Argyle, Broad Shoulders Brewing Both Coming in 2012

Chicago's craft brewer boom continues. Two new brewers—Argyle and Broad Shoulders—will both launch in the city in 2012. Broad Shoulders Brewing will be a welcome addition to the Motor Row district in the South Loop at 2337 S. Michigan. Frank Lassandrello, a former Goose Island brewer and quality control manager at Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee, will run the operation and have a strong focus on traditional and experimental lager styles.

The initial emphasis will be on their two year-round beers—the Session Lager, which will be an all-malt lager with American hops, and a British Pale Ale—as well as four different seasonal brews. They are currently shooting for a summer opening.

Argyle Brewing Co. will make the Ravenswood neighborhood its home this spring or summer with a 4,400 square foot brewing facility. It will operate as a community supported agriculture-type brewery that will supply beer to its members through monthly subscriptions, although owners Kevin Cary, Matt Ritchey and Brendan Blume are also looking into a zoning variance that would allow for a retail shop component. The brewery will be located in the Ravenswood Corridor at 1800 W. Cuyler and the group plans to support the community by leasing half of the floor space as a studio for local artists.
· Community-Supported Brewery Ratchets Up Ravenswood Plans [Curbed Chicago]
· Broad Shoulders Brewing [website]
· Argyle Brewing Co. [website]

Eater Chicago intern Jeffy Mai contributed to this article.

Argyle Brewing's new facility [Photo: Argyle Brewing Co.]