Illinois Brewing

Top Menu

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact Us

Main Menu

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • Feature Articles
  • IB Insiders
  • Interviews
  • Brewery Focus
    • Brewery Listings
    • Brewery Spotlights
    • Brewer’s Choice
    • Breweries in Bunches
  • Last Call
  • Magazine
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact Us

logo

Header Banner

Illinois Brewing

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • Feature Articles
  • IB Insiders
  • Interviews
  • Brewery Focus
    • Brewery Listings
    • Brewery Spotlights
    • Brewer’s Choice
    • Breweries in Bunches
  • Last Call
  • Magazine
  • Brewer’s Choice: Burning Bush Brewery’s Scott McElhenie

  • Last Call: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery?

  • Spotlight on Suncatcher Brewing

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

  • Spotlight on Macushla Brewing in north suburban Glenview

Last Call
Home›Featured Post›Last Call›Last Call: From Bufflehead brown ale at Kishwaukee Brewing to enjoying the Great Taste of the Midwest, Friday Night Flights and brewery tours in Bloomington-Normal and St. Charles, we asked craft beer enthusiasts and industry professionals for their favorite beer experiences of the summer

Last Call: From Bufflehead brown ale at Kishwaukee Brewing to enjoying the Great Taste of the Midwest, Friday Night Flights and brewery tours in Bloomington-Normal and St. Charles, we asked craft beer enthusiasts and industry professionals for their favorite beer experiences of the summer

By Trent Modglin
October 28, 2024
957
0
Share:

From our big fall issue: What was your favorite beer experience of the summer? 

“The Great Taste of the Midwest festival in August. It was the best weather we’ve had in 10-plus years up there. There’s just so much great beer in the Midwest to celebrate, and it has a somewhat local feel to it. The caliber of breweries that show up — and what they bring — is fantastic. So well run too. That had to be the highlight for sure.

— Jason Martens, head brewer at Mickey Finn’s Brewery 

“Will County Brewing Company is a fantastic stop to enjoy a craft beer. The staff is great, and the selection covers all your tastes. Whenever there, you must have at least one Bamm-Bamm loves Pebbles. It still gets me every time how much it tastes like Fruity Pebbles cereal.”

— Jerry Emmert, Zorn Compressor & Equipment

There’s just so much great beer in the Midwest to celebrate, and the Great Taste of the Midwest in Madison has a somewhat local feel to it. The caliber of breweries that show up — and what they bring — is fantastic.”

“I would say the Great Taste of the Midwest or the Oak Park Microbrew Review. Both great festivals. It’s nice to have the Great Taste so close in Madison, Wisconsin, as it’s a nice showcase of all the great beer being made around the Midwest. Everyone is on their A game there, bringing limited releases and casks and top-flight stuff, which adds to the fun.

— Chris Hopkins, Lunar Brewing

“My son’s first legal beer at 21 was this summer, and he asked to go to Crystal Lake Brewing. He had a flight of like 10 beers, and it was great to see him appreciate craft beer. CLB has done a great job outside with their space, and I feel like Norm from Cheers when I walk in there. It’s always very welcoming”

— Jim M.

“With our son turning 21 in June, he started drinking the Bufflehead brown ale at Kishwaukee Brewing. And now he drinks most of our brown ales at home. At least he appreciates good beer — instead of Busch Light. And as a beer connoisseur, I appreciate when some of the younger kids can venture out and drink some of the better beer that’s out there.”

— Nikole B.

“I was in grad school in Chicago this summer, and so it was to fun break away from what I was used to and find a few new places to call home — like Other Half Brewing in the Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport and Marz Brewing. I knew of Marz already, but their lagers — I just knew they would be quality and I knew I would love them. Marzujsko, their Croatian-style lager, was my go-to there.”

