L'Chaim! Tonight is the first night of Chanukah, and tonight Chicago has the pleasure of hosting Jeremy Cowan, head Jew and maestro of schtick at Shmaltz Brewing. Tonight, Hopleaf was one of 88 chosen bars across the country pouring all seven Jewbelation beers, as well as the Vertical Jewbelation, a blend of all seven recipes then barrel aged. The Jewbelation beers, from 8 to 14, are notable not only for being delicious, but also for each being brewed with their number value of malts, hops, adjuncts and ABV. So . . . yeah, this year's Jewbelation, 14, has 14 malts, 14 hops, 14 adjuncts and . . . aaaaaaaaaaah. 14% ABV. One of those beers that is PERFECT if you only want one, or maybe two if you're not driving.

My friend Jeremy also has a book recently published!! Craft Beer Bar Mitzvah. Pick it up on Amazon or on Shmaltz.com. Here's some words from Jeremy about Jewbe 14 . . .