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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

  • Spotlight on Quincy Brewing Company

  • Illinois Brewing Insider Don Hardy, founder of the popular Chicago Area Microbreweries Facebook group

  • Inside Scoop: Beer Under Glass returns May 8, St. Charles Brew Tour, Streetz Artz Alliance shows, Old Irving’s Della Days April 9-12, Annual Maifest at Buffalo Creek Brewing May 8-9, and more

  • Q&A with Brent Banks, as Saint Errant Brewing finds a home in Evanston

  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Mikerphone Brewing’s Mike Witkowski

IB Insiders

Home›Featured Post›Category: "IB Insiders"
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    April 3, 2026
    165
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    Illinois Brewing Insider Don Hardy, founder of the popular Chicago Area Microbreweries Facebook group

    Whiskey Hill Brewing Co. Don Hardy Founder of the Chicago Area Microbreweries group on Facebook Favorite breweries: With running a Facebook group with almost 20,000 members, ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    March 10, 2026
    279
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Steve Judge

    Steve Judge Co-director of the Park Ridge Market After Dark Favorite breweries: Illinois has no shortage of great breweries, but a few standouts rise to the ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    January 26, 2026
    535
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Rachel Morrison from Beer Adjacent

    Midwest Coast Brewing in Chicago Rachel Morrison BeerAdjacent.com @beeradjacent Favorite breweries: This question feels illegal, but I’ll share my current stomping grounds since inquiring minds want to ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    December 29, 2025
    853
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Bubblehouse Brewing’s Jon Miller

    Jon Miller Brewer/Owner Bubblehouse Brewing Company 2121 Ogden Ave. in Lisle Favorite breweries: We are fortunate to have an abundance of amazing breweries in the great state ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    December 14, 2025
    680
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Amanda Steinbraker from Church Street Brewing

    Amanda Steinbraker Church Street Brewing Itasca, IL Favorite breweries: Besides Church Street Brewing Co., I love my lager friends! Close to home we love Roaring Table ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    November 5, 2025
    823
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Navigator Taproom’s Tim Enarson

    Tim Enarson Co-owner of Navigator Taproom 2211 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago NavigatorTaproom.com Favorite breweries: I really like the breweries in and around Logan Square that have ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    October 2, 2025
    927
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Homewood Brewing Company’s Cam Horn

    Homewood Brewing Company Cam Horn Director of Brewing Operations Homewood Brewing Company Homewood, IL Favorite breweries: I’m a brewer’s brewer who’s been doing traditional beers for ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    August 12, 2025
    1699
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Jeff Bovee

    Jeff Bovee Sterling, IL Favorite breweries: My wife and I started visiting breweries as a fun activity to do together on weekends or while traveling, and ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    July 18, 2025
    1572
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Beer on the Wall’s Elmhurst GM Luciano Fiore

    Luciano Fiore GM at Beer on the Wall in Elmhurst 105 N. York Street WeHaveGreatBeer.com Favorite breweries: This is a pretty tough question to answer, as we ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    April 7, 2025
    2052
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Fred Sanchez on Hubbard’s Cave barrel-aged offerings, Mikerphone’s orange-vanilla IPA and Beer on the Wall’s selection

    Illinois Brewing Insider Fred Sanchez on a love of Hubbard’s Cave barrel-aged offerings, Mikerphone’s orange-vanilla milkshake IPA and Mambo Italian pilsner, Haymarket’s Chicago Tavern Beer, the ...
    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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Apr 13

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Not a bad choice for spending Masters Sunday in front of the TV with my dad.

Not a bad choice for spending Masters Sunday in front of the TV with my dad. ...

