Illinois Brewing

Top Menu

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact Us

Main Menu

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • Feature Articles
  • IB Insiders
  • Interviews
  • Brewery Focus
    • Brewery Listings
    • Brewery Spotlights
    • Brewer’s Choice
    • Breweries in Bunches
  • Last Call
  • Magazine
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact Us

logo

Header Banner

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 More Brewing Company’s David Ziebell

  • Illinois Brewing Insider: Megan Gil, co-founder of Bitter Pops taproom, kitchen and retail shop in Chicago

  • Spotlight on Sew Hop’d Brewery in NW suburban Huntley

  • 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?

Brewer’s Choice

Home›Featured Post›Brewery Focus›Category: "Brewer’s Choice"
  • 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
    224
    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
  • 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
    282
    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
  • 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
    183
    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
  • 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
    834
    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
    730
    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
    617
    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
    1219
    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
    951
    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
    1381
    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
    1258
    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
1 2 3 … 5

Let's Connect

  • 960
    Likes

  • 1,720
    Followers

  • 141
    Followers

Stay in the know. Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter

* indicates required





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

903

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

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Aug 16

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18135778693593887
Fish & chips and some smoked garlic parm wings at @hopvinebrewingcompany in Aurora? Yes, don’t mind if we do.

Fish & chips and some smoked garlic parm wings at @hopvinebrewingcompany in Aurora? Yes, don’t mind if we do. ...

1 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Aug 14

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18140182858571419
One of the 350-plus locations you can find the summer issue of Illinois Brewing is the cozy (and reportedly haunted) @wolfdenbrewco in west suburban Bloomingdale. Solid specials and food too, in addition to one of the best, most underrated beer gardens in the state.

One of the 350-plus locations you can find the summer issue of Illinois Brewing is the cozy (and reportedly haunted) @wolfdenbrewco in west suburban Bloomingdale. Solid specials and food too, in addition to one of the best, most underrated beer gardens in the state. ...

4 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Aug 11

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18108106538028566
From our big summer issue...

Brewer’s Choice: @morebrewing head brewer David Ziebell on the consistency of @newglarusbrewing Moon Man, being impressed with the mixed culture options at @sundialbrewing and the @revbrewchicago Peach Brandy Barrel DBVSOJ, the excitement surrounding his own current beer lineup and anticipating @fobab — aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers — this November

Read the Q&A here: illinoisbrewing.com

From our big summer issue...

Brewer’s Choice: @morebrewing head brewer David Ziebell on the consistency of @newglarusbrewing Moon Man, being impressed with the mixed culture options at @sundialbrewing and the @revbrewchicago Peach Brandy Barrel DBVSOJ, the excitement surrounding his own current beer lineup and anticipating @fobab — aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers — this November

Read the Q&A here: illinoisbrewing.com
...

31 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Aug 11

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 17910537693450865
If you frequent Door County and haven’t experienced the tasty brews and chill, family-friendly vibes at @peachbarnbrewing in Sister Bay, you’re missing out

If you frequent Door County and haven’t experienced the tasty brews and chill, family-friendly vibes at @peachbarnbrewing in Sister Bay, you’re missing out ...

9 1

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Aug 8

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18482833153107387
Game on at the @greattastemw in Madison. So excited to be back

Game on at the @greattastemw in Madison. So excited to be back ...

20 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Aug 8

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18107344970153605
One of the 350+ locations around the state you’ll find the summer issue of Illinois Brewing is @thebeertemple in Chicago, one of the more respected taprooms and bottle shops around. And did we mention the crunchy Detroit-style pizza from @middle__brow 

Hoppy beers of choice on this day were @pipeworksbrewing Citra on Repeat hazy IPA, @suncatcherbrewing New Zealand pale ale, @3floydsbrewing Rye da Tiger rye IPA and @2ndshiftbrewing Art of Neurosis

One of the 350+ locations around the state you’ll find the summer issue of Illinois Brewing is @thebeertemple in Chicago, one of the more respected taprooms and bottle shops around. And did we mention the crunchy Detroit-style pizza from @middle__brow

Hoppy beers of choice on this day were @pipeworksbrewing Citra on Repeat hazy IPA, @suncatcherbrewing New Zealand pale ale, @3floydsbrewing Rye da Tiger rye IPA and @2ndshiftbrewing Art of Neurosis
...

12 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Aug 5

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18114576260313973
Illinois Brewing Insider: Megan Gil, co-founder of @bitterpops in Chicago, on the scrumptious pizza at @noonwhistlebrewing … the summery shandy options from @phasethreebrew … her excitement about @funkytown_brewery and @sainterrantbrewing getting their own spaces … and the hidden gem that is @longroomchicago in Chicago 

Read the spotlight from our summer issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing Insider: Megan Gil, co-founder of @bitterpops in Chicago, on the scrumptious pizza at @noonwhistlebrewing … the summery shandy options from @phasethreebrew … her excitement about @funkytown_brewery and @sainterrantbrewing getting their own spaces … and the hidden gem that is @longroomchicago in Chicago

Read the spotlight from our summer issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com
...

103 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Aug 4

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18092776841093922
Giddy to be headed to the @greattastemw this weekend like we are? Don’t forget, if you’re going up on Friday, there are several pre-fest events going on around Madison with tastings, releases, tap takeovers, etc. Check in for updated info and let us know what breweries you’re most excited to see this year at the Great Taste of the Midwest

Giddy to be headed to the @greattastemw this weekend like we are? Don’t forget, if you’re going up on Friday, there are several pre-fest events going on around Madison with tastings, releases, tap takeovers, etc. Check in for updated info and let us know what breweries you’re most excited to see this year at the Great Taste of the Midwest ...

10 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Aug 3

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18072657671402883
Date: Sunday, Aug. 2
Time: 10: 21 a.m. following a round of early-morning golf
Location: The @eaglewoodresort restaurant in west suburban Itasca

Beer of choice: The crisp and refreshing Heavenly Helles lager from @churchstbrew — which paired perfectly with one of the best spicy chicken sandwiches we've ever had

Only bummer: Nearby Church Street and @wolfdenbrewco weren't quite open yet

Date: Sunday, Aug. 2
Time: 10: 21 a.m. following a round of early-morning golf
Location: The @eaglewoodresort restaurant in west suburban Itasca

Beer of choice: The crisp and refreshing Heavenly Helles lager from @churchstbrew — which paired perfectly with one of the best spicy chicken sandwiches we`ve ever had

Only bummer: Nearby Church Street and @wolfdenbrewco weren`t quite open yet
...

7 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 31

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 17951128866207904
One of the nearly 400 locations across the state where you can find the current issue of Illinois Brewing magazine is @begylebrewing in Chicago’s North Center/Ravenswood neighborhood (aka Malt Row) where these two lovely ladies poured us a pint of the new batch of Lovely Afternoon, a seasonal pale ale that’s one of our favorites. Just a short walk from Wrigley, Begyle is a perfect pit stop on the way to or from a Cubs game

One of the nearly 400 locations across the state where you can find the current issue of Illinois Brewing magazine is @begylebrewing in Chicago’s North Center/Ravenswood neighborhood (aka Malt Row) where these two lovely ladies poured us a pint of the new batch of Lovely Afternoon, a seasonal pale ale that’s one of our favorites. Just a short walk from Wrigley, Begyle is a perfect pit stop on the way to or from a Cubs game ...

22 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 31

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18089459561396470
From our big summer issue that’s out everywhere...

Spotlight on Sew Hop’d Brewery: Housed in a 120-year-old former factory in NW suburban Huntley, this award-winning brewery founded by a pair of world travelers offers up plenty of events, comfortable vibes, and a variety of beer ranging from traditional recipes to exciting new releases 

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big summer issue that’s out everywhere...

Spotlight on Sew Hop’d Brewery: Housed in a 120-year-old former factory in NW suburban Huntley, this award-winning brewery founded by a pair of world travelers offers up plenty of events, comfortable vibes, and a variety of beer ranging from traditional recipes to exciting new releases

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com
...

13 1

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 31

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18399870004092281
Between the happy hour specials, $5 drafts and stellar pizza at @crustbrewing and the free concerts and fireworks at @parkwaybankpark … Thursday nights are pretty tough to beat in @villageofrosemont

Between the happy hour specials, $5 drafts and stellar pizza at @crustbrewing and the free concerts and fireworks at @parkwaybankpark … Thursday nights are pretty tough to beat in @villageofrosemont ...

19 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 28

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 17989155054007691
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
...

31 2
Follow on Instagram

RECENT POSTS

Brewer's Choice

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, I’ve got to give ...
  • Bitter Pops storefront with glass doors labeled Taproom Entrance and outdoor seating along the left side of the building.

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Megan Gil, co-founder of Bitter Pops taproom, kitchen and retail shop in Chicago

    By Trent Modglin
    August 4, 2026
© Copyright Illinois Brewing and Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved.