Morton Arboretum to introduce namesake beer

The Morton Arboretum is set to introduce Arbor Oak Amber Ale, its first namesake beer.

Brewed in partnership with Chicago's Lake Effect Brewing Co. using oak from the arboretum's grounds and Wisconsin special-roast malts, the new beer is a blend of seasonal flavors.

Beer fans are invited to be the first to try the new brew during a tasting event from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at the arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle. Fans can enjoy food with the new beer, and hear about the beer's inspiration and connection to oak trees from Lake Effect Brewing Co.'s Clint Bautz and Matt Lobdell, head of collections and curator at the arboretum.

Event tickets are $10 for members, $15 for others, and include one Arbor Oak Amber Ale and popcorn. Additional food and beverages will be for sale. For information, visit mortonarb.org.

A traditional amber ale brewed with oaks, Arbor Oak Amber Ale will be available exclusively at the arboretum's Ginkgo Café and Restaurant through April 2016. Three months in the making, the craft beer balances malt complexity with just enough hops for a citrus-spice finish. Brewing the beer with oaks delivers a hint of warm vanilla.

Primarily known for their beauty and their contributions to the environment, oaks have a long history in winemaking and, more recently, brewing, because of the flavor they impart. To craft Arbor Oak Amber Ale, chips from the arboretum's oak trees were added at the end of fermentation and aged in the beer for two weeks to impart oak flavors.

"Oak trees are of special interest to the arboretum; in fact, the Morton Arboretum has the most significant collection of oaks at any botanic garden worldwide," said Anna Cosner, director of retail and events at the arboretum. "We're thrilled to introduce a beer with such strong ties to the trees we work for and love."

"We're proud to partner with the arboretum to create Arbor Oak Amber Ale, uniquely crafted with wood from the arboretum's oak trees," said Bautz, co-founder of Lake Effect Brewing Co. "The oak from the arboretum gives the English-style amber ale a great depth of flavor and an added layer of complexity that's unique to our current lineup of beers."