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Home
Inside Scoop
E-newsletter
Contact Us
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: Steve Judge
Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Roaring Table Brewing’s Ryan Walker
Q&A with Eric Flores, co-owner of the award-winning new Neuronova Brewing
Joining ImBIBE: Are you a big Illinois craft beer enthusiast?
Last call: What’s the coziest Illinois brewery or bar for these cold winter days?
Features
Brewery backstories: Q&A with Brian Noonan and Cody Gough from the popular Crafty Brewers podcast
Brewer’s Choice: Brad Pulver from Macushla Brewing in Glenview
Movin’ on up: A handful of Illinois breweries are expanding with additional taprooms. And we couldn’t be more excited
Spotlight on Double Clutch Brewing Company in Evanston
Illinois Brewing Insider: Homewood Brewing Company’s Cam Horn
Small business spotlight: Gary Bronner from Country Financial on affordable insurance options and sound financial planning to protect what matters most
Last Call: What’s your favorite Oktoberfest or fall beer?
Brewer’s Choice: Fox Republic Brewing’s Kevin Hopkins
Brewer’s Choice: Tyler Harnung from Eris Brewery & Cider House
Spotlight on Harbor Brewing Company in Lake Villa and Winthrop Harbor
Last Call: What is the most underrated spot to drink outdoors in Illinois?
Spotlight on Hairy Cow Brewing Company in Byron
Illinois Brewing Insider Jeff Bovee
Brewer’s Choice: Keg Grove Brewing Company’s Jacob Jones
Brewery spotlight: Hidden gems for great craft beer near Wrigley Field
Breweries in Bunches: Downtown Chicago
Illinois Brewing Insider: Beer on the Wall’s Elmhurst GM Luciano Fiore
Spotlight on Brother Chimp Brewing in North Aurora
Brewer’s Choice: Burning Bush Brewery’s Scott McElhenie
Last Call: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery?
Spotlight on Suncatcher Brewing in Chicago’s Humboldt Park
Brewer’s Choice: Goldfinger Brewing’s Tom Beckmann
Spotlight on Macushla Brewing in north suburban Glenview
Brewery bites: Dishes from around the state sure to get your stomach growling
Brewery spotlight on Springfield’s Engrained Brewing Company
Brewer’s Choice: BBGB Brewery’s Bob Salzman
Spotlight on Solemn Oath Brewery
Illinois Brewing Insider: Fred Sanchez on Hubbard’s Cave barrel-aged offerings, Mikerphone’s orange-vanilla IPA and Beer on the Wall’s selection
Brewer’s Choice: Adams Street Brewery’s Mark Duchow and Jim Riggs on great recent beers from Off Color, Double Clutch and Dovetail, raking in 17 awards in 2024, and tapping a pair of favorite stouts this spring
Illinois Brewing Insider Ted Perez on his favorite local breweries, Monk’s Pub, Sketchbook’s patio and honey basil ale, and fun beer experiences in Japan
Brewer’s choice: Hand of Fate Brewing’s Mike Allison on the kellerbier from Anvil & Forge, being a fan of all things White Oak, and his own cream ale developing a cult following
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Illinois Brewing Insider Beau Ingledue on the Friends in Lomax Places dark lager from Forgottonia Brewing, the Old Herald Brewery experience, discovering Pliny the Elder and exploring Asheville’s brewery scene
Breweries in Bunches: Follow the Milwaukee Avenue corridor through the north suburbs to experience a handful of unique, inviting craft beer venues
Illinois Brewing Insider Todd McLester on enjoying Prairie Street Brewing and Tavern on Clark in Rockford, a love of Mexican lagers, and his own Hairy Cow Brewing’s expansion into South Dakota
Spotlight on Sundial Brewing: Owned by three childhood friends, this newish Barrington brewery embraces a local approach and pours one tasty (and hoppy) farmhouse blonde ale
Last Call: From Bufflehead brown ale at Kishwaukee Brewing to enjoying the Great Taste of the Midwest, Friday Night Flights and brewery tours in Bloomington-Normal and St. Charles, we asked craft beer enthusiasts and industry professionals for their favorite beer experiences of the summer
Spotlight on Werk Force Brewing Company: From a brewing supply store to hand crafting an award-winning brewery in Plainfield, Brandon and Amanda Wright are enjoying 10 years of bringing a community together
Brewer’s Choice: Azadi Brewing’s Bhavik Modi on Off Color Brewing’s thoughtful marketing, Dovetail’s Czech-style pilsner, staying true to his Indian roots, and his own chicory amber ale
Spotlight on Begyle Brewing: This Chicago Malt Row original focuses on a welcoming, neighborhood vibe and a diverse draft list that appeals to all levels and palates
Brewery happenings: The background behind Short Fuse acquiring Metropolitan, Homewood Brewing opening soon, Is/Was and Casa Humilde taprooms are up and running
Illinois Brewing Insider Nader Kardoush on his fun history with Black Lung Brewing and Mikerphone, the stellar lagers and English ales from Roaring Table, the anticipation surrounding Foreign Exchange’s taproom, and discovering a speakeasy at San Diego’s AleSmith
Spotlight on Kishwaukee Brewing Company: Celebrating its fourth anniversary, this welcoming (and stunning) Woodstock favorite focuses on community and clean, traditional beer styles
Brewer’s Choice: Illuminated Brew Works’ Brian Buckman on White Oak Brewing’s Casual Jesus saison, pushing the boundaries on unique marketing ideas, and what figures to be a wild anniversary party Sept. 21
Illinois Brewing Insider Geoff Hutchins on an appreciation for Phase Three and Une Année Breweries, the stellar pale ales from Alarmist, and being spoiled by the selection at Beer on the Wall
Brewer’s Choice: The Perch Kitchen & Tap’s Preston Mick on summertime offerings from Alarmist and Sketchbook Brewing, collaborating with CHAOS Brew Club, and his own Mug Club
Last call: From Destihl and Prairie Street Brewing Company to Wolfden and Buffalo Creek Brewing, we asked craft beer enthusiasts and industry pros for the best spot to drink beer outdoors
Illinois Brewing Insider Adam Drakulic on an affinity for what Dovetail, Forbidden Root and Moor’s Brewing Company are doing, finding Goose Island’s Summertime kolsch for his dad, and a hidden craft beer bar in Wrigley Field
Fun in the sun: We found a few of the more unique outdoor brewery spaces in Illinois to enjoy a cold beer before summer is gone
Small business spotlight: Society Insurance knows your business deserves a proven combination of coverages and customized details that provide meaningful protection
Breweries in bunches: The La Grange-Brookfield-Lyons corridor in the west burbs is home to a quartet of welcoming breweries that run the gamut from established to new and classic to experimental
Brewer’s Choice: Millpond Brewing’s Bryan Schubert on some great beers from Mikerphone, White Oak, White Rooster and Blue Jay Brewing, as well as his own expansion and work with an environmentally friendly wheat grass
The ICBG: Modernizing laws, educating members and consumers, promoting the industry and hosting great events — it’s what we do at the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild
Spotlight on Sketchbook Brewing: This popular brewery offers a diverse beer lineup, charming taprooms in Skokie and Evanston, and a focus on community and the arts
Brewer’s Choice: Twisted Hippo’s Karl Rutherford on Scratch Brewing’s Black Walnut dark lager, an appreciation for Old Irving Brewing, Off Color and Alarmist, and the popularity of his own Fruit Booty series of fruited goses
Illinois Brewing Insider Jessica Sedgwick on a love of all things Half Acre Beer Co., Macushla’s unique Holla-Peño IPA, and enjoying a pint atop Gene’s Sausage Shop in Chicago
Spotlight on Great Central Brewing Company: Chicago’s thriving Fulton Market District is home to this unique, sprawling contract-brewing facility and beer hall
Breweries in Bunches: It’s hip to be square — Chicago’s Logan Square is one happening neighborhood for craft beer
Spotlight on Geneseo Brewing Co. — A warm and welcoming interior, great patio space and high-level food options in this historic town near the Quad Cities
Last call: From White Oak and Roaring Table to Hopewell and Kinslahger, we asked craft beer enthusiasts and industry professionals for the most underrated breweries in Illinois
Brewer’s Choice: Bubblehouse Brewing Company’s Jon Miller on memorable beers from Werk Force and Skeleton Key, making patrons feel at home, and how it’s never to early to plan for Lisle’s Bluegrass Oktoberfest
Illinois Brewing Insider Daniel Booth on his admiration of Phase Three, Roaring Table and Art History Brewing, the assortment and community vibes at The Beer Cellar, and why The 1899 Pub is a must-stop in Ohio
Spotlight on Wolfden Brewing: This cozy Bloomingdale brewery has a Wisconsin lodge vibe, a ghost named Jack, and an emphasis on classic beer styles with modern twists
Q&A with Dan Ochwat and Jessica Sedgwick — This Chicago couple co-authored “Beer Hiking Chicago and Beyond,” a new guidebook made up of a curated collection of 30 family-friendly beer hikes
Brewer’s Choice: Horse Thief Hollow’s Andrian Morrison on the Sgt. Reckless pale ale from Evil Horse, admiring Hailstorm Brewing, winning two gold medals and helping veterans with PTSD
Spotlight on Roaring Table Brewing Co. — Rich details, warm vibes, an upcoming expansion and quality examples of a wide range of beer styles — it’s all happening in Lake Zurich
Illinois Brewing Insider: Flipside Brewing owner Erik Pizer on the impressive variety at Werk Force, Horse Thief Hollow’s Little Wing pilsner and relaxing at The Open Bottle and Sheboygan’s 3 Sheeps Brewing
Spotlight on Spiteful Brewing: From humble beginnings in a 400 square-foot basement to churning out award-winning beers with a cozy taproom and patio on Chicago’s far north side
Business spotlight on TBI Pro Brew Supply: This rapidly growing company isn’t just suppliers, but also consultants with a focus on the growth and development of breweries, brewpubs and homebrew stores
Brewer’s Choice: White Oak Brewing co-owner and head brewer Scott Schahrer on Destihl’s Dosvidanya stouts, an appreciation for Triptych and Roaring Table, and his own taproom expansion and Rippin’ Lips sessionable pale ale
Illinois Brewing Insider: Tina Overton on a love of Sew Hop’d Brewery, the creativity of Energy City, Jonamac’s homemade ciders and a South Florida hidden gem called LauderAle Brewery
Spotlight on Forgottonia Brewing: Utilizing ingredients from local farms, this friendly brewery in downtown Macomb focuses on bringing people together
Illinois Brewing Insider: John Streetz on the West Coast IPAs from Flipside Brewing, the Varitace dark Czech lager from Art History Brewing, and feeling at home with the crew at Lunar Brewing
Breweries in Bunches: Venture up to Rockford to find a quartet of unique craft breweries, each with its own charm and plenty of great beer options
Brewer’s choice: Kishwaukee Brewing’s Mark Gres on Revolution’s Cold Time, being a fan of Roaring Table and enjoying filling his own tanks with traditional lager styles
Spotlight on Alter Brewing + Kitchen: Delicious craft comfort food and a seriously stylish space in Oak Brook Commons highlight this company’s third location
Illinois Brewing Insider: Black Lung Brewing’s Josh Grubbs on Mikerphone’s quality hazy IPAs, his own barrel-aged Belgian quad, Denver’s Bierstadt Lagerhaus and expanding one’s palate at Beer Bazaar
Spotlight on Half Day Brewing: This Lincolnshire favorite will draw you in with their lagers and barrel-aged stouts, extensive menu (try the smoked wings) and versatile event spaces
Brewer’s Choice: Une Année & Hubbard’s Cave co-owner Dave Nelson on Sketchbook Brewing’s consistency, a tasty imperial stout from Pulpit Rock, and his own impressive barrel-aged program and BBQ
Last call: From Revolution’s Straight Jacket barrel-aged barleywine to Odell’s Isolation Ale and Pig Minds’ Joe Daddy coffee stout, we asked for your favorite winter beer
Business spotlight on Insure the Brewery — Born out of an agency with more than 90 years of experience and brewery owners themselves, Beau Ingledue and his staff have developed a niche for insuring fellow craft brewers
Spotlight on Maplewood Brewery & Distillery: This Chicago favorite has grown from brewing in basements as far back as 2005 to creating one of the state’s most diverse programs
Brewer’s Choice: Emancipation Brewing’s Lincoln Slagel on the dry-hopped lager from Werk Force, an appreciation for Old Irving and Triptych, and celebrating his own brewery’s thoughtfully curated menu and 5-year anniversary
Spotlight on Springfield Beer Company: Two distinctly different locations in central Illinois, a diverse lineup of beers and a new production facility in the works — not a bad four years for Ryan Kunken & staff
Illinois Brewing Insider: Beer on the Wall’s Josh Sissman on an appreciation for Alarmist, Hop Butcher and Hopleaf, quality family time on the Une Année patio, and exploring the artistry from Alpha Brewing in St. Louis
Q&A with Beckie O’Connor about the long-awaited official grand opening of The Vogt House by Banging Gavel Brews in Tinley Park
Spotlight on One Allegiance Brewing: Zack Judickas’ entrepreneurial spirit, patience and creativity have made this SW suburban brewery and beer garden a true destination
Brewer’s Choice: Nik & Ivy’s Chrissy Ivnik on Maplewood’s Charlatan pale ale, the variety at Noon Whistle, and how her founder memberships can be the perfect holiday gift
Spotlight on Broken Tee Brewing: North suburban Highwood is home to this passion project from a former golf pro whose love of the sport is evident throughout
Breweries in Bunches: NW suburban Huntley and Woodstock are home to a handful of some of the state’s more creative and comfortable craft breweries
Illinois Brewing Insider: Bubblehouse Brewing’s Evan Nimke on lagers by Art History and Goldfinger, the friendly vibes at The Beer and Now and Freedom Brothers in the west burbs, and their own grodziskie collaboration with Brother Chimp
Spotlight on Evergreen Farm Brewing: This fifth-generation farm near Peoria serves as an authentically cozy backdrop for a destination brewery
Spotlight on Crust Brewing: This modern, inviting hotspot in the heart of Rosemont’s entertainment district is known for its handcrafted food, cocktails and German-inspired beer
Brewer’s Choice: Mickey Finn’s Jason Martens on Roaring Table’s appeal, creating a level of approachability, and his own Santa’s Magic Belgian strong ale
Illinois Brewing Insider: Chicagoland Brews Cruise owner Kirk Kilker on the passion shown by Alter Brewing and Whiskey Hill, appreciating the grodziskie style, and the Sidecar Supper Club in Batavia
Illinois Brewing Insider: Timothy Ficken from Midwest Coast Brewing on the lagers and hefeweizens and Dovetail and Metropolitan, the return of his own Friendsgiving spiced strong ale, and hidden gem bars like Tuman’s Tap
New kids on the block: A handful of exciting new breweries have opened in Illinois, and we couldn’t be happier to hoist a pint with them
Business spotlight on Apple Growth Partners: Complete and personalized accounting and consultation services for businesses of all sizes
Brewer’s Choice: Scratch Brewing’s Marika Josephson on the perfection that is Duvel’s golden ale, the thought-provoking creations from Is/Was Brewing, and supporting her community in southern Illinois
Spotlight on Two Hound Red: West suburban Glen Ellyn is home to this visually striking brewery with an innovative menu and a focus on lighter, simpler flavors of beer
Breweries in Bunches: Chicago’s Malt Row district just happens to be one of the more prolific craft beer neighborhoods in the country
Q&A with Rob Hunter: We sat down with Crust Brewing’s head brewer to discuss his brewing background, a history of Oktoberfest beer, and getting things rolling in Rosemont
Last call: We asked craft beer insiders and enthusiasts for their favorite Oktoberfest and fall beers
Brewer’s Choice: Burnt City’s Ben Saller on being impressed by Phase Three and Roaring Table, constantly tweaking recipes, and tapping his own traditional Oktoberfest
Spotlight on Triptych Brewing: Located just outside of Champaign, this 10-year-old brewery with 28 beers on draft has seen significant expansion while focusing on owning the local market
Illinois Brewing Insiders: The Midwest Brew Review guys on Maplewood and Art History doing great things, the charm of New Glarus, and how Horse Thief Hollow’s award-winning pilsner is ideal for summer
Last call: We asked Illinois craft-beer professionals and enthusiasts for the summer brews they look forward to most
Unique beer gardens and patios: We went on a quest to find some of Illinois’ most intriguing outdoor spaces to have a beer and soak up the last of summer
Spotlight on Chicagoland Brews Cruise: Public and private tours of area breweries with personable guides, generous pours and “beer talks” with the brewers? Count us in
Spotlight on Burning Bush Brewery: The creation of a former pastor, this newer brewery in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood offers a beautiful riverfront patio, tasty beers and a perfect stop-off on the way to Wrigley
Brewer’s Choice: Double Clutch Brewing’s Scott Frank on the unique vibe at his award-winning brewery, a fondness for Evanston neighbors Temperance and Sketchbook, and gearing up for a big Oktoberfest party
Spotlight on Church Street Brewing Company: This custom-made, family-run brewery is celebrating 11 years in Itasca and offers up a little something for everyone
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
Brewery spotlight: Hangar Two by Tangled Roots Brewing Company offers an impressive menu and stylish space in north suburban Glenview
Brewery spotlight: The Old Bakery Beer Company in the historic town of Alton is the creation of a talented husband-and-wife duo focused on community, the environment and great beer
Brewer’s Choice: Old Irving Brewing’s Trevor Rose-Hamblin on discovering Pipeworks’ dortmunder, growing his own lager series, and a delightful cocktail-inspired sour from MORE Brewing
Spotlight on Zorn Compressor & Equipment: Seven decades of providing — and maintaining — reliable, efficient and cost-effective compressed air solutions
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
Brewery spotlight: Both innovative and unconventional, Off Color Brewing, the self-proclaimed “fermentation-focused brewery,” has been racking up awards for 10 years in Chicago
