Bixi is a Chinese mythological character. It is sculpted like a dragon in a turtle’s shell. The character graces funerary steles. The Bixi Beer brewery is named after this character. It is an East Asian brewpub with a hybrid of two kinds. You cannot really classify its uniqueness and it is one of a kind in Chicago.
Bo and Arden Fowler are the owners of this brewpub. They opened this pub in 2018 after planning for almost 3 years before that. The pub can accommodate 200 customers in a two-storied space. It is not just a brewery but also serves Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese food along with other Southeast Asian cuisines. You’ll get varieties of bao, sushi, and noodles at Bixi Beer. This is not the end as it also has an oyster bar on the second floor.
Bo Fowler told us that he hasn’t been fussy about keeping the brewpub super authentic. His aim is to use authentic techniques and serve whatever tastes good.
When we interviewed the general manager of Bixi Beer, Mr. Elliott Beier, he told us that Mrs. Fowler is originally from South Korea but was brought up in the Midwest. She initially wanted to open a small dumpling shop but later her husband advised her of opening a brewpub. Then they together opened Bixi Beer. Their vision was to open a pub that also serves bites.
1. What was the vision of the owners behind opening the Bixi Beer brewpub?
He said that he thoroughly researched the craft brewing scene of East Asia. He came to know that most of the brewers are hired from America or the localities traveled to the U.S to learn the brewing techniques and then went back to their respective countries to start new ventures.
However, Chicago did not have an Easy Asian brewery ever before Bixi Beer and that was the greatest chance for them to come up with this idea of an East Asian brewpub.
2. What kinds of beer does Bixi Beer serve?
This brewpub offers eight beers on tap and today we will discuss 3 of them.
2.1. “Chelonian Liar” offered by Bixi Beer
This is a dark ale infused with caramel, wheat, and smoked malts. It is then spiced up with Sichuan peppercorns. This brew is dark brown and fairly spicy. It has a strong flavor and smell. It is usually brewed with smoked cherrywood malt for the perfect balance of flavor.
2.2. “Unspoken Rule” offered by Bixi Beer
This is a golden ale layered with pearled jasmine tea. This drink has a strong flowery smell and is very drinkable. The color is crystal clear and eye-soothing.
2.3. “Captain Haddock Wit” offered by Bixi Beer
This is a witbier. It contains unmalted wheat and pilsner malt. There is a strong flavor of mandarin oranges and coriander. Usually, witbiers have a spicy character. This particular drink is spiced up with dried fruits. The use of mandarin orange gives a citrus flavor.
Summary
The Bixi Beer brewery is named after a Chinese mythological character. It is an East Asian brewpub with a hybrid of two kinds. You cannot really classify its uniqueness and it is one of a kind in Chicago. Bo and Arden Fowler are the owners of this brewpub. They opened this pub in 2018 after planning for almost 3 years before that. The pub can accommodate 200 customers in a two-storied space. It is not just a brewery but also serves Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese food along with other Southeast Asian cuisines.
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