Bitter Pops Releases Best-Yet Craft Beer Advent Calendar

CHICAGO – Bitter Pops Original Beer Shoppe is helping Chicagoans get a jump on their holiday season with the official release of its sought-after adult advent calendar.

A boozy spin on the historically chocolate-centered pastime, the Bitter Pops Craft Beer Advent Calendar, comprises a mix of 24 thoughtfully procured local, national and international craft beers — one for each day of December leading up to the holidays.

This year’s lineup features picks from 13 Chicago-area breweries including Forbidden Root, Noon Whistle, Off Color, Spiteful, Sketchbook, Whiner, Wild Onion, and more. The remaining 11 beers hail from throughout North America — Oddside Ales, Collective Arts, Greenbush and Surly, to name a few.

“This is our third-annual advent calendar and it’s truly our best yet,” said Bitter Pops co-founder and beer expert Megan Gil. “We strategically select each pick and are proud to have collaborated with 9 local breweries this year to craft beers exclusively for this box.”

The beer lover’s medley includes two Illinois Great American Beer Festival (GABF) medal winning beers and 20 different styles, in total. Its 24 beers are packaged in a festive, ready-to-gift box and organized into four enclosed six-packs with numbered, perforated pop-tops like those of traditional advent calendars. Sippers can easily chill the fridge packs in advance while still keeping each day’s selection a surprise, creating what Gil calls “a one-of-a-kind tasting journey.”

The advent calendar “elves” have also tucked golden tickets to VIP-style brewery experiences and other perks inside select boxes. While the shop’s crew is eager to share additional details, “no one likes a spoiler,” Gil says.

“We want to give a sneak-peek without compromising the fun,” she added. “Our advent calendar has become an annual tradition for so many, and that’s really special to us.”

While the calendar is designed to be enjoyed starting Dec. 1, customers can decide whether to follow the one-beer-per-day cadence. Many, instead, choose to give advent calendars as gifts throughout the holidays, share them at office gatherings, or bring them to parties to sip with friends. The fridge boxes also make it easy to take individual six-packs to BYOB restaurants or other smaller meetups.

The 2019 Bitter Pops Craft Beer Advent Calendar is available while supplies last and in-store pickups begin in mid-November. Customers can purchase theirs online or by visiting Bitter Pops, 3345 N. Lincoln Ave., in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Non-beer drinkers or those seeking a gluten-free alternative can purchase this year’s 12 Days of Cider Gift Box.

About Bitter Pops Original Beer Shoppe: A specialty retail store and taproom, Bitter Pops offers a curated selection of craft beer, international beer, wine, ciders, and craft spirits. Its founders strive to create the “the ultimate guest experience” for shoppers and bar patrons, alike. Visitors to the welcoming Lakeview space are encouraged to share their stories and enjoy the social, relaxed atmosphere that beer naturally creates. For more information please visit www.bitterpops.com.