Beer – unfortunately this adult beverage has become synonymous with over-zealous frat boys and over-indulgent sports’ fans. Beer is often considered the middle class drink of choice for a blue collar people. This may be true in part, but there are places where the brewing of beer is considered an art and those who know the craft are called masters. Rhodell Brewery in Peoria, Illinois is one such place.
Located along the riverfront in Peoria, Rhodell Brewery is a brewpub steeped in Scottish tradition. It first opened in 1998, and advertises itself as the only brewery in the United States offering brew on premises to customers. This means anyone can come in and brew their own beer under the watchful eye of a brewmaster on site. Take note however that this is done by appointment only.
If you are looking for a place to kick back a few domestic beers, sip a glass of wine, or do some shots of whiskey then Rhodell’s is not the place for you. They serve beer – period. Rhodell’s brewmaster has over 30 recipes for different styles of beer. Any nine of which are offered at various times throughout the year. One of the more unique attributes Rhodell’s offers is they also keep one cask conditioned ale which is served from a traditional style British Hand pump.
Rhodell Brewery is not for the faint of heart as the sign greeting customers with an old Scottish Clan fighting song written on it which starts “May the blood of my enemy be in the ale that I drink” can attest to. You cannot go in, plop down on a barstool and order up a bottle of Budweiser, but you can get some of the most flavorful beer I have ever tasted. These beers include Scottish Ales, Tripels, Belgian style Dubbels, and even a variety of wheat beers which have become popular here in America.
I have had the pleasure of sampling a number of Rhodell Brewery’s beers. A few of my favorite include Mordor Ale, a serious dark stout so good it will make you cry, Nut Brown which is perhaps the most satisfying beer I have ever drank, and the fruity yet full Blackberry Ale. I am looking forward to fall when their Pumpkin Spice Ale becomes available as well. I can honestly say the ale found at Rhodell Brewery is the best I have ever had.
For those interested in visiting Rhodell Brewery to sample the ale or to try their own hand at brewing visit Rhodell’s website at www.rhodells.com for all the details.