Metropolitan Arc Welder 6Pk

Metropolitan Arc Welder 6Pk is a 5.5% ABV dark rye lager from Metropolitan Brewing in Chicago, Illinois, sold in a 6-pack of 12 oz bottles. This hybrid style fuses a traditional Munich Dunkel base with the rye-forward character of a Bavarian Roggenbier, featuring 28% rye malt in the grain bill — a proportion that earned it Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week" recognition in 2013.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.5%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Munich Dunkel / Roggenbier Hybrid  |  Brewery: Metropolitan Brewing

Production & Heritage

Metropolitan Brewing has built its reputation on traditional German-style lagers brewed in Chicago. Arc Welder began as a straightforward dark lager recipe before the brewers replaced roughly 26% of the base malt with rye malt, pushing the total rye content to 28% of the grain bill. The result is neither a textbook Dunkel nor a classic Roggenbier but a deliberate hybrid that borrows the toasty malt depth of the former and the spicy, bread-like grain character of the latter — a style that remains uncommon in American craft brewing.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh rye bread dominates the nose immediately, followed by a layer of light caramel sweetness. A faint grassy, herbal quality lingers underneath, giving the aroma complexity without heaviness.

Taste: The entry is soft with sweet malt and a touch of nuttiness. At mid-palate, the rye asserts itself decisively — flavors of dark rye bread, a subtle dill-pickle tang, and earthy spice overtake the initial sweetness. A gentle smokiness threads through the back palate, balanced by restrained hop bitterness.

Finish: Clean and moderately dry, with rye bread and a trace of toasted grain lingering well past the last sip. The finish is notably persistent for a beer at 5.5% ABV, with that rye character staying present without turning harsh.

How to Drink Arc Welder

Arc Welder is best served cold — around 45–50°F — in a traditional Bavarian lager glass or a standard pint. Its moderate alcohol and clean lager body make it an easy-drinking session beer that rewards straight-from-the-glass attention. For cocktail-curious drinkers: try it in a Shandy with fresh lemon juice, where the rye spice adds dimension beyond a standard lager; in a Michelada, where the earthy, bread-like malt plays well against tomato, lime, and hot sauce; or as a Beer-and-a-Shot companion alongside rye whiskey, creating a natural flavor bridge between glass and pint.

Best For

• Pairing with a backyard cookout featuring smoked brisket or grilled sausages
• Introducing craft beer drinkers to German lager traditions beyond pilsner
• Stocking a fridge for a Chicago-themed beer tasting night
• Gifting a lager enthusiast who gravitates toward malt-forward, sessionable styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Arc Welder taste like? Arc Welder delivers pronounced rye bread and earthy spice on a foundation of sweet, toasty Munich malt, with a subtle smoky and nutty character throughout. The finish is clean and dry with lasting rye grain flavor.

How does Arc Welder compare to Dovetail's Dunkel? Both are Chicago-brewed German-style dark lagers, but Arc Welder distinguishes itself with 28% rye malt, which gives it a spicier, more bread-forward profile than Dovetail's more traditional Munich Dunkel interpretation. Dovetail hews closer to Old World convention, while Arc Welder intentionally bends the style toward Roggenbier territory.

Is Arc Welder good for beginners? Yes — its 5.5% ABV and smooth lager body make it highly approachable, while the rye spice adds enough character to hold the attention of experienced drinkers.

Where is Arc Welder made? Arc Welder is brewed by Metropolitan Brewing in Chicago, Illinois. The brewery specializes in German-inspired lager styles and has operated as one of Chicago's dedicated lager-focused craft producers.

What foods pair well with Arc Welder? Smoked sausages benefit from the rye spice cutting through richness. Rye bread sandwiches with pastrami echo the grain bill directly. Aged Gouda matches the nutty, caramel malt notes. Grilled portobello mushrooms play off the earthy, smoky undertones. Soft pretzels with mustard complement the Bavarian lager character naturally.

What sizes does Arc Welder come in? Arc Welder is commonly available as a 6-pack of 12 oz bottles.

Is Arc Welder worth the price? Arc Welder positions as a craft lager at a standard 6-pack price point, making it accessible for regular drinking while delivering a hybrid style that is genuinely uncommon in the American craft market — strong value for the distinctiveness it brings.

Why Arc Welder?

The 28% rye grain bill sets Arc Welder apart from virtually every other dark lager on the shelf, placing it in a narrow space between Munich Dunkel and Bavarian Roggenbier that very few American brewers attempt. Metropolitan Brewing's commitment to lager-only production means this beer benefits from the patience and cold-conditioning discipline that the style demands. The result is a beer with genuine character — spicy, earthy, bread-driven — that still drinks with the clean, sessionable ease of a well-made German lager. For anyone tired of choosing between safe and interesting, Arc Welder manages to be both.