— Spencer Kibbler, bartender at Kishwaukee Brewing

“Printer’s Row Brewing, located in Chicago’s Jefferson Park, has the best block parties, and I attended their anniversary party in June. They released a double IPA to commemorate the occasion, and they also had their outstanding Bookbinder blonde ale available. They had activities for kids and a local restaurant selling tacos. A great day supporting local on the northwest side of Chicago!”

— Jessica Anne Murphy

Spiteful Brewing Company in Chicago

“My wife and I stopped at Spiteful Brewing in the Andersonville neighborhood on Chicago’s north side. It is a really nice space (indoor and outdoor) that is cozied into a neighborhood and brews outstanding beers. I especially enjoyed their lagers and pilsner.”

— Frank Melch, senior sales manager at Zorn Compressor & Equipment

My friends and I explored five breweries in Bloomington-Normal on a Saturday in July as part of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s passport program. We got to enjoy some old favorites, and try some new brews.”

“My friends and I explored five breweries in Bloomington-Normal (Lil Beaver, Destihl, Keg Grove, White Oak Brewing and Casper Brewing Company) on a Saturday in July as part of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s passport program. We got to enjoy some old favorites, and try some new brews.”

— Stephanie Swieca 

“I was able to take a day trip up to Portland, Maine and visit a small sample of the craft breweries there. The variety of outstanding IPAs at Bissell Brothers and Belleflower Brewing topped my list. The outdoor space at Rising Tide Brewing with tents, tables and outdoor games was a big hit for the family as well.”

— Ben Ault

Riverlands Brewing Company in St. Charles

“My favorite beer experience this summer had to have been the brewery crawl in the west suburbs for my husband’s 50th birthday in August. We started at Art History Brewing for flights, stopped in for a drink at Sturdy Shelter, met up with friends at Riverlands Brewing Company (Jeremy was awesome and saved us the pavilion for our big group!), then ended our night at Alter Brewing. It was a perfect summer night with friends and some amazing  beer!”

— Tina Overton

“It was a fantastic year for the Grayslake Craft Beer Festival. Probably the best year ever for variety and quality. I was really surprised how many awesome meaderies came out including Pips and Standard. Weather held up, and entertainment was great too.”

— Nader Kardoush, owner of The Beer Bazaar

I really enjoyed Friday Night Flights at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville this year. The atmosphere was welcoming and chill, and they had such a great brewery selection. The views and location didn’t hurt either!”
— Romeo & Brewliet

“This is tough because we’ve done so many cool events this year. My favorite had to be when Brewliet and I guested on the Drunk with Buds podcast and Warrior Wrestling live at Revolution Brewing, and then attended the Trouble is Brewing event a few weeks later. I’d never seen a wrestling event live before, but I was definitely into it! Revolution knows how to put on a show.”

— Romeo, of the Romeo & Brewliet team on Instagram

“I really enjoyed Friday Night Flights at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville this year. The atmosphere was welcoming and chill, and they had such a great brewery selection. The views and location didn’t hurt either! You’ll catch us there again next year for sure.”

— Brewliet, of the Romeo & Brewliet team on Instagram

TagsAlter BrewingAndersonvilleBellflower BrewingBissell BrothersBloomington breweriesBookbinder blonde aleBufflehead Brown AleCasper Brewing Companycraft beerCrystal Lake BrewingDestihlDrunk with Buds podcastFriday Night FlightsGallagher WayGrayslake Craft Beer FestivalGreat Taste of the MidwestIllinois BrewingIllinois Craft Brewers GuildKeg GroveKishwaukee BrewingLil BeaverMarz BrewingOak Park Microbrew ReviewOther Half BrewingPips MeaderyPortland Maine breweriesPrinter's Row BrewingRamova TheatreRevolution BrewingRising Tide BrewingRiverlands Brewing CompanyRomeo & BrewlietSpiteful BrewingStandard MeaderySturdy ShelterThe Beer BazaarTrouble is BrewingWarrior WrestlingWhite Oak BrewingWill County Brewing CompanyWrigleyvilleZorn Compressor and Equipment
Previous Article

Spotlight on Werk Force Brewing Company: From ...

