Steve Judge
Co-director of the Park Ridge Market After Dark

Favorite breweries: Illinois has no shortage of great breweries, but a few standouts rise to the top for me. Mikerphone Brewing is one of my favorites, and I’m still hoping they’ll find a spot for a second taproom in Park Ridge. They consistently put out inventive, boundary-pushing beers. One of my favorite recent releases was their collaboration with Voodoo Brewery called Barrel-Aged Press Play 2025, a rye stout aged in bourbon and wheat whiskey barrels and conditioned on cocoa nibs, vanilla and hazelnuts. It’s decadent and flavorful, and definitely a beer that makes you stop and savor.

I also loved their One Hit Wonders, Vol. 5, an imperial stout aged 34 months in a Peerless Distilling rye whiskey barrel that later held absinthe. The absinthe brought this unexpected herbal brightness that cuts through the deep, rich stout. It’s not something I’d want every day, but it’s a refreshing twist that reminds you how fun experimentation in brewing can be.

I feel like Printer’s Row Brewing gets overlooked far too often. Their Bookbinder Blonde Ale is one of the best easy-drinking beers, ideal for tailgating or when you just want something refreshing. They also do a jalapeño version that I love. It has just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the beer. Pepper beers are hard to nail, and they do it really well.

Printer’s Row Brewing gets overlooked far too often. Their Bookbinder Blonde Ale is one of the best easy-drinking beers, ideal for tailgating or when you just want something refreshing.

Another favorite is Une Année/Hubbard’s Cave in Niles, especially their El Zacaton, an imperial stout aged with ancho, guajillo and habanero chilies, plus toasted oak. It’s bold and complex, with layers of warmth and a spiciness that makes it unforgettable.

Mikerphone Brewing in Elk Grove Village

Drinking tendencies: Clearly, I gravitate toward big, flavorful beers like barrel-aged stouts, chili stouts and anything with interesting adjuncts or a creative twist. I love brewers who aren’t afraid to experiment but still keep the beer balanced. That said, I also always appreciate a clean, classic lager when the moment calls for it. Especially if I’m pairing it with food or pacing myself during a long day.

Recent beers that have caught your eye: This year’s Goose Island Bourbon County Stout lineup grabbed my attention, and I picked up my allotment early from my local Beer on the Wall bottle shop. I’m most excited to try the double barrel-aged in 10-year Heaven Hill Distillery barrels, along with the Reserve Stout aged two years in Heaven Hill’s Parker’s Heritage Collection 10-year rye whiskey barrels. Heaven Hill is one of my all-time favorite Kentucky distilleries, so seeing them partner with Goose Island was a thrill. It was just with this release that I learned that the Parker’s Heritage line honors Parker Beam, a sixth-generation master distiller at Heaven Hill, which makes the beer feel like a part of bourbon history.

Heaven Hill is one of my all-time favorite Kentucky distilleries, so seeing them partner with Goose Island this winter was a thrill.

What you’re looking forward to enjoying on draft this winter: I consider early March still to be winter, so I’m still hunting for anything rich, spicy or barrel-aged, especially stouts with chili, chocolate or whiskey character. At the same time, I love having a reliable, easy-drinking lager in the rotation to balance things out.

Favorite beer bar: Mully’s Grill and Social 18 in Park Ridge is my go-to beer bar with their beer-of-the-day selection from local breweries like Haymarket and Sketchbook. It’s the kind of place where you feel instantly at home with great food, a friendly atmosphere and a tap list with something for everyone. Chicago Tavern Beer from Haymarket Brewing is always on draft there, and it’s my staple order, especially with one of their gyros.

Millstream Brewing

Best brewery you’ve hit on vacation: This is where traveling by RV really shines. Along with my wife, Amanda and son, Harrison, we make heavy use of the Harvest Hosts program, which lets us stay overnight at breweries and distilleries around the country. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a few pours and then walking straight back to your bed in the parking lot.

One of our first Harvest Host experiences was at Rush Creek Distilling in Harvard, Illinois. I was so intrigued by their barrel program that I signed up for a barrel on the spot. They host annual tasting events where you get to follow the entire evolution of your barrel from young distillate to maturity. It’s an incredible experience for anyone who loves whiskey.

Most recently, we visited Millstream Brewing Co. in Amana, Iowa, which is a beautiful small town known for its Oktoberfest traditions. Their lineup rotates constantly, but I had a barrel-aged caramel chocolate bock there that was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. And my son still talks about their root beer.

Hinterland Brewing in Green Bay strikes a perfect balance between creative and approachable, and it’s the kind of place that instantly makes you feel like a local. … We enjoyed the atmosphere in the impressive entertainment district with a bunch of fun activities for kids.

Another memorable stop along our travels was Hinterland Brewing in Green Bay. Hinterland strikes a perfect balance between creative and approachable, and it’s the kind of place that instantly makes you feel like a local. We ended up hanging around longer than planned, enjoying their food, their beers, and the atmosphere in the impressive entertainment district with a bunch of fun activities for kids… even though it was enemy territory!

But my favorite stop, both as a Harvest Host and on the Craft Bourbon Trail, was Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. (formerly known as Three Boys) in Frankfort, Kentucky. The distillery sits on a working farm with animals roaming freely, and the experience is as authentic as it gets. You pull whiskey straight from the barrel with a thief and bottle it yourself, all of it barrel proof. It’s easily one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had.

Secret beer spot: Beer on the Wall in Park Ridge (with additional locations in Elmhurst and Arlington Heights) is hands-down my favorite beer spot, even if it’s not much of a secret anymore. It’s my go-to place for grabbing a flight from their always rotating taps, and their to-go selection is massive. Whether I’m hunting down a special release, restocking the fridge or grabbing my Bourbon County Stout allotment, that’s the spot. It’s the perfect combination of neighborhood hangout and craft beer treasure trove.

Beer on the Wall