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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: Hand of Fate Brewing’s Mike Allison on the kellerbier from Anvil & Forge, being a fan of all things White Oak, and his own cream ale developing a cult following

  • Spotlight on Old Irving Brewing Company: This award-winning favorite on Chicago’s NW side boasts a welcoming vibe and a seriously scrumptious menu. And did we mention they’re expanding?

  • Illinois Brewing Insider: Mike Gemma on creating a welcoming vibe at Haymarket, Piece Pizza as a go-to spot, Hopewell Brewing’s Tank Beer and visiting Russian River on his anniversary

  • Last Call: From Buffalo Creek Brewing to The Village Tap, and Lunar Brewing to Kaiser Tiger and The Vine of Grayslake, we asked our readers for the coziest brewery or bar for the cold winter months

  • Spotlight on Emancipation Brewing Company: This Bloomington-area brewery, located in a charming former dairy barn on the family farm, churns out a serious variety of quality craft beer

Author: Trent Modglin

Home›Author: Trent Modglin (Page 14)

Trent Modglin

  • Brewery Spotlights

    Spotlight on Haymarket Brewing Company: Plenty of award-winning beer, scrumptious food and a lively, versatile space in Chicago’s dynamic West Loop

    By Trent Modglin
    March 4, 2023
    Haymarket Brewing Company 737 W. Randolph Chicago, IL 60661 HaymarketBeer.com Monday-Wednesday: 4-11 p.m. Thursday: 1-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 12 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Sunday: 12-9 p.m. History ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles

    Small-business spotlight on Leaders Beverage: The experts in draft system designs, maintenance and beverage consultancy 

    By Trent Modglin
    March 3, 2023
    Leaders Beverage 312-497-5602 LeadersBeverage.com History in short: Leaders Beverage was founded in 2012 by Drew Larson, a retired major and aeromedical Blackhawk helicopter pilot ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders

    Illinois Brewing Insider Cesar Marron on his own Common Culture oatmeal stout, drinking Belgians at Hopleaf and spending a day on Metropolitan’s patio

    By Trent Modglin
    March 1, 2023
    Metropolitan Brewing’s patio in Chicago Cesar Marron Head brewer and managing partner Sketchbook Brewing Company in Evanston and Skokie, IL SketchbookBrewing.com Drinking tendencies: Genuinely ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles

    Fresh on the scene: Learn more about the new venues from District Brew Yards, Alter Brewing + Kitchen, Burning Bush Brewery and Hop Butcher for the World

    By Trent Modglin
    February 16, 2023
    District Brew Yards adds suburban Wheeling location Already a hit in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, District Brew Yards opened its highly-anticipated second location late ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights

    Spotlight on Scorched Earth Brewing: Head to NW suburban Algonquin for this cozy taproom, cavernous event space, live music and a variety of tasty brews (donuts, anyone?)

    By Trent Modglin
    February 10, 2023
    Scorched Earth Brewing Company 203 Berg Street Algonquin, IL 60102 ScorchedEarthBrewing.com Wednesday: 3-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 3-10 p.m. Saturday: 12-10 p.m. Sunday: 12-7 p.m. History ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice

    Brewer’s Choice: Rt. 66 Old School Brewing’s Paul Bidne on his “Mango Is Our Middle Name” sour, local disc golf bar crawls and an appreciation for Blue Island Beer Company

    By Trent Modglin
    February 7, 2023
    Paul Bidne Head brewer at Rt. 66 Old School Brewing 110 Bridge Street in Wilmington, IL Rt66OldSchoolBrewing.com 1. The last really good beer you ...
    Read More
  • Inside Scoop

    Inside Scoop: Q&A with John Maguire, program director for the Lake County Libation Trail

    By Trent Modglin
    February 6, 2023
    Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove, IL Q & A with John Maguire, Community Outreach and Programs Director for VisitLakeCounty.org Q: Tell us a ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders

    Illinois Brewing Insider Mike Zoller on a love of Dovetail’s Czech dark lager, Chicago’s best barrel-aged options and the experience that is Treehouse Brewing Company

    By Trent Modglin
    February 1, 2023
    Mike Zoller Chicago, IL Midwest Editor at PorchDrinking.com Twitter: @mikezoller Instagram: @chicagobeer Favorite breweries: I think it’s always changing based on current preferences, but ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights

    Spotlight on Door 4 Brewing Co. — This Decatur favorite offers a wide variety of beer styles, axe throwing, a popular stage, and even its own food truck

    By Trent Modglin
    January 30, 2023
    Door 4 Brewing Co. 1214 W. Cerro Gordo Street Decatur, IL 62522 Door4Brewing.com Monday: 3-9 p.m. Thursday: 3-9 p.m. Friday: 3-10 p.m. Saturday: 1-10 ...
    Read More
  • Breweries in Bunches

    Breweries in bunches: West suburban St. Charles is booming these days, and at the center of its popularity is a quartet of fantastically unique breweries 

    By Trent Modglin
    January 28, 2023
    By Trent Modglin Riverlands Brewing Company 1860 Dean Street in St. Charles RiverlandsBrewing.com Details: Jason Arges and Steve Marck were college roommates and friends ...
    Read More
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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.

Illinois Brewing magazine

illinoisbrewing

Stylish magazine, website and e-mail newsletter focused on the vibrant craft beer scene in Illinois. Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild
Fun outing with a few neighbors at the cozy new @s Fun outing with a few neighbors at the cozy new @suncatcherbrewing in Chicago’s Humboldt Park. Thanks to @halfacrebeer co-owner Matt Gallagher for showing us around his fun side project. Look for a spotlight on Suncatcher in Illinois Brewing’s big spring issue #IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #chicagobeer
Hey all, it’s not too late if you’d like to co Hey all, it’s not too late if you’d like to contribute to our Last Call section in the upcoming issue of Illinois Brewing magazine. Here’s the question to answer: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery? You can answer below or direct message. Please provide details on what you had, why you liked it, etc. Not just the brewery name. Thanks in advance... and here’s hoping to see your name in print!
“I find myself always going back to anything new “I find myself always going back to anything new that @whiteoakbrewing is putting out in Normal. I love their hazy IPAs, and pretty much anything they do I’m a fan of. They’re in a really good position where they distribute to a lot of the state, so people are catching on to them. We’ve done several collaborations with them, and I really dig those guys.” — @handoffatebrewing owner and head brewer Mike Allison Read the Brewer’s Choice from our winter issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com
Always fun visiting @thehopleaf in Chicago’s And Always fun visiting @thehopleaf in Chicago’s Andersonville. Met up with @linkstaproom owner Mike Quinlan to talk about his plans for taking over the @ontourbrewing space in West Town. Look for a feature on Links’ return in our spring issue. A trio of fantastic beers at Hopleaf — who consistently has one of the city’s best draft lists — included the @goldfingerbeer Zlotonator doppelbock, @mainebeerco Wolfe’s Neck IPA and @hopbutcher Tavern King double NEIPA. #IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer
From our winter issue... Brewer’s choice: Mike A From our winter issue... Brewer’s choice: Mike Allison from @handoffatebrewing on the kellerbier from @anvil_and_forge being a fan of all things @whiteoakbrewing and his own Double Bean Dream cream ale (with vanilla and hazelnut coffee beans) developing a bit of a cult following Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com
Pulaski Day and getting a glimpse of the @maplewoo Pulaski Day and getting a glimpse of the @maplewoodbrew new expanded taproom, patio window and drink rail #IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #pulaski
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe between @keggrovebrewco Hol Eeny, meeny, miny, moe between @keggrovebrewco Holey Jeans blueberry wheat, @solemnoathbeer / @hiddenhandbeer Gold Room double hazy and @maplewoodbrew Charlatan pale ale. We simply can’t go wrong #IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #illinoisbeer #pizza #fridaynight
March 1, 2025 – The Streetz Artz Alliance @stree March 1, 2025 – The Streetz Artz Alliance @streetzmobeatz is back at @soundgrowler bringing one of their most anticipated events to date: The Vintage Market WHEN: Saturday, March 1, 2025 TIME: 12-5 p.m. WHERE: Soundgrowler Brewing, 8201 183rd St. in Tinley Park FREE ADMISSION | FAMILY-FRIENDLY The Streetz Artz Alliance has a reputation for curating unique, themed markets, and this first-ever Vintage Market at Soundgrowler will be no exception. Featuring over three dozen artists and vendors, attendees can expect vintage clothing, home décor, repurposed jewelry, vinyl records, nostalgic baked goods, and one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Spotlight on @oldirvingbrewing — This award-winn Spotlight on @oldirvingbrewing — This award-winning favorite on Chicago’s NW side boasts a welcoming vibe and a seriously scrumptious menu. And did we mention they’re expanding? “We’ve always been able to connect with people, and that’s the biggest thing. Being able to sit at a table and have a shared experience over food, beer, cocktails or a conversation, and transcend what this business is.” — @trosehamblin Read the feature from our winter issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com
Ohhh, this is a good one… and for a great cause. Ohhh, this is a good one… and for a great cause. Save the date for the @willcountybeerandbourbonfest May 31
Check out the latest @beerinfront podcast with Dav Check out the latest @beerinfront podcast with Dave Zalatoris to listen to yours truly talk a bit about the expansion of @illinoisbrewing magazine, underrated breweries around the state, trends in the craft beer industry and much, much more. Make sure to stick around till the end when we bring in Kevin Cary from @begylebrewing for an update on his Barrel Aged Imperial Pajamas Day Feb. 28, the history of Chicago’s Malt Row, etc. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-in-front/id1500155339 #IllinoisBrewing #BeerInFront #podcast #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #illinoisbeer
Illinois Brewing Insider: Mike Gemma on creating a Illinois Brewing Insider: Mike Gemma on creating a welcoming vibe at @haymarketbeer … @piecechicago and @bitterpops as go-to spots … enjoying @hopewellbrewing Tank Beer and @offcolorbrewing Bare Bear … and visiting @russianriverbrewingofficial on his anniversary Read the spotlight from our winter issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com
The @visitlakecounty February Flavor Festival is w The @visitlakecounty February Flavor Festival is winding down, and their Libation Trail is something to behold with NW suburban craft breweries like @mickey_finns @tightheadbrew @phasethreebrew @roaringtable @harborbrewingco @brokenteebrewingco and more. In addition, this Saturday happens to be the big Lake County Craft Beer Festival at the Lake County Fairgrounds.
Last Call from our winter issue: We asked readers Last Call from our winter issue: We asked readers for the coziest brewery or bar for these cold winter months “ @solemnoathbeer in Naperville is the best place to grab a brew in the wintertime. They have warm fire pits and usually special outdoor seating like their dome community. They’re able to make the experience feel personal and cozy, especially with their strong stouts that will warm your soul.” — @romeoandbrewliet Read all the answers now at IllinoisBrewing.com
Last Call from our winter issue: From @buffalocree Last Call from our winter issue: From @buffalocreekbrewing to @villagetapchicago and @lunarbrewingcompany to @kaiser_tiger_chicago and @thevinemwbar … we asked our readers for the coziest brewery or bar for the cold winter months Read it all now at IllinoisBrewing.com
Quite the afternoon at the Westmont Winter Beer Fe Quite the afternoon at the Westmont Winter Beer Festival, where some of our favorites included @penrosebrewing lemon Super Seltz Up (perfect for the golf course), @hopbutcher Interocean double IPA, @arthistorybrewing smoked Fastenbier, @hopdistrictbrewing 2 Week Vacation hazy IPA, @nikandivybrewing maple blueberry imperial stout, @skeletonkeybrewery Migratory toasted coconut golden ale and — as the best in show .... drum roll please — @whiskeyhillbrewing Seismic Overlay, a smooth and delightful Russian imperial stout with coconut, vanilla and cocoa nibs. Cheers to everyone who made it out. Two boxes of the winter issue of Illinois Brewing went fast.
Today’s the day for one of the highlights of the Today’s the day for one of the highlights of the winter craft-beer scene in Chicagoland — the Westmont Winter Beer Festival from @westmontparks It will again be held in Ty Warner Park in west suburban Westmont, featuring dozens of craft breweries from the Chicagoland area (and even a few from out of state) on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 2-6 p.m. Participants will receive 20 four-ounce pours, and the event will have heated tents plus bonfires, outdoor seating and food trucks. VIP tickets are sold out, but you’re still able to buy general admission passes at the door today. For more information, visit WestmontParks.org/BeerFest
Cruised out to the stellar @solemnoathbeer in Nape Cruised out to the stellar @solemnoathbeer in Naperville to catch up with an old high school friend and her son last weekend and fell in love with Gold Room, an imperial NEIPA from their @hiddenhandbeer project. Cool little winter setup outside too. Look for a spotlight feature on Solemn Oath in our upcoming spring issue #IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #illinoisbeer
Nothing like a plate of boom boom shrimp at a lunc Nothing like a plate of boom boom shrimp at a lunch business meeting that included a @mikerphonebrewing Brewing Spacebar double NEIPA, @roaringtable Whirlycaster blackberry-peach IPA sour, and @black_horizon_brewing Endless Brilliance, a blonde ale with toasted coconut, marshmallow, salted caramel and vanilla. Because… let’s be honest. All lunch business meetings should be beer-focused, shouldn’t they? #IllinoisBrewing #craftbeer #DrinkIllinois #illinoisbeer
Had a fun time taking a neighbor out for his birth Had a fun time taking a neighbor out for his birthday… and introducing several others to arguably one of the best beer flight deals in the state at @shortfusebeer in Schiller Park. Side note: Your can grab a copy of our big winter issue at the front door.
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Brewer's Choice

Brewer’s choice: Hand of Fate Brewing’s Mike Allison on the kellerbier from Anvil & Forge, ...

Hand of Fate Brewing’s game night Mike Allison Owner and head brewer Hand of Fate Brewing Company Co. Petersburg, IL The last really good beer I drank was… Atrial Rubicite, ...

  • Spotlight on Old Irving Brewing Company: This award-winning favorite on Chicago’s NW side boasts a welcoming vibe and a seriously scrumptious menu. And did we mention they’re expanding?

    By Trent Modglin
    February 25, 2025
© Copyright Illinois Brewing and Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved.