Metropolitan Dynamo 6Pk

Metropolitan Dynamo 6Pk is a Vienna-style lager from Chicago's Metropolitan Brewing, packaged as a six-pack at 5.8% ABV. Brewed exclusively with malted barley in the Austrian tradition, Dynamo stood as a flagship offering from one of the few American craft breweries dedicated entirely to lager production.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.8%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Vienna Lager  |  Brewery: Metropolitan Brewing  |  IBU: 29  |  OG: 13.8° Plato

Production & Heritage

Metropolitan Brewing carved out an unusual niche in the Chicago craft scene by specializing exclusively in lagers — a rarity among American craft breweries, which have historically leaned toward ales. Dynamo was built on a foundation of Vienna malt, the same grain style that defined the original amber lagers of 19th-century Austria. Vanguard and Liberty hops provided restrained, spicy bitterness to balance the malt's natural sweetness. The brewery closed its doors in December 2023, making remaining stock of Dynamo increasingly scarce and lending this six-pack a sense of finality for longtime fans of the brand.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Spicy noble hop character leads, followed by grassy and earthy notes. A clean caramel malt sweetness rounds out the nose without becoming heavy.

Taste: The entry is malt-forward, with toasty Vienna malt and a smooth cereal sweetness that coats the palate. Mid-palate brings light caramel, faint citrus, and a whisper of pine from the hops. The balance leans toward malt but never becomes cloying, with 29 IBUs providing just enough structure to keep things lively.

Finish: Crisp, clean, and moderately dry, the finish resolves quickly with lingering toasty grain. There is no bitterness hangover — just a smooth fade that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Dynamo

Pour Dynamo into a tall pilsner glass or a standard pint to appreciate its effervescent honey-amber color and eggshell-white head. Serve cold, around 42–48°F, to let the malt complexity unfold as it warms slightly. As a Vienna lager, Dynamo is a versatile beer at the table: pair it with grilled bratwurst for a classic Central European match, alongside a pretzel and mustard spread for an easy snack pairing, or use it as a lighter counterpoint to rich, smoked meats.

Best For

• Introducing craft-curious drinkers to the Vienna lager style
• Backyard cookouts and grill sessions where a clean, malty lager outperforms hoppy ales
• Collecting a final piece of Metropolitan Brewing's now-discontinued legacy
• Pairing with hearty Central European or Midwestern comfort food

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dynamo taste like? Dynamo leads with toasty Vienna malt and smooth cereal sweetness, balanced by light caramel, faint citrus, and spicy noble hop bitterness. It finishes crisp and clean with no lingering heaviness.

How does Dynamo compare to Brooklyn Lager? Both are American-brewed Vienna-style lagers, but Dynamo leans more traditionally Austrian with its restrained hop profile and emphasis on malt finesse, while Brooklyn Lager tends to be slightly more hop-assertive and dry-hopped. Dynamo's 29 IBUs and all-malted-barley grain bill kept it closer to Old World roots.

Is Dynamo good for craft beer beginners? Dynamo is an excellent entry point for anyone exploring craft lagers, as its balanced malt sweetness and low bitterness make it approachable without sacrificing complexity. At 5.8% ABV, it sits at a comfortable, sessionable strength.

Where is Dynamo made? Dynamo was brewed by Metropolitan Brewing in Chicago, Illinois. The brewery operated as one of few American craft breweries focused exclusively on lager styles before closing permanently in December 2023.

What foods pair well with Dynamo? Grilled bratwurst and sausages complement Dynamo's toasty malt character. Soft pretzels with spicy mustard echo the bread-like grain flavors. Roasted chicken works well against the beer's clean finish. Smoked pork or pulled pork sandwiches benefit from the beer's carbonation and crispness. Aged Gouda or Gruyère highlight the caramel undertones in the malt.

What sizes does Dynamo come in? Metropolitan Dynamo was primarily available in six-packs of 12 oz bottles, as well as on draft at select Chicago-area establishments during the brewery's operation.

Is Dynamo worth the price? Dynamo positioned as a mid-range craft lager, priced competitively with other American craft six-packs. Given that Metropolitan Brewing has ceased operations and remaining stock is finite, any available packs carry added value for collectors and fans of the brand.

Why Dynamo?

Metropolitan Dynamo represented a rare commitment in American craft brewing: a brewery that staked its entire identity on lagers at a time when the market rewarded hop-heavy ales. The use of Vienna malt and noble hops connected Dynamo directly to the 19th-century Austrian brewing tradition that inspired the style, and the result was a beer that prioritized balance and drinkability over spectacle. With Metropolitan Brewing's closure in December 2023, Dynamo has become a finite product — a last pour from a brewery that proved Chicago could produce world-class lagers. For anyone who values clean, malt-driven beer built on tradition, this six-pack is worth securing while it lasts.