WGN Chicago's Very Own Golden Lager 6Pk

WGN Chicago's Very Own Golden Lager 6Pk is a limited-edition 5% ABV golden lager brewed in Chicago, Illinois, sold as a six-pack. Created as a commemorative collaboration between Metropolitan Brewing, Conrad Seipp Brewing Company, and the Chicago Brewseum, this beer was originally released to celebrate WGN Radio's 100th anniversary — making it a genuine piece of Chicago broadcasting and brewing history.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Golden Lager  |  Breweries: Metropolitan Brewing, Conrad Seipp Brewing Company & Chicago Brewseum

Production & Heritage

This golden lager emerged from a three-way collaboration with deep Chicago roots. Metropolitan Brewing, founded in 2009 and known for its dedication to German-style lagers, partnered with Conrad Seipp Brewing Company — a revival brand paying homage to Chicago's largest pre-Prohibition brewery — and the Chicago Brewseum, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the city's beer heritage. First released in May 2022 to mark WGN Radio's centennial, the beer was brewed using standard lager techniques to produce a clean, approachable golden lager. A subsequent limited release followed in May 2023, reinforcing the beer's status as a commemorative Chicago collectible.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Spicy and floral hop character leads, followed by a gentle malty sweetness. The nose is inviting without being aggressive — classic lager territory.

Taste: The entry is crisp and refreshing, giving way to a mildly toasty, malty midsection. There is no heavy bitterness; instead, the malt carries the beer with a balanced, easy-drinking character that rewards unhurried sipping.

Finish: Clean and quick, with minimal lingering bitterness. The toasty malt fades neatly, leaving a dry, refreshing close that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Chicago's Very Own Golden Lager

Best served cold, ideally between 38–45°F, in a standard pint glass or pilsner glass to showcase the golden color and floral aroma. This lager drinks well straight from the can or bottle for casual occasions.

• Michelada: The clean, toasty malt base stands up well to lime juice, hot sauce, and tomato-based mixers without getting lost.
• Shandy: Mix with fresh lemonade — the lager's mild sweetness and crisp finish blend seamlessly with citrus.
• Beer-tail (Boilermaker): Pair alongside a pour of Chicago-distilled bourbon; the lager's lightness serves as a refreshing chaser.

Best For

• Chicago history buffs and WGN Radio fans looking for a meaningful collectible
• Backyard cookouts and tailgates where a crisp, crowd-friendly lager is needed
• Gifting to beer enthusiasts who appreciate limited-edition collaboration brews
• Pairing with classic Chicago-style food — deep dish pizza, Italian beef, or hot dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

What does WGN Golden Lager taste like? It is a crisp, refreshing golden lager with a mildly toasty, malty flavor and a clean, dry finish. The aroma carries spicy, floral hop notes that complement the balanced malt body.

How does WGN Golden Lager compare to Metropolitan Brewing's Flywheel Pilsner? Both are clean, German-influenced lagers from the same Chicago brewery, but WGN Golden Lager leans toward a toasty malt character rather than the hop-forward crispness typical of a pilsner. The WGN lager is also a limited commemorative release, whereas Flywheel is a year-round offering from Metropolitan Brewing.

Is WGN Golden Lager good for casual drinking? Absolutely — at 5% ABV with a clean, balanced profile, it is built for easy, session-style drinking across a wide range of settings.

Where is WGN Golden Lager made? It is brewed in Chicago, Illinois, through a collaboration between Metropolitan Brewing, Conrad Seipp Brewing Company, and the Chicago Brewseum. Metropolitan Brewing's facility in Chicago served as the production home for this release.

What foods pair well with WGN Golden Lager? Chicago-style hot dogs work naturally, as the lager's crispness cuts through the mustard and relish. Deep dish pizza benefits from the clean, palate-cleansing finish. Grilled bratwurst echoes the beer's toasty malt notes. A simple cheese board with mild cheddar or gouda complements the lager's approachable body. Smoked chicken or pork ribs pair well, as the carbonation and dry finish refresh the palate between bites.

What sizes does WGN Golden Lager come in? It is available as a six-pack, which is the standard retail format for this limited-edition release.

Is WGN Golden Lager worth the price? It positions as a limited-edition collaboration lager at the craft beer price tier, with added collectible value tied to WGN Radio's centennial celebration. For Chicago residents and WGN fans, the commemorative significance adds meaning beyond what is in the glass.

Why WGN Golden Lager?

This is not a mass-produced brand extension — it is a genuine commemorative collaboration born from three organizations deeply invested in Chicago's cultural identity. The partnership between Metropolitan Brewing's lager expertise, Conrad Seipp Brewing Company's connection to Chicago's pre-Prohibition beer legacy, and the Chicago Brewseum's mission to preserve that history gives this release an authenticity that marketing alone cannot replicate. As a limited-edition beer tied to a specific milestone — WGN Radio's 100th anniversary — each six-pack carries a story that connects Chicago's brewing past with its vibrant present. For anyone with roots in the city or a passion for its culture, this golden lager is a drinkable artifact.