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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: Burning Bush Brewery’s Scott McElhenie

  • Last Call: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery?

  • Spotlight on Suncatcher Brewing

  • Brewer’s Choice: Goldfinger Brewing’s Tom Beckmann

  • Spotlight on Macushla Brewing in north suburban Glenview

Brewery Focus

Home›Featured Post›Category: "Brewery Focus" (Page 2)
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    February 7, 2025
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    Spotlight on Emancipation Brewing Company: This Bloomington-area brewery, located in a charming former dairy barn on the family farm, churns out a serious variety of quality craft beer

    Emancipation Brewing Co. 13113 North 2500 East Road Fairbury, IL EmancipationBrewingCo.com Thursday: 4-9 p.m. Friday: 3-10 p.m. Saturday: Noon-10 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m. History in short: ...
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  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    January 20, 2025
    825
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    Brewer’s Choice: Sketchbook Brewing’s Jay Dogen on Art History and Goldfinger setting the bar for lagers, discovering the Bierstadt Lagerhaus in Denver, and being proud of Sketchbook’s winter warmer and American stout

    Jay Dogen Assistant brewer at Sketchbook Brewing in Skokie, IL SketchbookBrewing.com The last really good beer I drank was… out in Denver for the Great American ...
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  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    January 8, 2025
    1308
    0

    Spotlight on One Lake Brewing: Located in a gorgeously renovated 1920s bank in Oak Park, this brewery from a pair of friends focuses on beer that’s true to the region it’s from and fostering a community vibe

    One Lake Brewing 1 Lake Street in Oak Park, IL OneLakeBrewing.com Wednesday: 4-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday: 4-10 p.m. Saturday: 11-10 p.m. Sunday: 11-8 p.m. History ...
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  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    December 29, 2024
    881
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Crust Brewing’s Rob Hunter on his education in quality lagers, being impressed by Double Clutch Brewing, and his initial foray into barrel-aging

    Rob Hunter Head brewer at Crust Brewing in Rosemont, IL CrustBrewing.com The last really good beer I drank was… Crystal Lake Brewing’s Oktoberfest. Ryan Clooney, the ...
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  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    December 13, 2024
    1768
    0

    Spotlight on Unpossible Mead: Nestled near Route 66 in Dwight, Brian Galbreath is not afraid to “play with weird stuff” on his way to making award-winning meads, and ciders are up next

    Unpossible Mead 111 E Chippewa Street Dwight, IL UnpossibleMead.com Saturday: 2-8 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m. History in short: Brian Galbreath, admittedly “lazy by nature,” used to ...
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  • Breweries in BunchesUncategorized
    By Trent Modglin
    November 19, 2024
    865
    0

    Breweries in Bunches: Follow the Milwaukee Avenue corridor through the north suburbs to experience a handful of unique, inviting craft beer venues

    Photo: Mickey Finn’s  By Trent Modglin Mickey Finn’s Brewery 345 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Libertyville MickeyFinnsBrewery.com The details: Mickey Finn’s just happens to be the oldest ...
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  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    November 5, 2024
    1410
    0

    Spotlight on Sundial Brewing: Owned by three childhood friends, this newish Barrington brewery embraces a local approach and pours one tasty (and hoppy) farmhouse blonde ale

    By Daniel Booth Sundial Brewing 200 Applebee Street, Suite E in Barrington Wednesday-Friday: 4-10 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. SundialBrewingAndBlending.com History in ...
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  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    October 18, 2024
    1653
    0

    Spotlight on Werk Force Brewing Company: From a brewing supply store to hand crafting an award-winning brewery in Plainfield, Brandon and Amanda Wright are enjoying 10 years of bringing a community together

    Werk Force Brewing Company 14903 S. Center Street Plainfield, IL WerkForceBrewing.com History in short: In 2012, Brandon and Amanda Wright opened Chicago Brew Works, a brewing ...
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  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    October 11, 2024
    858
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Azadi Brewing’s Bhavik Modi on Off Color Brewing’s thoughtful marketing, Dovetail’s Czech-style pilsner, staying true to his Indian roots, and his own chicory amber ale

    Bhavik Modi Co-founder of Azadi Brewing Company Brewing out of Pilot Project in Chicago, IL  The last really good beer I drank was… I just enjoyed ...
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  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    October 7, 2024
    1316
    0

    Spotlight on Begyle Brewing: This Chicago Malt Row original focuses on a welcoming, neighborhood vibe and a diverse draft list that appeals to all levels and palates

    Begyle Brewing 1800 W. Cuyler Ave. in Chicago BegyleBrewing.com Monday-Thursday: Noon-9 p.m. Friday: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday: 12-8 p.m. History in short: Having ...
    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
[email protected]

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

illinoisbrewing

Stylish magazine, website and e-mail newsletter focused on the vibrant craft beer scene in Illinois. Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild
The Streetz Artz Alliance Summer Art Bazaar return The Streetz Artz Alliance Summer Art Bazaar returns to Tinley Park’s @flipsidebrewing this Sunday, July 6 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The event with @streetzmobeatz will showcase 16 talented local artists in an intimate and vibrant setting inside the brewery’s taproom, perfectly paired with house-made smash burgers and fresh craft beer. Shoppers can expect a wide and unique range of offerings — from handcrafted hot sauces, crocheted creatures, and original artwork to houseplants, tarot readings, skincare products, handmade jewelry, coffee, candles and even giant cookies.
Oh yes. The expansion continues. Oh yes. The expansion continues.
From our new summer issue... Brewer’s Choice: @b From our new summer issue... Brewer’s Choice: @burningbushbrewery head brewer Scott McElhenie on @russianriverbrewingofficial living up to the hype, the @sturdyshelterbrewing sensational Paddlewheel porter, and naming a popular new beer after the Pope Leo XIV “I just had a couple beers from Sturdy Shelter Brewing that really impressed me. … I have had a few porters in my life, but the Paddlewheel Porter was extraordinarily well crafted. The vanilla is well balanced with the darker malts so that you aren’t left with an overwhelming sweetness in the beer.” Read it all now at IllinoisBrewing.com
If you haven’t tried the menu at @industryales i If you haven’t tried the menu at @industryales in downtown Chicago yet, prepare to be blown away. Be on the lookout for our Breweries in Bunches feature on the four Loop breweries in our new summer issue.
Well, we thought we were doing a decent job with t Well, we thought we were doing a decent job with the magazine, but it seems Illinois Brewing is so entertaining, it can even distract people from enjoying the likes of Malibu Beach and Joshua Tree National Park in California.
From @oldirvingbrewing burgers and the @uneannee c From @oldirvingbrewing burgers and the @uneannee cave monster sandwich to @crustbrewing fish tacos and @morebrewing Indian dishes, we asked readers and industry professionals: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery? Read the Last Call section now at IllinoisBrewing.com
Quick family vacation to Southern California and c Quick family vacation to Southern California and coming away impressed with the San Diego craft beer scene. Favorites so far include: @moderntimesbeer Orderville hazy IPA (winner so far), @latitude33brew Brewing’s blood orange IPA, @seekbeerco That Adds Up hazy IPA, @coronadobrewing Weekend Vibes IPA, @emboldenbeerco Industry blonde ale and @burgeonbeer Carlsbad Crush pale ale.
Read our spotlight on @suncatcherbrewing — who h Read our spotlight on @suncatcherbrewing — who happens to be hosting a Summer Solstice party today. “Suncatcher is all about going back to the beers I was stoked and inspired by when I was first learning about beer as a younger person… and keeping that feeling going.” — Co-owner Matt Gallagher Read the feature now at IllinoisBrewing.com
From the archives: Spotlight on @onelakebrewing — Located in a gorgeously renovated 1920s bank in Oak Park, this brewery from a pair of friends focuses on beer that’s true to the region it’s from and fostering a community vibe. And did we mention they have an awesome rooftop? “We try to brew beer that’s true to the region it came from. We bring in ingredients from all over the world and use them in their purest form. … We even adjust the water chemistry too, in order to mimic the environment of the local brewers.” — Shawn Stevens Read the brewery spotlight at IllinoisBrewing.com
Double hazy IPA from @mikerphonebrewing on the pat Double hazy IPA from @mikerphonebrewing on the patio while playing a “candy Monopoly” my kid created on his own? Not a bad way to spend a summer evening.
Had a great time at the annual @illinoisbrewing go Had a great time at the annual @illinoisbrewing golf scramble earlier this week — with a tasty variety of beers from the likes of @hopbutcher @midwestcoastbrewing @blindcornerbeer @werkforcebrewing @reserveartisanales @alterbeer and more. Also swung by for an interview with @brotherchimpbrewing for a feature in the summer issue. Now that’s a day.
Thanks to @maplewoodbrew for the invite earlier th Thanks to @maplewoodbrew for the invite earlier this week to get a sneak peek of their new kitchen and expanded taproom in Logan Square. Stellar smash burger, Pillowy Mellows NEIPA and In Dark Trees dark Czech lager. And a bottle of their finest bourbon to go. Look for more on Maplewood in the upcoming summer issue
Fun event alert: The fourth annual STC Six collabo Fun event alert: The fourth annual STC Six collaboration launch party is happening on Wednesday, June 18 at 5 p.m. at Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling in downtown St. Charles. The STC Six is made up of the following St. Charles breweries: @93octanebrewery @alterbeer.stc @brokenbrix_cidery @pollyannabrewingcompany @riverlandsbrewingcompany and D&G. The breweries invite everyone to join in on the celebration for a great cause with the first opportunity to taste the new beer — a West Coast pilsner with notes of citrus, tropical fruit and a touch of pine. This year’s collaboration supports the important mission of Support Over Stigma, a nonprofit helping veterans and first responders. For every beer and limited-edition glassware sold, $1 will be donated to the cause. Can’t make it to the event but want to contribute? You can visit any of the participating breweries to try the beer and purchase limited-edition glassware. More information: STCSix.com
Nice patio session catching up with old friends la Nice patio session catching up with old friends last night at @halfacrebeer on Chicago’s far north side. Really dug the Nebula Double Daisy Cutter hazy IPA, Persephone pomegranate kolsch and Second Setting imperial IPA. New supply of Illinois Brewing is there now too. Summer issue out soon.
Brewer’s Choice: Tom Beckmann @twbeckmann from @ Brewer’s Choice: Tom Beckmann @twbeckmann from @goldfingerbeer on tasty recent brews from @iswasbrewing and @suncatcherbrewing … the growth of his brewery and their fifth annual Lagerversary coming up July 18-20 Read the spotlight from our spring issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com
This is not an event to be missed from the @ilcraf This is not an event to be missed from the @ilcraftbeer Guild. Tomorrow, Friday, June 6 at @gallagherwaychi next to Wrigley Field. Not a bad backdrop, right? 30-plus Chicago breweries serving up some of their best stuff for just $30. Can’t beat it, and the weather looks awesome.
This Saturday, June 7 is the @keggrovebrewco annua This Saturday, June 7 is the @keggrovebrewco annual Summerfest + Pub Club Rotary’s BBQ Smoke Show Get ready for an unforgettable day of craft beer, mouthwatering BBQ and music. Summerfest includes plenty of live entertainment, food trucks, and craft beer from across Illinois. A portion of the proceeds will go toward providing supplies for local animal shelters, so every bite you take is for a great cause. Doors open at noon. 712 E. Empire Street in Bloomington. KegGroveBrewing.com
One of the nearly 400 locations across the state y One of the nearly 400 locations across the state you can grab a copy of Illinois Brewing is @hopdistrictbrewing in west suburban La Grange Park. Friendly staff, versatile space, community focused, great beer (try the 2 Week Vacation hazy IPA) and an underrated patio out back. #IllinoisBrewing #craftbeer #DrinkIllinois
With a nice variety of small-batch beer, a popular With a nice variety of small-batch beer, a popular communal patio, family vibes, and Megan Welch’s desire to keep her late husband’s dream alive, @macushlabeer is quite the destination in north suburban Glenview Read the spotlight from the spring issue at illinoisbrewing.com
Want to see your name in print in breweries, festi Want to see your name in print in breweries, festivals and bottle shops across the state this summer? Our LAST CALL section for the upcoming summer issue is asking craft beer enthusiasts the following question: *** What is the most underrated spot for enjoying a cold beer outdoors this summer? Remember, we like details, so please don’t just answer “Brewery X’s patio.” Tell our readers why you like it and give a few reasons. And feel free to share if you have friends who know of a few alluring patios, beer gardens or festivals. Thanks in advance, and cheers!!
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RECENT POSTS

Brewer's Choice

Brewer’s Choice: Burning Bush Brewery’s Scott McElhenie

Russian River Brewing Brewer’s Choice Scott McElhenie Head brewer at Burning Bush Brewery in Chicago The last really good beer I drank was… Happy Hops IPA from Russian River Brewing ...

  • Last Call: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery?

    By Trent Modglin
    June 23, 2025
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