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  • Brewer’s Choice: Goldfinger Brewing’s Tom Beckmann

  • Spotlight on Macushla Brewing in north suburban Glenview

  • Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the Will County Craft Beer & Bourbon Fest, Streetz Artz Alliance artisan markets, Keg Grove’s BBQ Smoke Show and more

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Brewer's Choice
Home›Featured Post›Brewery Focus›Brewer's Choice›Brewer’s Choice: Horse Thief Hollow’s Andrian Morrison on the Sgt. Reckless pale ale from Evil Horse, admiring Hailstorm Brewing, winning two gold medals and helping veterans with PTSD

Brewer’s Choice: Horse Thief Hollow’s Andrian Morrison on the Sgt. Reckless pale ale from Evil Horse, admiring Hailstorm Brewing, winning two gold medals and helping veterans with PTSD

By Trent Modglin
April 13, 2024
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Morrison (left), along with Horse Thief Hollow’s Neil Byers and Jake Nelson

Andrian Morrison
Brewer and sales manager
Horse Thief Hollow Brewing Co.
10426 S Western Ave. in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood
HorseThiefBrewing.com

The last really good beer I drank was… Sgt. Reckless from Evil Horse Brewing, an American pale ale at 5.2% ABV. It’s got a fruity aroma and a sweet malt flavor with a well-balanced bitter finish. I also love the name — Sgt. Reckless was a Marine Corps war horse and, as a marine myself, I loved the homage to an American hero. I mean, who doesn’t love animals, and a badass one at that?

Hailstorm’s blueberry shandy

What fellow Illinois breweries and specific beers have impressed you lately?
Hailstorm Brewing never ceases to impress me, from their Blueberry Hill shandy to their Wil’s Wheat’n imperial wheat pale ale. I don’t think I have ever had a beer of theirs that I did not enjoy. And their head brewer Wil Turner’s decades of knowledge shine through. I have definitely picked his brain and asked him for advice over the years.

They did a collaboration with Flipside Brewing called Welcome Back Neighbor, a fruited beer with blackberry and lime that I loved. And I always enjoy a beer from our two neighbors to the south — Open Outcry Brewing and Blue Island Beer Company.

I don’t think I have ever had a beer from Hailstorm Brewing that I did not enjoy. And their head brewer Wil Turner’s decades of knowledge shine through. I have definitely picked his brain over the years.

What are you most proud of at your brewery?
Most recently, we here at Horse Thief Hollow are very proud of our Little Wing pilsner and the two gold medals it took in 2023. One at the Great American Beer Festival and one at the World Beer Cup, both in the International Pilsner category. It truly validated our hard work in the brewery day in and day out.

What do you have coming up that people should know about?
I will be brewing an American pale ale in collaboration with the Road Home Program, which helps veterans with PTSD. As a Marine combat veteran, I have many friends and brothers and sisters in arms who have dealt with mental health, and this is one way to help give back to the veteran community.

As a Marine combat veteran, I have many friends and brothers and sisters in arms who have dealt with mental health, and this collaboration is one way to help give back to the veteran community.

The beer, which will be called Because of the Brave, will be available in May. There will also be a tapping event with the Road Home Program here at Horse Thief Hollow, where a portion of the proceeds will go to help veterans with their treatment. I encourage all to attend and support a great cause. You can also find our beer on draft and in cans all across Chicagoland. Thank you craft beer lovers for your support and patronage.

TagsBecause of the BraveBeverly ChicagoBlue Island Beer CompanyChicago breweriesEvil Horse BrewingFlipside BrewingGreat American Beer FestivalHailstorm BrewingHorse Thief HollowIllinois breweriesIllinois BrewingLittle Wing pilsnerOpen Outcry BrewingRoad Home ProgramSgt RecklessWil's Wheat'nWorld Beer Cup
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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
[email protected]

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

Fun event alert: The fourth annual STC Six collabo Fun event alert: The fourth annual STC Six collaboration launch party is happening on Wednesday, June 18 at 5 p.m. at Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling in downtown St. Charles. 

The STC Six is made up of the following St. Charles breweries: @93octanebrewery @alterbeer.stc @brokenbrix_cidery @pollyannabrewingcompany @riverlandsbrewingcompany and D&G. The breweries invite everyone to join in on the celebration for a great cause with the first opportunity to taste the new beer — a West Coast pilsner with notes of citrus, tropical fruit and a touch of pine. 

This year’s collaboration supports the important mission of Support Over Stigma, a nonprofit helping veterans and first responders. For every beer and limited-edition glassware sold, $1 will be donated to the cause. Can’t make it to the event but want to contribute? You can visit any of the participating breweries to try the beer and purchase limited-edition glassware.

More information: STCSix.com
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
So glad the crispy chicken paillard we had on spec So glad the crispy chicken paillard we had on special at @mickey_finns recently made its way onto their regular menu in Libertyville. Such a great spot for dinner, catching the game or kicking back on the patio.
#IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer
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