Poppin' Pils at Emmett's in Downers Grove.

Pictured is Capital Pilsner, the original garten brau of Capital Brewing in Madison, WI.

Tasty Kolsch at Rock Bottom Lombard Yorktown Center.

Decided to get reacquainted with some Biere de Gardes. (They were on sale at Binny's.) First up is Castelain. Dry seas salt aroma blended with spicy hops and toasted malt. Juicy with a touch of vanilla and with a delicate, yet at times firm maltiness that leads to a dry toasted malt finish that is also a touch tart. In comparison, the 3 Monts is airy, with a touch of fresh cut grass. More wine-like, tart and much drier, although there's a bit of latent sweetness. Not sure which one I prefer; perhaps the Castelain.