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Apr 11

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Beer Under Glass (BUG), the cornerstone event for the @ilcraftbeer Guild, will be kicking off @ilcraftbeerweek in grand style on Friday, May 8, hosted again this year under the towering glass of Chicago’s iconic skyline — on the acclaimed @millennium_park Harris Theater rooftop terrace. This unique evening features beer samples from more than 80 Illinois craft breweries, most of whom will be available to chat and answer questions as they’re pouring beer. The event runs 5:30-8:30 p.m., with VIP early entry at 4:30. General admission ($55) and VIP tickets ($65) are on sale now at IllinoisBeer.org

Beer Under Glass (BUG), the cornerstone event for the @ilcraftbeer Guild, will be kicking off @ilcraftbeerweek in grand style on Friday, May 8, hosted again this year under the towering glass of Chicago’s iconic skyline — on the acclaimed @millennium_park Harris Theater rooftop terrace.

This unique evening features beer samples from more than 80 Illinois craft breweries, most of whom will be available to chat and answer questions as they’re pouring beer. The event runs 5:30-8:30 p.m., with VIP early entry at 4:30. General admission ($55) and VIP tickets ($65) are on sale now at IllinoisBeer.org ...

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Apr 10

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Beer of the week: Dream Guide hazy IPA 6.8% ABV @soundgrowler Brewing in Tinley Park Welcome to the dream world at Soundgrowler Brewing. Grab hold of their new Dream Guide hazy IPA, brewed with Ekuanot and Sabro hops for aromas and flavors of citrus, lemon, lime and tropical fruits. Only on tap, so grab a pint in the south suburbs while you can.

Beer of the week: Dream Guide hazy IPA
6.8% ABV
@soundgrowler Brewing in Tinley Park

Welcome to the dream world at Soundgrowler Brewing. Grab hold of their new Dream Guide hazy IPA, brewed with Ekuanot and Sabro hops for aromas and flavors of citrus, lemon, lime and tropical fruits. Only on tap, so grab a pint in the south suburbs while you can. ...

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Apr 10

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Della Days at Chicago’s @oldirvingbrewing is happening this weekend Della Days is Old Irving Brewing Company’s annual birthday bash for Emily Adella “Della” Race, the namesake of their longtime kölsch and one of the daughters of Charles T. Race, who helped shape the Irving Park neighborhood in 1870. Through Sunday, April 12, they’ll be celebrating Della’s birthday with special offerings, great beer and a focus on the community that continues to make Old Irving Brewing what it is today. 4419 W. Montrose Ave. in Chicago. OldIrvingBrewing.com Read more about Della Days and plenty of other craft beer events in our Inside Scoop section at illinoisbrewing.com

Della Days at Chicago’s @oldirvingbrewing is happening this weekend

Della Days is Old Irving Brewing Company’s annual birthday bash for Emily Adella “Della” Race, the namesake of their longtime kölsch and one of the daughters of Charles T. Race, who helped shape the Irving Park neighborhood in 1870.

Through Sunday, April 12, they’ll be celebrating Della’s birthday with special offerings, great beer and a focus on the community that continues to make Old Irving Brewing what it is today. 4419 W. Montrose Ave. in Chicago. OldIrvingBrewing.com

Read more about Della Days and plenty of other craft beer events in our Inside Scoop section at illinoisbrewing.com ...

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Apr 9

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Experience the @stcalliance Brew Tour Nestled in along the Fox River in the far west suburbs, St. Charles is a vibrant community of shops, restaurants, events and — yep, some quality craft beer too. Home to six renowned breweries (like @alterbeer.stc @pollyannabrewingstcharles @93octanebrewery @riverlandsbrewingcompany @brotherchimpbrewing and @brokenbrix_cidery ) the St. Charles Business Alliance offers a year-round, self-guided brew tour, making it easy to experience the charming taprooms and well-crafted beers at each one. A little bonus: Check in at all six breweries using the Travel St. Charles app to get yourself an exclusive St. Charles Brew Tour shirt. Get started today at StCalliance.org/brewtour

Experience the @stcalliance Brew Tour

Nestled in along the Fox River in the far west suburbs, St. Charles is a vibrant community of shops, restaurants, events and — yep, some quality craft beer too. Home to six renowned breweries (like @alterbeer.stc @pollyannabrewingstcharles @93octanebrewery @riverlandsbrewingcompany @brotherchimpbrewing and @brokenbrix_cidery ) the St. Charles Business Alliance offers a year-round, self-guided brew tour, making it easy to experience the charming taprooms and well-crafted beers at each one.

A little bonus: Check in at all six breweries using the Travel St. Charles app to get yourself an exclusive St. Charles Brew Tour shirt. Get started today at StCalliance.org/brewtour ...

12 4

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Apr 8

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From a recent Illinois Brewing Insider spotlight... Favorite breweries: I feel like @printersrowbrewing gets overlooked far too often. Their Bookbinder Blonde Ale is one of the best easy-drinking beers, ideal for tailgating or when you just want something refreshing. They also do a jalapeño version that I love. It has just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the beer. Pepper beers are hard to nail, and they do it really well. Another favorite is @uneannee / @hubbards_cave in Niles, especially their El Zacaton, an imperial stout aged with ancho, guajillo and habanero chilies, plus toasted oak. It’s bold and complex, with layers of warmth and a spiciness that makes it unforgettable. Read the rest of Steve Judge's Insider spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

From a recent Illinois Brewing Insider spotlight...

Favorite breweries: I feel like @printersrowbrewing gets overlooked far too often. Their Bookbinder Blonde Ale is one of the best easy-drinking beers, ideal for tailgating or when you just want something refreshing. They also do a jalapeño version that I love. It has just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the beer. Pepper beers are hard to nail, and they do it really well.

Another favorite is @uneannee / @hubbards_cave in Niles, especially their El Zacaton, an imperial stout aged with ancho, guajillo and habanero chilies, plus toasted oak. It’s bold and complex, with layers of warmth and a spiciness that makes it unforgettable.

Read the rest of Steve Judge`s Insider spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

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Apr 7

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Spotlight on @quincybrewingcompany where some serious renovations and a love of good beer and community helped revive 6th Street in this charming downstate town Read the feature from our recent issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Spotlight on @quincybrewingcompany where some serious renovations and a love of good beer and community helped revive 6th Street in this charming downstate town

Read the feature from our recent issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

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Apr 5

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Secret beer spot: “For me, Beer on the Wall in Park Ridge @wehavegreatbeerpr (with additional locations in Elmhurst and Arlington Heights) is hands-down my favorite beer spot, even if it’s not much of a secret anymore. It’s my go-to place for grabbing a flight from their always rotating taps, and their to-go selection is massive. Whether I’m hunting down a special release, restocking the fridge or grabbing my Bourbon County Stout allotment, that’s the spot. It’s the perfect combination of neighborhood hangout and craft beer treasure trove.” Read more of Steve Judge’s Illinois Brewing Insider Q&A at IllinoisBrewing.com

Secret beer spot: “For me, Beer on the Wall in Park Ridge @wehavegreatbeerpr (with additional locations in Elmhurst and Arlington Heights) is hands-down my favorite beer spot, even if it’s not much of a secret anymore. It’s my go-to place for grabbing a flight from their always rotating taps, and their to-go selection is massive. Whether I’m hunting down a special release, restocking the fridge or grabbing my Bourbon County Stout allotment, that’s the spot. It’s the perfect combination of neighborhood hangout and craft beer treasure trove.”

Read more of Steve Judge’s Illinois Brewing Insider Q&A at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

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Apr 3

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From our big spring issue out now... Illinois Brewing Insider Don Hardy, founder of the popular Chicago area Microbreweries Facebook group, on local fun at @whiskey_hill_brewery_kitchen in Westmont, anticipating the helles lagers from @churchstbrew and @goldfingerbeer this spring, sneaking away to see what @black_horizon_brewing is pouring in Willowbrook, a PB&J-flavored brew from @xulbeer in Tennessee, and discovering @hopstationcraftbar in Indiana Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big spring issue out now...

