Expand / Collapse search
☰

'Da Pope' beer comes out this weekend

By FOX 32 Digital Staff
Published  May 21, 2025 11:01am CDT
Food and Drink
FOX 32 Chicago
Chicago takes pride in Pope Leo XIV, first American pontiff

Chicago takes pride in Pope Leo XIV, first American pontiff

The Catholic Church's first American pope is also a Chicago native.

The Brief

    • A Chicago brewery is getting in on the Pope Leo XIV meme craze with a new beer called "Da Pope."
    • Burning Bush Brewery in Horner Park will offer the mild ale starting Friday, with $5 pints or $8 "handshakes" including a shot of Malort.
    • The launch follows a wave of pope-themed merchandise and menu items celebrating the first Chicago-born pontiff.

CHICAGO - The Chicago pope memes have officially ventured into beer territory.

Burning Bush Brewery in Horner Park announced a new ale, paying homage the first Chicago-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV.

Named "Da Pope," the mild ale will be sold starting this Friday at $5 pints and $8 handshakes with a shot of Malort.

"This low ABV ale accentuates malty flavors, with notes of caramel, toasted nuts, and a light fruit flavor. It’s dark in color, but light bodied, and easy drinking to ease into your Memorial Day weekend," according to a statement from Burning Bush Brewery. 

Da Pope will be available through Memorial or while supplies last, the brewery said.

Big picture view:

Burning Bush Brewery is not the first business to capitalize on the Pope Leo XIV's Chicago heritage.

Portillo's unveiled an Italian beef sandwich after him called "The Leo." T-shirt vendors and other local stores are releasing pope-themed merchandise.

The Source: The information in this article came from Burning Brush Brewery and previous FOX 32 reporting.

Food and DrinkPope Leo XIVNewsNorth Center