Two Brothers Brewing Company - The Bitter End Pale Ale

Read the label and you'll find the teaser about how this beer got its name. It's true, by the end of the glass, you might be bitter that there's no more beer left! Good thing we sent you a few bottles. This attractive copper-hued American pale ale gives notes of creamy maltiness on the nose, with hoppy accents of pine, orange peel, and spruce. On the palate, expect caramel and biscuity malts, with bitter hops, rounded out by a bit of lemon zest and a strong bitter finish. Goes well with just about all foods, particularly spicy dishes.

Two Brothers Brewing Company is a small, family owned microbrewery located just outside of Chicago, Illinois, in Warrenville. Prior to starting the brewery, founders Jim Ebel and his brother Jason opened up The Brewer's Coop, a homebrewing and home winemaking shop. Between the two of them, they were seasoned homebrewers, and for years, they talked about starting a brewery. Jason moved out west to hone his brewing skills at the Tabernash Brewery in Denver, Colorado, and also gained some experience at Mickey Finn's in Libertyville, IL. But the two still talked about starting their own brewery. Eventually, they drove their families just a little bit nuts with all the talk and finally decided to go for it and start a brewpub. But with no real financing and no experience in restaurant management, they decided a brewery would be a better bet. While planning, and working the shop, Jim earned his law degree and Jason earned his brewing degree at the famous brewing school known as the Seibel Institute in Chicago. Not a bad combo when setting out on a business venture like starting a brewery. In 1996 they officially opened the brewery. Their goal was to bring fresh, quality brews to the Chicagoland area. Now in their 10th year, they continue to create traditional beer styles that most companies overlook, and have committed to brewing 10 artisanal beers this year to commemorate (and still run The Brewer's Coop—these guys are busy!). If you live in IL, MA, or PA, watch your store shelves for their stellar brews. We've featured a couple this month to whet your appetite. For more information about the brewery and scheduled tours, call (630) 393-4800 or check out their web site at www.twobrosbrew.com.