Metropolitan Iron Works 6Pk

Metropolitan Iron Works 6Pk is a Düsseldorf-style altbier brewed by Metropolitan Brewing in Chicago, Illinois, at 5.8% ABV and 45 IBU. Scoring 86 on BeerAdvocate, this top-fermented, lager-conditioned ale earned a devoted following for its malt-forward depth and snappy dry finish before Metropolitan Brewing permanently closed its doors in December 2023.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.8%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Altbier  |  Brewery: Metropolitan Brewing  |  IBU: 45  |  OG: 13° Plato

Production & Heritage

Metropolitan Brewing operated from its facility at 3057 N. Rockwell Avenue in Chicago, building a reputation around traditional German beer styles brewed with meticulous attention to process. Iron Works represented an evolution of the brewery's earlier I-Beam recipe, refining the Düsseldorf altbier approach: top fermentation with a German ale yeast strain, followed by extended cold lagering that polished the beer's profile. The grain bill centered on Munich malt, Pilsner malt, Caramel Munich malt, and Carafa malt, while Horizon, Santiam, and Liberty hops—along with Mt. Hood and Vanguard—provided a layered, spicy bitterness at 45 IBU.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Brown sugar and molasses lead, followed by toasted bread crust and a subtle Munich malt sweetness. The nose is restrained and clean, hinting at the lager conditioning beneath the ale character.

Taste: The entry delivers dry Munich malt richness—grape nuts and toasted bread crust—before moving into hints of raisin and caramel at mid-palate. A pronounced yet clean hop bitterness emerges through the middle, with Mt. Hood and Vanguard hops providing a spicy backbone that balances the malt weight without overwhelming it.

Finish: Snappy and dry, the finish clears quickly with lingering toasted grain and a subtle herbal hop echo. The lagering process gives the close a polish uncommon in top-fermented beers.

How to Drink Iron Works

Iron Works drinks best at cellar temperature, around 50–55°F, poured into a traditional Düsseldorf stange glass or a standard pint to let the malt aromatics open up. A Bierstadt (equal parts altbier and a dash of blackcurrant liqueur) plays off the beer's raisin and caramel undertones. An Altbier Shandy with sparkling lemonade highlights the dry finish for warm-weather sessions. A Black and Tan float—layering Iron Works beneath a dry stout—leverages the altbier's clean malt body as a smooth base.

Best For

• Collectors seeking a final production run from a closed Chicago brewery
• German beer enthusiasts exploring American-brewed Düsseldorf-style ales
• Pairing with hearty autumn and winter meals
• Introducing craft drinkers to the altbier style through an approachable example

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Iron Works taste like? Iron Works delivers dry Munich malt flavors—toasted bread crust, grape nuts, and raisin—balanced by a pronounced, clean hop bitterness from a blend of noble-style American hops. The lagering process gives it a polished, snappy dry finish uncommon among ales.

How does Iron Works compare to Uerige Alt? Uerige Alt, brewed in Düsseldorf, tends toward a sharper, more assertive hop bitterness and a leaner malt profile, while Iron Works leans into Munich malt richness with a broader caramel sweetness. Both share the altbier hallmark of ale fermentation followed by cold conditioning, but Iron Works reads as slightly rounder and more approachable at 5.8% ABV.

Is Iron Works good for someone new to altbier? Iron Works serves as an excellent introduction to the style, with its balanced malt sweetness and clean bitterness making it less intimidating than sharper Düsseldorf imports while remaining true to traditional altbier character.

Where is Iron Works made? Iron Works was brewed by Metropolitan Brewing at 3057 N. Rockwell Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Metropolitan Brewing permanently closed in December 2023, making remaining stock a limited commodity.

What foods pair well with Iron Works? Bratwurst and mustard complement the beer's toasted malt and hop bitterness. Roasted pork shoulder mirrors the caramel Munich malt character. Aged Gouda echoes the nutty, slightly sweet grain notes. Mushroom risotto plays off the earthy undertones. Dark rye bread with smoked salmon matches the dry, bready finish.

What sizes does Iron Works come in? Iron Works was primarily available in 6-packs of 12-ounce bottles, as well as on draft at select Chicago-area establishments during Metropolitan Brewing's years of operation.

Is Iron Works worth the price? Iron Works positioned as a mid-range craft altbier, offering a style rarely brewed in the American market with genuine Düsseldorf technique. With Metropolitan Brewing now closed, remaining bottles carry additional value as final-production inventory from one of Chicago's most respected German-style breweries.

Why Iron Works?

Iron Works stands as one of the few American altbiers that genuinely committed to Düsseldorf brewing tradition—top-fermenting with German ale yeast, then lagering for a clean, polished result. The grain bill of Munich, Pilsner, Caramel Munich, and Carafa malts delivered a complexity that set it apart from the handful of domestic altbiers on the market. With Metropolitan Brewing's closure in December 2023, this beer can no longer be reproduced, making existing stock the final chapter of a brewery that helped define Chicago's German-style craft scene. Its 86-point BeerAdvocate score reflects the consistent quality that earned Iron Works its loyal following.