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Beer list crafts independent options

Once again, Miller/Coors will dominate the beer selections in and around U.S. Cellular Field this season, but nearly a dozen or so independent craft beers will break through the lineup.

The significant newcomer for the 2014 season is Revolution Brewing Co.’s Anti-Hero IPA, which will be available both on draft and in cans. Revolution’s Chicago brew pub opened in 2010 in Logan Square and a production brewery opened nearby in 2012.

Lagunitas, soon to open a production brewery in Chicago as an offshoot of its Northern California headquarters, will have its flagship IPA on draft.

The craft beer hops don’t stop there as Barfly IPA, Half Acre Daisy Cutter, New Holland Mad Hatter, and Lagunitas Daytime IPA all will be on hand in bottles or cans. Less hoppy options include Bells Oberon, Chi Town Windy City Wheat, Two Brothers Ebel’s Weiss, Great Lakes Elliott Ness, Veteran Blonde Bomber, Sam Adams Boston Lager and Lakefront New Grist (gluten free).

The rapidly expanding cider market will be represented by four options, two of which will be on draft.

Leinenkugel’s, which was independent before being purchased by Miller in 1988, will have eight styles available this year, including Comiskey Ale. Chicago's Goose Island, independent until it was purchased by InBev in 2011, will have two options available: 312 Urban Wheat (draft) and 312 Urban Pale Ale (bottles).

When the season starts, there will be 27 different styles available on draft and 37 different styles available in bottles or cans, including one non-alcoholic option.