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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

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

  • Spotlight on CHAOS Brew Club

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

  • Inside Scoop: The annual Beer Under Glass event in Chicago’s Millennium Park kicks off Illinois Craft Beer Week May 8

  • Spotlight on 93 Octane Brewery in St. Charles and Elmhurst

Brewer’s Choice

Home›Featured Post›Brewery Focus›Category: "Brewer’s Choice"
  • 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
    203
    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
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    March 22, 2026
    292
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Mikerphone Brewing’s Mike Witkowski

    Mike Witkowski Head brewer Mikerphone Brewing Company Elk Grove Village, IL The last really good beer I drank was… I’m always drinking so many new beers ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    February 27, 2026
    397
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Roaring Table Brewing’s Ryan Walker

    Ryan Walker Head brewer at Roaring Table Brewing Co. Lake Zurich, IL RoaringTable.com The last really good beer I drank was… Sierra Nevada Brewing’s Celebration IPA. ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    January 11, 2026
    696
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with 93 Octane Brewery’s Alex Makowski

    Alex Makowski Head brewer 93 Octane Brewery St. Charles and Elmhurst, IL The last really good beer I drank was… at the Bavarian Lodge in Lisle ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    December 22, 2025
    690
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Rob Hunter from Crust Brewing in Rosemont

    Rob Hunter Head brewer at Crust Brewing in Rosemont, IL CrustBrewing.com The last really good beer I drank was… Crystal Lake Brewing’s Hop Comet pale ale. A ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    November 26, 2025
    1019
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Casper Brewing Company’s David Casper

    David Casper Casper Brewing Company Bloomington, IL CasperBrewingCompany.com The last really good beer I drank was… This is a really difficult question to answer. It seems ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    October 21, 2025
    983
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Brad Pulver from Macushla Brewing in Glenview

    Macushla Brewing’s patio Brad Pulver Macushla Brewing Glenview, IL The last really good beer I drank was… Bell’s Brewery’s Two Hearted IPA. We took the kids ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    September 23, 2025
    1233
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Fox Republic Brewing’s Kevin Hopkins

    Fox Republic Brewing Kevin Hopkins Fox Republic Brewing Yorkville, IL FoxRepublicBrewing.com The last really good beer I drank was… Goldfinger Brewing‘s Summer Lager, which was especially ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    September 18, 2025
    1006
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Tyler Harnung from Eris Brewery & Cider House

    Tyler Harnung Eris Brewery & Cider House Chicago, IL ErisChicago.com Q: The last really good beer I drank was… A: Coastal Encounter by Brothership Brewing. I’ve ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    August 7, 2025
    1615
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Keg Grove Brewing Company’s Jacob Jones

    Jacob Jones Head brewer at Keg Grove Brewing Company Normal and Morris, IL KegGroveBrewing.com The last really good beer I drank was… Pabst Blue Ribbon. Don’t ...
    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
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.

illinoisbrewing

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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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May 12

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From our current spring issue: Illinois Brewing Insider @jkbrewlife — owner of @hopdistrictbrewing — on the outstanding pilsners from @riverlandsbrewingcompany and @arthistorybrewing ... a fondness for @maplewoodbrew @orangenbrewtap and @littleowlsocialpub ... and looking forward to the return of his own seasonal gose made with fresh strawberry puree and Himalayan salt Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

From our current spring issue:

Illinois Brewing Insider @jkbrewlife — owner of @hopdistrictbrewing — on the outstanding pilsners from @riverlandsbrewingcompany and @arthistorybrewing ... a fondness for @maplewoodbrew @orangenbrewtap and @littleowlsocialpub ... and looking forward to the return of his own seasonal gose made with fresh strawberry puree and Himalayan salt

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

20 2

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May 11

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Sunday, May 24th (12-9PM) is the ninth annual Main Street Craft Beer Festival hosted by @wehavegreatbeerpr and @theharpandfiddle With food, live music, a kid zone and most importantly… 100+ craft beers, it’s hard to think of a better way to kick off summer.

Sunday, May 24th (12-9PM) is the ninth annual Main Street Craft Beer Festival hosted by @wehavegreatbeerpr and @theharpandfiddle

With food, live music, a kid zone and most importantly… 100+ craft beers, it’s hard to think of a better way to kick off summer. ...

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May 10

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Q: What are you most proud of at @black_horizon_brewing ? A: Most recently, our back-to-back gold medal wins for our gin barrel-aged botanical lager, From Earth to You, at @fobab (Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers). Being a smaller brewery with only so much room and ability to barrel age beer, we put incredible dedication and love into our barrels and want to present something barrel aged that both long-time and new craft beer drinkers may never have thought to try. Our vision has always been “smaller beers in odd barrels” or a style you might never think to barrel age." Read more of our Q&A with Alex Stankus from Black Horizon at IllinoisBrewing.com

Q: What are you most proud of at @black_horizon_brewing ?

A: Most recently, our back-to-back gold medal wins for our gin barrel-aged botanical lager, From Earth to You, at @fobab (Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers). Being a smaller brewery with only so much room and ability to barrel age beer, we put incredible dedication and love into our barrels and want to present something barrel aged that both long-time and new craft beer drinkers may never have thought to try. Our vision has always been “smaller beers in odd barrels” or a style you might never think to barrel age."

Read more of our Q&A with Alex Stankus from Black Horizon at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

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May 8

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The talented team at @oldirvingbrewing recently took over the role of brewing a pair of beers, the Billy Goat IPA and Billy Goat Pilsner, exclusively for the iconic Billy Goat Tavern — aka @cheezborger — and they’re now available on draft at Old Irving’s taproom on the city’s NW side and all seven different Billy Goat locations across Chicago, as well as in canned 4-packs at your favorite beer store. For the pilsner, the goal was “something simple and clean and steeped in brewing tradition,” says co-founder and head brewer Trevor Rose-Hamblin. And, of course, a beer that would pair well with Billy Goat’s famous cheeseburgers. “For the IPA, we utilized classic hops like Columbus that will give piney and grapefruit-like flavors,” according to Rose-Hamblin. “We aimed for a nicely balanced bitterness that keeps you wanting more.”

The talented team at @oldirvingbrewing recently took over the role of brewing a pair of beers, the Billy Goat IPA and Billy Goat Pilsner, exclusively for the iconic Billy Goat Tavern — aka @cheezborger — and they’re now available on draft at Old Irving’s taproom on the city’s NW side and all seven different Billy Goat locations across Chicago, as well as in canned 4-packs at your favorite beer store.

For the pilsner, the goal was “something simple and clean and steeped in brewing tradition,” says co-founder and head brewer Trevor Rose-Hamblin. And, of course, a beer that would pair well with Billy Goat’s famous cheeseburgers.

“For the IPA, we utilized classic hops like Columbus that will give piney and grapefruit-like flavors,” according to Rose-Hamblin. “We aimed for a nicely balanced bitterness that keeps you wanting more.” ...

96 0

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May 7

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Spotlight on @chaosbrewclub Spring issue Q&A with @jwhelp1 member director of this diverse group of talented and energetic homebrewers with their own 24/7 space — and plenty of events — in Chicago Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com And check out their Cinco de Mayo fundraiser event coming up May 9

Spotlight on @chaosbrewclub

Spring issue Q&A with @jwhelp1 member director of this diverse group of talented and energetic homebrewers with their own 24/7 space — and plenty of events — in Chicago

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

And check out their Cinco de Mayo fundraiser event coming up May 9 ...

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May 6

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BEER OF THE WEEK Cross Pollination double NEIPA 8.0% ABV @phasethreebrew Brewed in collaboration with Villa Park’s @standardmeadery this hazy double IPA 3 features big, juicy grovestand orange and tropical notes finished with a sweet kiss of orange blossom honey. Catch Cross Pollination on draft and in to-go 4-packs at Phase Three’s Lake Zurich and @phasethreebrew.elm locations now.

BEER OF THE WEEK
Cross Pollination double NEIPA
8.0% ABV
@phasethreebrew

Brewed in collaboration with Villa Park’s @standardmeadery this hazy double IPA 3 features big, juicy grovestand orange and tropical notes finished with a sweet kiss of orange blossom honey. Catch Cross Pollination on draft and in to-go 4-packs at Phase Three’s Lake Zurich and @phasethreebrew.elm locations now. ...

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May 6

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If you find yourself in Madison, Wisconsin this spring or summer, do yourself a favor and swing by @karben4brewing Tasty beers, friendly place and a seriously spacious patio (photo only covers half of it).

If you find yourself in Madison, Wisconsin this spring or summer, do yourself a favor and swing by @karben4brewing

Tasty beers, friendly place and a seriously spacious patio (photo only covers half of it). ...

24 0

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May 1

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Brewer’s Choice from our spring issue: Q&A with @black_horizon_brewing owner/head brewer Alex Stankus on the new @blumeandferris pub ales, rye beers from @werkforcebrewing and @arthistorybrewing as well as ramping up his own lager program and Black Horizon’s upcoming Pickle Fest and nine-year anniversary luau Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewer’s Choice from our spring issue: Q&A with @black_horizon_brewing owner/head brewer Alex Stankus on the new @blumeandferris pub ales, rye beers from @werkforcebrewing and @arthistorybrewing as well as ramping up his own lager program and Black Horizon’s upcoming Pickle Fest and nine-year anniversary luau

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com ...

26 0

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Apr 30

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Inside Scoop: The @ilcraftbeer annual Beer Under Glass event in @millennium_park kicks off @ilcraftbeerweek May 8 Read all about BUG, the Drink Illinois passport program, Craft Beer Week pint glasses and more now in the Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

Inside Scoop: The @ilcraftbeer annual Beer Under Glass event in @millennium_park kicks off @ilcraftbeerweek May 8

Read all about BUG, the Drink Illinois passport program, Craft Beer Week pint glasses and more now in the Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

13 0

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Apr 27

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A trio of the 350+ locations you can find a copy of our spring issue is Beer on the Wall — @wehavegreatbeerpr @wehavegreatbeereh and @wehavegreatbeerah — where you can always find a great selection of cans to go and craft beer on draft. Don't sleep on the variety of liquor or THC selzters either. Enjoyed recently: 1. 28 Months Later barleywine from @oldirvingbrewing 2. Mana Wahine tropical stout from @phasethreebrew 3. Join us in Creating Excellence (JUICE) double NEIPA from @narrowgaugebeer 4. Herbasaurus West Coast double IPA from @phasethreebrew

A trio of the 350+ locations you can find a copy of our spring issue is Beer on the Wall — @wehavegreatbeerpr @wehavegreatbeereh and @wehavegreatbeerah — where you can always find a great selection of cans to go and craft beer on draft. Don`t sleep on the variety of liquor or THC selzters either.

Enjoyed recently:
1. 28 Months Later barleywine from @oldirvingbrewing
2. Mana Wahine tropical stout from @phasethreebrew
3. Join us in Creating Excellence (JUICE) double NEIPA from @narrowgaugebeer
4. Herbasaurus West Coast double IPA from @phasethreebrew ...

10 0

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Apr 27

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Celebrate spring the Bavarian way at the @buffalocreekbrewing annual Maifest the weekend of May 8–9, benefiting Misericordia. The brewery’s scenic one-acre biergarten comes alive with the sights, sounds and traditions of this classic German celebration. Enjoy lively German folk music from Alpine Thunder, as well as authentic German fare and refreshing seasonal beer releases. Raise a stein and discover small-batch pours at Lager Lane while enjoying raffles, games and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere filled with music, laughter and great beer — all supporting a wonderful cause. Friday, May 8 from 4-10 p.m. Saturday, May 9 from noon-10 p.m. 360 Historical Lane in Long Grove. BuffaloCreekBrewing.com

Celebrate spring the Bavarian way at the @buffalocreekbrewing annual Maifest the weekend of May 8–9, benefiting Misericordia. The brewery’s scenic one-acre biergarten comes alive with the sights, sounds and traditions of this classic German celebration. Enjoy lively German folk music from Alpine Thunder, as well as authentic German fare and refreshing seasonal beer releases. Raise a stein and discover small-batch pours at Lager Lane while enjoying raffles, games and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere filled with music, laughter and great beer — all supporting a wonderful cause.

Friday, May 8 from 4-10 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 from noon-10 p.m.

360 Historical Lane in Long Grove. BuffaloCreekBrewing.com ...

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Apr 25

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Brewery spotlight from our big spring issue... Fully settled into their new Elmhurst location (in addition to the original St. Charles taproom), the growing empire for @93octanebrewery includes a talented brewing duo, 6,000 square-foot brewhouse, a variety of delicious food, community events and a pair of sun-soaked patios perfect for summer. And they’re not done yet. Read the feature article now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewery spotlight from our big spring issue...

Fully settled into their new Elmhurst location (in addition to the original St. Charles taproom), the growing empire for @93octanebrewery includes a talented brewing duo, 6,000 square-foot brewhouse, a variety of delicious food, community events and a pair of sun-soaked patios perfect for summer. And they’re not done yet.

Read the feature article now at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

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Apr 24

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Date: Thursday, 1:30 p.m. Location: A packed @auchevaldiner in Chicago’s West Loop Food: One of the best diner cheeseburgers you’ll find anywhere, paired with an order of crispy hash browns. Craft beer: Off a solid draft list, the Juicy Beer for Burgers pale ale from @offcolorbrewing packs plenty of hops to go with notes of passion fruit, cantaloupe, honeydew and candied fruits.

Date: Thursday, 1:30 p.m.

Location: A packed @auchevaldiner in Chicago’s West Loop

Food: One of the best diner cheeseburgers you’ll find anywhere, paired with an order of crispy hash browns.

Craft beer: Off a solid draft list, the Juicy Beer for Burgers pale ale from @offcolorbrewing packs plenty of hops to go with notes of passion fruit, cantaloupe, honeydew and candied fruits. ...

7 1
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