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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

  • Inside Scoop: Oak Park Microbrew Review, Streetz Artz Alliance summer shows, Buffalo Creek Brewing Sausage Fest, Maplewood Public House and Burning Bush Brewery’s cocktail bar, a Belgian beer competition in St. Charles, brewery deals and more

  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Printer’s Row Brewing’s Virgilio Mazzeo

  • Illinois Brewing Insider: Homebrewer Chris Baynes

  • Breweries in bunches in St. Charles: A handful of fantastically unique breweries call this popular west suburb home

  • Spotlight on Hop Butcher for the World on Chicago’s north side

Brewery Focus

Home›Featured Post›Category: "Brewery Focus" (Page 3)
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    August 17, 2025
    4443
    0

    Spotlight on Hairy Cow Brewing Company in Byron

    Hairy Cow Brewing Company 450 E. Blackhawk Drive in Byron HairyCowBrewing.com Wednesday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. History in short ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    August 7, 2025
    1887
    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
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    July 31, 2025
    2132
    0

    Brewery spotlight: Hidden gems for great craft beer near Wrigley Field

    Corridor Brewing & Provisions Heading to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs before summer comes to a close? We’ve got a few great craft breweries nearby ...
    Read More
  • Breweries in Bunches
    By Trent Modglin
    July 21, 2025
    2214
    0

    Breweries in Bunches: Downtown Chicago

    Double Clutch Brewing’s beer garden at Millennium Park Once void of quality craft beer options, downtown Chicago is now home to a quartet of proven, versatile ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    July 15, 2025
    3292
    0

    Spotlight on Brother Chimp Brewing in North Aurora

    Spotlight on Brother Chimp Brewing 1059 W. Orchard Road North Aurora, IL BrotherChimpBrewing.com History in short: Steve Newman is not your typical brewery owner. Although he ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    June 28, 2025
    2595
    0

    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 ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    June 21, 2025
    2182
    0

    Spotlight on Suncatcher Brewing in Chicago’s Humboldt Park

    Suncatcher Brewing 2849 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL SuncatcherBrewing.com Sunday-Monday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday 11a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. History in short: The brainstorming for ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    June 6, 2025
    2605
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Goldfinger Brewing’s Tom Beckmann

    Tom Beckmann Goldfinger Brewing Company Downers Grove, IL GoldfingerBrewing.com The last really good beer I drank was… The American Zoigl brewed by Schilling Beer Co. out ...
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  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    June 3, 2025
    2545
    0

    Spotlight on Macushla Brewing in north suburban Glenview

    Macushla Brewing 1516 E. Lake Ave. Glenview, IL MacushlaBeer.com Tuesday-Thursday 3-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday 12-11 p.m. Sunday 12-6 p.m.  History in short: Back in 2015, Megan and ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    May 3, 2025
    3551
    0

    Brewery spotlight on Springfield’s Engrained Brewing Company

    Spotlight on Engrained Brewing Company: With an emphasis on utilizing local produce and livestock, as well as reducing our environmental footprint, this Springfield brewery boasts an ...
    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.

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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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Jun 26

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Beer of the Week Cherry Chopper �5.0% ABV �@keggrovebrewco @keggrovemorris @whiteoakbrewing @analyticalbrewing @analyticalbrewingpeoria and @evergreenfarm1858 This wonderful collaboration between four fantastic central Illinois breweries is a deliciously tart cherry golden ale to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the USA. It’s basically like summer in a glass, and currently available at all six taprooms.

Beer of the Week

Cherry Chopper
�5.0% ABV
�@keggrovebrewco @keggrovemorris @whiteoakbrewing @analyticalbrewing @analyticalbrewingpeoria and @evergreenfarm1858

This wonderful collaboration between four fantastic central Illinois breweries is a deliciously tart cherry golden ale to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the USA. It’s basically like summer in a glass, and currently available at all six taprooms. ...

5 0

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Jun 26

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You asked for more frequent Kölsch service at @roaringtable — and they delivered. Look for plenty of kolsch being poured at their Lake Zurich taproom this Saturday, June 27 from 3-7 p.m. to go with delicious pours of Summertime in a Glass and a special German-inspired menu.

You asked for more frequent Kölsch service at @roaringtable — and they delivered. Look for plenty of kolsch being poured at their Lake Zurich taproom this Saturday, June 27 from 3-7 p.m. to go with delicious pours of Summertime in a Glass and a special German-inspired menu. ...

11 0

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Jun 26

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Save the date: Ravenswood on Tap July 18-19 @maltrowchicago is one of the most prolific craft brewing communities in the country — and it’s right here in the @ravenswood_chi neighborhood on the north side of Chicago. Each year, the community celebrates this cultural ferment with Ravenswood On Tap, a two-day outdoor festival that is all about local. Enjoy beers from Malt Row breweries — @begylebrewing @hopbutcher @halfacrebeer @iswasbrewing@spitefulbrewing @demobrewery @dovetailbrewery and @cultivatebyforbiddenroot — along with @kovaldistillery cocktails, special tappings, live music, delicious street food, local artisans, games and more. Location: Ravenswood and Berteau Avenues in the Ravenswood Corridor. Date and time: Saturday, July 18 (Noon-10 p.m.) and Sunday, July 19 (Noon-8 p.m.). More info: RavenswoodChicago.org Read more about this and more events in our new summer issue and online at IllinoisBrewing.com

Save the date: Ravenswood on Tap July 18-19

@maltrowchicago is one of the most prolific craft brewing communities in the country — and it’s right here in the @ravenswood_chi neighborhood on the north side of Chicago. Each year, the community celebrates this cultural ferment with Ravenswood On Tap, a two-day outdoor festival that is all about local. Enjoy beers from Malt Row breweries — @begylebrewing @hopbutcher @halfacrebeer @iswasbrewing@spitefulbrewing @demobrewery @dovetailbrewery and @cultivatebyforbiddenroot — along with @kovaldistillery cocktails, special tappings, live music, delicious street food, local artisans, games and more.

Location: Ravenswood and Berteau Avenues in the Ravenswood Corridor.
Date and time: Saturday, July 18 (Noon-10 p.m.) and Sunday, July 19 (Noon-8 p.m.).
More info: RavenswoodChicago.org

Read more about this and more events in our new summer issue and online at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

6 0

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Jun 25

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It's shaping up to be a beautiful weekend... perfect for a few beers on the patio at @sketchbookbrew in Skoke, where we recently enjoyed their 2026 version of Freedomish called Respect Existence or Expect Resistance (fruited wheat ale with dragon fruit and Andean blackberries, blueberries and raspberries) and a stellar new double NEIPA called Phantasm of the Hopera.

It`s shaping up to be a beautiful weekend... perfect for a few beers on the patio at @sketchbookbrew in Skoke, where we recently enjoyed their 2026 version of Freedomish called Respect Existence or Expect Resistance (fruited wheat ale with dragon fruit and Andean blackberries, blueberries and raspberries) and a stellar new double NEIPA called Phantasm of the Hopera. ...

14 0

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Jun 24

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Sadly, the great @@illuminatedbrewworks in Chicago's Norwood Park is closing its doors this weekend, but they've got a lot of fun things planned for the rest of the week and some great beer to sell before that. Like their unique Malort barrel-aged stout going for $30 per 750 ML bottle. Swing in this week to say goodbye, hoist a few pints and grab some favorites to go.

Sadly, the great @@illuminatedbrewworks in Chicago`s Norwood Park is closing its doors this weekend, but they`ve got a lot of fun things planned for the rest of the week and some great beer to sell before that. Like their unique Malort barrel-aged stout going for $30 per 750 ML bottle. Swing in this week to say goodbye, hoist a few pints and grab some favorites to go. ...

13 0

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Jun 24

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We’ve got a loaded Inside Scoop section from our summer issue for you. Read on for info on the @opmicrobrew @mad60068 and @streetzartzalliance summer shows, the @buffalocreekbrewing Sausage Fest, @maplewoodpublichouse opening in Glen Ellyn and @burningbushbrewery launching Feather & Tail cocktail bar in Chicago, a Belgian beer competition between six breweries in St. Charles, great deals at @crustbrewing @flipsidebrewing and @madhatchetbrewing … and much more Read the full Inside Scoop now at IllinoisBrewing.com

We’ve got a loaded Inside Scoop section from our summer issue for you. Read on for info on the @opmicrobrew @mad60068 and @streetzartzalliance summer shows, the @buffalocreekbrewing Sausage Fest, @maplewoodpublichouse opening in Glen Ellyn and @burningbushbrewery launching Feather & Tail cocktail bar in Chicago, a Belgian beer competition between six breweries in St. Charles, great deals at @crustbrewing @flipsidebrewing and @madhatchetbrewing … and much more

Read the full Inside Scoop now at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

18 0

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Jun 23

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Deal of the day: @bubblehousebrewing in west suburban Lisle offers up $5 featured pints on Tuesdays. And a pretty nice little patio to enjoy this gorgeous weather too, we might add.

Deal of the day: @bubblehousebrewing in west suburban Lisle offers up $5 featured pints on Tuesdays. And a pretty nice little patio to enjoy this gorgeous weather too, we might add. ...

7 0

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Jun 23

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Was treated to Father’s Day at @phasethreebrew.elm and came away impressed as always with their OG smash burger, Korean wings, tofu katsu and pork-filled spring rolls. For beer, the Midwest Sound hazy IPA and Trail Trip pale ale were particular hits. Add on a few @phasethreebrew 4-packs to go and I was set.

Was treated to Father’s Day at @phasethreebrew.elm and came away impressed as always with their OG smash burger, Korean wings, tofu katsu and pork-filled spring rolls. For beer, the Midwest Sound hazy IPA and Trail Trip pale ale were particular hits. Add on a few @phasethreebrew 4-packs to go and I was set. ...

7 0

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Jun 20

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5-year anniversary party alert!! Saturday, June 20 at @printersrowbrewing on Chicago’s far NW side Brewer’s Choice from our new summer issue: Printers Row Brewing’s Virgilio Mazzeo on the @oldirvingbrewing Cushy sour series and barrel-aged options, @strangebirdbeer pizza and hazy IPAs in New York, his own brewery’s bond with the community, and the fun new beers he’s rolling out for his 5-year anniversary party and later this summer

5-year anniversary party alert!!
Saturday, June 20 at @printersrowbrewing on Chicago’s far NW side

Brewer’s Choice from our new summer issue: Printers Row Brewing’s Virgilio Mazzeo on the @oldirvingbrewing Cushy sour series and barrel-aged options, @strangebirdbeer pizza and hazy IPAs in New York, his own brewery’s bond with the community, and the fun new beers he’s rolling out for his 5-year anniversary party and later this summer ...

92 0

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Jun 18

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The new summer issue of Illinois Brewing may be out, but this guy can’t let go of the spring features and insider info, even with all the people watching and boats cruising by on the Chicago Riverwalk. Bonus: The @dovetailbrewery kolsch and the Pulaski Pils from @maplewoodbrew tasted especially fine at @tinytappandcafe on the Riverwalk Photo credit: @0liviaholmes

The new summer issue of Illinois Brewing may be out, but this guy can’t let go of the spring features and insider info, even with all the people watching and boats cruising by on the Chicago Riverwalk.

Bonus: The @dovetailbrewery kolsch and the Pulaski Pils from @maplewoodbrew tasted especially fine at @tinytappandcafe on the Riverwalk

Photo credit: @0liviaholmes ...

43 0

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Jun 16

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Enjoyed interviewing Jim Riggs and Mark Duchow, the award-winning brewers at @adamsstreetbrewery for our new summer issue, which is out this week. Look for the feature article on all their solid work inside @berghoffchicago in downtown Chicago. Just steps from Millennium Park, the The Art Institute of Chicago, Michigan Avenue and plenty of hotels... this historic gem is not to be missed.

Enjoyed interviewing Jim Riggs and Mark Duchow, the award-winning brewers at @adamsstreetbrewery for our new summer issue, which is out this week. Look for the feature article on all their solid work inside @berghoffchicago in downtown Chicago. Just steps from Millennium Park, the The Art Institute of Chicago, Michigan Avenue and plenty of hotels... this historic gem is not to be missed. ...

16 0

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Jun 14

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Date: Saturday, June 12 Time: 3:06 p.m. Location: @mikerphonebrewing patio in Elk Grove Village Tunes from the taproom: Classic '80s favorites Favorite beers: Cat's in the Cradle double NEIPA, PB+Jam Juice fruited sour, 11 Years BA B BW barleywine

Date: Saturday, June 12
Time: 3:06 p.m.
Location: @mikerphonebrewing patio in Elk Grove Village
Tunes from the taproom: Classic `80s favorites
Favorite beers: Cat`s in the Cradle double NEIPA, PB+Jam Juice fruited sour, 11 Years BA B BW barleywine ...

13 0

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Jun 13

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Illinois Brewing Insider Chris Baynes on the art of homebrewing, why the @spitefulbrewing grapefruit radler is perfect for summer, an old-school appreciation for @revbrewchicago @samueladamsbeer and @breckbrew … and the quality selection and recommendations at @wehavegreatbeerpr Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing Insider Chris Baynes on the art of homebrewing, why the @spitefulbrewing grapefruit radler is perfect for summer, an old-school appreciation for @revbrewchicago @samueladamsbeer and @breckbrew … and the quality selection and recommendations at @wehavegreatbeerpr

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com ...

9 1
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