Next Article

Inside Scoop: FoBAB, the esteemed Festival of ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0

Trent Modglin

Related articles More from author

  • Brewery Spotlights

    Spotlight on Sketchbook Brewing: This popular brewery offers a diverse beer lineup, charming taprooms in Skokie and Evanston, and a ...

    July 2, 2024
    By Trent Modglin
  • Brewery Spotlights

    Spotlight on Reserve Artisan Ales: This newish, family-owned brewery offers a pour-you-own tap system and beautiful event space in downtown ...

    April 30, 2023
    By Trent Modglin
  • Inside Scoop

    Inside Scoop: The Lodi Tap House “Christmas in July” Beer Advent Calendar pre-sale, Streetz Arts Alliance shows, Ravenswood on Tap, ...

    July 13, 2023
    By Trent Modglin
  • Brewery Spotlights

    Spotlight on Tighthead Brewing Company: Offering plenty of friendly “English pub culture” and award-winning beers in north suburban Mundelein

    April 10, 2023
    By Trent Modglin
  • IB Insiders

    Illinois Brewing Insider Geoff Hutchins on a love of Hubbard’s Cave’s dessert-style stouts and Phase Three’s Pixel Density Lite, breweries ...

    November 30, 2022
    By Trent Modglin
  • Breweries in Bunches

    Breweries in Bunches: Venture up to Rockford to find a quartet of unique craft breweries, each with its own charm ...

    February 17, 2024
    By Trent Modglin

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You might be interested

  • Inside Scoop

    Inside Scoop: Get ready for the fun, as Illinois Craft Beer Week returns in all its splendor May 19-26

  • Brewery Spotlights

    Brewery spotlight: Hangar Two by Tangled Roots Brewing Company offers an impressive menu and stylish space in north suburban Glenview

  • Brewery Spotlights

    Spotlight on Crushed by Giants: The team behind DryHop Brewers hit a home run with this gem overlooking Michigan Ave

Let's Connect

  • 960
    Likes

  • 1,720
    Followers

  • 141
    Followers

Stay in the know. Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter

* indicates required





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
[email protected]

Illinois Brewing's magazine, website and email newsletter are property of Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

illinoisbrewing

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

From our Brewer’s Choice section in new summer i From our Brewer’s Choice section in new summer issue: 

Q: What do you have coming up that people should know about?

@burningbushbrewery head brewer Scott McElhenie: We recently brewed Da Pope, an American mild ale, in honor of the new pope, Pope Leo XIV, who is a Chicago native. People immediately loved the name, but were surprised to realize how much they also enjoyed the beer. We workshopped Da Pope as a lighter-bodied option that still offers notes more commonly found in darker styles to give some variety over the summer. It makes me laugh a little every time somebody says, “It’s actually good!” as if we would make a beer that didn’t taste good just for a cheesy name.

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com
Instagram post 18399803860117341 Instagram post 18399803860117341
The Streetz Artz Alliance Summer Art Bazaar return The Streetz Artz Alliance Summer Art Bazaar returns to Tinley Park’s @flipsidebrewing this Sunday, July 6 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

The event with @streetzmobeatz will showcase 16 talented local artists in an intimate and vibrant setting inside the brewery’s taproom, perfectly paired with house-made smash burgers and fresh craft beer.

Shoppers can expect a wide and unique range of offerings — from handcrafted hot sauces, crocheted creatures, and original artwork to houseplants, tarot readings, skincare products, handmade jewelry, coffee, candles and even giant cookies.
Oh yes. The expansion continues. Oh yes. The expansion continues.
From our new summer issue... Brewer’s Choice: @b From our new summer issue...
Brewer’s Choice: @burningbushbrewery head brewer Scott McElhenie on @russianriverbrewingofficial living up to the hype, the @sturdyshelterbrewing sensational Paddlewheel porter, and naming a popular new beer after the Pope Leo XIV

“I just had a couple beers from Sturdy Shelter Brewing that really impressed me. … I have had a few porters in my life, but the Paddlewheel Porter was extraordinarily well crafted. The vanilla is well balanced with the darker malts so that you aren’t left with an overwhelming sweetness in the beer.”

Read it all now at IllinoisBrewing.com
If you haven’t tried the menu at @industryales i If you haven’t tried the menu at @industryales in downtown Chicago yet, prepare to be blown away. 

Be on the lookout for our Breweries in Bunches feature on the four Loop breweries in our new summer issue.
Well, we thought we were doing a decent job with t Well, we thought we were doing a decent job with the magazine, but it seems Illinois Brewing is so entertaining, it can even distract people from enjoying the likes of Malibu Beach and Joshua Tree National Park in California.
From @oldirvingbrewing burgers and the @uneannee c From @oldirvingbrewing burgers and the @uneannee cave monster sandwich to @crustbrewing fish tacos and @morebrewing Indian dishes, we asked readers and industry professionals: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery?

Read the Last Call section now at IllinoisBrewing.com
Quick family vacation to Southern California and c Quick family vacation to Southern California and coming away impressed with the San Diego craft beer scene. Favorites so far include: @moderntimesbeer Orderville hazy IPA (winner so far), @latitude33brew Brewing’s blood orange IPA, @seekbeerco That Adds Up hazy IPA, @coronadobrewing Weekend Vibes IPA, @emboldenbeerco Industry blonde ale and @burgeonbeer Carlsbad Crush pale ale.
Read our spotlight on @suncatcherbrewing — who h Read our spotlight on @suncatcherbrewing — who happens to be hosting a Summer Solstice party today.

“Suncatcher is all about going back to the beers I was stoked and inspired by when I was first learning about beer as a younger person… and keeping that feeling going.” — Co-owner Matt Gallagher

Read the feature now at IllinoisBrewing.com
From the archives: Spotlight on @onelakebrewing — Located in a gorgeously renovated 1920s bank in Oak Park, this brewery from a pair of friends focuses on beer that’s true to the region it’s from and fostering a community vibe. And did we mention they have an awesome rooftop? 

“We try to brew beer that’s true to the region it came from. We bring in ingredients from all over the world and use them in their purest form. … We even adjust the water chemistry too, in order to mimic the environment of the local brewers.” — Shawn Stevens

Read the brewery spotlight at IllinoisBrewing.com
Double hazy IPA from @mikerphonebrewing on the pat Double hazy IPA from @mikerphonebrewing on the patio while playing a “candy Monopoly” my kid created on his own? 

Not a bad way to spend a summer evening.
Had a great time at the annual @illinoisbrewing go Had a great time at the annual @illinoisbrewing golf scramble earlier this week — with a tasty variety of beers from the likes of @hopbutcher @midwestcoastbrewing @blindcornerbeer @werkforcebrewing @reserveartisanales @alterbeer and more.

Also swung by for an interview with @brotherchimpbrewing for a feature in the summer issue. Now that’s a day.
Thanks to @maplewoodbrew for the invite earlier th Thanks to @maplewoodbrew for the invite earlier this week to get a sneak peek of their new kitchen and expanded taproom in Logan Square. Stellar smash burger, Pillowy Mellows NEIPA and In Dark Trees dark Czech lager. And a bottle of their finest bourbon to go. Look for more on Maplewood in the upcoming summer issue
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
Follow on Instagram

RECENT POSTS

Brewer's Choice

Brewer’s Choice: Burning Bush Brewery’s Scott McElhenie

Russian River Brewing Brewer’s Choice Scott McElhenie Head brewer at Burning Bush Brewery in Chicago The last really good beer I drank was… Happy Hops IPA from Russian River Brewing ...
  • Last Call: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery?

    By Trent Modglin
    June 23, 2025
© Copyright Illinois Brewing and Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved.