Jordyn Noennig

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The rivalry between the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs has been around since the Brewers moved to the National League 20 years ago, but it might be more intense than ever right now.

The last time the two teams met was when the Brewers and Cubs finished with tied for first in the National League Central Division. The Brewers won tie-breaking Game No. 163, sending the Cubs to the wild-card game — which they lost.

The teams are meeting for the first time since then this weekend, with the Cubs coming to Miller park for a three-game series starting April 5.

We know who's going to get the better of it. (As a reminder, here are seven times the Brewers got the best of Chicago in 2018.)

What could have been the ultimate troll

This might have been the best attempt to troll the Cubs that never happened.

After the Cubs lost to the Brewers at the end of the 2018 season, Central Standard Craft Distillery in Milwaukee's Walker's Point neighborhood wanted to buy the exact "L" flag that flew in Wrigley Field after the Cubs lost Game 163.

The Cubs organization will sell the "W" flag that flies after Cubs wins for $500; the proceeds are then donated to charity.

Central Standard owners Evan Hughes and Pat McQuillan wanted to double that, and asked to buy the "L" flag for $1,000 just to fly it in their craft room before this Friday's game.

Ultimately, the Cubs said no, so the distillery decided to instead make a small-batch "L Flag Bourbon," which was released Thursday.

The bourbon costs $30 and will be sold while supplies last.

Cubs' 'opening game'

Yes, it has been said quite a few times before: Miller Park becomes "Wrigley North" during Cubs games because of the number of fans who travel from Chicago to the games in Milwaukee.

Since the Cubs haven't had a home game in 2019 yet, a lot of Cub fans are calling this weekend's series the Cubs' home opener.

We'll see how many fans show up with the Cubs' current record at 1-4. Plus, Brewers fans are adamant that Milwaukee has a good showing for the three games.

Milwaukee-Chicago relationship

The Milwaukee-Chicago rivalry has been a thing for decades, no matter the sport.

We have our endearing names for each other, like how they call Wisconsinites Cheeseheads and in return are called FIBS. (Friendly Illinois Brethren? Just kidding; you know what it stands for.)

Cubs World Series

Yes, the Cubs were the most recent World Series winner between the two teams. One person pointed that out by tweeting "The Brewers are the 2016 Cubs."

Sure. The Brewers are the 2016 Cubs. The Brewers are also 2017 Houston Astros, the 2018 Boston Red Sox, and therefore, the 2019 MLB World Series champions.

Jordyn Noennig covers pop culture and entertainment in Milwaukee. Follow her on Instagram @JordynTaylor_n. Find her on Twitter @JordynTNoennig. Call her at 262-446-6601 or email Jordyn.Noennig@jrn.com.