Chicago is one of the best brewing cities in the world, so there is no shortage of great beer to drink. When cruising the Elysian Fields Binny’s aisles though, it seems like almost every beer I want is in a bomber when I’d rather just grab a 6-pack. There’s a reason it seems that way. 70% of brands from Illinois are packaged in bombers.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not anti big boy beer in any way, but sometimes you just want a sixer. Perhaps you’ve made more than one friend. Maybe you broke all of your glasses when you discovered that “Not Your Father’s Root Beer” is really just root beer flavored Four Loko. Or maybe you just want a 6-pack and don’t feel like you have to have to explain yourself. In any case, there are plenty of great options for you.

Here are 15 great summer 6-packs brewed right here in Illinois. Pick up one or all of them this weekend.



“Super Pils is a classic pilsner character in a big, bold beer that drinks like an IPA. Euro-pils character, but bolder. Cool-fermented with our house ale yeast for a clean, smooth flavor with just the barest hint of fruitiness. Perfect balance of malt and hops in classic pils fashion—just stronger. Unfiltered for better body and foam.”



“Troublesome’s meaner cousin will flail your tongue as hard as he can, but being such a little guy, you’ll probably just pucker a bit. Spawned through an overnight kettle souring with our house lactobacillus culture, the wort emerges furious at what we did to it. Then, just because, we pitch a saison yeast and allow it to free rise to it’s further distain. It comes out angrier than… uh, angrier than… well, something really angry. But at 3.8% ABV there’s no reason for you to be too afraid.”



“This beer is brewed with Pilsen Malt and a single addition of Simcoe hops. Perfect for sharing those expletive-heavy stories with a cold one in hand. Alley Time can be any time, but it can only be one place! and whether you’re a corporate lemming or an interpretive dancer, find an alley and make it yours.”



“Lawnmower Lager IPL is a citrusy hop-forward India Pale Lager. The perfect hot summer day’s beer. Lots of hop flavor and aroma; not overly bitter. Nice, smooth finish. Falconer’s Flight hops backed up by Glacier. Bright, golden color with a thick, creamy head. All malt grain bill ￼(no adjuncts).”



“In Spring 2013, Ten Ninety Brewing Co. entered the craft beer market with our interpretation of the classic Witbier style, but elevated to ‘Imperial’ heights. Our Half Wit still explores the limits of the style and is brewed with pilsner malt, flaked wheat and barley, accented by coriander, orange peel, and local honey.”



“Flywheel Bright Lager features the spicy hop flavors and bitterness you expect in a Pilsner, but we amp up the malt bill for balance, mouth-feel, and because we’re inspired by German styles, not bossed around by them. It’s okay to use mildly inappropriate expressions of affection for this beer, such as ‘it makes me feel feelings.'”



“Victory Pale Ale is all about the hops. It is full of big hop flavor, aroma and bitterness, which are all supported by substantial malt character. The Victory finishes with a fresh-picked hop character on the palate that will leave your mouth watering.”



“Aroma: Herbal, woody, and citrus aroma. Spicy, resinous hop flavors with enough sweetness to balance the Mt. Hood hops. Mouthfeel:

Medium bodied, medium carbonation. Spicy hop flavor lingers on the palate with a malty, dry finish.” Thanks for the boring description, GI!



“A highly drinkable ale steeped with hibiscus flowers for a natural tartness and slight pink hue.”



“A unique light bodied ale infused with natural blueberries. The aromatic balance of blueberries and light hoppiness makes it the perfect summertime seasonal.”



“Swimsuits on fences. Chances taken. Summer belongs to the carefree and the courageous. Greenwood Beach Blonde ale embraces summer with a bold addition of pineapple. It’s a beer for the opportunities you don’t pass up.”



“Brewed in the style of Dortmund, Germany, this golden lager has a delicate caramel malt character balanced by a light body and mild German noble hops, creating a crisp, refreshing finish.”



“A velvety, chewy IPA with the perfect blend of hop bitterness, aroma, and malt body. Centennial and Citra hops give Misfit a pleasantly bitter kick, along with a hint of citrus.”



“Orange color with a thin white head. From a bottle, yeast sediment on the bottom, the first bit was nice and clear. Fruity aroma, with a slight bit of noble hop character. Clean bitter finish. Not a lot of malt complexity, but not a dry finish, sweet at the end.” – BeerAdvocate



“A dark, dry wheat ale with a spicy hop bite. This big and complex beer drinks like a ‘black IPA,’ but with sweet notes of caramel and roasted marshmallow. The dry hop creates awesome aromatics and lasts well throughout the glass.”