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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: Q&A with Keg Grove Brewing Company’s Jeff Mroz

  • Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

  • Spotlight on Adams Street Brewery in Chicago’s historic Berghoff restaurant

  • Illinois Brewing Insider Paul McCann, head of production at Uné Année Brewery

  • Underrated brewery patios and beer gardens that are perfect for a cold beer this summer

Featured Post

Home›Category: "Featured Post"
  • Crowd gathering outside Keg Grove Brewing Company with bicycles parked and people chatting on a sunny day.
    Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    July 23, 2026
    214
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Keg Grove Brewing Company’s Jeff Mroz

    Jeff Mroz Co-owner and brewer Keg Grove Brewing Company Bloomington and Morris, IL  The last really good beer I drank was…  Most recently, I was very ...
    Read More
  • Group of friends at a long outdoor picnic table, sharing a meal with burgers, fries, and drinks under a canopy.
    Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    July 20, 2026
    278
    0

    Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

    Uné Année Brewery in Niles The question: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer? Uné Année Brewery in Niles. The ...
    Read More
  • Two smiling men stand at a wooden bar; one holds a World Beer Cup trophy, the other a beer magazine.“,
    Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    July 7, 2026
    305
    0

    Spotlight on Adams Street Brewery in Chicago’s historic Berghoff restaurant

    Adams Street Brewery 17 W. Adams Street in Chicago AdamsStreetBrewery.com History in short: It’s hard to imagine a more historic restaurant in all of Illinois than ...
    Read More
  • Outdoor patio with people dining near a mural of a large black bird on a brick wall, string lights overhead, and wooden barrels.
    IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    July 3, 2026
    269
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Paul McCann, head of production at Uné Année Brewery

    Uné Année Brewery in Niles Paul McCann Head of Production at Uné Année Brewery in Niles Favorite breweries: My favorite brewery would have to be New ...
    Read More
  • Exterior view of Crust Brewing, a brick building with large windows, and a crowded outdoor patio of diners along a railing.
    Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    June 27, 2026
    526
    0

    Underrated brewery patios and beer gardens that are perfect for a cold beer this summer

    It’s summer, a cold craft beer is calling, and we’ve got a handful of the state’s more underrated patios and beer gardens the state worth checking ...
    Read More
  • Outdoor patio at Printer's Row Brewing with red umbrella tables on a sunny street corner, sidewalk seating visible
    Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    June 20, 2026
    148
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Printer’s Row Brewing’s Virgilio Mazzeo

    Virgilio Mazzeo Owner/head brewer Printer’s Row Brewing Chicago, IL The last really good beer I drank was… Sly Move, a Hazy IPA by Strangebird Brewery in ...
    Read More
  • Crowded indoor beer hall with people gathered around communal tables, drinks in hand, under red decorative netting and hanging lights.
    IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    June 13, 2026
    471
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Homebrewer Chris Baynes

    Revolution Brewing Chris Baynes Home brewer and beer enthusiast Favorite breweries: I’m a Chicago kid, born and raised, so the breweries that I tend to go ...
    Read More
  • Cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, red onion and cheese on a bun, served with fries and a pale beer glass branded 93 Octane Brewery.
    Breweries in Bunches
    By Trent Modglin
    June 5, 2026
    301
    0

    Breweries in bunches in St. Charles: A handful of fantastically unique breweries call this popular west suburb home

    By Trent Modglin 93 Octane Brewery 1825 Lincoln Highway 93OctaneBrewery.com Details: The name 93 Octane is an ode to the family’s history of running gas stations ...
    Read More
  • Busy casual restaurant or brewery with long communal tables, many patrons eating and drinking.
    Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    May 24, 2026
    726
    0

    Spotlight on Hop Butcher for the World on Chicago’s north side

    Hop Butcher for the World 4257 N. Lincoln Ave. Hopbutcher.com Details: Since launching in 2014, Hop Butcher has been on a steady climb, not only building ...
    Read More
  • Group of people seated at a long brewery table watching a football game on a large wall TV, with beer taps and brewing tanks nearby.
    IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    May 11, 2026
    566
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Jim Koblish, owner and head brewer at Hop District Community Brewing Co.

    Hop District Community Brewing Co. Jim Koblish Owner/head brewer Hop District Community Brewing Co. La Grange Park, IL HopDistrictBrewing.com Favorite breweries: I’ve always liked Maplewood Brewery ...
    Read More
1 2 3 … 21

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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
Trent@IllinoisBrewing.com

Art director: Brian Hertel
Brian@IllinoisBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing's magazine, website and email newsletter are property of Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

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Stylish magazine, website and e-mail newsletter focused on the vibrant craft beer scene in Illinois. Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

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Jul 28

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Always a solid choice for local craft beer, people watching, boat envy and feeling like a tourist for a few hours is the @chicagobrewhouseriverwalk on the Chicago Riverwalk Beers enjoyed tonight included @spitefulbrewing Bleacher Bum peach blonde ale, @oldirvingbrewing Beezer hazy IPA, and a @rightbeecider offering

Always a solid choice for local craft beer, people watching, boat envy and feeling like a tourist for a few hours is the @chicagobrewhouseriverwalk on the Chicago Riverwalk

Beers enjoyed tonight included @spitefulbrewing Bleacher Bum peach blonde ale, @oldirvingbrewing Beezer hazy IPA, and a @rightbeecider offering ...

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Jul 28

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Illinois Brewing's Beer of the Week: Bandersnatch hazy IPA 7.8% ABV @sainterrantbrewing A collaboration with @transientartisanales out of Michigan, this fan favorite made a triumphant return to Saint Errant’s new Evanston taproom and your local beer store last week. Expect an explosion of exotic fruit cocktail, aggressively hopped with Citra and Sabro. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach or kicking back on the patio with neighbors, this is a perfect warm weather beer. Don’t forget, Saint Errant has a solid happy Tuesday-Thursday from 3-5 p.m. 2000 Dempster St. in Evanston� SaintErrantBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing`s Beer of the Week:
Bandersnatch hazy IPA
7.8% ABV
@sainterrantbrewing

A collaboration with @transientartisanales out of Michigan, this fan favorite made a triumphant return to Saint Errant’s new Evanston taproom and your local beer store last week. Expect an explosion of exotic fruit cocktail, aggressively hopped with Citra and Sabro. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach or kicking back on the patio with neighbors, this is a perfect warm weather beer. Don’t forget, Saint Errant has a solid happy Tuesday-Thursday from 3-5 p.m.

2000 Dempster St. in Evanston�
SaintErrantBrewing.com ...

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Jul 27

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Illinois Brewing deal of the week: What goes better together than pizza and craft beer? The answer is nothing. And @madhatchetbrewing in SW suburban Shorewood has quite the deal lined up for you on Tuesdays: Two beers and a pizza for just $25. 913 Brookforest Ave. in Shorewood� MadHatchetBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing deal of the week: What goes better together than pizza and craft beer? The answer is nothing. And @madhatchetbrewing in SW suburban Shorewood has quite the deal lined up for you on Tuesdays: Two beers and a pizza for just $25.

913 Brookforest Ave. in Shorewood�
MadHatchetBrewing.com ...

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Jul 27

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If you don't listen to Dave Zalatoris' weekly @beerinfront podcast, you're missing out. That's especially the case this week, as he explores the remarkable history of the American tavern — with a special focus on Chicago, a city that once boasted more than 8,000 saloons — and examines the economic, cultural and social changes that have transformed America's drinking culture... and are threatening the future of the beloved neighborhood tavern. Check out the podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-in-front/id1500155339?i=1000778468376

If you don`t listen to Dave Zalatoris` weekly @beerinfront podcast, you`re missing out. That`s especially the case this week, as he explores the remarkable history of the American tavern — with a special focus on Chicago, a city that once boasted more than 8,000 saloons — and examines the economic, cultural and social changes that have transformed America`s drinking culture... and are threatening the future of the beloved neighborhood tavern.

Check out the podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-in-front/id1500155339?i=1000778468376 ...

5 0

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Jul 24

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Plans this weekend? @streetzartzalliance is hosting a Summerween Market at @soundgrowler Brewing Co. this Saturday, July 25 Head to Tinley Park from 12-5 p.m. for one seriously spooky artisan market — where Halloween meets summer vibes. Expect eerie art, creepy crafts, and ghoulishly good items from a lineup of local makers. Come in costume (or not), grab a cold beer and celebrate the spooky season a little early with the folks from Streetz Artz Alliance.

Plans this weekend? @streetzartzalliance is hosting a Summerween Market at @soundgrowler Brewing Co. this Saturday, July 25

Head to Tinley Park from 12-5 p.m. for one seriously spooky artisan market — where Halloween meets summer vibes. Expect eerie art, creepy crafts, and ghoulishly good items from a lineup of local makers.

Come in costume (or not), grab a cold beer and celebrate the spooky season a little early with the folks from Streetz Artz Alliance. ...

3 1

illinoisbrewing

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Jul 23

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From our big summer issue available everywhere... Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Jeff Mroz from @keggrovebrewco on being impressed with @whiteoakbrewing and @industryales … churning out an assortment of popular fruited wheat beers … and his Christmas in July celebration coming up July 25 Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big summer issue available everywhere...

Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Jeff Mroz from @keggrovebrewco on being impressed with @whiteoakbrewing and @industryales … churning out an assortment of popular fruited wheat beers … and his Christmas in July celebration coming up July 25

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com ...

6 0

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Jul 23

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Just over a week to go until Sausage Fest at @buffalocreekbrewing in historic Long Grove. Mark your calendar for the “Wurst type of festival” on July 31 (4-9pm) and Aug. 1 (1-9pm). Lots happening, including… 🌭European Sausages 🥨Giant Soft Pretzels 🍻New Beer Releases 📯Live German Music 🍺Steinholding Contests ✌️German Games

Just over a week to go until Sausage Fest at @buffalocreekbrewing in historic Long Grove. Mark your calendar for the “Wurst type of festival” on July 31 (4-9pm) and Aug. 1 (1-9pm). Lots happening, including…

🌭European Sausages
🥨Giant Soft Pretzels
🍻New Beer Releases
📯Live German Music
🍺Steinholding Contests
✌️German Games ...

6 0

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Jul 21

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Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer? I’m biased to a cold beer in the driveway right outside of our Huntley space after a long shift, but other than that, the @plankroadtaproom in Elgin has an amazing outdoor space.” — David Ziebell, head brewer at @morebrewing “ @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park. Firepit crackling under the moon on a chilly summer night, and a delicious Chili Haze IPA in my hand.” — Kara Severson Read the entire spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

I’m biased to a cold beer in the driveway right outside of our Huntley space after a long shift, but other than that, the @plankroadtaproom in Elgin has an amazing outdoor space.” — David Ziebell, head brewer at @morebrewing

“ @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park. Firepit crackling under the moon on a chilly summer night, and a delicious Chili Haze IPA in my hand.” — Kara Severson

Read the entire spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

11 0

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Jul 21

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From the @uneannee patio in Niles and @psbrewingco riverside dock in Rockford to live music outside at @destihlbrewery in Normal and sidewalk dinners at @theperchchicago — we asked readers for the spots they’re most looking forward to still having a beer outside at this summer Read the Last Call section from our big summer issue now at illinoisbrewing.com

From the @uneannee patio in Niles and @psbrewingco riverside dock in Rockford to live music outside at @destihlbrewery in Normal and sidewalk dinners at @theperchchicago — we asked readers for the spots they’re most looking forward to still having a beer outside at this summer

Read the Last Call section from our big summer issue now at illinoisbrewing.com ...

16 1

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Jul 17

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When you find yourself in South Florida, we recommend @dangerousmindsbrewing in Pompano Beach. Enjoyed the Cocobana blonde ale, Stradamus hazy IPA and Jolly Proper British pub ale

When you find yourself in South Florida, we recommend @dangerousmindsbrewing in Pompano Beach. Enjoyed the Cocobana blonde ale, Stradamus hazy IPA and Jolly Proper British pub ale ...

12 0

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Jul 15

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It was another great quarterly @ilcraftbeer meeting, and the fine folks at @keggrovemorris went above and beyond as hosts. There are lots of good things happening in the craft beer industry right now, and Illinois Brewing magazine is here to showcase it all

It was another great quarterly @ilcraftbeer meeting, and the fine folks at @keggrovemorris went above and beyond as hosts. There are lots of good things happening in the craft beer industry right now, and Illinois Brewing magazine is here to showcase it all ...

35 0

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Jul 13

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Solid selections from the best beer fridge around while watching England beat Norway (at an English neighbor’s garage party) included the @begylebrewing No Tomorrow hazy pale ale, @solemnoathbeer Hippo Trout dark mild ale and Foderface Marzen, and @keggrovebrewco Gravel Beer pale ale.

Solid selections from the best beer fridge around while watching England beat Norway (at an English neighbor’s garage party) included the @begylebrewing No Tomorrow hazy pale ale, @solemnoathbeer Hippo Trout dark mild ale and Foderface Marzen, and @keggrovebrewco Gravel Beer pale ale. ...

7 0

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Jul 9

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Well, sometimes it pays to be up late working, especially when good news like this breaks… It’s official: @pollyannabrewingcompany has acquired @alarmistbrewing - the longtime Chicago brewery that closed its doors earlier this year. We’re told the Sauganash taproom will undergo “guest‑experience upgrades” before reopening in late 2026 as a Pollyanna location. Look for the addition of a pizza‑driven, artisanal shareables menu, and for Pollyanna to continue producing Alarmist favorites like Le Jus, Pantless, Crispy Boy and more. The core brands will return to market later this year at bars, restaurants and retail accounts. “This acquisition aligns two award‑winning producers with shared values around quality and community,” said Ryan Weidner, Pollyanna’s President & CEO. “We’re excited to build on Alarmist’s legacy while expanding Pollyanna’s footprint into the city.” Look for a Q&A spotlight on this major move in the next issue of Illinois Brewing.

Well, sometimes it pays to be up late working, especially when good news like this breaks…

It’s official: @pollyannabrewingcompany has acquired @alarmistbrewing - the longtime Chicago brewery that closed its doors earlier this year. We’re told the Sauganash taproom will undergo “guest‑experience upgrades” before reopening in late 2026 as a Pollyanna location.

Look for the addition of a pizza‑driven, artisanal shareables menu, and for Pollyanna to continue producing Alarmist favorites like Le Jus, Pantless, Crispy Boy and more. The core brands will return to market later this year at bars, restaurants and retail accounts.

“This acquisition aligns two award‑winning producers with shared values around quality and community,” said Ryan Weidner, Pollyanna’s President & CEO. “We’re excited to build on Alarmist’s legacy while expanding Pollyanna’s footprint into the city.”

Look for a Q&A spotlight on this major move in the next issue of Illinois Brewing. ...

32 0
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RECENT POSTS

Brewer's Choice

Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Keg Grove Brewing Company’s Jeff Mroz

Jeff Mroz Co-owner and brewer Keg Grove Brewing Company Bloomington and Morris, IL  The last really good beer I drank was…  Most recently, I was very impressed with Black and ...
  • Group of friends at a long outdoor picnic table, sharing a meal with burgers, fries, and drinks under a canopy.

    Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

    By Trent Modglin
    July 20, 2026
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