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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: Q&A with Larry Bolton from Blind Pig Brewing in Champaign

  • Spotlight on Streetz Artz Alliance: It turns out creative, well-curated markets and Chicagoland breweries make for a great combination

  • Illinois Brewing Insider Hannah Gilmore, assistant taproom manager at Begyle Brewing

  • Inside Scoop: The highly anticipated Festival of Barrel-Aged Beers (FoBAB) returns to Chicago Nov. 13-14

  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with 93 Octane Brewery’s Sam Altaner

Featured Post

Home›Category: "Featured Post" (Page 3)
  • Outdoor patio at Printer's Row Brewing with red umbrella tables on a sunny street corner, sidewalk seating visible
    Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    June 20, 2026
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    Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Printer’s Row Brewing’s Virgilio Mazzeo

    Virgilio Mazzeo Owner/head brewer Printer’s Row Brewing Chicago, IL The last really good beer I drank was… Sly Move, a Hazy IPA by Strangebird Brewery in ...
    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
    907
    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
  • Cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, red onion and cheese on a bun, served with fries and a pale beer glass branded 93 Octane Brewery.
    Breweries in Bunches
    By Trent Modglin
    June 5, 2026
    885
    0

    Breweries in bunches in St. Charles: A handful of fantastically unique breweries call this popular west suburb home

    By Trent Modglin 93 Octane Brewery 1825 Lincoln Highway 93OctaneBrewery.com Details: The name 93 Octane is an ode to the family’s history of running gas stations ...
    Read More
  • Busy casual restaurant or brewery with long communal tables, many patrons eating and drinking.
    Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    May 24, 2026
    1354
    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
    1134
    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
    1114
    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
    1313
    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
    1405
    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
    918
    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
    1566
    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
1 2 3 4 5 … 23

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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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Nov 7

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From our current fall issue... Brewer’s Choice: Larry Bolton from @blindpigbrewery on developing a California connection, settling in for a @cruzblancachi farmhouse corn-brewed ale after @fobab and the release of four unique holiday beers at his @blindpigbrewpub Read the spotlight here: IllinoisBrewing.com

From our current fall issue...

Brewer’s Choice: Larry Bolton from @blindpigbrewery on developing a California connection, settling in for a @cruzblancachi farmhouse corn-brewed ale after @fobab and the release of four unique holiday beers at his @blindpigbrewpub

Read the spotlight here: IllinoisBrewing.com

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Nov 6

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When you’re at a midday business networking event and you run into an old friend from @halfacrebeer

When you’re at a midday business networking event and you run into an old friend from @halfacrebeer

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Nov 5

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From the Illinois Brewing Insider archives... Favorite breweries: "Breweries don’t become my favorites simply because they make good beer in a variety of styles (although those are two of the most important criteria), but because the people are fun and they make me feel welcome and comfortable there. My “home base” is @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park, but other favorites in the general vicinity are @flipsidebrewing @imperialoakbrewing and @pollyannabrewingcompany Farther afield, I’m a big fan of @dovetailbrewery (because I’m a big fan of smoked beers), and you just can’t go wrong with @revbrewchicago I’m also unceasingly impressed by the @goldfingerbeer dedication to brewing world-class lager beer styles. And I wish @hopdistrictbrewing was closer to home." — @martynachel the founder and president of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame Read more insight from Marty here: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2026/08/22/illinois-brewing-insider-marty-nachel-founder-of-the-american-craft-beer-hall-of-fame/

From the Illinois Brewing Insider archives...

Favorite breweries: "Breweries don’t become my favorites simply because they make good beer in a variety of styles (although those are two of the most important criteria), but because the people are fun and they make me feel welcome and comfortable there. My “home base” is @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park, but other favorites in the general vicinity are @flipsidebrewing @imperialoakbrewing and @pollyannabrewingcompany

Farther afield, I’m a big fan of @dovetailbrewery (because I’m a big fan of smoked beers), and you just can’t go wrong with @revbrewchicago

I’m also unceasingly impressed by the @goldfingerbeer dedication to brewing world-class lager beer styles. And I wish @hopdistrictbrewing was closer to home."

— @martynachel the founder and president of the American Craft Beer Hall of Fame

Read more insight from Marty here: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2026/08/22/illinois-brewing-insider-marty-nachel-founder-of-the-american-craft-beer-hall-of-fame/

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Nov 2

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Replenishing our fall issue through the north side of Chicago and couldn’t be happier to see patrons at @hopbutcher and @burningbushbrewery enjoying the fresh air (and fresh craft beer) on Nov. 1

Replenishing our fall issue through the north side of Chicago and couldn’t be happier to see patrons at @hopbutcher and @burningbushbrewery enjoying the fresh air (and fresh craft beer) on Nov. 1

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Oct 30

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Soaking up the last of this near-summer weather with a @dovetailbrewery kolsch at @tinytappandcafe on the Chicago Riverwalk

Soaking up the last of this near-summer weather with a @dovetailbrewery kolsch at @tinytappandcafe on the Chicago Riverwalk

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Oct 28

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From our big fall issue that’s out now... Spotlight on @streetzartzalliance — It turns out creative, well-curated markets and Chicagoland breweries make for a great combination “Today, almost 15 years in, our goal remains pretty simple: find new talent, give artists opportunities to grow and succeed, support the breweries we work with, and build a real sense of community among our artists, vendors and patrons.” — Founder John Streetz Read the Q&A now at IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big fall issue that’s out now...

Spotlight on @streetzartzalliance — It turns out creative, well-curated markets and Chicagoland breweries make for a great combination

“Today, almost 15 years in, our goal remains pretty simple: find new talent, give artists opportunities to grow and succeed, support the breweries we work with, and build a real sense of community among our artists, vendors and patrons.” — Founder John Streetz

Read the Q&A now at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Oct 25

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Did you know that @kaisertigerchicago in Chicago’s West Loop has a free shuttle to all Blackhawks and Bulls games (and a lot of concerts)? We did. We also know they have great food, a huge patio and a stellar beer list with local Illinois brews from the likes of @arthistorybrewing @oldirvingbrewing @goldfingerbeer @midwestcoastbrewing @hopewellbrewing and more.

Did you know that @kaisertigerchicago in Chicago’s West Loop has a free shuttle to all Blackhawks and Bulls games (and a lot of concerts)? We did. We also know they have great food, a huge patio and a stellar beer list with local Illinois brews from the likes of @arthistorybrewing @oldirvingbrewing @goldfingerbeer @midwestcoastbrewing @hopewellbrewing and more.

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Oct 22

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Illinois Brewing Insider Hannah Gilmore — the assistant taproom manager at @begylebrewing — on great recent beers from @halfacrebeer @hopbutcher and @firestonewalker as well as her affection for the vibes at @longroomchicago and @thehopleaf … and family escapes to enjoy Maine’s impressive beer scene (we’re looking at you @mainebeerco @fogtownbrewing and @oronobrewingcompany Read the spotlight now at illinoisbrewing.com

Illinois Brewing Insider Hannah Gilmore — the assistant taproom manager at @begylebrewing — on great recent beers from @halfacrebeer @hopbutcher and @firestonewalker as well as her affection for the vibes at @longroomchicago and @thehopleaf … and family escapes to enjoy Maine’s impressive beer scene (we’re looking at you @mainebeerco @fogtownbrewing and @oronobrewingcompany

Read the spotlight now at illinoisbrewing.com

218 16

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Oct 20

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One of the most anticipated beer events in the country, @fobab (aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers) is where brewers show off their most ambitious, most imaginative creations and where drinkers get to explore the absolute edge of craft beer. Tickets for Nov. 13-14 are on sale now at FOBAB.com. Read more about this event in our Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

One of the most anticipated beer events in the country, @fobab (aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers) is where brewers show off their most ambitious, most imaginative creations and where drinkers get to explore the absolute edge of craft beer.

Tickets for Nov. 13-14 are on sale now at FOBAB.com. Read more about this event in our Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Oct 19

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Catching the Bears game at the versatile @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston prior to the kid’s playoff baseball game down the street = a quality decision. Smoked turkey BLT, nice variety of brews, classic cars and three different rooms to enjoy.

Catching the Bears game at the versatile @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston prior to the kid’s playoff baseball game down the street = a quality decision. Smoked turkey BLT, nice variety of brews, classic cars and three different rooms to enjoy.

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Oct 16

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Now this is a trend we can get behind — an imperial Oktoberfest. Nice little mid-October treat from Colorado’s @averybrewingcompany during a lunch meeting in Chicago today

Now this is a trend we can get behind — an imperial Oktoberfest. Nice little mid-October treat from Colorado’s @averybrewingcompany during a lunch meeting in Chicago today

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Oct 14

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The one and only Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers ( aka @fobab ) is only a month away and will include more than 250 barrel-aged beers, ciders, meads and perries. This massive event is always a highlight of the year, so get your tickets now.

The one and only Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers ( aka @fobab ) is only a month away and will include more than 250 barrel-aged beers, ciders, meads and perries. This massive event is always a highlight of the year, so get your tickets now.

13 0

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Oct 13

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Brewer’s Choice Q&A from our fall issue: @93octanebrewery brewer Sam Altaner on the simple pleasure that is the @dovetailbrewery helles lager … the impressive selection at @bubblehousebrewing … the joy of giving back to the community … and anticipating his own barrel-aged Belgian golden strong later this fall Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewer’s Choice Q&A from our fall issue: @93octanebrewery brewer Sam Altaner on the simple pleasure that is the @dovetailbrewery helles lager … the impressive selection at @bubblehousebrewing … the joy of giving back to the community … and anticipating his own barrel-aged Belgian golden strong later this fall

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

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RECENT POSTS

Brewer's Choice

Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Larry Bolton from Blind Pig Brewing in Champaign

Blind Pig Brewpub — Kitchen + Tap Larry Bolton Blind Big Brewing 301 N. Neil Street, Suite 101 Champaign, IL The last really good beer I drank was… Thanks to ...

  • Spotlight on Streetz Artz Alliance: It turns out creative, well-curated markets and Chicagoland breweries make for a great combination

    By Trent Modglin
    October 28, 2026
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