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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 Joel Hatlin from Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville

  • Q&A with Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling’s co-founder, president and CEO Ryan Weidner on acquiring the former Alarmist Brewing space and expanding to Chicago’s NW side

  • Inside Scoop: Get ready to celebrate Oktoberfest with some of the state’s best craft breweries

  • Spotlight on Pig Minds Brewing Co. in Machesney Park

  • Illinois Brewing Insider Marty Nachel, founder of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame

Brewery Focus

Home›Featured Post›Category: "Brewery Focus"
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    September 16, 2026
    245
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Joel Hatlin from Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville

    Joel Hatlin, head brewer Mickey Finn’s Brewery Libertyville, IL   Q: The last really good beer I drank was… A: Two that always do it for me: ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    September 8, 2026
    481
    0

    Spotlight on Pig Minds Brewing Co. in Machesney Park

    Pig Minds Brewing Co. 4080 Steele Dr. Machesney Park, IL PigMindsBrewing.com Monday-Wednesday: 3-8 p.m. Thursday: 3-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 12-9 p.m. Sunday: 12-8 p.m. What they’re known ...
    Read More
  • Juicy double-patty cheeseburger with lettuce, onions, pickles, and cheese on a sesame bun, with fries and a beer on the side.
    Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    August 11, 2026
    596
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with More Brewing Company’s David Ziebell

    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, ...
    Read More
  • Five brewery staff members in blue shirts posing with drinks behind a bar.
    Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    July 31, 2026
    617
    0

    Spotlight on Sew Hop’d Brewery in NW suburban Huntley

    Sew Hop’d Brewery 1 Union Special Plaza, Suite 113 Huntley, IL SewHopd.com History in short: The building was originally an old dairy production facility built in ...
    Read More
  • 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
    694
    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
  • 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
    771
    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 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
    516
    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
  • 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
    618
    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
    1177
    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
  • Beer mug with frothy head and Black Horizon Brewing Company logo on an outdoor patio table.
    Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    May 1, 2026
    1174
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Black Horizon Brewing Company owner/head brewer Alex Stankus

    Alex Stankus Owner/head brewer Black Horizon Brewing Company Willowbrook, IL The last really good beer I drank was… Blume & Ferris’ Old Speckled Hare, which is ...
    Read More
1 2 3 … 13

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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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Sep 19

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When @destihlbrewery is pouring samples of six of their favorites at @wehavegreatbeerpr on a Friday night, it marks the start of a good weekend

When @destihlbrewery is pouring samples of six of their favorites at @wehavegreatbeerpr on a Friday night, it marks the start of a good weekend

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Sep 18

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The Oktoberfest fun continues across the state, with @sketchbookbrew in Skokie and Evanston and @goebberts_ Pumpkin Farm in Pingree Grove among the venues hosting some great craft-beer focused events this weekend. Check out our Inside Scoop from the new fall issue for details or read about all the fall events at IllinoisBrewing.com

The Oktoberfest fun continues across the state, with @sketchbookbrew in Skokie and Evanston and @goebberts_ Pumpkin Farm in Pingree Grove among the venues hosting some great craft-beer focused events this weekend.

Check out our Inside Scoop from the new fall issue for details or read about all the fall events at IllinoisBrewing.com

34 2

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Sep 14

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From our new fall issue... Q&A with @pollyannabrewingcompany co-founder, president and CEO Ryan Weidner on acquiring the former @alarmistbrewing space and expanding (with a fifth location) to Chicago’s NW side “One of our goals is to honor what made Alarmist special while ensuring the brand continues to thrive for both longtime supporters and new customers alike.” Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

From our new fall issue...

Q&A with @pollyannabrewingcompany co-founder, president and CEO Ryan Weidner on acquiring the former @alarmistbrewing space and expanding (with a fifth location) to Chicago’s NW side

“One of our goals is to honor what made Alarmist special while ensuring the brand continues to thrive for both longtime supporters and new customers alike.”

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

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Sep 12

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Two of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations are happening today at @revbrewchicago in Chicago and @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston. Swing by on Saturday for plenty of festive fun (and fresh beer, of course). Read more about both of these events and much more in our Inside Scoop section of the new fall issue at IllinoisBrewing.com

Two of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations are happening today at @revbrewchicago in Chicago and @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston. Swing by on Saturday for plenty of festive fun (and fresh beer, of course).

Read more about both of these events and much more in our Inside Scoop section of the new fall issue at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Sep 11

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Location: North side of Chicago Time: Friday evening, 4:54pm Temp: 79 degrees Attraction: The family-friendly patio at @halfacrebeer and the fresh shucked oysters and ceviche that @prairiemoonrestaurant is serving up at @spitefulbrewing And did we mention the cold beer? Yeah, that too.

Location: North side of Chicago
Time: Friday evening, 4:54pm
Temp: 79 degrees
Attraction: The family-friendly patio at @halfacrebeer and the fresh shucked oysters and ceviche that @prairiemoonrestaurant is serving up at @spitefulbrewing
And did we mention the cold beer? Yeah, that too.

9 1

illinoisbrewing

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Sep 11

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Our big fall issue came out earlier this week and is loaded down with Oktoberfest events, insider opinions, info on @pollyannabrewingcompany and @phasethreebrew expanding to Chicago, brewery spotlights on @whiteoakbrewing @printersrowbrewing and those that call Naperville & Aurora home like @hopvinebrewingcompany @solemnoathbeer @noonwhistlebrewing and @blindcornerbeer as well as plenty of upcoming events, favorite summer craft beer experiences, and much, much more. Check out your local brewery or bottle shop for a copy or read it digitally at IllinoisBrewing.com

Our big fall issue came out earlier this week and is loaded down with Oktoberfest events, insider opinions, info on @pollyannabrewingcompany and @phasethreebrew expanding to Chicago, brewery spotlights on @whiteoakbrewing @printersrowbrewing and those that call Naperville & Aurora home like @hopvinebrewingcompany @solemnoathbeer @noonwhistlebrewing and @blindcornerbeer as well as plenty of upcoming events, favorite summer craft beer experiences, and much, much more. Check out your local brewery or bottle shop for a copy or read it digitally at IllinoisBrewing.com

22 2

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Sep 10

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The Oktoberfest fun begins at the @imperialoakbrewing Brookfield taproom tonight. Check out the Inside Scoop section on IllinoisBrewing.com for details on this and many more Oktoberfest events at local craft breweries

The Oktoberfest fun begins at the @imperialoakbrewing Brookfield taproom tonight. Check out the Inside Scoop section on IllinoisBrewing.com for details on this and many more Oktoberfest events at local craft breweries

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Sep 10

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Oktoberfest season is upon us, and you can check out the new fall issue of Illinois Brewing and our website for the latest on a ton of craft brewery events in the coming weeks. Kicking off the festivities this weekend are @revbrewchicago in Chicago, @imperialoakbrewing in Brookfield, the historic @berghoffchicago with @adamsstreetbrewery in Chicago’s Loop, and @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston. Check out our Inside Scoop section for info on these many and more at IllinoisBrewing.com

Oktoberfest season is upon us, and you can check out the new fall issue of Illinois Brewing and our website for the latest on a ton of craft brewery events in the coming weeks. Kicking off the festivities this weekend are @revbrewchicago in Chicago, @imperialoakbrewing in Brookfield, the historic @berghoffchicago with @adamsstreetbrewery in Chicago’s Loop, and @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston.

Check out our Inside Scoop section for info on these many and more at IllinoisBrewing.com

9 0

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Sep 8

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Spotlight on @pigmindsbrewingco in Machesney Park Proudly known to be America’s first vegan brewery, this gem just north of Rockford is celebrating 14 years of outstanding food, a diverse beer lineup, and a calendar full of fun community events Read the feature from our recent issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Spotlight on @pigmindsbrewingco in Machesney Park

Proudly known to be America’s first vegan brewery, this gem just north of Rockford is celebrating 14 years of outstanding food, a diverse beer lineup, and a calendar full of fun community events

Read the feature from our recent issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com

10 0

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Sep 7

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When in the Lake Geneva or Delavan area, it’s always on our mind to swing by the friendly @duesterbecksbrewingco — uniquely located on a 164-year-old family farm outside of Elkhorn. A lively taproom, pavilion, patio with outdoor stage, brewery, gift shop, and hops yard are all there to enjoy.

When in the Lake Geneva or Delavan area, it’s always on our mind to swing by the friendly @duesterbecksbrewingco — uniquely located on a 164-year-old family farm outside of Elkhorn. A lively taproom, pavilion, patio with outdoor stage, brewery, gift shop, and hops yard are all there to enjoy.

48 1

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Sep 5

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The big fall issue of Illinois Brewing is out this week, but a few people — Norm, Cliff and Sam included — are still enamored with the fall magazine. Can’t blame them, even in Boston

The big fall issue of Illinois Brewing is out this week, but a few people — Norm, Cliff and Sam included — are still enamored with the fall magazine. Can’t blame them, even in Boston

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Sep 2

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It's fantasy football draft time. What are you drinking while you assemble your roster for the season? For us, it was Haze of the Dead, a tasty double NEIPA that's part of the Dead Head IPA series from @destihlbrewery in Normal. Just two more drafts to go...

It`s fantasy football draft time. What are you drinking while you assemble your roster for the season? For us, it was Haze of the Dead, a tasty double NEIPA that`s part of the Dead Head IPA series from @destihlbrewery in Normal. Just two more drafts to go...

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Aug 29

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When you’re grilling out, two things are always important (besides the company, of course): proper seasoning and a proper drink. Tonight, it was St. Elmo’s Steakhouse all-purpose seasoning and a stellar hazy IPA from @pollyannabrewingcompany

When you’re grilling out, two things are always important (besides the company, of course): proper seasoning and a proper drink. Tonight, it was St. Elmo’s Steakhouse all-purpose seasoning and a stellar hazy IPA from @pollyannabrewingcompany

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RECENT POSTS

Brewer's Choice

Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Joel Hatlin from Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville

Joel Hatlin, head brewer Mickey Finn’s Brewery Libertyville, IL   Q: The last really good beer I drank was… A: Two that always do it for me: 1.) Bodhizafa from Georgetown ...

  • Q&A with Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling’s co-founder, president and CEO Ryan Weidner on acquiring the former Alarmist Brewing space and expanding to Chicago’s NW side

    By Trent Modglin
    September 14, 2026
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