Around The Bend Vera 4Pk

Around the Bend Vera 4Pk is a pistachio-infused American cream ale brewed in Chicago, Illinois, at approximately 5% ABV. Rated 3.8 out of 5 on Untappd with over 12,500 reviews, Vera has built a devoted following among craft beer drinkers drawn to its unconventional use of Caravienne malt and pistachio extract in a traditionally simple style.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: American Cream Ale with Pistachio  |  Brewery: Around the Bend Beer Co.

Production & Heritage

Around the Bend Beer Co. brews Vera at District Brew Yards, located at 417 N Ashland Ave in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. The recipe departs from the standard cream ale blueprint by incorporating Caravienne malt — a Belgian specialty grain that adds richer body and a touch of toasty sweetness not typically found in the style. Pistachio extract rounds out the grain bill, contributing a nutty character without overwhelming the ale's clean, easy-drinking foundation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light cereal sweetness meets a faint nutty undertone. The pistachio presence is restrained on the nose — more suggestion than statement.

Taste: The entry is soft and clean, with the Caravienne malt lending a subtle biscuit quality at mid-palate. Pistachio flavor emerges gently, adding a creamy nuttiness that stays well-integrated rather than dominating. The overall impression is smooth and balanced, leaning toward drinkability over complexity.

Finish: Short to medium, with a silky, rounded texture that lingers briefly. A whisper of pistachio and light grain fades cleanly, encouraging the next sip.

How to Drink Vera

Vera drinks best cold, poured into a pilsner glass or straight from the can. Its light body and clean finish make it a natural warm-weather beer. For a shandy riff, mix it with a splash of fresh lemonade — the pistachio note adds an unexpected twist. It also works well as a pairing beer alongside a charcuterie board, where the nutty character complements cured meats and mild cheeses. For a beer cocktail, try it in a Michelada-style build with a light chile-lime rim, where the cream ale base softens the heat.

Best For

• Introducing friends to flavored craft beer without overwhelming sweetness
• Backyard cookouts where sessionable ABV matters
• Gifting to a craft beer fan who gravitates toward unique ingredients
• Pairing with brunch — the pistachio and malt play well alongside egg dishes and pastries

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Vera taste like? Vera delivers a smooth, creamy mouthfeel with a subtle pistachio nuttiness layered over clean grain and light biscuit notes from Caravienne malt. The pistachio is present but restrained — enough to distinguish it from a standard cream ale without tasting artificial.

How does Vera compare to Indeed Brewing's Pistachio Cream Ale? Both beers use pistachio extract on a cream ale base, but Vera's use of Caravienne malt gives it a fuller body and slightly more biscuit-forward character. Indeed's version tends to lean lighter and more straightforward in its grain profile.

Is Vera good for beginners? Vera is an excellent entry point for anyone curious about flavored craft beer — the 5% ABV keeps it sessionable, and the pistachio flavor is subtle enough not to overwhelm anyone accustomed to lighter styles.

Where is Vera made? Vera is brewed by Around the Bend Beer Co. at District Brew Yards, a collaborative brewing facility at 417 N Ashland Ave in Chicago, Illinois.

What foods pair well with Vera? Grilled chicken or shrimp skewers complement the ale's light body. Mild cheeses like havarti or young gouda echo its creamy texture. Pistachio or almond desserts create a natural flavor bridge, while lighter salads with citrus vinaigrette contrast the malt sweetness. Eggs Benedict at brunch is another strong pairing, as the beer's softness cuts through rich hollandaise.

What sizes does Vera come in? Vera is commonly available in a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this beer.

Is Vera worth the price? Vera positions as an accessible craft offering — priced in line with other specialty cream ales and flavored craft 4-packs. Its unique ingredient combination and smooth drinkability deliver solid value within the flavored ale segment.

Why Vera?

What separates Vera from the growing number of flavored cream ales is the deliberate restraint in its recipe. The Caravienne malt adds structure and depth that most cream ales lack, while the pistachio extract is dosed to complement rather than dominate. With a 3.8 rating across more than 12,500 Untappd reviews, this is a beer that has earned consistent approval from a broad cross-section of drinkers. For anyone looking for a cream ale that steps outside tradition without abandoning what makes the style appealing, Vera makes a compelling case.