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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 Hop Butcher for the World on Chicago’s north side

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

  • Spotlight on CHAOS Brew Club

  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Black Horizon Brewing Company owner/head brewer Alex Stankus

  • Inside Scoop: The annual Beer Under Glass event in Chicago’s Millennium Park kicks off Illinois Craft Beer Week May 8

IB Insiders

Home›Featured Post›Category: "IB Insiders" (Page 4)
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    July 15, 2023
    2762
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Eric Farrell from Bottle Theory in Elmhurst on Hop Butcher’s small-batch offerings, Goldfinger’s stellar Mexican lager and his own easy-drinking collaboration with Riverlands

    Eric Farrell Owner of Bottle Theory Taproom and Bottle Shop 542 Spring Rd in Elmhurst, IL BottleTheoryTaproom.com Favorite breweries: This feels like a loaded question. Illinois ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    June 13, 2023
    3178
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Beermiscuous co-manager Phil Vasquez on becoming a Lukr tap fanatic, his love of a good ESB (especially Art History’s) and how Half Acre’s new lime lager will be a summer staple

    Phil Vaquez, co-manager at Beermiscuous in Highwood, IL 552 Sheridan Road in Highwood 2812 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago Beermiscuous.com Favorite breweries: The upside of my ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    May 6, 2023
    3168
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Samantha Lee, co-owner of Hopewell Brewing, on collaborating with Goldfinger, her own Outside Voice session IPA, and the quality BBQ and beer list at Green Street Smoked Meats

    Samantha Lee Co-owner of Hopewell Brewing 2760 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago HopewellBrewing.com Favorite Illinois breweries: I live in Logan Square, and we make it over ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    April 15, 2023
    3090
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insiders Romeo & Brewliet on the excitement surrounding Phase Three’s second location, partying with (and learning from) Chaos Brew Club, and the impressive tap selection at Church Street

    Beer blogging couple Romeo & Brewliet RomeoAndBrewliet.com Instagram: @romeoandbrewliet Favorite breweries: (Romeo) Starting with the hardest question of all I see. Well, that’s tough. My handful would ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    March 1, 2023
    2996
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Cesar Marron on his own Common Culture oatmeal stout, drinking Belgians at Hopleaf and spending a day on Metropolitan’s patio

    Metropolitan Brewing’s patio in Chicago Cesar Marron Head brewer and managing partner Sketchbook Brewing Company in Evanston and Skokie, IL SketchbookBrewing.com Drinking tendencies: Genuinely speaking I ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    February 1, 2023
    3842
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Mike Zoller on a love of Dovetail’s Czech dark lager, Chicago’s best barrel-aged options and the experience that is Treehouse Brewing Company

    Mike Zoller Chicago, IL Midwest Editor at PorchDrinking.com Twitter: @mikezoller Instagram: @chicagobeer Favorite breweries: I think it’s always changing based on current preferences, but recently I ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    January 11, 2023
    3029
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Tommy Riemer on Maplewood’s Morbidly Obese Pug, a love of Phase Three and Lil Beaver Brewing, shopping at Bottle Theory and crossing the border for Beer Church and Journeyman Distillery

    Beer Church in New Buffalo, Mich. We ask craft-beer enthusiasts and Illinois brewers for some of their favorite local breweries, beers and experiences  Would you like ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    November 30, 2022
    2597
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Geoff Hutchins on a love of Hubbard’s Cave’s dessert-style stouts and Phase Three’s Pixel Density Lite, breweries on vacation, and finding Goose Island Green Line again

    Photo: Une Année/Hubbard’ Cave patio Geoff Hutchins, 62 Park Ridge, IL Favorite Illinois breweries: It’s always tough for me to go against Phase Three (Lake Zurich). ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    October 24, 2022
    2723
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Sean West on an admiration for Triptych Brewing and Two Brothers’ Domaine DuPage, drinking seasonally and his plans at Forgottonia

    Forgottonia Brewing trivia winners We ask craft-beer enthusiasts and Illinois brewers for some of their favorite local breweries, beers and experiences  Would you like to participate? ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    September 21, 2022
    2875
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Ryan Daniels on the Half Acre beer garden, the Clockwork English barleywine from Foreign Exchange Brewing, and what’s caught his eye of late

    Half Acre’s Balmoral beer garden We ask craft-beer enthusiasts and Illinois brewers for some of their favorite local breweries, beers and experiences  Would you like to ...
    Read More
1 2 3 4

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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.

illinoisbrewing

846

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

illinoisbrewing

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May 24

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The Sunday afternoon and evening weather forecast is beautiful, so come join @wehavegreatbeerpr and @theharpandfiddle and enjoy 100 beers, live music, food trucks and a kids zone from 12-9 p.m. today at the Farmers Market lot.

The Sunday afternoon and evening weather forecast is beautiful, so come join @wehavegreatbeerpr and @theharpandfiddle and enjoy 100 beers, live music, food trucks and a kids zone from 12-9 p.m. today at the Farmers Market lot. ...

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May 21

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Lunch at @theperchchicago in Wicker Park is never a bad idea. On the draft list, check out their Anchor Down, a toasty, caramel-touched California Common brewed in collaboration with @chaosbrewclub

Lunch at @theperchchicago in Wicker Park is never a bad idea. On the draft list, check out their Anchor Down, a toasty, caramel-touched California Common brewed in collaboration with @chaosbrewclub ...

7 0

illinoisbrewing

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May 19

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The weather is here, and the patio at @uneannee Brewery in Niles is beckoning. So are the steak fajita tacos, on special Tuesday-Thursday. Pair them up with a One Hop Citra IPA, Twist of Wit or Lime Pils and you're set.

The weather is here, and the patio at @uneannee Brewery in Niles is beckoning. So are the steak fajita tacos, on special Tuesday-Thursday. Pair them up with a One Hop Citra IPA, Twist of Wit or Lime Pils and you`re set. ...

5 0

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May 16

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One of the more than 300 breweries, bottle shops, bars and festivals you can find a copy of Illinois Brewing is the award-winning @mikerphonebrewing in Elk Grove Village, where you can also pick up your summer passport from the @ilcraftbeer  Guild and some of the best hazy IPAs you'll find anywhere (and don't forget the uber-popular Italian pilsner called Mambo Italiano).

One of the more than 300 breweries, bottle shops, bars and festivals you can find a copy of Illinois Brewing is the award-winning @mikerphonebrewing in Elk Grove Village, where you can also pick up your summer passport from the @ilcraftbeer Guild and some of the best hazy IPAs you`ll find anywhere (and don`t forget the uber-popular Italian pilsner called Mambo Italiano). ...

12 0

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May 16

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Very happy to have the Main Street patio open for the season today in Park Ridge, with great beers from @arthistorybrewing @riverlandsbrewingcompany @brothership_brewing and @pipeworksbrewing

Very happy to have the Main Street patio open for the season today in Park Ridge, with great beers from @arthistorybrewing @riverlandsbrewingcompany @brothership_brewing and @pipeworksbrewing ...

16 0

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May 12

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From our current spring issue: 

Illinois Brewing Insider @jkbrewlife — owner of @hopdistrictbrewing — on the outstanding pilsners from @riverlandsbrewingcompany and @arthistorybrewing ... a fondness for @maplewoodbrew @orangenbrewtap and @littleowlsocialpub ... and looking forward to the return of his own seasonal gose made with fresh strawberry puree and Himalayan salt 

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

From our current spring issue:

Illinois Brewing Insider @jkbrewlife — owner of @hopdistrictbrewing — on the outstanding pilsners from @riverlandsbrewingcompany and @arthistorybrewing ... a fondness for @maplewoodbrew @orangenbrewtap and @littleowlsocialpub ... and looking forward to the return of his own seasonal gose made with fresh strawberry puree and Himalayan salt

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com
...

25 2

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May 11

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Sunday, May 24th (12-9PM) is the ninth annual Main Street Craft Beer Festival hosted by @wehavegreatbeerpr and @theharpandfiddle 

With food, live music, a kid zone and most importantly… 100+ craft beers, it’s hard to think of a better way to kick off summer.

Sunday, May 24th (12-9PM) is the ninth annual Main Street Craft Beer Festival hosted by @wehavegreatbeerpr and @theharpandfiddle

With food, live music, a kid zone and most importantly… 100+ craft beers, it’s hard to think of a better way to kick off summer.
...

9 0

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May 10

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Q: What are you most proud of at @black_horizon_brewing ?

A: Most recently, our back-to-back gold medal wins for our gin barrel-aged botanical lager, From Earth to You, at @fobab (Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers). Being a smaller brewery with only so much room and ability to barrel age beer, we put incredible dedication and love into our barrels and want to present something barrel aged that both long-time and new craft beer drinkers may never have thought to try. Our vision has always been “smaller beers in odd barrels” or a style you might never think to barrel age." 

Read more of our Q&A with Alex Stankus from Black Horizon at IllinoisBrewing.com

Q: What are you most proud of at @black_horizon_brewing ?

A: Most recently, our back-to-back gold medal wins for our gin barrel-aged botanical lager, From Earth to You, at @fobab (Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers). Being a smaller brewery with only so much room and ability to barrel age beer, we put incredible dedication and love into our barrels and want to present something barrel aged that both long-time and new craft beer drinkers may never have thought to try. Our vision has always been “smaller beers in odd barrels” or a style you might never think to barrel age."

Read more of our Q&A with Alex Stankus from Black Horizon at IllinoisBrewing.com
...

7 0

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May 8

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The talented team at @oldirvingbrewing recently took over the role of brewing a pair of beers, the Billy Goat IPA and Billy Goat Pilsner, exclusively for the iconic Billy Goat Tavern — aka @cheezborger — and they’re now available on draft at Old Irving’s taproom on the city’s NW side and all seven different Billy Goat locations across Chicago, as well as in canned 4-packs at your favorite beer store. 

For the pilsner, the goal was “something simple and clean and steeped in brewing tradition,” says co-founder and head brewer Trevor Rose-Hamblin. And, of course, a beer that would pair well with Billy Goat’s famous cheeseburgers. 

“For the IPA, we utilized classic hops like Columbus that will give piney and grapefruit-like flavors,” according to Rose-Hamblin. “We aimed for a nicely balanced bitterness that keeps you wanting more.”

The talented team at @oldirvingbrewing recently took over the role of brewing a pair of beers, the Billy Goat IPA and Billy Goat Pilsner, exclusively for the iconic Billy Goat Tavern — aka @cheezborger — and they’re now available on draft at Old Irving’s taproom on the city’s NW side and all seven different Billy Goat locations across Chicago, as well as in canned 4-packs at your favorite beer store.

For the pilsner, the goal was “something simple and clean and steeped in brewing tradition,” says co-founder and head brewer Trevor Rose-Hamblin. And, of course, a beer that would pair well with Billy Goat’s famous cheeseburgers.

“For the IPA, we utilized classic hops like Columbus that will give piney and grapefruit-like flavors,” according to Rose-Hamblin. “We aimed for a nicely balanced bitterness that keeps you wanting more.”
...

99 0

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May 7

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Spotlight on @chaosbrewclub 

Spring issue Q&A with @jwhelp1 member director of this diverse group of talented and energetic homebrewers with their own 24/7 space — and plenty of events — in Chicago 

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

And check out their Cinco de Mayo fundraiser event coming up May 9

Spotlight on @chaosbrewclub

Spring issue Q&A with @jwhelp1 member director of this diverse group of talented and energetic homebrewers with their own 24/7 space — and plenty of events — in Chicago

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

And check out their Cinco de Mayo fundraiser event coming up May 9
...

26 0

illinoisbrewing

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May 6

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BEER OF THE WEEK
Cross Pollination double NEIPA
8.0% ABV
@phasethreebrew 

Brewed in collaboration with Villa Park’s @standardmeadery this hazy double IPA 3 features big, juicy grovestand orange and tropical notes finished with a sweet kiss of orange blossom honey. Catch Cross Pollination on draft and in to-go 4-packs at Phase Three’s Lake Zurich and @phasethreebrew.elm locations now.

BEER OF THE WEEK
Cross Pollination double NEIPA
8.0% ABV
@phasethreebrew

Brewed in collaboration with Villa Park’s @standardmeadery this hazy double IPA 3 features big, juicy grovestand orange and tropical notes finished with a sweet kiss of orange blossom honey. Catch Cross Pollination on draft and in to-go 4-packs at Phase Three’s Lake Zurich and @phasethreebrew.elm locations now.
...

8 0

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May 6

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If you find yourself in Madison, Wisconsin this spring or summer, do yourself a favor and swing by @karben4brewing 

Tasty beers, friendly place and a seriously spacious patio (photo only covers half of it).

If you find yourself in Madison, Wisconsin this spring or summer, do yourself a favor and swing by @karben4brewing

Tasty beers, friendly place and a seriously spacious patio (photo only covers half of it).
...

24 0

illinoisbrewing

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May 1

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Brewer’s Choice from our spring issue: Q&A with @black_horizon_brewing owner/head brewer Alex Stankus on the new @blumeandferris pub ales, rye beers from @werkforcebrewing and @arthistorybrewing as well as ramping up his own lager program and Black Horizon’s upcoming Pickle Fest and nine-year anniversary luau 

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewer’s Choice from our spring issue: Q&A with @black_horizon_brewing owner/head brewer Alex Stankus on the new @blumeandferris pub ales, rye beers from @werkforcebrewing and @arthistorybrewing as well as ramping up his own lager program and Black Horizon’s upcoming Pickle Fest and nine-year anniversary luau

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com
...

26 0
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