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

  • Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

  • Spotlight on Adams Street Brewery in Chicago’s historic Berghoff restaurant

  • Illinois Brewing Insider Paul McCann, head of production at Uné Année Brewery

  • Underrated brewery patios and beer gardens that are perfect for a cold beer this summer

  • 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

Feature Articles

Home›Featured Post›Category: "Feature Articles"
  • Exterior view of Crust Brewing, a brick building with large windows, and a crowded outdoor patio of diners along a railing.
    Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    June 27, 2026
    500
    0

    Underrated brewery patios and beer gardens that are perfect for a cold beer this summer

    It’s summer, a cold craft beer is calling, and we’ve got a handful of the state’s more underrated patios and beer gardens the state worth checking ...
    Read More
  • A large group of coworkers gathered at a bar, smiling and raising glasses of beer for a group photo with a rustic brewery backdrop.
    Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    May 7, 2026
    575
    0

    Spotlight on CHAOS Brew Club

    Q&A with Jeff Whelpley, member director of this diverse group of talented and energetic homebrewers with their own 24/7 space — and plenty of events — ...
    Read More
  • Golden fried fish fillet layered over thick-cut fries, with a lemon wedge and tartar sauce in the background.
    Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    April 20, 2026
    468
    0

    Good eats in Lake County: Here’s just a few of the NW suburban breweries serving up much more than just great beer

    The fish & chips at Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville You may not have known, but originally having opened in 1994, Mickey Finn’s just happens to ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    March 18, 2026
    872
    0

    Insider opinions: What is the best brewery you’ve hit on vacation?

    Maui Brewing Co.  This is the first in a series of articles on the best breweries that industry insiders and craft-beer enthusiasts have hit on vacation ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    March 18, 2026
    499
    0

    Small-business spotlight: Society Insurance shares a safety guide to handling kegs

    At one time or another, almost everyone who works in the restaurant and bar industry has been asked to change, move or assist with a beer ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    February 11, 2026
    569
    0

    Joining ImBIBE: Are you a big Illinois craft beer enthusiast?

    Joining ImBIBE (the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s annual enthusiast program) is an incredible opportunity for you to immerse yourself deeper into Illinois’ vibrant beer scene while ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    January 6, 2026
    4908
    0

    New on the scene: Blume & Ferris Public House to open in Downers Grove and expansions for Analytical Brewing (Peoria) and Maplewood Brewery & Distillery (Glen Ellyn)

    Blume & Ferris Public House opening in Downers Grove 2201 Curtiss Street, Suite B in Downers Grove BlumeAndFerris.com Expected opening date: Late January 2026, pending approvals ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    November 24, 2025
    1764
    0

    Spotlight on Whiskey Acres, the first estate distillery in Illinois

    Owned by fifth-generation farmers, the first estate distillery in Illinois is proving that details matter when it comes to creating unique, high-quality spirits Whiskey Acres Distilling ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    October 13, 2025
    3489
    0

    Movin’ on up: A handful of Illinois breweries are expanding with additional taprooms. And we couldn’t be more excited

    By Trent Modglin Mikerphone adding a Park Ridge location in early 2026 In case you hadn’t heard: Mikerphone is on its way home to NW suburban ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    May 15, 2025
    1885
    0

    Brewery bites: Dishes from around the state sure to get your stomach growling

    Great craft beer is everywhere in Illinois, but here are a few dishes we’ve encountered that are sure to get your stomach growling as well By ...
    Read More
1 2 3

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

884

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

Jul 21

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18023580410852833
Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer? I’m biased to a cold beer in the driveway right outside of our Huntley space after a long shift, but other than that, the @plankroadtaproom in Elgin has an amazing outdoor space.” — David Ziebell, head brewer at @morebrewing “ @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park. Firepit crackling under the moon on a chilly summer night, and a delicious Chili Haze IPA in my hand.” — Kara Severson Read the entire spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

I’m biased to a cold beer in the driveway right outside of our Huntley space after a long shift, but other than that, the @plankroadtaproom in Elgin has an amazing outdoor space.” — David Ziebell, head brewer at @morebrewing

“ @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park. Firepit crackling under the moon on a chilly summer night, and a delicious Chili Haze IPA in my hand.” — Kara Severson

Read the entire spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

7 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 21

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 17924684790380120
From the @uneannee patio in Niles and @psbrewingco riverside dock in Rockford to live music outside at @destihlbrewery in Normal and sidewalk dinners at @theperchchicago — we asked readers for the spots they’re most looking forward to still having a beer outside at this summer Read the Last Call section from our big summer issue now at illinoisbrewing.com

From the @uneannee patio in Niles and @psbrewingco riverside dock in Rockford to live music outside at @destihlbrewery in Normal and sidewalk dinners at @theperchchicago — we asked readers for the spots they’re most looking forward to still having a beer outside at this summer

Read the Last Call section from our big summer issue now at illinoisbrewing.com ...

