David Ziebell
Head brewer
More Brewing Company
Huntley, Villa Park and Bartlett, IL

The last really good beer I drank was…

If you mean strictly chronologically, I’ve got to give a nod to New Glarus’ Moon Man. Every time I cross the border or grab one from a buddy’s cooler, I’m reminded of how brilliant it is. It strikes this beautiful, effortless balance of bright, catty tropical hops with a perfectly clean, dry malt profile. As a brewer, you can’t help but admire a beer that is simultaneously so complex and yet completely crushable. It doesn’t demand your full attention, but if you look for the craftsmanship, it’s absolutely there.

Sundial Brewing & Blending in Barrington has been blowing me away. Their barrel-aged saison, Death Implies Life, which is conditioned on spent blueberries, is just a phenomenal showcase of what mixed culture beers can be.

What fellow Illinois breweries and specific beers have impressed you lately?

This is an easy one. Sundial Brewing & Blending in Barrington has really been blowing me away. I’ve honestly been thoroughly impressed with almost all of their offerings lately. Their barrel-aged saison, Death Implies Life, which is conditioned on spent blueberries, is just a phenomenal showcase of what mixed culture beers can be. Tannic, fruity, slightly acidic, just phenomenal.

When I’m in the mood for something massive, Revolution Brewing’s Peach Brandy Barrel DBVSOJ is an absolute masterclass in barrel aging and is delicious. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, Della, the kolsch from Old Irving Brewing, is a go-to crusher whenever I’m heading to the city.

What are you most proud of at More Brewing?

Honestly, it may be cliché, but it’s my team. Without our brewery manager Mike Sullivan, our production brewer Chris Miller, our packaging manager Andrew Milke and cellar lead Max Schammert, nothing we brew could be what I envision. We don’t cut corners with our ingredients or process, and seeing our dedication pay off with quality beer is the best feeling in the world.

FoBAB is coming up Nov. 13-14, and it’s a great event to sample barrel-aged creations from all over the country and have a great time.

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

At the end of summer, we’re still loaded with crisp, highly crushable lagers and some really fun, fruit-forward releases. I’m also hyped about how our hefeweizen, called Boomerweizen, turned out. It’s tasting better than ever.

FoBAB is also coming up Nov. 13-14, and it’s a great event to sample barrel-aged creations from all over the country and have a great time.