{"title":"Smylie Brothers","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"smylie-farmhouse-4pk","title":"Smylie Farmhouse 4Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmylie Farmhouse 4Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Belgian-style saison brewed by Smylie Brothers Brewing Company in Evanston, Illinois, at 5.5% ABV, sold in a four-pack format. Driven by an expressive Belgian yeast strain, this farmhouse ale has earned an 85 on BeerAdvocate and holds a 3.5 rating on Untappd across more than 2,200 check-ins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 5.5%  |  Origin: Evanston, Illinois, USA  |  Style: Saison \/ Farmhouse Ale  |  Brewery: Smylie Brothers 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\u003eSmylie Brothers Brewing Company operates out of Evanston, Illinois, on Chicago's North Shore, producing a roster of styles rooted in traditional European brewing techniques adapted for Midwestern tastes. The Farmhouse ale is fermented with a Belgian yeast strain that drives the beer's signature fruity and spicy character, a hallmark of the saison tradition that originated in the farmhouses of Wallonia. The result is a sessionable, dry-finishing ale that stays true to the style's rustic roots without overcomplicating the grain bill.\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 Light stone fruit esters and peppery spice rise from the glass, followed by a subtle graininess. The Belgian yeast strain announces itself immediately with classic farmhouse aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is crisp and lightly fruited, giving way to a mid-palate defined by dry, bready malt and restrained spice from the yeast. The body remains light enough to stay refreshing while delivering genuine complexity—fruity esters and a gentle peppery bite build without becoming heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry and clean, with lingering spice and a faint mineral quality. The finish encourages the next sip rather than demanding contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Smylie Farmhouse\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePour into a tulip glass or Belgian-style goblet to release the yeast-driven aromatics; serving temperature around 45–50°F brings out the best balance of fruit and spice. This saison also works in several cocktail and beer-cocktail contexts:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSaison Shandy:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mix with fresh lemonade for a tart, effervescent warm-weather drink that amplifies the beer's citrus-adjacent fruit notes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFarmhouse Michelada:\u003c\/strong\u003e The dry, spicy profile pairs naturally with lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice for a savory riff on the classic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBeer Mimosa:\u003c\/strong\u003e Substitute for champagne alongside fresh orange juice—the yeast spice adds dimension that sparkling wine cannot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeekend backyard grilling sessions where a low-ABV, flavorful beer keeps the day going\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing craft-curious friends to Belgian-style ales without overwhelming bitterness or high alcohol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing experiments at a dinner party focused on cheese and charcuterie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupporting a local Illinois brewery with a well-executed, traditional European style\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 Smylie Farmhouse taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smylie Farmhouse is crisp, dry, and light-bodied with fruity esters and peppery spice produced by its Belgian yeast strain. It drinks refreshingly clean with more complexity than its 5.5% ABV might suggest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Smylie Farmhouse compare to Saison Dupont?\u003c\/strong\u003e Saison Dupont, widely regarded as the benchmark for the style, comes in at a higher 6.5% ABV with more assertive carbonation and bitterness. Smylie Farmhouse is a lighter, more approachable take on the saison tradition that trades some of that intensity for easy-drinking sessionability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Smylie Farmhouse good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its modest 5.5% ABV, clean finish, and balanced fruit-spice character make it an excellent gateway into Belgian-style farmhouse ales for drinkers more familiar with lagers or wheat beers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Smylie Farmhouse made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smylie Farmhouse is brewed by Smylie Brothers Brewing Company in Evanston, Illinois, a city directly north of Chicago on the Lake Michigan shoreline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Smylie Farmhouse?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled chicken or pork benefit from the beer's dry spice cutting through char and fat. Aged Gruyère and other nutty, semi-hard cheeses mirror the yeast complexity. Mussels steamed in white wine echo the Belgian heritage. Fresh salads with goat cheese and vinaigrette match the ale's acidity and lightness. Roasted root vegetables complement the subtle grain and pepper notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Smylie Farmhouse come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smylie Farmhouse is available in a four-pack format, which is the standard retail packaging for this expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Smylie Farmhouse worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smylie Farmhouse positions as an accessible, everyday craft saison—priced in line with other local Illinois craft four-packs, it delivers legitimate Belgian-style character without demanding a specialty-import budget.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Smylie Farmhouse?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this saison from the growing crowd of American-brewed farmhouse ales is its restraint. The Belgian yeast strain does the heavy lifting, producing genuinely expressive fruit and spice aromatics while the base beer stays lean and dry at just 5.5% ABV. With an 85 on BeerAdvocate and consistent community ratings on Untappd, it has quietly built a reputation as a reliable, well-made saison from a respected Evanston brewery. For drinkers who want authentic farmhouse character brewed locally on Chicago's North Shore, this four-pack delivers exactly that.