(Not all of ’em. I’m not a lush.)

Still, Destihl is a small Midwestern microbrewery and restaurant. Let’s learn a little more.

On a recent trip to Central Illinois, I had the chance to sample enough of their beer to conclude that Destihl knows what the heck it is doing. While I couldn’t review all the beers from Destihl, the ones reviewed – five of them – were good enough to register four-plus stars, or at least a B+, on the Metasip scale. They have two locations, one in Normal and one in Champaign – both fine college towns, but only one with a playoff-bound football team. (Dig explained here: NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Bracket.)

So we’ll break format and waltz through five of the beers from this gastropub-slash-brewery and Bob’s your Uncle!

Normal Blonde Ale: B+

Normal IS the name of the town. Don’t poke fun – very livable city – and the state Normal School was founded there, thus the name. And thus the name of the blonde ale. 16 IBUs, 4.9% ABV, and mild in flavor. Good for those who want to have more than one – though the brewery serves 4-ounce sizes, too.

120 Schilling Scotch Ale: B+

Can’t find info online about this one, but my notes tell me it was strong – 9%+? – and had an overpowering flavor. But not a BAD overpowering flavor. Good job for a Scotch Ale, so we gave it a B+.

Nutty Brown Ale: A-

Higher in ABV at 5.6%, and higher in IBUs at 34. Right in my wheelhouse, too. The nuttiness put it over the top – we upgraded our rating from B+ to A- upon further review.

Belgian Pale Ale: A

This one also got an upgrade. Why? We helped down a growler later, then came back a few nights later and had more. Winner. Just a standout Pale Ale. I think the IBUs were probably around 40. I think the ABV was around 5. I don’t care, though, either way. This was the best beer we had in our trips there.

Sour Peach: A-

Not for everyone. Photo below – but I gotta tell ya, this was a sour beer that, really, if you’re into sour beer, wasn’t TOO peachy. And was quite tasty. I’d have it again, when I’m in the mood for sour beer – which I occasionally am – so I give this a good score.

All the Destihl beers reviewed?

Well, not all of them…but a good chunk. Well, five. Five of them.

Ever anywhere near Central Illinois, give these folks a try. You’ll be delighted.

Second of two gluten-free reviews. I mean, the beer is gluten-free, not the review. But the review is gluten-free, too.

After trying a beer that made me want to run for the hills (after running for the mouthwash), I needed something that actually tasted like beer. So I found it, in this winner from Two Brothers: Prairie Path Golden Ale.

This review, then, really isn’t gluten-free: I’m not going to focus on the fact that this is brewed to remove as much of the gluten as they can. Nor am I going to tell you that people who have celiac and/or are gluten-free have told me that this is their beer of choice. No, I’m just going to review this beer for what it is. BEER.

To the review!

Prairie Path Golden Ale

Taste

“Complex malt character,” according to the Two Brothers website. Yup, I like a malty mouthfeel with my ale. The hops (Saaz and Golding) give you a little bit of bitterness on the finish. It’s a sweetheart of a beer, people. Really works – easy drinking for all.

Profile

5.1% ABV. 25 IBUs. I’m starting to think that 25 might be right in MY IBU wheelhouse.

Value

In Chicago, $8.99 for a six-pack is about right. But, yeah, if you have to pay more, pay more.

Metasip Grade: A-

A couple more things about this beer: Two Brothers actually posts the gluten testing results on their website. Beer Advocate, a site we enjoy, gives this only an 80. Ratebeer, whose numbers I (sorry) don’t understand, gives it a 37.

I don’t think the low ratings are worthwhile – but you’re free to tell me I’m wrong. Do so in the comments below.

AND, note that we’ve taken a look at other Two Brothers’ stuff. Take a look at one such review here: Two Brothers.