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Illinois Brewing

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
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  • Interviews
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    • Brewery Listings
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    • Brewer’s Choice
    • Breweries in Bunches
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  • Magazine

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

  • Illinois Brewing Insider Paul McCann, head of production at Uné Année Brewery

  • Underrated brewery patios and beer gardens that are perfect for a cold beer this summer

  • Inside Scoop: Oak Park Microbrew Review, Streetz Artz Alliance summer shows, Buffalo Creek Brewing Sausage Fest, Maplewood Public House and Burning Bush Brewery’s cocktail bar, a Belgian beer competition in St. Charles, brewery deals and more

  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Printer’s Row Brewing’s Virgilio Mazzeo

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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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    Jul 13

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    Solid selections from the best beer fridge around while watching England beat Norway (at an English neighbor’s garage party) included the @begylebrewing No Tomorrow hazy pale ale, @solemnoathbeer Hippo Trout dark mild ale and Foderface Marzen, and @keggrovebrewco Gravel Beer pale ale.

    Solid selections from the best beer fridge around while watching England beat Norway (at an English neighbor’s garage party) included the @begylebrewing No Tomorrow hazy pale ale, @solemnoathbeer Hippo Trout dark mild ale and Foderface Marzen, and @keggrovebrewco Gravel Beer pale ale. ...

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    Jul 9

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    Well, sometimes it pays to be up late working, especially when good news like this breaks… It’s official: @pollyannabrewingcompany has acquired @alarmistbrewing - the longtime Chicago brewery that closed its doors earlier this year. We’re told the Sauganash taproom will undergo “guest‑experience upgrades” before reopening in late 2026 as a Pollyanna location. Look for the addition of a pizza‑driven, artisanal shareables menu, and for Pollyanna to continue producing Alarmist favorites like Le Jus, Pantless, Crispy Boy and more. The core brands will return to market later this year at bars, restaurants and retail accounts. “This acquisition aligns two award‑winning producers with shared values around quality and community,” said Ryan Weidner, Pollyanna’s President & CEO. “We’re excited to build on Alarmist’s legacy while expanding Pollyanna’s footprint into the city.” Look for a Q&A spotlight on this major move in the next issue of Illinois Brewing.

    Well, sometimes it pays to be up late working, especially when good news like this breaks…

    It’s official: @pollyannabrewingcompany has acquired @alarmistbrewing - the longtime Chicago brewery that closed its doors earlier this year. We’re told the Sauganash taproom will undergo “guest‑experience upgrades” before reopening in late 2026 as a Pollyanna location.

    Look for the addition of a pizza‑driven, artisanal shareables menu, and for Pollyanna to continue producing Alarmist favorites like Le Jus, Pantless, Crispy Boy and more. The core brands will return to market later this year at bars, restaurants and retail accounts.

    “This acquisition aligns two award‑winning producers with shared values around quality and community,” said Ryan Weidner, Pollyanna’s President & CEO. “We’re excited to build on Alarmist’s legacy while expanding Pollyanna’s footprint into the city.”

    Look for a Q&A spotlight on this major move in the next issue of Illinois Brewing.     ...

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    Jul 9

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    One of the state's more underrated patios/beer gardens belongs to @evergreenfarm1858 Brewing near Peoria, which sits on a fifth-generation family farm. Outside of the cozy taproom — which feels a bit like a speakeasy — you’ll find a comfortable patio surrounded by flowers and rustic farming equipment. Tour the property with a cold beer in hand, get ready for some amazing sunsets, and check out their Midwest Skies music series with concerts running July 11, Aug. 22, Sept. 19 and Oct. 3. Read more about Evergreen and a handful of other underrated patios around the state in our summer issue and online at IllinoisBrewing.com

    One of the state`s more underrated patios/beer gardens belongs to @evergreenfarm1858 Brewing near Peoria, which sits on a fifth-generation family farm. Outside of the cozy taproom — which feels a bit like a speakeasy — you’ll find a comfortable patio surrounded by flowers and rustic farming equipment. Tour the property with a cold beer in hand, get ready for some amazing sunsets, and check out their Midwest Skies music series with concerts running July 11, Aug. 22, Sept. 19 and Oct. 3.

    Read more about Evergreen and a handful of other underrated patios around the state in our summer issue and online at IllinoisBrewing.com     ...

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    Jul 7

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    From our big summer issue that’s out now... Spotlight on @adamsstreetbrewery in Chicago’s historic @berghoffchicago — This gorgeous, 128-year-old building in the Loop is dripping with history, full of original woodwork and charm, and home to plenty of award-winning beer and mouthwatering German favorites Read the feature article now at IllinoisBrewing.com

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

    Spotlight on @adamsstreetbrewery in Chicago’s historic @berghoffchicago — This gorgeous, 128-year-old building in the Loop is dripping with history, full of original woodwork and charm, and home to plenty of award-winning beer and mouthwatering German favorites

    Read the feature article now at IllinoisBrewing.com     ...

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    Jul 5

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    Day No. 6 of smuggling Illinois beers into the northwoods of Wisconsin features the award-winning 13.5 Polotmavy Pivo from @adamsstreetbrewery inside the historic @berghoffchicago in the Loop. It’s a traditional amber Czech lager with hints of caramel and toasted bread. Look for more on Adams Street in our summer issue out now

    Day No. 6 of smuggling Illinois beers into the northwoods of Wisconsin features the award-winning 13.5 Polotmavy Pivo from @adamsstreetbrewery inside the historic @berghoffchicago in the Loop. It’s a traditional amber Czech lager with hints of caramel and toasted bread. Look for more on Adams Street in our summer issue out now ...

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    Jul 3

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    From our big summer issue that’s out now... Illinois Brewing Insider Paul McCann, the head of production at @uneannee / @hubbards_cave on their own Summer’s Cauldron IPA, the @halfacrebeer impressive barrel-aging program, the @goldfingerbeer lager lineup, a beautiful day spent at @monkishbrewing in California, and the hidden gem in Chicago that is @laschets Inn Read the spotlight now: IllinoisBrewing.com

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

    Illinois Brewing Insider Paul McCann, the head of production at @uneannee / @hubbards_cave on their own Summer’s Cauldron IPA, the @halfacrebeer impressive barrel-aging program, the @goldfingerbeer lager lineup, a beautiful day spent at @monkishbrewing in California, and the hidden gem in Chicago that is @laschets Inn

    Read the spotlight now: IllinoisBrewing.com     ...

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    Jul 2

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    Perhaps due to the impressive interior or the vast food menu, the sneaky large patio at Rosemont’s @crustbrewing — with seating for about 100 — somehow gets overlooked a bit. But it definitely shouldn’t. For us, it’s a serious summer destination, especially during the free Thursday concert series and fireworks shows in the summer at @parkwaybankpark Classic German-style beers take center stage here under the direction of head brewer Rob Hunter. The Pacific Standard pale ale, which carries a solid malt presence balanced by hints of citrus and pine, is a personal favorite. And don’t forget to try the new Blue Berrymore cream ale that’s brewed with loads of fresh blueberry puree and a touch of Lemondrop hops and dried lemon peel. Talk about a perfect summer pint. Read more from our feature article on a handful of the state’s underrated brewery patios and beer gardens at IllinoisBrewing.com

    Perhaps due to the impressive interior or the vast food menu, the sneaky large patio at Rosemont’s @crustbrewing — with seating for about 100 — somehow gets overlooked a bit. But it definitely shouldn’t. For us, it’s a serious summer destination, especially during the free Thursday concert series and fireworks shows in the summer at @parkwaybankpark

    Classic German-style beers take center stage here under the direction of head brewer Rob Hunter. The Pacific Standard pale ale, which carries a solid malt presence balanced by hints of citrus and pine, is a personal favorite. And don’t forget to try the new Blue Berrymore cream ale that’s brewed with loads of fresh blueberry puree and a touch of Lemondrop hops and dried lemon peel. Talk about a perfect summer pint.

    Read more from our feature article on a handful of the state’s underrated brewery patios and beer gardens at IllinoisBrewing.com     ...

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    Jul 1

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    Day 4 of smuggling Illinois beers into Wisconsin’s northwoods includes an annual 2-hour canoe trip and cracking a Walk the Plank imperial red ale from @black_horizon_brewing

    Day 4 of smuggling Illinois beers into Wisconsin’s northwoods includes an annual 2-hour canoe trip and cracking a Walk the Plank imperial red ale from @black_horizon_brewing ...

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    Jun 30

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    Day 3 of smuggling Illinois beers into Wisconsin’s northwoods includes a long pontoon ride with a @revbrewchicago Sun Crusher summer ale and One Hop Citra IPA from @uneannee and @hubbards_cave

    Day 3 of smuggling Illinois beers into Wisconsin’s northwoods includes a long pontoon ride with a @revbrewchicago Sun Crusher summer ale and One Hop Citra IPA from @uneannee and @hubbards_cave ...

    15 0

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    Jun 29

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    From the archives... Last Call: What was your favorite beer experience of the summer? "There is something truly incredible about the @greattastemw in Madison. I have traveled the world attending beer fests, and nothing compares to the Great Taste. It’s the location. It’s the breweries. It’s the attendees. It’s the people that host it. We have such an amazing time." — Mike Pallen, @mikerphonebrewing Read the Last Call feature from last fall here: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2025/11/17/last-call-what-was-your-favorite-beer-experience-from-this-past-summer/

    From the archives...
    Last Call: What was your favorite beer experience of the summer?

    "There is something truly incredible about the @greattastemw in Madison. I have traveled the world attending beer fests, and nothing compares to the Great Taste. It’s the location. It’s the breweries. It’s the attendees. It’s the people that host it. We have such an amazing time." — Mike Pallen, @mikerphonebrewing

    Read the Last Call feature from last fall here: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2025/11/17/last-call-what-was-your-favorite-beer-experience-from-this-past-summer/     ...

    6 0

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    Jun 29

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    To quote my 82-year-old dad (who's about six weeks out of major surgery) not more than 10 minutes after we arrived: "You brought some of your good beer up here, didn't you?" ... Well, yes Dad. I certainly did. Day one of our annual escape to the family cabin in the northwoods of Wisconsin, and we're enjoying a great Mexican lager from our friends at @uniontownbrewingco in Ashland, Ohio, as well as an @erischicago E-Phoria cider and a Future Saints hazy pale ale from @solemnoathbeer and @hiddenhandbeer Not a bad start to vacation.

    To quote my 82-year-old dad (who`s about six weeks out of major surgery) not more than 10 minutes after we arrived: "You brought some of your good beer up here, didn`t you?" ... Well, yes Dad. I certainly did.

    Day one of our annual escape to the family cabin in the northwoods of Wisconsin, and we`re enjoying a great Mexican lager from our friends at @uniontownbrewingco in Ashland, Ohio, as well as an @erischicago E-Phoria cider and a Future Saints hazy pale ale from @solemnoathbeer and @hiddenhandbeer

    Not a bad start to vacation.     ...

    11 2

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    Jun 28

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    It’s summer, a cold craft beer is calling, and we’ve got a few of the state’s more underrated patios and beer gardens the state worth checking out. Check out the feature from our big summer issue here: IllinoisBrewing.com

    It’s summer, a cold craft beer is calling, and we’ve got a few of the state’s more underrated patios and beer gardens the state worth checking out.

    Check out the feature from our big summer issue here: IllinoisBrewing.com     ...

    18 0

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    Jun 26

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    Beer of the Week Cherry Chopper �5.0% ABV �@keggrovebrewco @keggrovemorris @whiteoakbrewing @analyticalbrewing @analyticalbrewingpeoria and @evergreenfarm1858 This wonderful collaboration between four fantastic central Illinois breweries is a deliciously tart cherry golden ale to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the USA. It’s basically like summer in a glass, and currently available at all six taprooms.

    Beer of the Week

    Cherry Chopper
    �5.0% ABV
    �@keggrovebrewco @keggrovemorris @whiteoakbrewing @analyticalbrewing @analyticalbrewingpeoria and @evergreenfarm1858

    This wonderful collaboration between four fantastic central Illinois breweries is a deliciously tart cherry golden ale to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the USA. It’s basically like summer in a glass, and currently available at all six taprooms.     ...

    10 0
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