Jon Miller
Brewer/Owner
Bubblehouse Brewing Company
2121 Ogden Ave. in Lisle

Favorite breweries: We are fortunate to have an abundance of amazing breweries in the great state of Illinois. I could wax poetic about so many fine establishments (that I rarely have time to visit), but a few that we find ourselves enjoying time and time again would be: Sturdy Shelter in Batavia, Werk Force in Plainfield, Art History in Geneva and Skeleton Key in Woodridge. There are loads more, of course, and that is truly what we love about the industry. Trying something new and learning and experiencing what others are putting time and effort into is always a great way to stay motivated and inspired to keep putting out a great product.

Drinking tendencies: West Coast IPAs, dark lagers and variety. For me more than anything, variety is a big part of enjoying a bar, taproom or brewery. Show me a well-balanced tap list with everything from lagers and IPAs to dark porters and stouts, and I’ll be a happy camper. Especially in a brewery, showcasing a rainbow of delicious beers across a variety of styles and being able to recommend any with equal confidence is the sign of a good brewer.

Recent beers that have caught your eye: On a recent trip down to Werk Force, I was happy to get to try a Really Decent — Citra, which I enjoyed quite a bit. Really Decent is known for being a straight-shooting lager, but the inclusion of Citra hops was a welcome addition. Not overpowering the overall drinking experience, but adding just enough floral and citrus notes to delight my palate in between sips of their barrel-aged Sleepy Bear variants.

Second to that, although most are long gone, was drinking through an influx of wet-hop IPAs this harvest season. Of course we love our own Fresh Hop Gorgeous Gorges, but I had the chance to sample several others, including many at a fresh hop event at Riverlands Brewing in St. Charles, which was a great way to taste through several offerings from Riverlands, Mikerphone, Phase Three and more all in one spot. That was a good day. Another standout was a fresh-hop Chinook beer from Sturdy Shelter that was hoppy, bitter and truly showcased some deep complexities that come from the addition of so much fresh-hop material.

At Bubblehouse, we are getting set to release a nice rye West Coast IPA that really adds an additional layer of complexity for cooler weather.

What are you looking forward to enjoying on draft this winter: I always drink around a lot, regardless of the season. But certain beers that are more prevalent in the dark winter months do make me sit up and take notice. A good dark lager, like a schwarzbier, is always a good place to start. Additionally, since I have a year-round affection for West Coast IPAs, I always love a good winter IPA — a category in which I will lump any West Coast IPA that has a little extra character from a heavier malt bill or added adjuncts. At Bubblehouse, we are getting set to release a nice rye West Coast IPA that really adds an additional layer of complexity for cooler weather. And of course, this is stout-drinking weather, so you may find me dabbling in a few barrel-aged delicacies from time to time.

Bavarian Lodge

Favorite beer bar in Illinois: The Bavarian Lodge in Lisle. I don’t get here nearly as often as I’d like, but when I do, it never disappoints. The low, parquet ceiling and rich wood bar is always such a cozy and transportative experience. Adding in the local and global beer selection with deep and diverse selections is what makes it a local legend. Sipping on a German pilsner or Belgian pale while snacking on a fresh plate of Berliner currywurst is hard to beat. If the Bavarian Lodge opened earlier, chances are I’d be in for lunch and a beer far more often.

Secret beer spot: A good friend’s basement is always a preferred place to drink. I am fortunate to have a standing invitation to a secret basement location in the area that is always warm and relaxing, with a great DJ. Typically filled with good bourbon, beer and great people. And when you’re simply looking to lie low and enjoy some downtime with friends, a quality basement is hard to beat. The downside is that they sometimes never close and there are rarely clocks in basements, so time management can be an issue.

Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap in Lisle has a good selection of local beers, an amazing staff and a bunch of vinyl to search through. … I love listening and discussing music, so this is always a good stop.

The other spot I love to slip into, as it is right around the corner from Bubblehouse, is Crooked Arm Vinyl & Tap in Lisle. Always a good selection of local beers, an amazing staff and, of course, a bunch of vinyl to search through. Looking for that special gem is always a treat, and sometimes the search is just as enjoyable as the find. Although I typically get more excited about a deal under $10, even if the material and quality are a little suspect. I love listening and discussing music, so this is always a good stop. I do often get caught staying a little longer than I intend to, but good beer and music will do that.

Burial Beer Co.

Best brewery you’ve hit on vacation: Burial Beer Co. in Asheville, North Carolina has always been a favorite to visit when in the area. We have found ourselves visiting the area or planning a stop while passing through many times over the past few years. Sometimes even rearranging our route just to drop in for a couple of hours. The beers have always been top notch, the space feels welcoming and familiar, and typically the weather is sublime.

Additionally, on a recent trip to Phoenix this past spring, we were told by a trusted advisor to make a stop into one of the locations that Wren House Brewing has in the area. We stopped into their 24th Street location, which was a great space. Small and cozy and built into what appeared to be an old home, it had several rooms and spaces meant for gathering, playing, drinking and lounging. And a nice outdoor patio, which due to the heat and post-hike status we found ourselves in, we did not take advantage of. But it looked nice from inside the air-conditioned taproom.