Beer Cheese Soup

12 - 24 ounces beer (Michelob Amber or other beer)
2 tbsp butter
12 - 16 slices bacon
1 cup minced sweet onion
1 cup minced carrot
1 cup minced celery
1 tsp smoked paprika
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup flour
4 cups cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1/8 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of chipotle pepper sauce
2 cups whole milk (substitute partial with half and half for richer soup)

Open beer and let stand with chopping vegetables. 
Saute bacon until crisp and drain on paper towel, reserve grease. 
In large pot, saute onion, carrot and celery in 2 tablespoons bacon grease and butter.
Gradually add flour and paprika to vegetables. 
Add chicken broth and beer, bring to boil and then reduce to simmer.
Add milk or half and half, cheese and crumbled bacon.
Heat until cheese melts.
Add salt and pepper to taste and sugar if desired.