{"title":"Forbidden Root","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"forbidden-root-hay-fever-4pk","title":"Forbidden Root Hay Fever 4Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForbidden Root Hay Fever 4Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a dry-hopped farmhouse ale brewed in Chicago at 5.9% ABV, sold as a four-pack of 12 oz cans. Brewed with French Saison yeast and generously dry-hopped with Citra and El Dorado, Hay Fever pushes the saison style toward hop-forward territory while retaining the earthy funk that defines the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 5.9%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Dry-Hopped Saison  |  Brewery: Forbidden Root\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eForbidden Root holds the distinction of being Chicago's first botanic brewery, building its identity around botanical ingredients and classical brewing traditions reimagined with modern technique. Hay Fever starts with a light wheat mash and is fermented with a French Saison yeast strain, which delivers the rustic, slightly funky backbone characteristic of traditional farmhouse ales. The defining production step is a generous dry-hopping with both Citra and El Dorado hops, which layers tropical fruit aromatics—particularly pineapple and citrus—over the yeast-driven base without adding bitterness from a prolonged boil.\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 Musty earthiness gives way to ripe pineapple and tropical citrus, with a subtle funky undercurrent from the Saison yeast. The El Dorado and Citra hops dominate the nose, lending a fresh, almost juicy quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is soft and fluffy, carried by the light wheat mash that creates an almost creamy mouthfeel. Mid-palate, bright pineapple and grapefruit notes emerge, balanced by a clean, moderate bitterness. The French Saison yeast adds a layer of earthy spice and mild funk that keeps the tropical fruit in check.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean and moderately dry, finishing with lingering grapefruit pith and a faint peppery bite from the yeast. The bitterness is restrained, fading quickly enough to invite the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Hay Fever\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHay Fever is best served cold, between 40–45°F, poured into a tulip glass to concentrate the aromatic hop character. The saison's dry finish and moderate ABV also make it a versatile base in beer cocktails. A \u003cstrong\u003eShandy\u003c\/strong\u003e pairs well, with fresh lemonade amplifying Hay Fever's citrus notes. A \u003cstrong\u003eRadler\u003c\/strong\u003e using grapefruit soda plays off the beer's natural pineapple-grapefruit profile. For something more adventurous, a \u003cstrong\u003eBeermosa\u003c\/strong\u003e with fresh-squeezed orange juice highlights the tropical hop character alongside the yeast-driven spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-weather afternoon sessions where a low-ABV beer with big flavor is ideal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing craft beer drinkers to the saison style through a hop-forward gateway\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a backyard cookout or casual outdoor gathering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring Chicago's botanic brewing scene without committing to a full six-pack\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 Hay Fever taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hay Fever delivers bright pineapple and grapefruit hop flavors on a soft, slightly creamy wheat base, with earthy farmhouse funk and a clean, dry finish. It drinks hoppier than most saisons while retaining classic yeast-driven spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Hay Fever compare to Saison Dupont?\u003c\/strong\u003e Saison Dupont is the benchmark Belgian farmhouse ale, emphasizing peppery yeast character and bone-dry minerality, while Hay Fever shifts the focus to tropical hop aromatics from Citra and El Dorado. Hay Fever's wheat-based body is also softer and creamier than Dupont's leaner, more effervescent texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hay Fever good for craft beer beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its bright tropical fruit flavors and moderate 5.9% ABV make it approachable, though the subtle earthy funk from the Saison yeast may be unfamiliar to drinkers accustomed to straightforward IPAs or lagers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Hay Fever made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hay Fever is brewed by Forbidden Root, Chicago's first botanic brewery, located in Chicago, Illinois. The brewery specializes in botanical and ingredient-driven beers rooted in classical styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Hay Fever?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled white fish benefits from the beer's citrus hop brightness. Soft goat cheese echoes the creamy mouthfeel while contrasting the dry finish. Thai green curry matches the tropical fruit notes and is tempered by the beer's moderate bitterness. Roasted chicken with herbs complements the saison's earthy, peppery yeast character. A citrus-dressed arugula salad mirrors the grapefruit and pineapple flavors naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Hay Fever come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hay Fever is available as a four-pack of 12 oz cans, which is the standard retail format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hay Fever worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hay Fever positions as a craft four-pack in the mid-range price tier, and its combination of quality hop selection, distinctive Saison yeast character, and Chicago botanic brewing provenance delivers strong value within the specialty farmhouse ale category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Hay Fever?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHay Fever occupies a niche that few beers manage well: a genuine farmhouse ale that also satisfies hop-forward drinkers. The combination of French Saison yeast with a Citra and El Dorado dry-hop is deliberate—El Dorado's pineapple-forward character and Citra's citrus punch are chosen to complement, not overpower, the yeast's natural funk and spice. Coming from Chicago's first botanic brewery, it reflects Forbidden Root's broader philosophy of blending botanical intent with established brewing tradition. For drinkers who find traditional saisons too austere or modern IPAs too one-dimensional, Hay Fever sits squarely in the middle ground.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Forbidden Root","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838122487977,"sku":"27381","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"forbidden-root-strawberry-basil-hefeweizen-4pk","title":"Forbidden Root Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen 4Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForbidden Root Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen 4Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a botanical wheat beer brewed with strawberries and basil at approximately 5% ABV, sold in a four-pack of cans. Produced by Chicago's first self-described botanic brewery, this hefeweizen layers fruit, herb, and classic Bavarian yeast character into a single, sessionable package.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~5%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Fruit \u0026amp; Herb Hefeweizen  |  Brewery: Forbidden Root Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eForbidden Root Brewing Company built its identity around botanical brewing in Chicago, incorporating flowers, herbs, roots, and spices into recipes that draw from both traditional beer styles and the natural world. The Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen starts with a wheat-heavy grain bill fermented with a classic hefeweizen yeast strain known for producing banana and clove esters. Strawberries, basil, hibiscus, and natural flavors are introduced during the brewing process, while purple carrot provides a distinctive rosy hue — no artificial coloring involved.\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 Fresh strawberry leads immediately, followed by bright lemon zest and a gentle herbaceous lift from the basil. Beneath those top notes, the hefeweizen yeast contributes a subtle hint of banana and spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is creamy and moderately sweet, with ripe strawberry flavor arriving front and center but never veering into candy territory. Mid-palate, a mild tartness emerges alongside the basil, which adds a cooling, savory counterpoint. The wheat base keeps things smooth and full without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Light and quenching, with lingering strawberry and a faint herbal dryness. The finish encourages another sip rather than lingering on any single note.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePour into a traditional weizen glass to open up the aromatics; serve cold, around 40–45°F. This beer is designed to drink on its own and needs no embellishment, though a light garnish of fresh basil on the glass rim complements the botanical character. For cocktail-curious drinkers, it works in a \u003cstrong\u003eBeer Shandy\u003c\/strong\u003e with a splash of fresh lemonade for amplified citrus; a \u003cstrong\u003eRadler\u003c\/strong\u003e blended with grapefruit soda for a bittersweet twist; or a \u003cstrong\u003eBerliner-style Beer Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e topped with a float of elderflower liqueur for a garden-party serve.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-weather patio sessions where a light, flavorful beer outshines a standard lager\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing craft-curious friends to botanical and fruit-forward beer styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing alongside a summer brunch spread\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone who appreciates ingredient-driven, small-batch brewing\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 Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It tastes like ripe, natural strawberry layered over a creamy wheat beer base, with a cooling herbal note from basil and a mild tartness that keeps the sweetness in check.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen compare to a traditional hefeweizen?\u003c\/strong\u003e A classic German hefeweizen relies on banana and clove esters from its yeast with no fruit additions, while Forbidden Root's version keeps that yeast backbone but foregrounds strawberry and basil, resulting in a more overtly fruity and herbaceous profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — at roughly 5% ABV with approachable fruit sweetness and no aggressive bitterness, it serves as an accessible entry point into craft wheat beers and botanical brewing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is brewed by Forbidden Root Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois, a brewery that identifies as Chicago's first botanic brewery, specializing in recipes built around herbs, flowers, and botanicals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen?\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh goat cheese and arugula salads echo the herbal notes; grilled shrimp or fish tacos match the beer's light body; berry-topped desserts like pavlova harmonize with the strawberry character; and Thai basil chicken creates a complementary herb bridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is commonly available as a four-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a mid-range craft beer priced in line with other specialty fruit wheat ales; the use of real botanicals, hibiscus, and purple carrot coloring delivers genuine ingredient complexity that justifies its place above mass-market wheat beers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Strawberry Basil Hefeweizen?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eForbidden Root's botanical focus is not a marketing gimmick — it is the brewery's founding principle, and this hefeweizen is one of the clearest expressions of that philosophy. Rather than dropping generic fruit extract into a neutral base, the recipe balances strawberry sweetness against basil's savory coolness while letting classic hefeweizen yeast do its work underneath. The addition of hibiscus and purple carrot for natural color shows attention to detail that extends beyond flavor alone. For drinkers who find standard fruit beers one-dimensional, this wheat ale demonstrates how layering real botanicals can produce a beer with genuine depth at an easy-drinking ABV.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Forbidden Root","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838122586281,"sku":"30583","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"forbidden-root-wildflower-4pk","title":"Forbidden Root Wildflower 4Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForbidden Root Wildflower 4Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a botanical American pale ale brewed in Chicago, Illinois, at approximately 5.6% ABV and sold in a four-pack of 12 oz cans. Produced by Chicago's first dedicated botanic brewery, this pale ale layers real flowers — elderflower, marigold, and sweet osmanthus — into a citrus-forward hop profile built on Cascade and Mandarina Bavaria hops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 5.6%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Botanical American Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Forbidden Root Brewing Company\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForbidden Root Brewing Company operates out of Chicago's West Town neighborhood at 1746 W Chicago Avenue, founded as the city's first brewery devoted entirely to botanic beer. Wildflower is built on a grain bill of pale and Vienna malts, hopped with three varieties including Cascade and Mandarina Bavaria. What separates this pale ale from conventional examples is its infusion of elderflower, marigold, and sweet osmanthus — a fragrant shrub native to Asia with deep roots in Chinese cuisine — which collectively shift the beer's aromatic register from strictly hoppy into genuinely floral territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Citrus hops lead the nose with grapefruit and orange peel, followed by a floral bouquet reminiscent of honeysuckle and lavender. The elderflower and osmanthus add a sweet, perfumed layer beneath the hop brightness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is sweet and caramelly, with impressions of honey and savory graham cracker from the Vienna malt base. Mid-palate, Mandarina Bavaria hops push forward with grapefruit, orange peel, and fleeting notes of mango and lemon. The floral additions weave throughout, giving the beer a layered complexity that extends beyond a typical pale ale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbal, grassy, and gently piney with a bittersweet balance that doesn't overwhelm. A lingering flowery arrangement and crisp, clean snap keep the finish refreshing and medium in length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Wildflower\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWildflower is best served cold in a tulip glass or standard pint glass at around 40–45°F; the wider rim helps release its floral aromatics. Its moderate bitterness and botanical depth also make it a versatile cocktail ingredient: try it in a \u003cstrong\u003eBeer Shandy\u003c\/strong\u003e, where lemonade amplifies the citrus-hop character; a \u003cstrong\u003eRadler\u003c\/strong\u003e with grapefruit juice to double down on the Mandarina Bavaria notes; or a \u003cstrong\u003eBeermosa\u003c\/strong\u003e with fresh orange juice at brunch, where the malt sweetness and floral complexity stand up to the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing craft beer drinkers to botanical brewing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpring and summer backyard gatherings where lighter, aromatic beers shine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with herb-driven dishes at a dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone who appreciates experimental craft beer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Wildflower taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Forbidden Root Wildflower delivers citrus hop flavors of grapefruit and orange peel alongside honey, caramel malt sweetness, and a distinctive floral quality from elderflower, marigold, and sweet osmanthus. The overall impression is a medium-bodied pale ale with a bittersweet, herbaceous finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Wildflower compare to Dogfish Head Namaste?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both beers incorporate botanical ingredients into approachable pale styles, but Namaste leans on dried orange slices, lemongrass, and coriander for a Belgian witbier-adjacent profile, while Wildflower uses actual flowers and citrusy American hops on a pale and Vienna malt base for a distinctly American pale ale character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Wildflower good for craft beer beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — at 5.6% ABV with balanced bitterness and approachable floral sweetness, Wildflower provides enough complexity to be interesting without the intensity of higher-IBU or higher-ABV pale ales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Wildflower made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Wildflower is brewed by Forbidden Root Brewing Company in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, at their brewpub located at 1746 W Chicago Avenue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Wildflower?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled chicken with herbs complements the beer's floral and grassy notes. Fish tacos with citrus slaw mirror the grapefruit and orange peel hop character. Light salads with goat cheese and honey vinaigrette echo the malt sweetness. Thai green curry works well, as the beer's elderflower and osmanthus notes harmonize with lemongrass and galangal. Aged cheddar balances the hop bitterness with rich, savory fat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Wildflower come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Forbidden Root Wildflower is available in a standard four-pack of 12 oz cans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Wildflower worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Wildflower positions as a craft-priced botanical pale ale, reflecting the specialty ingredients and small-batch approach of Chicago's first botanic brewery — a reasonable value for drinkers seeking something beyond conventional hop-forward pale ales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Wildflower?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForbidden Root Wildflower exists in a genuinely uncommon niche: a pale ale whose identity is defined as much by flowers as by hops. The use of sweet osmanthus — rare in Western brewing but a staple of Chinese culinary tradition — gives the beer an aromatic dimension that standard pale ales simply don't reach. Built on a clean Vienna and pale malt backbone with Cascade and Mandarina Bavaria hops providing citrus structure, the floral infusions add complexity without masking the beer's core drinkability. For anyone interested in where botanical brewing intersects with American craft tradition, this is one of the more deliberate and distinctive examples available from a brewery that has made that intersection its entire identity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Forbidden Root","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838122651817,"sku":"27153","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/forbidden-root.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}