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smylie Brothers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838314377385,"sku":"33803","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"smylie-lager-4pk","title":"Smylie Lager 4Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmylie Lager 4Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Bavarian-style Helles lager brewed with Pilsner malt and German noble hops, sold in a four-pack from Evanston, Illinois. Produced by Smylie Brothers Brewing Company — Evanston's first brewery — this lager earned a 3.5 out of 5 rating across more than 900 reviews on Untappd, reflecting consistent appreciation for its straightforward, old-world character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Style: Helles Lager  |  Origin: Evanston, Illinois, USA  |  Brewery: Smylie Brothers Brewing Company  |  Format: 4-Pack\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSmylie Brothers Brewing Company was founded by owner Mike Smylie and led in the brewhouse by Head Brewer Brad Pulver. The brewery operated a custom 10-barrel brewhouse built to specification by W.M. Sprinkman Corp. of Franksville, Wisconsin, producing 310 gallons per batch. Their Helles-style lager relied on a simple grain bill anchored by Pilsner malt and bittered with traditional German noble hop varieties, staying faithful to the Bavarian template that emphasizes malt clarity and restrained hop character over complexity.\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 Light bready grain leads, followed by a subtle floral and slightly herbal note from the noble hops. The nose is restrained and clean, consistent with the Helles tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate opens with soft, rounded Pilsner malt sweetness — think fresh bread crust and a touch of honey-like grain. At mid-palate, the German noble hops provide gentle balance without bitterness, keeping the profile approachable and malt-forward. The overall impression is crisp and clean with minimal residual sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Short to medium in length, ending dry and refreshing with a faint cracker-like malt echo. There is no lingering hop bitterness, making it extremely drinkable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Smylie Lager\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePour cold into a Pilsner glass or a clean pint glass to appreciate its pale gold color and subtle aromatics. This lager is best enjoyed fresh and well-chilled, straight from the can or on draft if available. For cocktail applications: a \u003cstrong\u003eShandy\u003c\/strong\u003e pairs the lager's clean malt with fresh lemonade for a summer staple; a \u003cstrong\u003eMichelada\u003c\/strong\u003e works well because the lager's neutral profile lets the lime, hot sauce, and Clamato take center stage; and a \u003cstrong\u003eRadler\u003c\/strong\u003e with grapefruit juice complements the subtle grain sweetness without clashing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackyard cookouts and warm-weather gatherings where easy-drinking beer is essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing craft-curious drinkers to traditional European lager styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing alongside a casual meal where the beer should complement rather than compete\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStocking a cooler for a day on the lake or tailgate where sessionability matters\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 Smylie Lager taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smylie Lager delivers clean Pilsner malt sweetness balanced by a gentle floral and herbal hop presence from German noble varieties. It is crisp, light-bodied, and finishes dry with minimal bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Smylie Lager compare to Spaten Premium Lager?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Bavarian-style Helles lagers built on Pilsner malt and noble hops, but Smylie Lager is an American craft interpretation brewed in small 10-barrel batches in Evanston, Illinois. Spaten, by contrast, is a legacy Munich brewery dating to 1397 with global distribution and a slightly fuller body typical of its long lagering tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Smylie Lager good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — Helles lagers are among the most approachable beer styles, and Smylie Lager's clean, malt-forward profile with restrained bitterness makes it an excellent entry point into craft beer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Smylie Lager made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smylie Lager was brewed by Smylie Brothers Brewing Company in Evanston, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. The brewery was Evanston's first and operated a 10-barrel brewhouse custom-built by W.M. Sprinkman Corp.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Smylie Lager?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled bratwurst or sausages echo the beer's German roots; a soft pretzel with mustard complements the bready malt; light salads with citrus vinaigrette match its crisp finish; fried fish or fish tacos benefit from the lager's palate-cleansing carbonation; and mild cheeses like Havarti or young Gouda won't overpower the subtle flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Smylie Lager come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smylie Lager is available as a four-pack; specific can size has not been independently verified but craft four-packs are typically packaged in 16 oz cans.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Smylie Lager worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smylie Lager positions in the standard craft beer value tier — priced in line with other local craft lagers. For drinkers who appreciate a faithful Helles interpretation from a small-batch Illinois brewery, the four-pack format represents solid everyday value.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Smylie Lager?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat distinguishes Smylie Lager is its disciplined adherence to the Bavarian Helles template, brewed on a purpose-built 10-barrel system designed for precision. Rather than chasing hop-heavy trends, the brewery committed to Pilsner malt purity and noble hop restraint — a philosophy that resonated with over 900 Untappd reviewers who rated it 3.5 out of 5. As a product of Evanston's first brewery, this lager represents a specific moment in Chicago's north shore craft beer history and a genuine small-batch take on one of Germany's most revered styles.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smylie Brothers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838314475689,"sku":"33802","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"smylie-wolcott-ipa-4pk","title":"Smylie Wolcott IPA 4Pk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmylie Wolcott IPA 4Pk\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 6% ABV American IPA from Smylie Brothers Brewing Company in Chicago, Illinois, sold as a four-pack. Named after the brewery's home street address on Wolcott Avenue, this IPA distinguishes itself through a hop bill that combines Amarillo, Azacca, Michigan-grown Cascade, and Comet hops for a bright, fruit-driven character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 6%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: American IPA  |  Brewery: Smylie Brothers 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\u003eSmylie Brothers Brewing Company operates out of its brewpub at 5435 N. Wolcott Avenue in Chicago, where the Wolcott IPA draws its name. The hop bill is notable for sourcing Cascade hops from Michigan farms rather than relying solely on Pacific Northwest-grown varieties, lending a distinct regional character to the finished beer. Amarillo and Azacca contribute tropical and citrus aromatics, while Comet hops add an additional layer of complexity to the overall profile. A light malt backbone keeps the focus squarely on the hops without overwhelming bitterness.\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 Tropical fruit and citrus lead the nose, with ripe stone fruit notes from the Amarillo and Azacca hops. A faint bready malt sweetness sits underneath without competing for attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bright and juicy, with citrusy and tropical flavors hitting the palate immediately. Mid-palate, a mellow bitterness builds gently while the light malt profile provides just enough structure. The body is full for a 6% IPA, with a slightly hazy mouthfeel that amplifies the fruit-forward impression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e A tingly, resinous quality lingers after each sip, keeping the palate engaged. The bitterness stays restrained through the close, letting the fruity hop flavors have the final word.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Wolcott IPA\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePour into a tulip glass or standard pint glass at 40–45°F to let the hop aromatics open up fully. This IPA is at its best consumed fresh to preserve the bright hop character. Wolcott IPA's fruit-forward profile and moderate bitterness make it a versatile option for food pairing rather than cocktail use — though it works well in a \u003cstrong\u003eBeer-a-Rita\u003c\/strong\u003e (shandy-style with fresh lime juice) for warm-weather drinking, a \u003cstrong\u003eMichelada\u003c\/strong\u003e where its tropical notes complement the tomato and citrus base, or a \u003cstrong\u003ehop-forward beer float\u003c\/strong\u003e paired with citrus sorbet for a playful dessert serve.\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\u003eStocking the fridge for a summer cookout or backyard gathering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing friends to Chicago's neighborhood brewery scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with bold, spicy foods that benefit from a fruit-forward counterpoint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBringing to a craft beer share focused on regional Midwest breweries\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 Wolcott IPA taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Wolcott IPA delivers bright citrus and tropical fruit flavors supported by a light malt backbone and mellow bitterness. The body is full and slightly hazy, finishing with a clean, tingly hop presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Wolcott IPA compare to Revolution Anti-Hero IPA?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Chicago-brewed IPAs at similar ABV ranges, but Wolcott IPA leans hazier and more fruit-forward with its Amarillo-Azacca hop combination, while Revolution's Anti-Hero is widely known as a more traditional, West Coast–leaning IPA with firmer bitterness. Wolcott's use of Michigan-grown Cascade hops also gives it a regional sourcing angle that sets it apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Wolcott IPA good for IPA beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — at 6% ABV with mellow bitterness and a fruit-driven profile, Wolcott IPA is approachable for drinkers who find aggressively bitter IPAs off-putting. The light malt profile and tropical hop character make it an easy entry point into the style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Wolcott IPA made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Wolcott IPA is brewed at Smylie Brothers Brewing Company, located at 5435 N. Wolcott Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. The brewery is a neighborhood brewpub rooted in the Chicago craft beer community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Wolcott IPA?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled chicken or fish tacos echo the citrusy hop character nicely. Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes benefit from the beer's tropical fruit sweetness as a counterbalance. Sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheeses stand up to the hop intensity, while a classic cheeseburger with caramelized onions plays off the malt backbone. Citrus-dressed salads with grilled shrimp complement the bright aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Wolcott IPA come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Wolcott IPA is available in a four-pack format from Smylie Brothers Brewing Company.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Wolcott IPA worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Wolcott IPA positions in the standard craft IPA tier, typical of a neighborhood brewpub release. The Michigan-grown hop sourcing and multi-hop bill deliver genuine character and complexity at a price point consistent with quality regional craft IPAs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Wolcott IPA?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Wolcott IPA from the crowded American IPA landscape is its deliberate use of Michigan-grown Cascade hops alongside Amarillo, Azacca, and Comet — a combination that tilts the flavor profile toward bright, juicy fruit while keeping bitterness in check. Brewed at a genuine Chicago neighborhood brewpub rather than a large-scale production facility, it carries an authenticity that macro-distributed IPAs cannot replicate. The 6% ABV keeps it sessionable without sacrificing body, and the full, hazy mouthfeel rewards drinkers who want substance from their IPA. For anyone seeking a Midwest-rooted IPA with thoughtful hop sourcing and a fruit-forward personality, Wolcott delivers on every pour.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smylie Brothers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838315032745,"sku":"33801","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/smylie-brothers.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}