and cantaloupe. Mid-palate, bready pale malt emerges with a toasty warmth that tempers the hop intensity. Bitter orange rind and a spicy hop bite add complexity without any lingering sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Notably clean and dry, with that signature ginger-lemongrass character surfacing as the beer warms. Medium bitterness lingers without astringency, encouraging another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Sunday Session\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoured into a pint glass or tulip at a cool but not ice-cold temperature — around 45–50°F — allows the citrus aromatics to fully express themselves. Straight from the can or bottle also works given the session-strength approachability.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShandy variation:\u003c\/strong\u003e The dry, citrus-forward profile blends naturally with fresh lemonade for a low-ABV summer drink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMichelada:\u003c\/strong\u003e The orange-peel bitterness and clean finish hold up against lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBeer cocktail float:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its dry character pairs well when floated over a citrus-forward wheat beer for a layered pour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChicago craft beer collectors seeking discontinued local brews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSessionable day-drinking during barbecues or outdoor gatherings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHop-forward beer fans who want flavor without high ABV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTasting alongside other session ales to explore the style's range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Sunday Session taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with a burst of bright citrus hops — orange juice, mandarin, and cantaloupe — before settling into toasty, bready pale malt with a clean, dry finish that develops ginger and lemongrass notes as it warms.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Sunday Session compare to Firestone Walker Easy Jack?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are hop-forward session-strength beers, but Sunday Session was consistently described by reviewers as having noticeably more overall flavor depth than Easy Jack, particularly in its malt backbone and citrus intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Sunday Session good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its 4.8% ABV and dry finish make it highly drinkable on its own, and the layered citrus and malt complexity reward attentive sipping rather than demanding it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Sunday Session made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It was brewed by Ale Syndicate at their facility on West Diversey Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. The brewery has since closed permanently due to financial difficulties.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Sunday Session?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled chicken or fish tacos complement the citrus hop character. Sharp cheddar or aged gouda mirrors the toasty malt notes. Thai dishes with lemongrass and ginger echo the beer's warming finish. Citrus-dressed salads align with the orange-peel bitterness. Spicy buffalo wings find balance against the clean, dry body.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Sunday Session come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e It was available in standard 12 oz packaging. As a discontinued product from a closed brewery, availability in any format is extremely limited to remaining existing stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Sunday Session worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e As a formerly accessible session ale, it was positioned in the everyday craft beer tier. Any bottles or cans still circulating may carry a premium due to scarcity and the brewery's closure rather than any intrinsic luxury positioning.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Sunday Session?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSunday Session represents a specific moment in Chicago's craft beer history — a crowd-funded brewery's attempt to build a hop-packed beer that stayed under 5% ABV without sacrificing character. Its 82\/100 BeerAdvocate score across more than 100 reviews confirmed that the recipe delivered on that promise, with consistent praise for citrus intensity uncommon at session strength. With Ale Syndicate permanently closed, this beer exists now only in remaining stock, making it a genuine artifact of Chicago's mid-2010s brewing scene. For anyone who encounters a bottle, it offers a window into a brewery that aimed high on flavor while keeping alcohol deliberately low.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ale Syndicate","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838063669417,"sku":"27142","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/ale-syndicate-ale-syndicate-sunday-session-bottle.webp?v=1775787746"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/ale-syndicate.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}