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
  • Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the Will County Craft Beer & Bourbon Fest, Streetz Artz Alliance artisan markets, Keg Grove’s BBQ Smoke Show and more

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

  • Brewery spotlight on Springfield’s Engrained Brewing Company

  • Brewer’s Choice: BBGB Brewery’s Bob Salzman

  • Spotlight on Solemn Oath Brewery

IB Insiders

Home›Featured Post›Category: "IB Insiders" (Page 2)
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    April 26, 2024
    1260
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Daniel Booth on his admiration of Phase Three, Roaring Table and Art History Brewing, the assortment and community vibes at The Beer Cellar, and why The 1899 Pub is a must-stop in Ohio

    Art History Brewing in Geneva Daniel Booth Beertender and sales associate The Beer Cellar 488 Crescent Blvd. in Glen Ellyn BeerCellarChicago.com Favorite breweries: Man, where to ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    April 4, 2024
    1269
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Flipside Brewing owner Erik Pizer on the impressive variety at Werk Force, Horse Thief Hollow’s Little Wing pilsner and relaxing at The Open Bottle and Sheboygan’s 3 Sheeps Brewing

    Erik Pizer Owner/head brewer of Flipside Brewing Tinley Park, IL  Favorite breweries: It’s impossible to pick just one or even name just a few. Over the ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    March 18, 2024
    1027
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Tina Overton on a love of Sew Hop’d Brewery, the creativity of Energy City, Jonamac’s homemade ciders and a South Florida hidden gem called LauderAle Brewery

    Favorite breweries: I would say, as of right now, my favorite would be Sew Hop’d in Huntley. I love their Gangs All Here brown ale and ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    February 23, 2024
    838
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: John Streetz on the West Coast IPAs from Flipside Brewing, the Varitace dark Czech lager from Art History Brewing, and feeling at home with the crew at Lunar Brewing

    John Streetz Curator, show organizer and Streetz Artz Alliance founder Favorite breweries: So many breweries, and not enough time to check them all out. That said, ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    January 31, 2024
    962
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Black Lung Brewing’s Josh Grubbs on Mikerphone’s quality hazy IPAs, his own barrel-aged Belgian quad, Denver’s Bierstadt Lagerhaus and expanding one’s palate at Beer Bazaar

    Josh Grubbs President and head brewer Black Lung Brewing 2217 N. IL Route 83 in Round Lake Beach 115 Nippersink Road in Fox Lake BlackLungBrewing.com Favorite ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    December 17, 2023
    977
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Beer on the Wall’s Josh Sissman on an appreciation for Alarmist, Hop Butcher and Hopleaf, quality family time on the Une Année patio, and exploring the artistry from Alpha Brewing in St. Louis

    Josh Sissman Manager Beer on the Wall in Park Ridge, IL (with additional locations in Arlington Heights & Elmhurst) WeHaveGreatBeer.com Favorite breweries: Some of my favorites are ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    November 14, 2023
    1113
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Bubblehouse Brewing’s Evan Nimke on lagers by Art History and Goldfinger, the friendly vibes at The Beer and Now and Freedom Brothers in the west burbs, and their own grodziskie collaboration with Brother Chimp

    Evan Nimke Taproom manager and marketing director Bubblehouse Brewing Company in Lisle, IL Favorite breweries: Obviously, I’m partial to Bubblehouse Brewing in Lisle, as I work ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    October 27, 2023
    1354
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Chicagoland Brews Cruise owner Kirk Kilker on the passion shown by Alter Brewing and Whiskey Hill, appreciating the grodziskie style, and the Sidecar Supper Club in Batavia

    Kirk Kilker Owner, Chicagoland Brews Cruise ChicagolandBrewsCruise.com Favorite breweries: I am blessed to have a number of great breweries near my home. Three of my favorites are ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    October 21, 2023
    1106
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Timothy Ficken from Midwest Coast Brewing on the lagers and hefeweizens and Dovetail and Metropolitan, the return of his own Friendsgiving spiced strong ale, and hidden gem bars like Tuman’s Tap

    Timothy Ficken Brewery manager at Midwest Coast Brewing in Chicago’s West Loop MidwestCoastBrewing.com Favorite breweries: The first one I always think of is Hopewell. Everything they ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    August 14, 2023
    1158
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insiders: The Midwest Brew Review guys on Maplewood and Art History doing great things, the charm of New Glarus, and how Horse Thief Hollow’s award-winning pilsner is ideal for summer

    Insiders: Matt Psenicka, Billy Nauss, Brian Nauss Midwest Brew Review on You Tube Favorite breweries: Growing up and living around Downers Grove, we’ve had the pleasure of ...
    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
[email protected]

Art director: Brian Hertel
[email protected]

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

Illinois Brewing magazine

illinoisbrewing

Stylish magazine, website and e-mail newsletter focused on the vibrant craft beer scene in Illinois. Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

Illinois Brewing's Beer of the week: Lil’ Bison Illinois Brewing's Beer of the week: Lil’ Bison hefeweizen from @sturdyshelterbrewing in west suburban Batavia

Just in time for spring, this German classic is brewed with a Bavarian hefeweizen yeast and is bursting with that traditional banana/clove flavor. Links & Drinks is still happening throughout the western burbs too, so bring your putting stroke.
Our spring issue cover story — Read it now at Il Our spring issue cover story — Read it now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewery bites: Great craft beer is everywhere in Illinois, but here are a few dishes we’ve encountered at spots like @openoutcrybrewing @crustbrewing and @destihlbrewery @destihlrestaurant that are sure to get your stomach growling as well
Enjoying a trek around Lake Geneva today with my d Enjoying a trek around Lake Geneva today with my dad and cousin that included a burger and @newglarusbrewing Moon Man at Chuck’s and tasty Wisconsin craft beers at the one and only @owltavern from the likes of @topsyturvybrewery @lakefrontbrewery @duesterbecksbrewingco and @lowdailybeer
So glad the crispy chicken paillard we had on spec So glad the crispy chicken paillard we had on special at @mickey_finns recently made its way onto their regular menu in Libertyville. Such a great spot for dinner, catching the game or kicking back on the patio.
#IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer
A total of 94 craft breweries were pouring at the A total of 94 craft breweries were pouring at the annual #BeerUnderGlass festival from the @ilcraftbeer Guild last night, and believe me, we tried to hit them all. The rooftop terrace of the @harristheaterchicago in @millennium_park proved to be an ideal new location. What a way to kick off Illinois Craft Beer Week. #IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #illinoisbeer #ilcraftbeerweek
Mark Duchow and Jim Riggs from @adamsstreetbrewery Mark Duchow and Jim Riggs from @adamsstreetbrewery inside the iconic @berghoffchicago just won another medal at the @worldbeercup (a silver for their Der Reisende in the Export Stout category), so it’s safe to say they know what they’re talking about when it comes to favorite local beers that stay true to a style. 

Check out our Brewer’s Choice Q&A from the spring issue where they share a fondness for @offcolorbrewing @doubleclutchbrewery @dovetailbrewery @alarmistbrewing and others, and catch them — along with 80 other Illinois breweries, at the Beer Under Glass festival from @ilcraftbeer this Friday in Chicago. 

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com
The @ilcraftbeer Beer Under Glass festival is sold The @ilcraftbeer Beer Under Glass festival is sold out, y’all. And that begs the question: Which brewery are you looking forward to visiting most this Friday? 

Share your thoughts below and let’s get a discussion going. #IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer
We had to head home from the @brewersassoc annual We had to head home from the @brewersassoc annual Craft Brewers Conference in Indy last week before the winners for the @worldbeercup were announced, but man, what a haul for Illinois. 

Congrats to the following breweries for bringing home a medal from one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the world: 
@9thhourbrewing 
@adamsstreetbrewery 
@brothership_brewing 
@gobrewing 
@haymarketbeer 
@revbrewchicago 
@werkforcebrewing 
@whiteoakbrewing
Two of the nearly 400 locations across the state w Two of the nearly 400 locations across the state where you can find our spring issue are a pair of fun spots in Lake County — @blacklung_roundlakebeach and @harborbrewingco in Lake Villa. Keep an eye out for Black Lung’s new location in Grayslake late this summer, and the @hbclakefrontbiergarten is now open for the season at Winthrop Harbor on Lake Michigan

#IllinoisBrewing #craftbeer #visitlakecounty #DrinkIllinois #illinoisbeer
Spotlight on @engrainedbrewery — With an emphasi Spotlight on @engrainedbrewery — With an emphasis on utilizing local produce and livestock, as well as reducing our environmental footprint, this Springfield brewery boasts an “upscale casual” space, farm-to-table menu and wide-ranging beer selection

Read it all now at illinoisbrewing.com
The versatile and spacious @guggmanhausbrewing was The versatile and spacious @guggmanhausbrewing was definitely one of our favorite stops during the @brewersassoc annual Craft Brewers Conference this week in Indianapolis

#craftbeer #brewing #IllinoisBrewing #indianabeer #cbc2025
Promoting the magazine and spending a few days wit Promoting the magazine and spending a few days with good friends from @uniontownbrewingco at the annual @brewersassoc CBC, which draws the finest craft beer industry folks from around the country. Enjoyed events at Indy’s @taxmanbrewing @handlebarhangar and @saintjosephbrewery 

The future is bright for beer.
Illinois Brewing’s Beer of the Week: Holey Jeans Illinois Brewing’s Beer of the Week: Holey Jeans from @keggrovebrewco @keggrovemorris 

This crisp, easy-drinking blueberry American wheat ale is the flagship beer from the popular Keg Grove in Bloomington (now with a second location in Morris, IL). Owner Jeff Mroz and his crew originally brewed Holey Jeans for their wives, many of whom didn’t drink beer before, and it ended up spawning an entire fruited wheat series for the brewery. 

Fun fact: It’s named for a friend of theirs who purchased jeans with holes already in them, which they found hilarious.
For you whiskey/bourbon drinkers out there, may we For you whiskey/bourbon drinkers out there, may we highly suggest getting your hands on the @whiskeyacres cask-finished series that involves bourbon and rye aged a minimum of four years and then finished in maple syrup casks (among others). 

You’ll also find their barrels in use by a lot of quality Illinois breweries like @riverlandsbrewingcompany @pollyannabrewingcompany and @ikeandoakbrewing 

#IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #illinoisbeer #bourbon #DeKalb
Kudos to @crustbrewing in Rosemont for their new v Kudos to @crustbrewing in Rosemont for their new venture, Crust Taproom, located at 3000 W. Irving Park on Chicago’s NW side. Great pizza, great vibes and ohhh… that Vienna lager
Rock solid craft brewery lineup this weekend for t Rock solid craft brewery lineup this weekend for the ninth annual @enjoylonggrove Craft Beer Festival. Live music, food vendors and some of the state’s finest craft beer on hand.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/long-grove-craft-beer-fest-tickets-1141146884049?aff=oddtdtcreator
Once again this year, @ilcraftbeerweek from @ilcra Once again this year, @ilcraftbeerweek from @ilcraftbeer opens with their cornerstone event — Beer Under Glass (aka BUG) on Friday, May 9 — but this year it’s shifting to the gorgeous rooftop of the Harris Theater overlooking Millennium Park in downtown Chicago. 

Guests will go on a statewide craft beer adventure, mingling with brewers from their favorite craft beer spots, sampling timeless favorites, and discovering new treasures. For more information and tickets to Beer Under Glass, head to Illinoisbeer.org/ICBW
Brewer’s Choice: Bob Salzman from @bbgb_beer and Brewer’s Choice: Bob Salzman from @bbgb_beer and @hardwaregastropub on the gorgeous patio to enjoy his beers, the @weihenstephan_official helles lager and the stylistically perfect cask ales from @arthistorybrewing 

“From mild English ales to very dark beers, the cask ales at @arthistorybrewing are always spot-on stylistically and deliciously creamy and smooth. I appreciate beers that are crafted with an eye to historical accuracy and served appropriately, and they seem to always do it right.”

Read the spotlight from our spring issue now at illinoisbrewing.com
Loved hanging out at the @sewhopdbrewery Mug Club Loved hanging out at the @sewhopdbrewery Mug Club party on Monday in Huntley. The Hey, Hey Hazy IPA, tacos from Del Toro and live music from Michael Patterson were top notch. Didn’t win the raffle, but there’s always next time.
From our big spring issue... Spotlight on @solemn From our big spring issue...

Spotlight on @solemnoathbeer (and @hiddenhandbeer ): Going strong after 13 years — with locations in Naperville and Chicago — this perennial favorite has always focused on a diverse beer lineup, European-like community experiences, and a belief that the brand is an “unfinished idea”

Read the feature now at illinoisbrewing.com
Load More Follow on Instagram

RECENT POSTS

Inside Scoop

Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the Will County Craft Beer & Bourbon Fest, Streetz Artz ...

Will County Craft Beer and Bourbon Fest May 31 Tickets for the fourth annual Will County Beer & Bourbon Fest, proudly presented by Blue Ribbon Products, are selling quickly. This ...
  • Brewery bites: Dishes from around the state sure to get your stomach growling

    By Trent Modglin
    May 15, 2025
© Copyright Illinois Brewing and Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved.