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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

  • Brewer’s Choice: Goldfinger Brewing’s Tom Beckmann

  • Spotlight on Macushla Brewing in north suburban Glenview

  • 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

Featured Post

Home›Category: "Featured Post" (Page 2)
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    February 25, 2025
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    Spotlight on Old Irving Brewing Company: This award-winning favorite on Chicago’s NW side boasts a welcoming vibe and a seriously scrumptious menu. And did we mention they’re expanding?

    Old Irving Brewing Co. 4419 W. Montrose Ave. in Chicago OldIrvingBrewing.com Monday-Thursday: Noon-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday: Noon-midnight Sunday: Noon-10 p.m. History in short: Like so many others, ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    February 21, 2025
    646
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Mike Gemma on creating a welcoming vibe at Haymarket, Piece Pizza as a go-to spot, Hopewell Brewing’s Tank Beer and visiting Russian River on his anniversary

    Mike Gemma Co-owner, Haymarket Pub & Brewery Chicago, IL and Bridgman, MI Favorite breweries: So many great ones to choose from! Can’t really go wrong with ...
    Read More
  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    February 17, 2025
    901
    0

    Last Call: From Buffalo Creek Brewing to The Village Tap, and Lunar Brewing to Kaiser Tiger and The Vine of Grayslake, we asked our readers for the coziest brewery or bar for the cold winter months

    Buffalo Creek Brewing in historic Long Grove What’s the coziest brewery or bar for these cold winter months? I would have to say Buffalo Creek Brewing ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    February 7, 2025
    841
    0

    Spotlight on Emancipation Brewing Company: This Bloomington-area brewery, located in a charming former dairy barn on the family farm, churns out a serious variety of quality craft beer

    Emancipation Brewing Co. 13113 North 2500 East Road Fairbury, IL EmancipationBrewingCo.com Thursday: 4-9 p.m. Friday: 3-10 p.m. Saturday: Noon-10 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m. History in short: ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    January 20, 2025
    743
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Sketchbook Brewing’s Jay Dogen on Art History and Goldfinger setting the bar for lagers, discovering the Bierstadt Lagerhaus in Denver, and being proud of Sketchbook’s winter warmer and American stout

    Jay Dogen Assistant brewer at Sketchbook Brewing in Skokie, IL SketchbookBrewing.com The last really good beer I drank was… out in Denver for the Great American ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    January 13, 2025
    1154
    0

    Taproom treasures: We scoped out some of the most unique and historic brewery taprooms across the state… and had a few pints along the way

    By Trent Modglin, Publisher Double Clutch Brewery 2121 Ashland Avenue in Evanston DoubleClutchBrewing.com What makes it unique: Double Clutch head brewer Scott Frank and Mike Chookaszian, ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    January 8, 2025
    1135
    0

    Spotlight on One Lake Brewing: Located in a gorgeously renovated 1920s bank in Oak Park, this brewery from a pair of friends focuses on beer that’s true to the region it’s from and fostering a community vibe

    One Lake Brewing 1 Lake Street in Oak Park, IL OneLakeBrewing.com Wednesday: 4-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday: 4-10 p.m. Saturday: 11-10 p.m. Sunday: 11-8 p.m. History ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    December 29, 2024
    811
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Crust Brewing’s Rob Hunter on his education in quality lagers, being impressed by Double Clutch Brewing, and his initial foray into barrel-aging

    Rob Hunter Head brewer at Crust Brewing in Rosemont, IL CrustBrewing.com The last really good beer I drank was… Crystal Lake Brewing’s Oktoberfest. Ryan Clooney, the ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    December 22, 2024
    881
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Dave Zalatoris on the consistency of Dovetail Brewery, Old Irving’s Krampus stouts, mixed packs at Bottles & Cans and San Diego’s best options for beer and fish tacos

    Dovetail Brewery’s barrel loft Dave Zalatoris Host of the Beer in Front podcast Favorite breweries: How many pages do I have for this answer? I would ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    December 13, 2024
    1411
    0

    Spotlight on Unpossible Mead: Nestled near Route 66 in Dwight, Brian Galbreath is not afraid to “play with weird stuff” on his way to making award-winning meads, and ciders are up next

    Unpossible Mead 111 E Chippewa Street Dwight, IL UnpossibleMead.com Saturday: 2-8 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m. History in short: Brian Galbreath, admittedly “lazy by nature,” used to ...
    Read More
1 2 3 4 … 15

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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
[email protected]

Art director: Brian Hertel
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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
From the archives: Spotlight on @onelakebrewing — Located in a gorgeously renovated 1920s bank in Oak Park, this brewery from a pair of friends focuses on beer that’s true to the region it’s from and fostering a community vibe. And did we mention they have an awesome rooftop? “We try to brew beer that’s true to the region it came from. We bring in ingredients from all over the world and use them in their purest form. … We even adjust the water chemistry too, in order to mimic the environment of the local brewers.” — Shawn Stevens Read the brewery spotlight at IllinoisBrewing.com
Double hazy IPA from @mikerphonebrewing on the pat Double hazy IPA from @mikerphonebrewing on the patio while playing a “candy Monopoly” my kid created on his own? Not a bad way to spend a summer evening.
Had a great time at the annual @illinoisbrewing go Had a great time at the annual @illinoisbrewing golf scramble earlier this week — with a tasty variety of beers from the likes of @hopbutcher @midwestcoastbrewing @blindcornerbeer @werkforcebrewing @reserveartisanales @alterbeer and more. Also swung by for an interview with @brotherchimpbrewing for a feature in the summer issue. Now that’s a day.
Thanks to @maplewoodbrew for the invite earlier th Thanks to @maplewoodbrew for the invite earlier this week to get a sneak peek of their new kitchen and expanded taproom in Logan Square. Stellar smash burger, Pillowy Mellows NEIPA and In Dark Trees dark Czech lager. And a bottle of their finest bourbon to go. Look for more on Maplewood in the upcoming summer issue
Fun event alert: The fourth annual STC Six collabo Fun event alert: The fourth annual STC Six collaboration launch party is happening on Wednesday, June 18 at 5 p.m. at Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling in downtown St. Charles. The STC Six is made up of the following St. Charles breweries: @93octanebrewery @alterbeer.stc @brokenbrix_cidery @pollyannabrewingcompany @riverlandsbrewingcompany and D&G. The breweries invite everyone to join in on the celebration for a great cause with the first opportunity to taste the new beer — a West Coast pilsner with notes of citrus, tropical fruit and a touch of pine. This year’s collaboration supports the important mission of Support Over Stigma, a nonprofit helping veterans and first responders. For every beer and limited-edition glassware sold, $1 will be donated to the cause. Can’t make it to the event but want to contribute? You can visit any of the participating breweries to try the beer and purchase limited-edition glassware. More information: STCSix.com
Nice patio session catching up with old friends la Nice patio session catching up with old friends last night at @halfacrebeer on Chicago’s far north side. Really dug the Nebula Double Daisy Cutter hazy IPA, Persephone pomegranate kolsch and Second Setting imperial IPA. New supply of Illinois Brewing is there now too. Summer issue out soon.
Brewer’s Choice: Tom Beckmann @twbeckmann from @ Brewer’s Choice: Tom Beckmann @twbeckmann from @goldfingerbeer on tasty recent brews from @iswasbrewing and @suncatcherbrewing … the growth of his brewery and their fifth annual Lagerversary coming up July 18-20 Read the spotlight from our spring issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com
This is not an event to be missed from the @ilcraf This is not an event to be missed from the @ilcraftbeer Guild. Tomorrow, Friday, June 6 at @gallagherwaychi next to Wrigley Field. Not a bad backdrop, right? 30-plus Chicago breweries serving up some of their best stuff for just $30. Can’t beat it, and the weather looks awesome.
This Saturday, June 7 is the @keggrovebrewco annua This Saturday, June 7 is the @keggrovebrewco annual Summerfest + Pub Club Rotary’s BBQ Smoke Show Get ready for an unforgettable day of craft beer, mouthwatering BBQ and music. Summerfest includes plenty of live entertainment, food trucks, and craft beer from across Illinois. A portion of the proceeds will go toward providing supplies for local animal shelters, so every bite you take is for a great cause. Doors open at noon. 712 E. Empire Street in Bloomington. KegGroveBrewing.com
One of the nearly 400 locations across the state y One of the nearly 400 locations across the state you can grab a copy of Illinois Brewing is @hopdistrictbrewing in west suburban La Grange Park. Friendly staff, versatile space, community focused, great beer (try the 2 Week Vacation hazy IPA) and an underrated patio out back. #IllinoisBrewing #craftbeer #DrinkIllinois
With a nice variety of small-batch beer, a popular With a nice variety of small-batch beer, a popular communal patio, family vibes, and Megan Welch’s desire to keep her late husband’s dream alive, @macushlabeer is quite the destination in north suburban Glenview Read the spotlight from the spring issue at illinoisbrewing.com
Want to see your name in print in breweries, festi Want to see your name in print in breweries, festivals and bottle shops across the state this summer? Our LAST CALL section for the upcoming summer issue is asking craft beer enthusiasts the following question: *** What is the most underrated spot for enjoying a cold beer outdoors this summer? Remember, we like details, so please don’t just answer “Brewery X’s patio.” Tell our readers why you like it and give a few reasons. And feel free to share if you have friends who know of a few alluring patios, beer gardens or festivals. Thanks in advance, and cheers!!
Afternoons like this were made for craft beer and Afternoons like this were made for craft beer and patios like @hairycowbrewing in Byron. Creative woodfires pizzas and views of the Rock River included.
What better backdrop for sampling great local craf What better backdrop for sampling great local craft beer than in @gallagherwaychi next to iconic Wrigley Field? Friday Night Flights is back on Friday, June 6, and it’s a fantastic deal for such a unique event. * 30+ Chicago craft breweries * Live DJ * Food trucks & local eats * Just $30 in advance ($35 at the door) Tasting session 1: 5–7 PM Tasting session 2: 8–10 PM Hosted by the @ilcraftbeer Educational Foundation, every ticket supports scholarships and education for the Illinois brewing community. Tickets on sale now at linktr.ee/illinoisbeer
Finally was able to stop by the @mastheadbrewing t Finally was able to stop by the @mastheadbrewing taproom in Cleveland last weekend. Especially enjoyed the In the Shadow of a Colossus barleywine, Estate Grown IPA and Zungenbrecher doppelbock. Very cool space, knowledgable staff and good vibes
If you find yourself around the near NW suburbs th If you find yourself around the near NW suburbs this Sunday, May 25, head on over to the annual Main Street Craft Beer Festival in Park Ridge. The eighth annual event — hosted by @wehavegreatbeerpr and @theharpandfiddle — will be held from 12-9 p.m. in the Park Ridge farmers’ market lot. With food, live music, a kid zone and, most importantly, 100+ craft beers available from breweries like @hopbutcher @dovetailbrewery @phasethreebrew and @morebrewing … it’s a pretty solid way to kick off summer. #IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #illinoisbeer #beerfest
One of the nearly 400 locations around the state t One of the nearly 400 locations around the state that you can find a copy of Illinois Brewing is @alterbeer.obc It’s a gorgeous venue with private event space and great food and @alterbeer brews
Dropping off the cousin at O’Hare today reminded Dropping off the cousin at O’Hare today reminded us that one great spot for a beer and delicious food before departure (or while awaiting an arrival) is @crustbrewing in Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark Great venue to catch Rosemont’s Rockin’ in the Park concert series every Thursday in the summer too. Today’s offerings: The I Know Joe hefeweizen and the delightful Blueberry Crusher, a light-bodied cream ale with a hint of lemon and lots of real blueberries.
One of the nearly 400 locations around the state t One of the nearly 400 locations around the state that you can find a stack of Illinois Brewing is @noonwhistlebrewing in west suburban Lombard. Check out their Gummy series of hazy IPAs, solid daily specials, crispy pizzas and Pause sparkling water with THC
Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the @streetzmob Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the @streetzmobeatz artisan market at @tightheadbrew May 18, the @willcountybeerandbourbonfest May 31, Mayfestiversary with @begylebrewing and @dovetailbrewery May 24-25, @keggrovebrewco BBQ Smoke Show June 7 and more Read it all now at Illinoisbrewing.com
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RECENT POSTS

Brewer's Choice

Brewer’s Choice: Goldfinger Brewing’s Tom Beckmann

Tom Beckmann Goldfinger Brewing Company Downers Grove, IL GoldfingerBrewing.com The last really good beer I drank was… The American Zoigl brewed by Schilling Beer Co. out of New Hampshire. It ...

  • Spotlight on Macushla Brewing in north suburban Glenview

    By Trent Modglin
    June 3, 2025
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