Illinois Brewing Insider Don Hardy, founder of the popular Chicago area Microbreweries Facebook group, on local fun at @whiskey_hill_brewery_kitchen in Westmont, anticipating the helles lagers from @churchstbrew and @goldfingerbeer this spring, sneaking away to see what @black_horizon_brewing is pouring in Willowbrook, a PB&J-flavored brew from @xulbeer in Tennessee, and discovering @hopstationcraftbar in Indiana

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

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Apr 2

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Check out the Inside Scoop section from our new spring issue: The @ilcraftbeer Beer Under Glass festival returns May 8, the @stcalliance Brew Tour, upcoming @streetzmobeatz shows, @oldirvingbrewing Della Days April 9-12, the annual Maifest at @buffalocreekbrewing May 8-9, Mayfestiversary from @begylebrewing and @dovetailbrewery … plenty of brewery deals and much more Read it all now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Check out the Inside Scoop section from our new spring issue: The @ilcraftbeer Beer Under Glass festival returns May 8, the @stcalliance Brew Tour, upcoming @streetzmobeatz shows, @oldirvingbrewing Della Days April 9-12, the annual Maifest at @buffalocreekbrewing May 8-9, Mayfestiversary from @begylebrewing and @dovetailbrewery … plenty of brewery deals and much more

Read it all now at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

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Apr 1

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One of the more than 350+ breweries, bars, bottle shops and festivals you can grab the spring issue of Illinois Brewing magazine is the always warm and welcoming @solemnoathbeer Still Life taproom in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood. And did you know they have a $50 make-your-own-case special? Yep, you can snag six different (non BA) 16-ounce 4-packs for your beer fridge or the neighborhood block party for just $50. One of the best craft beer specials you’ll find anywhere.

One of the more than 350+ breweries, bars, bottle shops and festivals you can grab the spring issue of Illinois Brewing magazine is the always warm and welcoming @solemnoathbeer Still Life taproom in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood.

And did you know they have a $50 make-your-own-case special? Yep, you can snag six different (non BA) 16-ounce 4-packs for your beer fridge or the neighborhood block party for just $50. One of the best craft beer specials you’ll find anywhere. ...

8 0

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Mar 28

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Depleted the beer fridge a bit last night — but all for a good cause… a neighbor’s surprise 60th. Great beers from @goldfingerbeer @dovetailbrewery @moorsbeer @newbelgium @alarmistbrewing and @oldirvingbrewing @sainterrantbrewing and @werkforcebrewing And no, that’s not Chef Boyardee in an Oktoberfest outfit in the background. Or is it?

Depleted the beer fridge a bit last night — but all for a good cause… a neighbor’s surprise 60th. Great beers from @goldfingerbeer @dovetailbrewery @moorsbeer @newbelgium @alarmistbrewing and @oldirvingbrewing @sainterrantbrewing and @werkforcebrewing

And no, that’s not Chef Boyardee in an Oktoberfest outfit in the background. Or is it? ...

23 0

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Mar 27

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In case you hadn’t heard, @sainterrantbrewing is opening its first taproom THIS WEEKEND in Evanston. In our new spring issue, we sat down with co-founder Brent Banks to discuss departing the corporate world many years ago, expectations about his new taproom, and what’s currently in the tanks that has him excited. Read it all here, and enjoy food from @abikerdude burgers and @soulandsmoke at Saint Errant to kick things off this Friday and Saturday, as well as plenty of fun new beer releases. Read the Q&A now at IllinoisBrewing.com

In case you hadn’t heard, @sainterrantbrewing is opening its first taproom THIS WEEKEND in Evanston. In our new spring issue, we sat down with co-founder Brent Banks to discuss departing the corporate world many years ago, expectations about his new taproom, and what’s currently in the tanks that has him excited.

Read it all here, and enjoy food from @abikerdude burgers and @soulandsmoke at Saint Errant to kick things off this Friday and Saturday, as well as plenty of fun new beer releases.

Read the Q&A now at IllinoisBrewing.com ...

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Brewery Spotlights

Spotlight on Quincy Brewing Company

Quincy Brewing Company 110 North 6th Street in Quincy, IL QuincyBrewingCompany.com Wednesday: 3-9 p.m. Thursday: 3-10 p.m. Friday: 1-10 p.m. Saturday: 1-6 p.m. History in short: You could say it ...

  • Illinois Brewing Insider Don Hardy, founder of the popular Chicago Area Microbreweries Facebook group

    By Trent Modglin
    April 3, 2026
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