Sippin’ Muddies at a Local Hidden Gem

Last night, I had the privilege of attending a private unveiling of “The Muddy”, Goose Island’s new limited edition imperial stout dedicated to the memory of late great blues legend Muddy Waters. Like the blues, this beer is smooth and powerful. With a 10.1% alcohol by volume content, it’s also pretty potent. Goose Island explains, “The Muddy is an imperial stout with amplified sweetness for a taste as distinctive as the Chicago blues that inspired its creation.”

The setting couldn’t have been more perfect. If Chicago is the town that birthed the blues, then Chess Records is its nursery. Founded and ran by brothers Leonard and Phil Chess, the south loop record company was an era changing blues label in the 60s. Its studio has seen greats such as The Rolling Stones, Little Walter, Muddy Waters, and, of course, Willie Dixon. Willie Dixon was a Grammy Award winning musician and songwriter, and a very close friend and confidant to Muddy Waters.

As we all sat in a circle sipping ‘Muddies’, Marie Dixon, Willie’s widow, shared some stories from Chess Record’s golden era, answered some questions, and explained the truth behind Hollywood portrayals of the genre and the men who created it.

The Chess Records address was immortalized in an instrumental by The Rolling Stones titled “2120 S. Michigan Avenue”.

The Dixon family now owns the Chess Records’ home and have transformed it into the Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation. Through the foundation they sponsor programs designed to instruct new generations of music enthusiasts. They also fund two scholarships, one in Water’s name and one in Dixon’s.

I can’t pour you a glass through this screen (wish I could) but to get a taste of what The Muddy is like for yourself listen below.

The Rolling Stones at Chess Records

Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Buddy Guy

Marie Dixon with the Goose Island Brewers behind “The Muddy”

The Willie Dixon Foundation (Formerly Chess Records), 2120 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL