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Home›Featured Post›IB Insiders›Illinois Brewing Insider: Timothy Ficken from Midwest Coast Brewing on the lagers and hefeweizens and Dovetail and Metropolitan, the return of his own Friendsgiving spiced strong ale, and hidden gem bars like Tuman’s Tap

Illinois Brewing Insider: Timothy Ficken from Midwest Coast Brewing on the lagers and hefeweizens and Dovetail and Metropolitan, the return of his own Friendsgiving spiced strong ale, and hidden gem bars like Tuman’s Tap

By Trent Modglin
October 21, 2023
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Timothy Ficken
Brewery manager at Midwest Coast Brewing in Chicago’s West Loop
MidwestCoastBrewing.com

Favorite breweries: The first one I always think of is Hopewell. Everything they do is just awesome. Little Buddy is great, Ride or Die, their First Pils too. 

I love going to Metropolitan as far as taproom and outdoor spaces on the Chicago River are concerned. Their good ol’ German lagers are great. I really like the Solemn Oath off the beaten path on Armitage in Chicago’s Logan Square. It’s a really cool spot, and my girlfriend likes their seltzers. We brought our dog there a few times, which is cool. Every time I go there I want to try something different, but I end up drinking their Lü (kolsch-style ale).

Drinking tendencies: First and foremost, I kind of lean amber to brown depending on the country of origin. That’s the area I find myself most of the time. I would drink fall beers year round if I could. We like to keep our Oktoberfest on tap through October on purpose. I love a good German pilsner and dunkel, but you just don’t see them around as much. 

Metropolitan Brewing in Chicago

Recent beers that have caught your eye: I had Alter Brewing’s Alterado Mexican lager during the Craft Brewers Guild golf outing, and it goes down really well, especially in the summer.  

I’m excited to see a couple new canned options from us, including Peremoha, which is our award winning Ukrainian golden ale, and Shiloh Rae, our triple IPA made with wildflower honey.

What are you looking forward to enjoying on draft this fall: I’m looking forward to all of the Oktoberfests and Festbiers, followed by any new ambers or brown ales that may hit the market. I’m excited to see a couple new canned options from us, including Peremoha, which is our award winning Ukrainian golden ale, and Shiloh Rae, our triple IPA made with wildflower honey. We also have the limited-time return of Friendsgiving, our strong ale spiced with orange peel, cinnamon and nutmeg.

As for other breweries, Great Central Brewing Company here in the West Loop and Dovetail in Lakeview make some seriously good hefeweizens. Dovetail and Metropolitan are hard for me to go to because I want to try everything on the menu. 

Timothy Ficken at Midwest Coast Brewing

Favorite beer bar in Illinois: I’d have to say Tuman’s Tap in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. They have a great draft and whiskey list. It’s a great corner bar where you’re not sure what to expect when you walk in the first time, but everything on the menu is awesome. Been around forever too. A lot of people know it if you’ve lived in the area, but if you’re not from around here, you’ve probably never heard of it. 

Secret beer spot: I really like The Charleston (in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood). They have a smaller tap list, but always something that will catch your eye. It’s a hole in the wall, cool little neighborhood bar with some great craft options rotating in and out.

Best brewery you’ve hit on vacation: I really like Green Man Brewery down in Asheville. They have a really good ESB there, and their barrel-aged program is solid too. I’ve been to Asheville a few times now, and it’s a must stop for me.

Green Man Brewery in Asheville, NC

TagsAlter BrewingAlteradoChicago BucktownDovetail BrewingFriendsgivingGreat Central Brewing CompanyGreen Man BreweryHopewell BrewingIllinois BrewingLogan SquareMetropolitan BrewingMidwest Coast BrewingOktoberfestPeremohaRide or DieShilog RaeSolemn OathThe CharlestonTimothy FickenTuman's Tap
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About us

Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, Illinois Brewing is printed and distributed quarterly (early January, April, July and October) to more than 250 breweries across the state as well as more than 100 craft beer-focused bars, restaurants and stores. Each member of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s IMBIBE club also receives the magazine in the mail. 

Publisher/owner: Trent Modglin
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Art director: Brian Hertel
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Illinois Brewing's magazine, website and email newsletter are property of Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

Illinois Brewing magazine

illinoisbrewing

Stylish magazine, website and e-mail newsletter focused on the vibrant craft beer scene in Illinois. Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

Nice patio session catching up with old friends la Nice patio session catching up with old friends last night at @halfacrebeer on Chicago’s far north side. Really dug the Nebula Double Daisy Cutter hazy IPA, Persephone pomegranate kolsch and Second Setting imperial IPA. New supply of Illinois Brewing is there now too. Summer issue out soon.
Brewer’s Choice: Tom Beckmann @twbeckmann from @ Brewer’s Choice: Tom Beckmann @twbeckmann from @goldfingerbeer on tasty recent brews from @iswasbrewing and @suncatcherbrewing … the growth of his brewery and their fifth annual Lagerversary coming up July 18-20

Read the spotlight from our spring issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com
This is not an event to be missed from the @ilcraf This is not an event to be missed from the @ilcraftbeer Guild. Tomorrow, Friday, June 6 at @gallagherwaychi next to Wrigley Field. Not a bad backdrop, right?

30-plus Chicago breweries serving up some of their best stuff for just $30. Can’t beat it, and the weather looks awesome.
This Saturday, June 7 is the @keggrovebrewco annua This Saturday, June 7 is the @keggrovebrewco annual Summerfest + Pub Club Rotary’s BBQ Smoke Show 

Get ready for an unforgettable day of craft beer, mouthwatering BBQ and music. Summerfest includes plenty of live entertainment, food trucks, and craft beer from across Illinois. A portion of the proceeds will go toward providing supplies for local animal shelters, so every bite you take is for a great cause. Doors open at noon.

