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

  • Spotlight on Sew Hop’d Brewery in NW suburban Huntley

  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Keg Grove Brewing Company’s Jeff Mroz

  • Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

  • Spotlight on Adams Street Brewery in Chicago’s historic Berghoff restaurant

Featured Post

Home›Category: "Featured Post" (Page 2)
  • Busy casual restaurant or brewery with long communal tables, many patrons eating and drinking.
    Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    May 24, 2026
    783
    0

    Spotlight on Hop Butcher for the World on Chicago’s north side

    Hop Butcher for the World 4257 N. Lincoln Ave. Hopbutcher.com Details: Since launching in 2014, Hop Butcher has been on a steady climb, not only building ...
    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
    598
    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
  • A large group of coworkers gathered at a bar, smiling and raising glasses of beer for a group photo with a rustic brewery backdrop.
    Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    May 7, 2026
    672
    0

    Spotlight on CHAOS Brew Club

    Q&A with Jeff Whelpley, member director of this diverse group of talented and energetic homebrewers with their own 24/7 space — and plenty of events — ...
    Read More
  • Beer mug with frothy head and Black Horizon Brewing Company logo on an outdoor patio table.
    Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    May 1, 2026
    797
    0

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

    Alex Stankus Owner/head brewer Black Horizon Brewing Company Willowbrook, IL The last really good beer I drank was… Blume & Ferris’ Old Speckled Hare, which is ...
    Read More
  • Burger on a tray with cheddar, pickles and onions, alongside fries and coleslaw, two beers in the background at a brewery.
    Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    April 24, 2026
    780
    0

    Spotlight on 93 Octane Brewery in St. Charles and Elmhurst

    93 Octane Brewery 1825 Lincoln Highway in St. Charles 171 N. Addison Avenue in Elmhurst 93OctaneBrewery.com History in short: 93 Octane opened its doors in St. ...
    Read More
  • Golden fried fish fillet layered over thick-cut fries, with a lemon wedge and tartar sauce in the background.
    Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    April 20, 2026
    500
    0

    Good eats in Lake County: Here’s just a few of the NW suburban breweries serving up much more than just great beer

    The fish & chips at Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville You may not have known, but originally having opened in 1994, Mickey Finn’s just happens to ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    April 6, 2026
    1265
    0

    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: ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    April 3, 2026
    606
    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
  • Interviews
    By Trent Modglin
    March 27, 2026
    1047
    0

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

    By Trent Modglin We sat down with Saint Errant Brewing co-founder Brent Banks to discuss departing the corporate world, expectations about his new taproom opening March ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    March 22, 2026
    701
    0

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

    Mike Witkowski Head brewer Mikerphone Brewing Company Elk Grove Village, IL The last really good beer I drank was… I’m always drinking so many new beers ...
    Read More
1 2 3 4 … 22

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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

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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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Aug 5

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Illinois Brewing Insider: Megan Gil, co-founder of @bitterpops in Chicago, on the scrumptious pizza at @noonwhistlebrewing … the summery shandy options from @phasethreebrew … her excitement about @funkytown_brewery and @sainterrantbrewing getting their own spaces … and the hidden gem that is @longroomchicago in Chicago 

Read the spotlight from our summer issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing Insider: Megan Gil, co-founder of @bitterpops in Chicago, on the scrumptious pizza at @noonwhistlebrewing … the summery shandy options from @phasethreebrew … her excitement about @funkytown_brewery and @sainterrantbrewing getting their own spaces … and the hidden gem that is @longroomchicago in Chicago

Read the spotlight from our summer issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com
...

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Aug 4

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Giddy to be headed to the @greattastemw this weekend like we are? Don’t forget, if you’re going up on Friday, there are several pre-fest events going on around Madison with tastings, releases, tap takeovers, etc. Check in for updated info and let us know what breweries you’re most excited to see this year at the Great Taste of the Midwest

Giddy to be headed to the @greattastemw this weekend like we are? Don’t forget, if you’re going up on Friday, there are several pre-fest events going on around Madison with tastings, releases, tap takeovers, etc. Check in for updated info and let us know what breweries you’re most excited to see this year at the Great Taste of the Midwest ...

