Chrissy Ivnik, co-owner
Nik & Ivy Brewing Co.
1026 S. State Street
Lockport, IL 60441

The last really good beer I drank was… our Nik of Time Peanut Butter Cup. It tastes like a perfect peanut butter cup! Also, Charlatan from Maplewood Brewing. It’s a good, classic American pale ale that’s refreshing, crisp and has just the right amount of hoppiness.

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

We’re big fans of spending a Saturday or Sunday afternoon at a brewery with our two boys. They really love the outdoor area at Hailstorm Brewing Company and the stack of games at Brothership. We’re always impressed with the craft and style at Goldfinger, as well as the variety at Noon Whistle. My usual favorite at Noon Whistle is a Fuzzy Smack peach Berliner weisse, and I also love their summer seasonal Guava Gose Smack.

I love that our brewer, Keven Schumacker, is always willing to try new recipes and styles. We are a small but mighty brewery with a lot of community involvement.

Hailstorm Brewing

What are you most proud of at your brewery?

I am most proud of our wide variety of beers that we have on tap. We rotate many beers seasonally and always have something new. I love that our brewer, Keven Schumacker, is always willing to try new recipes and styles. We are a small but mighty brewery with a lot of community involvement.

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

Our founder memberships (think mug club membership) came on sale mid-November. It’s the perfect holiday gift and allows you to enjoy our beer all year long! We also do Yoga & Brew events once a month at Nik & Ivy. One Sunday morning each month, we clear the tables and have our instructor, Carrie, lead us through a one-hour vinyasa flow followed by a fresh pint. Definitely a perfect way to start a Sunday! Our next one is Dec. 3.