712 E. Empire Street in Bloomington. KegGroveBrewing.com
One of the nearly 400 locations across the state y One of the nearly 400 locations across the state you can grab a copy of Illinois Brewing is @hopdistrictbrewing in west suburban La Grange Park. Friendly staff, versatile space, community focused, great beer (try the 2 Week Vacation hazy IPA) and an underrated patio out back. 
#IllinoisBrewing #craftbeer #DrinkIllinois
With a nice variety of small-batch beer, a popular With a nice variety of small-batch beer, a popular communal patio, family vibes, and Megan Welch’s desire to keep her late husband’s dream alive, @macushlabeer is quite the destination in north suburban Glenview

Read the spotlight from the spring issue at illinoisbrewing.com
Want to see your name in print in breweries, festi Want to see your name in print in breweries, festivals and bottle shops across the state this summer? Our LAST CALL section for the upcoming summer issue is asking craft beer enthusiasts the following question: 

*** What is the most underrated spot for enjoying a cold beer outdoors this summer? 

Remember, we like details, so please don’t just answer “Brewery X’s patio.” Tell our readers why you like it and give a few reasons. And feel free to share if you have friends who know of a few alluring patios, beer gardens or festivals. Thanks in advance, and cheers!!
Afternoons like this were made for craft beer and Afternoons like this were made for craft beer and patios like @hairycowbrewing in Byron. Creative woodfires pizzas and views of the Rock River included.
What better backdrop for sampling great local craf What better backdrop for sampling great local craft beer than in @gallagherwaychi next to iconic Wrigley Field? Friday Night Flights is back on Friday, June 6, and it’s a fantastic deal for such a unique event.

* 30+ Chicago craft breweries
* Live DJ
* Food trucks & local eats
* Just $30 in advance ($35 at the door)

Tasting session 1:  5–7 PM
Tasting session 2:  8–10 PM

Hosted by the @ilcraftbeer Educational Foundation, every ticket supports scholarships and education for the Illinois brewing community. 

Tickets on sale now at linktr.ee/illinoisbeer
Finally was able to stop by the @mastheadbrewing t Finally was able to stop by the @mastheadbrewing taproom in Cleveland last weekend. Especially enjoyed the In the Shadow of a Colossus barleywine, Estate Grown IPA and Zungenbrecher doppelbock. Very cool space, knowledgable staff and good vibes
If you find yourself around the near NW suburbs th If you find yourself around the near NW suburbs this Sunday, May 25, head on over to the annual Main Street Craft Beer Festival in Park Ridge. The eighth annual event — hosted by @wehavegreatbeerpr and @theharpandfiddle — will be held from 12-9 p.m. in the Park Ridge farmers’ market lot. With food, live music, a kid zone and, most importantly, 100+ craft beers available from breweries like @hopbutcher @dovetailbrewery @phasethreebrew and @morebrewing … it’s a pretty solid way to kick off summer.
#IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #illinoisbeer #beerfest
One of the nearly 400 locations around the state t One of the nearly 400 locations around the state that you can find a copy of Illinois Brewing is @alterbeer.obc 
It’s a gorgeous venue with private event space and great food and @alterbeer brews
Dropping off the cousin at O’Hare today reminded Dropping off the cousin at O’Hare today reminded us that one great spot for a beer and delicious food before departure (or while awaiting an arrival) is @crustbrewing in Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark 

Great venue to catch Rosemont’s Rockin’ in the Park concert series every Thursday in the summer too. 

Today’s offerings: The I Know Joe hefeweizen and the delightful Blueberry Crusher, a light-bodied cream ale with a hint of lemon and lots of real blueberries.
One of the nearly 400 locations around the state t One of the nearly 400 locations around the state that you can find a stack of Illinois Brewing is @noonwhistlebrewing in west suburban Lombard. Check out their Gummy series of hazy IPAs, solid daily specials, crispy pizzas and Pause sparkling water with THC
Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the @streetzmob Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the @streetzmobeatz artisan market at @tightheadbrew May 18, the @willcountybeerandbourbonfest May 31, Mayfestiversary with @begylebrewing and @dovetailbrewery May 24-25, @keggrovebrewco BBQ Smoke Show June 7 and more 

Read it all now at Illinoisbrewing.com
Illinois Brewing's Beer of the week: Lil’ Bison Illinois Brewing's Beer of the week: Lil’ Bison hefeweizen from @sturdyshelterbrewing in west suburban Batavia

Just in time for spring, this German classic is brewed with a Bavarian hefeweizen yeast and is bursting with that traditional banana/clove flavor. Links & Drinks is still happening throughout the western burbs too, so bring your putting stroke.
Our spring issue cover story — Read it now at Il Our spring issue cover story — Read it now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewery bites: Great craft beer is everywhere in Illinois, but here are a few dishes we’ve encountered at spots like @openoutcrybrewing @crustbrewing and @destihlbrewery @destihlrestaurant that are sure to get your stomach growling as well
Enjoying a trek around Lake Geneva today with my d Enjoying a trek around Lake Geneva today with my dad and cousin that included a burger and @newglarusbrewing Moon Man at Chuck’s and tasty Wisconsin craft beers at the one and only @owltavern from the likes of @topsyturvybrewery @lakefrontbrewery @duesterbecksbrewingco and @lowdailybeer
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A total of 94 craft breweries were pouring at the A total of 94 craft breweries were pouring at the annual #BeerUnderGlass festival from the @ilcraftbeer Guild last night, and believe me, we tried to hit them all. The rooftop terrace of the @harristheaterchicago in @millennium_park proved to be an ideal new location. What a way to kick off Illinois Craft Beer Week. #IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #illinoisbeer #ilcraftbeerweek
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