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Aug 3

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Date: Sunday, Aug. 2
Time: 10: 21 a.m. following a round of early-morning golf
Location: The @eaglewoodresort restaurant in west suburban Itasca

Beer of choice: The crisp and refreshing Heavenly Helles lager from @churchstbrew — which paired perfectly with one of the best spicy chicken sandwiches we've ever had

Only bummer: Nearby Church Street and @wolfdenbrewco weren't quite open yet

Date: Sunday, Aug. 2
Time: 10: 21 a.m. following a round of early-morning golf
Location: The @eaglewoodresort restaurant in west suburban Itasca

Beer of choice: The crisp and refreshing Heavenly Helles lager from @churchstbrew — which paired perfectly with one of the best spicy chicken sandwiches we`ve ever had

Only bummer: Nearby Church Street and @wolfdenbrewco weren`t quite open yet
...

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Jul 31

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One of the nearly 400 locations across the state where you can find the current issue of Illinois Brewing magazine is @begylebrewing in Chicago’s North Center/Ravenswood neighborhood (aka Malt Row) where these two lovely ladies poured us a pint of the new batch of Lovely Afternoon, a seasonal pale ale that’s one of our favorites. Just a short walk from Wrigley, Begyle is a perfect pit stop on the way to or from a Cubs game

One of the nearly 400 locations across the state where you can find the current issue of Illinois Brewing magazine is @begylebrewing in Chicago’s North Center/Ravenswood neighborhood (aka Malt Row) where these two lovely ladies poured us a pint of the new batch of Lovely Afternoon, a seasonal pale ale that’s one of our favorites. Just a short walk from Wrigley, Begyle is a perfect pit stop on the way to or from a Cubs game ...

22 0

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Jul 31

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From our big summer issue that’s out everywhere...

Spotlight on Sew Hop’d Brewery: Housed in a 120-year-old former factory in NW suburban Huntley, this award-winning brewery founded by a pair of world travelers offers up plenty of events, comfortable vibes, and a variety of beer ranging from traditional recipes to exciting new releases 

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big summer issue that’s out everywhere...

Spotlight on Sew Hop’d Brewery: Housed in a 120-year-old former factory in NW suburban Huntley, this award-winning brewery founded by a pair of world travelers offers up plenty of events, comfortable vibes, and a variety of beer ranging from traditional recipes to exciting new releases

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com
...

12 1

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Jul 31

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Between the happy hour specials, $5 drafts and stellar pizza at @crustbrewing and the free concerts and fireworks at @parkwaybankpark … Thursday nights are pretty tough to beat in @villageofrosemont

Between the happy hour specials, $5 drafts and stellar pizza at @crustbrewing and the free concerts and fireworks at @parkwaybankpark … Thursday nights are pretty tough to beat in @villageofrosemont ...

19 0

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Jul 28

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Always a solid choice for local craft beer, people watching, boat envy and feeling like a tourist for a few hours is the @chicagobrewhouseriverwalk on the Chicago Riverwalk

Beers enjoyed tonight included @spitefulbrewing Bleacher Bum peach blonde ale, @oldirvingbrewing Beezer hazy IPA, and a @rightbeecider offering

Always a solid choice for local craft beer, people watching, boat envy and feeling like a tourist for a few hours is the @chicagobrewhouseriverwalk on the Chicago Riverwalk

Beers enjoyed tonight included @spitefulbrewing Bleacher Bum peach blonde ale, @oldirvingbrewing Beezer hazy IPA, and a @rightbeecider offering
...

30 2

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Jul 28

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Illinois Brewing's Beer of the Week:
Bandersnatch hazy IPA
7.8% ABV
@sainterrantbrewing 

A collaboration with @transientartisanales out of Michigan, this fan favorite made a triumphant return to Saint Errant’s new Evanston taproom and your local beer store last week. Expect an explosion of exotic fruit cocktail, aggressively hopped with Citra and Sabro. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach or kicking back on the patio with neighbors, this is a perfect warm weather beer. Don’t forget, Saint Errant has a solid happy Tuesday-Thursday from 3-5 p.m.

2000 Dempster St. in Evanston�
SaintErrantBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing`s Beer of the Week:
Bandersnatch hazy IPA
7.8% ABV
@sainterrantbrewing

A collaboration with @transientartisanales out of Michigan, this fan favorite made a triumphant return to Saint Errant’s new Evanston taproom and your local beer store last week. Expect an explosion of exotic fruit cocktail, aggressively hopped with Citra and Sabro. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach or kicking back on the patio with neighbors, this is a perfect warm weather beer. Don’t forget, Saint Errant has a solid happy Tuesday-Thursday from 3-5 p.m.

2000 Dempster St. in Evanston�
SaintErrantBrewing.com
...

17 0

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Jul 27

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Illinois Brewing deal of the week: What goes better together than pizza and craft beer? The answer is nothing. And @madhatchetbrewing in SW suburban Shorewood has quite the deal lined up for you on Tuesdays: Two beers and a pizza for just $25. 

913 Brookforest Ave. in Shorewood�
MadHatchetBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing deal of the week: What goes better together than pizza and craft beer? The answer is nothing. And @madhatchetbrewing in SW suburban Shorewood has quite the deal lined up for you on Tuesdays: Two beers and a pizza for just $25.

913 Brookforest Ave. in Shorewood�
MadHatchetBrewing.com
...

4 0

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Jul 27

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If you don't listen to Dave Zalatoris' weekly @beerinfront podcast, you're missing out. That's especially the case this week, as he explores the remarkable history of the American tavern — with a special focus on Chicago, a city that once boasted more than 8,000 saloons — and examines the economic, cultural and social changes that have transformed America's drinking culture... and are threatening the future of the beloved neighborhood tavern.

Check out the podcast here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-in-front/id1500155339?i=1000778468376

If you don`t listen to Dave Zalatoris` weekly @beerinfront podcast, you`re missing out. That`s especially the case this week, as he explores the remarkable history of the American tavern — with a special focus on Chicago, a city that once boasted more than 8,000 saloons — and examines the economic, cultural and social changes that have transformed America`s drinking culture... and are threatening the future of the beloved neighborhood tavern.

Check out the podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-in-front/id1500155339?i=1000778468376
...

6 0

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Jul 24

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Plans this weekend? @streetzartzalliance is hosting a Summerween Market at @soundgrowler Brewing Co. this Saturday, July 25

Head to Tinley Park from 12-5 p.m. for one seriously spooky artisan market — where Halloween meets summer vibes. Expect eerie art, creepy crafts, and ghoulishly good items from a lineup of local makers.

Come in costume (or not), grab a cold beer and celebrate the spooky season a little early with the folks from Streetz Artz Alliance.

Plans this weekend? @streetzartzalliance is hosting a Summerween Market at @soundgrowler Brewing Co. this Saturday, July 25

Head to Tinley Park from 12-5 p.m. for one seriously spooky artisan market — where Halloween meets summer vibes. Expect eerie art, creepy crafts, and ghoulishly good items from a lineup of local makers.

Come in costume (or not), grab a cold beer and celebrate the spooky season a little early with the folks from Streetz Artz Alliance.
...

5 1

illinoisbrewing

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Jul 23

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From our big summer issue available everywhere...

Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Jeff Mroz from @keggrovebrewco on being impressed with @whiteoakbrewing and @industryales … churning out an assortment of popular fruited wheat beers … and his Christmas in July celebration coming up July 25

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big summer issue available everywhere...

Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Jeff Mroz from @keggrovebrewco on being impressed with @whiteoakbrewing and @industryales … churning out an assortment of popular fruited wheat beers … and his Christmas in July celebration coming up July 25

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com
...

7 0

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Jul 23

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Just over a week to go until Sausage Fest at @buffalocreekbrewing in historic Long Grove. Mark your calendar for the “Wurst type of festival” on July 31 (4-9pm) and Aug. 1 (1-9pm). Lots happening, including…

🌭European Sausages
🥨Giant Soft Pretzels
🍻New Beer Releases
📯Live German Music 
🍺Steinholding Contests
✌️German Games

Just over a week to go until Sausage Fest at @buffalocreekbrewing in historic Long Grove. Mark your calendar for the “Wurst type of festival” on July 31 (4-9pm) and Aug. 1 (1-9pm). Lots happening, including…

🌭European Sausages
🥨Giant Soft Pretzels
🍻New Beer Releases
📯Live German Music
🍺Steinholding Contests
✌️German Games
...

6 0
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IB Insiders

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

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  • Five brewery staff members in blue shirts posing with drinks behind a bar.

    Spotlight on Sew Hop’d Brewery in NW suburban Huntley

    By Trent Modglin
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