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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: Get ready to celebrate Oktoberfest with some of the state’s best craft breweries

  • Spotlight on Pig Minds Brewing Co. in Machesney Park

  • Illinois Brewing Insider Marty Nachel, founder of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame

  • Small-business spotlight on Zorn Compressor & Equipment, Inc.

  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with More Brewing Company’s David Ziebell

IB Insiders

Home›Featured Post›Category: "IB Insiders"
  • Group of people at a brewery bar watching a football game on a large TV screen above the taps, with beer tanks and pendant lights in view.
    IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    August 22, 2026
    330
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Marty Nachel, founder of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame

    Hop District Brewing Marty Nachel Beer judge, writer and educator Founder and president of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame AmericanCraftBeerHallofFame.com Favorite breweries: Breweries don’t ...
    Read More
  • Bitter Pops storefront with glass doors labeled Taproom Entrance and outdoor seating along the left side of the building.
    IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    August 4, 2026
    646
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Megan Gil, co-founder of Bitter Pops taproom, kitchen and retail shop in Chicago

    Megan Gil General manager and co-founder Bitter Pops taproom, kitchen & retail shop 3357 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago BitterPops.com Favorite breweries: We sure are spoiled here ...
    Read More
  • Outdoor patio with people dining near a mural of a large black bird on a brick wall, string lights overhead, and wooden barrels.
    IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    July 3, 2026
    529
    0

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

    Uné Année Brewery in Niles Paul McCann Head of Production at Uné Année Brewery in Niles Favorite breweries: My favorite brewery would have to be New ...
    Read More
  • Crowded indoor beer hall with people gathered around communal tables, drinks in hand, under red decorative netting and hanging lights.
    IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    June 13, 2026
    665
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Homebrewer Chris Baynes

    Revolution Brewing Chris Baynes Home brewer and beer enthusiast Favorite breweries: I’m a Chicago kid, born and raised, so the breweries that I tend to go ...
    Read More
  • Group of people seated at a long brewery table watching a football game on a large wall TV, with beer taps and brewing tanks nearby.
    IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    May 11, 2026
    800
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Jim Koblish, owner and head brewer at Hop District Community Brewing Co.

    Hop District Community Brewing Co. Jim Koblish Owner/head brewer Hop District Community Brewing Co. La Grange Park, IL HopDistrictBrewing.com Favorite breweries: I’ve always liked Maplewood Brewery ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    April 3, 2026
    765
    0

    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
    571
    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
    1135
    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
    1444
    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
    1639
    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
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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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Sep 10

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Oktoberfest season is upon us, and you can check out the new fall issue of Illinois Brewing and our website for the latest on a ton of craft brewery events in the coming weeks. Kicking off the festivities this weekend are @revbrewchicago in Chicago, @imperialoakbrewing in Brookfield, the historic @berghoffchicago with @adamsstreetbrewery in Chicago’s Loop, and @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston. Check out our Inside Scoop section for info on these many and more at IllinoisBrewing.com

Oktoberfest season is upon us, and you can check out the new fall issue of Illinois Brewing and our website for the latest on a ton of craft brewery events in the coming weeks. Kicking off the festivities this weekend are @revbrewchicago in Chicago, @imperialoakbrewing in Brookfield, the historic @berghoffchicago with @adamsstreetbrewery in Chicago’s Loop, and @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston.

Check out our Inside Scoop section for info on these many and more at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Sep 8

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Spotlight on @pigmindsbrewingco in Machesney Park Proudly known to be America’s first vegan brewery, this gem just north of Rockford is celebrating 14 years of outstanding food, a diverse beer lineup, and a calendar full of fun community events Read the feature from our recent issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Spotlight on @pigmindsbrewingco in Machesney Park

Proudly known to be America’s first vegan brewery, this gem just north of Rockford is celebrating 14 years of outstanding food, a diverse beer lineup, and a calendar full of fun community events

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

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Sep 7

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When in the Lake Geneva or Delavan area, it’s always on our mind to swing by the friendly @duesterbecksbrewingco — uniquely located on a 164-year-old family farm outside of Elkhorn. A lively taproom, pavilion, patio with outdoor stage, brewery, gift shop, and hops yard are all there to enjoy.

When in the Lake Geneva or Delavan area, it’s always on our mind to swing by the friendly @duesterbecksbrewingco — uniquely located on a 164-year-old family farm outside of Elkhorn. A lively taproom, pavilion, patio with outdoor stage, brewery, gift shop, and hops yard are all there to enjoy.

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Sep 5

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The big fall issue of Illinois Brewing is out this week, but a few people — Norm, Cliff and Sam included — are still enamored with the fall magazine. Can’t blame them, even in Boston

The big fall issue of Illinois Brewing is out this week, but a few people — Norm, Cliff and Sam included — are still enamored with the fall magazine. Can’t blame them, even in Boston

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Sep 2

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It's fantasy football draft time. What are you drinking while you assemble your roster for the season? For us, it was Haze of the Dead, a tasty double NEIPA that's part of the Dead Head IPA series from @destihlbrewery in Normal. Just two more drafts to go...

It`s fantasy football draft time. What are you drinking while you assemble your roster for the season? For us, it was Haze of the Dead, a tasty double NEIPA that`s part of the Dead Head IPA series from @destihlbrewery in Normal. Just two more drafts to go...

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Aug 29

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When you’re grilling out, two things are always important (besides the company, of course): proper seasoning and a proper drink. Tonight, it was St. Elmo’s Steakhouse all-purpose seasoning and a stellar hazy IPA from @pollyannabrewingcompany

When you’re grilling out, two things are always important (besides the company, of course): proper seasoning and a proper drink. Tonight, it was St. Elmo’s Steakhouse all-purpose seasoning and a stellar hazy IPA from @pollyannabrewingcompany

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Aug 28

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Brewery bite of the week: The shrimp po boy, new sweet corn pasta salad, and a lime pilsner from @uneannee in Niles. And did we mention how fantastic the patio is on a night like tonight?

Brewery bite of the week: The shrimp po boy, new sweet corn pasta salad, and a lime pilsner from @uneannee in Niles. And did we mention how fantastic the patio is on a night like tonight?

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Aug 25

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One of the 350+ breweries, bars, bottle shops and events you can find a copy of Illinois Brewing magazine is the three @pollyannabrewingcompany locations in Roselle (pictured here), St. Charles and Lemont. And catch up on their plans for expanding into the old Alarmist space on the NW side of Chicago in the upcoming fall issue.

One of the 350+ breweries, bars, bottle shops and events you can find a copy of Illinois Brewing magazine is the three @pollyannabrewingcompany locations in Roselle (pictured here), St. Charles and Lemont. And catch up on their plans for expanding into the old Alarmist space on the NW side of Chicago in the upcoming fall issue.

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Aug 23

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When in Boston, make sure to make your way to the @trilliumbrewing taproom in the Fort Point neighborhood near the wharf or the cool spot by Fenway, as well as the @ciscobrewers pop-up beer garden by Fenway. And talk about the wonderful surprise of us stumbling across the @treehousebrewco beer garden near the historic Fanueil Hall today. Winner winner, craft beer dinner

When in Boston, make sure to make your way to the @trilliumbrewing taproom in the Fort Point neighborhood near the wharf or the cool spot by Fenway, as well as the @ciscobrewers pop-up beer garden by Fenway. And talk about the wonderful surprise of us stumbling across the @treehousebrewco beer garden near the historic Fanueil Hall today. Winner winner, craft beer dinner

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Aug 23

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Illinois Brewing Insider @martynachel — founder of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame — on his home base of @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park, a love of @maproomchicago as well as @revbrewchicago A Little Crazy and @flipsidebrewing British session ales, and discovering a gem of a brewery on the Greek island of Santorini Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing Insider @martynachel — founder of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame — on his home base of @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park, a love of @maproomchicago as well as @revbrewchicago A Little Crazy and @flipsidebrewing British session ales, and discovering a gem of a brewery on the Greek island of Santorini

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

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Aug 22

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Get ready for the last Park Ridge Market after Dark of the summer this Saturday, Aug. 22. Make plans to join the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce for a great night of sampling from breweries, wineries and distilleries, browsing the work of local artisans, tasty bites from a variety of local food trucks, and great live music. Some of the breweries pouring tonight include @oldirvingbrewing @mikerphonebrewing @black_horizon_brewing @93octanebrewery @hopbutcher @haymarketbeer @churchstbrew and more

Get ready for the last Park Ridge Market after Dark of the summer this Saturday, Aug. 22. Make plans to join the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce for a great night of sampling from breweries, wineries and distilleries, browsing the work of local artisans, tasty bites from a variety of local food trucks, and great live music. Some of the breweries pouring tonight include @oldirvingbrewing @mikerphonebrewing @black_horizon_brewing @93octanebrewery @hopbutcher @haymarketbeer @churchstbrew and more

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Aug 20

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The @opmicrobrew isn’t just one of the longest-running beer festivals in Chicagoland (and the Midwest’s largest zero-waste craft beverage festival) — it’s a full-fledged celebration of craft beverages, incredible food, and live music, all with a purpose. Now in its 19th year, this event brings together 40+ breweries pouring not only exceptional craft beers but also ciders, seltzers, spirits, and non-alcoholic options to benefit @sevengensahead Come join the fun in downtown Oak Park this Saturday, Aug. 22, starting at noon. Ticket info: sevengenerationsahead.org/event/opmbr/

The @opmicrobrew isn’t just one of the longest-running beer festivals in Chicagoland (and the Midwest’s largest zero-waste craft beverage festival) — it’s a full-fledged celebration of craft beverages, incredible food, and live music, all with a purpose. Now in its 19th year, this event brings together 40+ breweries pouring not only exceptional craft beers but also ciders, seltzers, spirits, and non-alcoholic options to benefit @sevengensahead

Come join the fun in downtown Oak Park this Saturday, Aug. 22, starting at noon.

Ticket info: sevengenerationsahead.org/event/opmbr/

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Aug 16

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Fish & chips and some smoked garlic parm wings at @hopvinebrewingcompany in Aurora? Yes, don’t mind if we do.

Fish & chips and some smoked garlic parm wings at @hopvinebrewingcompany in Aurora? Yes, don’t mind if we do.

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Inside Scoop

Inside Scoop: Get ready to celebrate Oktoberfest with some of the state’s best craft breweries

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  • Spotlight on Pig Minds Brewing Co. in Machesney Park

    By Trent Modglin
    September 8, 2026
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