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Illinois Brewing

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • Feature Articles
  • IB Insiders
  • Interviews
  • Brewery Focus
    • Brewery Listings
    • Brewery Spotlights
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    • Breweries in Bunches
  • Last Call
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Larry Bolton from Blind Pig Brewing in Champaign

  • Spotlight on Streetz Artz Alliance: It turns out creative, well-curated markets and Chicagoland breweries make for a great combination

  • Illinois Brewing Insider Hannah Gilmore, assistant taproom manager at Begyle Brewing

  • Inside Scoop: The highly anticipated Festival of Barrel-Aged Beers (FoBAB) returns to Chicago Nov. 13-14

  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with 93 Octane Brewery’s Sam Altaner

Brewery Focus

Home›Featured Post›Category: "Brewery Focus" (Page 12)
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    February 7, 2023
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    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

    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 drank was… ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    January 30, 2023
    7145
    0

    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

    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 p.m. Sunday: ...
    Read More
  • Breweries in Bunches
    By Trent Modglin
    January 28, 2023
    4511
    0

    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 Riverlands Brewing Company 1860 Dean Street in St. Charles RiverlandsBrewing.com Details: Jason Arges and Steve Marck were college roommates and friends with Eric ...
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  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    January 25, 2023
    16212
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    Spotlight on Mickey Finn’s Brewery: Expect great grub, award-winning beers, a stylish space and beer garden, live music and more at this long-time Libertyville favorite

    Mickey Finn’s Brewery 345 N. Milwaukee Ave. Libertyville, IL 60048 MickeyFinnsBrewery.com Tuesday-Wednesday: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    January 20, 2023
    3599
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Elmhurst Brewing co-owner Frazer Donaldson on Deth’s Tar from Revolution, Kinslahger’s mash-hopped lager and his own 5-year anniversary party Feb. 4

    Illinois brewery professionals share opinions on what’s tasting great, who’s doing big things and what they’re most proud of  Frazer Donaldson Co-owner at Elmhurst Brewing in ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    January 15, 2023
    4563
    0

    Spotlight on Alarmist Brewing: Recipe development is key at this northwest Chicago brewery that’s home to several award-winning beers

    Alarmist Brewing 4055 W. Peterson Ave Chicago, IL 60646 (773) 681-0877 AlarmistBrewing.com Monday-Thursday: 4-10 p.m. Friday: 2-11 p.m. Saturday: 12-11p.m. Sunday: 12-8 p.m. History in short: ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    January 6, 2023
    4353
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    Spotlight on Rabid Brewing: There’s no shortage of fun to be had at this SW suburban Homewood brewery, designed with “the creatives, the nerds, the rebels and the odd ones in mind”

    Rabid Brewing 17759 Bretz Drive, Homewood, IL 60430 RabidBrewing.com Wednesday-Thursday: 4-10 p.m. Friday: 4 p.m.-midnight Saturday: 2 p.m.-midnight Sunday: 2-7 p.m. History in short: Spouses Tobias ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    December 5, 2022
    6320
    0

    Spotlight on Une Année/Hubbard’s Cave Brewery: This Niles taproom is known for its variety of quality beer and sun-filled patio, but wait till you try their BBQ

    By Trent Modglin Une Année and Hubbard’s Cave 6543 Gross Point Road in Niles UneAnnee.com The history: Born on the near west side of downtown Chicago ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    November 27, 2022
    5825
    0

    Spotlight on Crushed by Giants: The team behind DryHop Brewers hit a home run with this gem overlooking Michigan Ave

    Photo by Steph Byce Where you’ll find it: 600 N. Michigan Avenue, 2nd floor in Chicago Hours: Sunday-Thursday — Noon-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday —Noon-10 p.m. CrushedByGiants.com History in short: Crushed ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    October 24, 2022
    5364
    0

    Spotlight on Imperial Oak Brewing: Experienced ownership, a versatile venue and strong barrel-aged program is quite a trifecta in Willow Springs

    Where you’ll find it: 501 Willow Blvd., Willow Springs, IL 60480 Hours: Monday-Thursday: Noon-11 p.m. Friday: Noon-1 a.m. Saturday: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.  ...
    Read More
1 … 10 11 12 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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Nov 11

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Replenishing our fall issue through the north burbs and a downpour "forced" us to stop in to @macushlabeer in Glenview for a Cowboy Shoes hazy IPA and Broken Shovel schwarzbier ... and continue working on our new events/promotions calendar app that's launching in a few days. Get ready, beer fans.

Replenishing our fall issue through the north burbs and a downpour "forced" us to stop in to @macushlabeer in Glenview for a Cowboy Shoes hazy IPA and Broken Shovel schwarzbier ... and continue working on our new events/promotions calendar app that`s launching in a few days. Get ready, beer fans.

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Nov 9

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It’s @fobab time this weekend, and the brewery list put together by the @ilcraftbeer looks better than ever. A few tickets remain to one of our favorite events anywhere. Get yours today at FoBAB.com

It’s @fobab time this weekend, and the brewery list put together by the @ilcraftbeer looks better than ever. A few tickets remain to one of our favorite events anywhere. Get yours today at FoBAB.com

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Nov 7

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From our current fall issue...

Brewer’s Choice: Larry Bolton from @blindpigbrewery on developing a California connection, settling in for a @cruzblancachi farmhouse corn-brewed ale after @fobab and the release of four unique holiday beers at his @blindpigbrewpub 

Read the spotlight here: IllinoisBrewing.com

From our current fall issue...

Brewer’s Choice: Larry Bolton from @blindpigbrewery on developing a California connection, settling in for a @cruzblancachi farmhouse corn-brewed ale after @fobab and the release of four unique holiday beers at his @blindpigbrewpub

Read the spotlight here: IllinoisBrewing.com

19 1

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Nov 6

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When you’re at a midday business networking event and you run into an old friend from @halfacrebeer

When you’re at a midday business networking event and you run into an old friend from @halfacrebeer

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Nov 5

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From the Illinois Brewing Insider archives...

Favorite breweries: "Breweries don’t become my favorites simply because they make good beer in a variety of styles (although those are two of the most important criteria), but because the people are fun and they make me feel welcome and comfortable there. My “home base” is @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park, but other favorites in the general vicinity are @flipsidebrewing @imperialoakbrewing and @pollyannabrewingcompany 

Farther afield, I’m a big fan of @dovetailbrewery (because I’m a big fan of smoked beers), and you just can’t go wrong with @revbrewchicago 

I’m also unceasingly impressed by the @goldfingerbeer dedication to brewing world-class lager beer styles. And I wish @hopdistrictbrewing was closer to home." 

— @martynachel the founder and president of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame

Read more insight from Marty here: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2026/08/22/illinois-brewing-insider-marty-nachel-founder-of-the-american-craft-beer-hall-of-fame/

From the Illinois Brewing Insider archives...

Favorite breweries: "Breweries don’t become my favorites simply because they make good beer in a variety of styles (although those are two of the most important criteria), but because the people are fun and they make me feel welcome and comfortable there. My “home base” is @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park, but other favorites in the general vicinity are @flipsidebrewing @imperialoakbrewing and @pollyannabrewingcompany

Farther afield, I’m a big fan of @dovetailbrewery (because I’m a big fan of smoked beers), and you just can’t go wrong with @revbrewchicago

I’m also unceasingly impressed by the @goldfingerbeer dedication to brewing world-class lager beer styles. And I wish @hopdistrictbrewing was closer to home."

— @martynachel the founder and president of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame

Read more insight from Marty here: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2026/08/22/illinois-brewing-insider-marty-nachel-founder-of-the-american-craft-beer-hall-of-fame/

28 1

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Nov 2

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Replenishing our fall issue through the north side of Chicago and couldn’t be happier to see patrons at @hopbutcher and @burningbushbrewery enjoying the fresh air (and fresh craft beer) on Nov. 1

Replenishing our fall issue through the north side of Chicago and couldn’t be happier to see patrons at @hopbutcher and @burningbushbrewery enjoying the fresh air (and fresh craft beer) on Nov. 1

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Oct 30

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Soaking up the last of this near-summer weather with a @dovetailbrewery kolsch at @tinytappandcafe on the Chicago Riverwalk

Soaking up the last of this near-summer weather with a @dovetailbrewery kolsch at @tinytappandcafe on the Chicago Riverwalk

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Oct 28

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From our big fall issue that’s out now...

Spotlight on @streetzartzalliance — It turns out creative, well-curated markets and Chicagoland breweries make for a great combination

“Today, almost 15 years in, our goal remains pretty simple: find new talent, give artists opportunities to grow and succeed, support the breweries we work with, and build a real sense of community among our artists, vendors and patrons.” — Founder John Streetz 

Read the Q&A now at IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big fall issue that’s out now...

Spotlight on @streetzartzalliance — It turns out creative, well-curated markets and Chicagoland breweries make for a great combination

“Today, almost 15 years in, our goal remains pretty simple: find new talent, give artists opportunities to grow and succeed, support the breweries we work with, and build a real sense of community among our artists, vendors and patrons.” — Founder John Streetz

Read the Q&A now at IllinoisBrewing.com

53 3

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Oct 25

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Did you know that @kaisertigerchicago in Chicago’s West Loop has a free shuttle to all Blackhawks and Bulls games (and a lot of concerts)? We did. We also know they have great food, a huge patio and a stellar beer list with local Illinois brews from the likes of @arthistorybrewing @oldirvingbrewing @goldfingerbeer @midwestcoastbrewing @hopewellbrewing and more.

Did you know that @kaisertigerchicago in Chicago’s West Loop has a free shuttle to all Blackhawks and Bulls games (and a lot of concerts)? We did. We also know they have great food, a huge patio and a stellar beer list with local Illinois brews from the likes of @arthistorybrewing @oldirvingbrewing @goldfingerbeer @midwestcoastbrewing @hopewellbrewing and more.

15 1

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Oct 22

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Illinois Brewing Insider Hannah Gilmore — the assistant taproom manager at @begylebrewing — on great recent beers from @halfacrebeer @hopbutcher and @firestonewalker as well as her affection for the vibes at @longroomchicago and @thehopleaf … and family escapes to enjoy Maine’s impressive beer scene (we’re looking at you @mainebeerco @fogtownbrewing and @oronobrewingcompany 

Read the spotlight now at illinoisbrewing.com

Illinois Brewing Insider Hannah Gilmore — the assistant taproom manager at @begylebrewing — on great recent beers from @halfacrebeer @hopbutcher and @firestonewalker as well as her affection for the vibes at @longroomchicago and @thehopleaf … and family escapes to enjoy Maine’s impressive beer scene (we’re looking at you @mainebeerco @fogtownbrewing and @oronobrewingcompany

Read the spotlight now at illinoisbrewing.com

218 16

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Oct 20

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One of the most anticipated beer events in the country, @fobab (aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers) is where brewers show off their most ambitious, most imaginative creations and where drinkers get to explore the absolute edge of craft beer.

Tickets for Nov. 13-14 are on sale now at FOBAB.com. Read more about this event in our Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

One of the most anticipated beer events in the country, @fobab (aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers) is where brewers show off their most ambitious, most imaginative creations and where drinkers get to explore the absolute edge of craft beer.

Tickets for Nov. 13-14 are on sale now at FOBAB.com. Read more about this event in our Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Oct 19

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Catching the Bears game at the versatile @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston prior to the kid’s playoff baseball game down the street = a quality decision. Smoked turkey BLT, nice variety of brews, classic cars and three different rooms to enjoy.

Catching the Bears game at the versatile @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston prior to the kid’s playoff baseball game down the street = a quality decision. Smoked turkey BLT, nice variety of brews, classic cars and three different rooms to enjoy.

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Oct 16

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Now this is a trend we can get behind — an imperial Oktoberfest. Nice little mid-October treat from Colorado’s @averybrewingcompany during a lunch meeting in Chicago today

Now this is a trend we can get behind — an imperial Oktoberfest. Nice little mid-October treat from Colorado’s @averybrewingcompany during a lunch meeting in Chicago today

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Brewer's Choice

Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Larry Bolton from Blind Pig Brewing in Champaign

Blind Pig Brewpub — Kitchen + Tap Larry Bolton Blind Big Brewing 301 N. Neil Street, Suite 101 Champaign, IL The last really good beer I drank was… Thanks to ...
  • Spotlight on Streetz Artz Alliance: It turns out creative, well-curated markets and Chicagoland breweries make for a great combination

    By Trent Modglin
    October 28, 2026
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