13 1

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 17

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 17905196784455489
When you find yourself in South Florida, we recommend @dangerousmindsbrewing in Pompano Beach. Enjoyed the Cocobana blonde ale, Stradamus hazy IPA and Jolly Proper British pub ale

When you find yourself in South Florida, we recommend @dangerousmindsbrewing in Pompano Beach. Enjoyed the Cocobana blonde ale, Stradamus hazy IPA and Jolly Proper British pub ale ...

11 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 15

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 17948114961215833
It was another great quarterly @ilcraftbeer meeting, and the fine folks at @keggrovemorris went above and beyond as hosts. There are lots of good things happening in the craft beer industry right now, and Illinois Brewing magazine is here to showcase it all

It was another great quarterly @ilcraftbeer meeting, and the fine folks at @keggrovemorris went above and beyond as hosts. There are lots of good things happening in the craft beer industry right now, and Illinois Brewing magazine is here to showcase it all ...

35 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 13

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 17896925460518877
Solid selections from the best beer fridge around while watching England beat Norway (at an English neighbor’s garage party) included the @begylebrewing No Tomorrow hazy pale ale, @solemnoathbeer Hippo Trout dark mild ale and Foderface Marzen, and @keggrovebrewco Gravel Beer pale ale.

Solid selections from the best beer fridge around while watching England beat Norway (at an English neighbor’s garage party) included the @begylebrewing No Tomorrow hazy pale ale, @solemnoathbeer Hippo Trout dark mild ale and Foderface Marzen, and @keggrovebrewco Gravel Beer pale ale. ...

7 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 9

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18109222141992860
Well, sometimes it pays to be up late working, especially when good news like this breaks… It’s official: @pollyannabrewingcompany has acquired @alarmistbrewing - the longtime Chicago brewery that closed its doors earlier this year. We’re told the Sauganash taproom will undergo “guest‑experience upgrades” before reopening in late 2026 as a Pollyanna location. Look for the addition of a pizza‑driven, artisanal shareables menu, and for Pollyanna to continue producing Alarmist favorites like Le Jus, Pantless, Crispy Boy and more. The core brands will return to market later this year at bars, restaurants and retail accounts. “This acquisition aligns two award‑winning producers with shared values around quality and community,” said Ryan Weidner, Pollyanna’s President & CEO. “We’re excited to build on Alarmist’s legacy while expanding Pollyanna’s footprint into the city.” Look for a Q&A spotlight on this major move in the next issue of Illinois Brewing.

Well, sometimes it pays to be up late working, especially when good news like this breaks…

It’s official: @pollyannabrewingcompany has acquired @alarmistbrewing - the longtime Chicago brewery that closed its doors earlier this year. We’re told the Sauganash taproom will undergo “guest‑experience upgrades” before reopening in late 2026 as a Pollyanna location.

Look for the addition of a pizza‑driven, artisanal shareables menu, and for Pollyanna to continue producing Alarmist favorites like Le Jus, Pantless, Crispy Boy and more. The core brands will return to market later this year at bars, restaurants and retail accounts.

“This acquisition aligns two award‑winning producers with shared values around quality and community,” said Ryan Weidner, Pollyanna’s President & CEO. “We’re excited to build on Alarmist’s legacy while expanding Pollyanna’s footprint into the city.”

Look for a Q&A spotlight on this major move in the next issue of Illinois Brewing. ...

32 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 9

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18156814492491970
One of the state's more underrated patios/beer gardens belongs to @evergreenfarm1858 Brewing near Peoria, which sits on a fifth-generation family farm. Outside of the cozy taproom — which feels a bit like a speakeasy — you’ll find a comfortable patio surrounded by flowers and rustic farming equipment. Tour the property with a cold beer in hand, get ready for some amazing sunsets, and check out their Midwest Skies music series with concerts running July 11, Aug. 22, Sept. 19 and Oct. 3. Read more about Evergreen and a handful of other underrated patios around the state in our summer issue and online at IllinoisBrewing.com

One of the state`s more underrated patios/beer gardens belongs to @evergreenfarm1858 Brewing near Peoria, which sits on a fifth-generation family farm. Outside of the cozy taproom — which feels a bit like a speakeasy — you’ll find a comfortable patio surrounded by flowers and rustic farming equipment. Tour the property with a cold beer in hand, get ready for some amazing sunsets, and check out their Midwest Skies music series with concerts running July 11, Aug. 22, Sept. 19 and Oct. 3.

Read more about Evergreen and a handful of other underrated patios around the state in our summer issue and online at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

9 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 7

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18113403598925346
From our big summer issue that’s out now... Spotlight on @adamsstreetbrewery in Chicago’s historic @berghoffchicago — This gorgeous, 128-year-old building in the Loop is dripping with history, full of original woodwork and charm, and home to plenty of award-winning beer and mouthwatering German favorites Read the feature article now at IllinoisBrewing.com

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

Spotlight on @adamsstreetbrewery in Chicago’s historic @berghoffchicago — This gorgeous, 128-year-old building in the Loop is dripping with history, full of original woodwork and charm, and home to plenty of award-winning beer and mouthwatering German favorites

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

12 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 5

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18138240274561079
Day No. 6 of smuggling Illinois beers into the northwoods of Wisconsin features the award-winning 13.5 Polotmavy Pivo from @adamsstreetbrewery inside the historic @berghoffchicago in the Loop. It’s a traditional amber Czech lager with hints of caramel and toasted bread. Look for more on Adams Street in our summer issue out now

Day No. 6 of smuggling Illinois beers into the northwoods of Wisconsin features the award-winning 13.5 Polotmavy Pivo from @adamsstreetbrewery inside the historic @berghoffchicago in the Loop. It’s a traditional amber Czech lager with hints of caramel and toasted bread. Look for more on Adams Street in our summer issue out now ...

8 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 3

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18010426721917141
From our big summer issue that’s out now... Illinois Brewing Insider Paul McCann, the head of production at @uneannee / @hubbards_cave on their own Summer’s Cauldron IPA, the @halfacrebeer impressive barrel-aging program, the @goldfingerbeer lager lineup, a beautiful day spent at @monkishbrewing in California, and the hidden gem in Chicago that is @laschets Inn Read the spotlight now: IllinoisBrewing.com

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

Illinois Brewing Insider Paul McCann, the head of production at @uneannee / @hubbards_cave on their own Summer’s Cauldron IPA, the @halfacrebeer impressive barrel-aging program, the @goldfingerbeer lager lineup, a beautiful day spent at @monkishbrewing in California, and the hidden gem in Chicago that is @laschets Inn

Read the spotlight now: IllinoisBrewing.com ...

13 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 2

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18069325865418861
Perhaps due to the impressive interior or the vast food menu, the sneaky large patio at Rosemont’s @crustbrewing — with seating for about 100 — somehow gets overlooked a bit. But it definitely shouldn’t. For us, it’s a serious summer destination, especially during the free Thursday concert series and fireworks shows in the summer at @parkwaybankpark Classic German-style beers take center stage here under the direction of head brewer Rob Hunter. The Pacific Standard pale ale, which carries a solid malt presence balanced by hints of citrus and pine, is a personal favorite. And don’t forget to try the new Blue Berrymore cream ale that’s brewed with loads of fresh blueberry puree and a touch of Lemondrop hops and dried lemon peel. Talk about a perfect summer pint. Read more from our feature article on a handful of the state’s underrated brewery patios and beer gardens at IllinoisBrewing.com

Perhaps due to the impressive interior or the vast food menu, the sneaky large patio at Rosemont’s @crustbrewing — with seating for about 100 — somehow gets overlooked a bit. But it definitely shouldn’t. For us, it’s a serious summer destination, especially during the free Thursday concert series and fireworks shows in the summer at @parkwaybankpark

Classic German-style beers take center stage here under the direction of head brewer Rob Hunter. The Pacific Standard pale ale, which carries a solid malt presence balanced by hints of citrus and pine, is a personal favorite. And don’t forget to try the new Blue Berrymore cream ale that’s brewed with loads of fresh blueberry puree and a touch of Lemondrop hops and dried lemon peel. Talk about a perfect summer pint.

Read more from our feature article on a handful of the state’s underrated brewery patios and beer gardens at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

21 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jul 1

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18077695106297648
Day 4 of smuggling Illinois beers into Wisconsin’s northwoods includes an annual 2-hour canoe trip and cracking a Walk the Plank imperial red ale from @black_horizon_brewing

Day 4 of smuggling Illinois beers into Wisconsin’s northwoods includes an annual 2-hour canoe trip and cracking a Walk the Plank imperial red ale from @black_horizon_brewing ...

10 0

illinoisbrewing

View Instagram post by illinoisbrewing

Jun 30

Open post by illinoisbrewing with ID 18114635668906840
Day 3 of smuggling Illinois beers into Wisconsin’s northwoods includes a long pontoon ride with a @revbrewchicago Sun Crusher summer ale and One Hop Citra IPA from @uneannee and @hubbards_cave

Day 3 of smuggling Illinois beers into Wisconsin’s northwoods includes a long pontoon ride with a @revbrewchicago Sun Crusher summer ale and One Hop Citra IPA from @uneannee and @hubbards_cave ...

15 0
Follow on Instagram

RECENT POSTS

Last Call

Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

Uné Année Brewery in Niles The question: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer? Uné Année Brewery in Niles. The patio is covered, there’s ...
  • Two smiling men stand at a wooden bar; one holds a World Beer Cup trophy, the other a beer magazine.“,

    Spotlight on Adams Street Brewery in Chicago’s historic Berghoff restaurant

    By Trent Modglin
    July 7, 2026
© Copyright Illinois Brewing and Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved.