Maplewood The Chill Air 4Pk

Maplewood The Chill Air 4Pk is a Vienna-style lager brewed at 5.5% ABV by Maplewood Brewery & Distillery in Chicago, Illinois. Built on a foundation of rich German malts and German Hersbrucker hops, The Chill Air carries a 3.9 average on BeerAdvocate and holds a loyal following among Chicago craft beer drinkers drawn to its malt-forward, sessionable character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.5%  |  Origin: Logan Square, Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Vienna-Style Lager  |  Brewery: Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Production & Heritage

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery operates out of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood and holds the distinction of being among the first establishments in Illinois to house both brewing and distilling operations under one roof. The Chill Air draws its malt backbone from German malts selected for their bready, toasty complexity, while German Hersbrucker hops — a noble variety prized for its delicate herbal and floral qualities — provide balance without overwhelming bitterness. The result is a clean-fermenting lager that leans into the Vienna tradition of malt richness tempered by crisp drinkability.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Spicy rye bread leads the nose immediately, followed by layers of warm honey and lightly toasted barley. A subtle herbal quality from the Hersbrucker hops adds a restrained, earthy backdrop.

Taste: The entry is malt-driven, with spicy rye bread flavors arriving front and center. Mid-palate, warming honey and toasted grain build depth while maintaining a clean, medium body. A gentle noble hop spice emerges at the peak, providing a measured counterpoint to the sweetness of the malt.

Finish: Crisp and medium in length, with lingering toasted barley and a faint bitterness that keeps the palate refreshed. The mouthfeel is notably clean, encouraging another sip without fatigue.

How to Drink The Chill Air

This lager is best served cold, between 40–45°F, in a standard pint glass or a tall, narrow Pilsner glass that channels the malt aromatics upward. Its versatility also makes it a strong candidate for beer-based mixed drinks. A Michelada works well here because the toasted malt stands up to lime and hot sauce without getting lost. A Shandy — blended with fresh lemonade — plays off the honey sweetness for a lighter warm-weather serve. A Beergarita pairing The Chill Air with a classic margarita lets the rye bread spice complement the citrus and salt rim.

Best For

• Backyard cookouts and grilling sessions where a malt-forward lager pairs naturally with charred meats
• Introducing craft beer newcomers to the Vienna lager style through a well-executed local example
• Stocking a mixed craft beer fridge with a reliable, sessionable anchor at 5.5% ABV
• Supporting a Chicago-based independent brewery with roots in both brewing and distilling

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Chill Air taste like? The Chill Air is a malt-forward Vienna lager dominated by spicy rye bread and toasted barley flavors, balanced by warming honey sweetness and a gentle noble hop bitterness. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and very crisp, finishing clean.

How does The Chill Air compare to Devils Backbone Vienna Lager? Both are Vienna-style lagers that emphasize toasty malt character over hop bitterness, but The Chill Air leans more prominently into rye bread spice and uses German Hersbrucker hops for its bittering and aroma contributions. Devils Backbone Vienna Lager, brewed in Virginia, tends toward a slightly more caramel-driven malt profile at a comparable ABV.

Is The Chill Air good for beginners? Yes — its approachable 5.5% ABV and clean, malt-driven flavor profile make it an accessible entry point for drinkers exploring craft lagers beyond mainstream options. The restrained bitterness and crisp finish keep it welcoming rather than challenging.

Where is The Chill Air made? The Chill Air is brewed at Maplewood Brewery & Distillery in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Maplewood is notable as one of the first dual-license brewery-distillery operations in the state.

What foods pair well with The Chill Air? Grilled bratwurst and sauerkraut complement the rye bread spice directly. Roasted chicken benefits from the beer's honey malt sweetness cutting through savory skin. Soft pretzels with mustard mirror the German grain character. Smoked gouda echoes the toasted barley notes. A simple margherita pizza pairs well because the crisp finish cleanses the palate between bites.

What sizes does The Chill Air come in? The Chill Air is available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format from Maplewood Brewery & Distillery.

Is The Chill Air worth the price? The Chill Air positions as a mid-range craft lager, and its ratings — 3.9 on BeerAdvocate and 3.8 on Untappd — suggest consistent quality that holds up well within the Vienna lager category. For a locally brewed, German-ingredient-driven lager, it represents solid value in the Chicago craft market.

Why The Chill Air?

Vienna-style lagers occupy a specific niche — malt-rich enough to reward attention, clean enough to drink through a long afternoon — and The Chill Air fills that space convincingly. The use of authentic German malts and Hersbrucker hops gives it legitimate Old World character rather than a loosely interpreted American version of the style. Coming from one of Illinois' pioneering brewery-distillery operations, the beer reflects a production team comfortable working across fermentation traditions. With strong community ratings on both BeerAdvocate and Untappd, The Chill Air has earned a reputation as a dependable, flavorful Chicago lager that rewards repeat visits.