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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
  • Spotlight on CHAOS Brew Club

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

  • Inside Scoop: The annual Beer Under Glass event in Chicago’s Millennium Park kicks off Illinois Craft Beer Week May 8

  • Spotlight on 93 Octane Brewery in St. Charles and Elmhurst

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

Tag: Black Lung Brewing

Home›Posts Tagged "Black Lung Brewing"
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    October 13, 2025
    3083
    0

    Movin’ on up: A handful of Illinois breweries are expanding with additional taprooms. And we couldn’t be more excited

    By Trent Modglin Mikerphone adding a Park Ridge location in early 2026 In case you hadn’t heard: Mikerphone is on its way home to NW suburban Park Ridge, where Mike Pallen started home brewing from his house back in 2010. He opened Mikerphone Brewing in Elk Grove Village in 2017, and in the eight years ...
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  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    June 23, 2025
    1805
    0

    Last Call: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery?

    Old Irving Brewing’s burger of the week We asked craft beer enthusiasts and industry veterans for the best meal they’ve had at an Illinois brewery recently Hands down, Old Irving Brewing. Everything on the menu is fantastic, from their award-winning wings and burgers to their cheese curds, which stand out as some of the best I’ve ...
    Read More
  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    January 3, 2025
    1809
    0

    Inside Scoop: Lake County’s February Flavor Festival, Westmont Winter Beer Festival, Suncatcher Brewing opens in Chicago, expansion for Crust Brewing and Middle Brow, and more

    Mickey Finn’s in Libertyville is part of the Lake County Flavor Festival Lake County February Flavor Festival You’re not going to want to miss the second installment of this massive festival that offers plenty of opportunities to sample some of the state’s best food, craft beer and cocktails. Visit Lake County combines their renowned Lake County ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    December 13, 2024
    6152
    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 watch his friend brew beer and thought it “looked like a long process,” so he instead got into cider for a few months back in 2013. “But the cider ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    September 25, 2024
    3249
    0

    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

    Nader Kardoush Proprietor of The Beer Bazaar in north suburban Grayslake, IL Favorite breweries: Running a bottle shop (Beer Bazaar) as long as I have, I’ve come to make a lot of lasting friendships and connections in the industry and have also continually developed my palate with styles that trend and changes in personal taste. ...
    Read More
  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    August 12, 2024
    2713
    0

    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

    Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove Summer issue question: What’s the best spot to drink beer outdoors when the weather is perfect?  Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove has one of the best outdoor spaces that they utilize greatly with hosting food trucks, bonfires, yard games and live music. Gives me a camping-in-Colorado feel. The ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    July 28, 2024
    2699
    0

    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

    Double Clutch Brewing at Millennium Hall 11 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago MillenniumHallChicago.com DoubleClutchBrewing.com What makes it unique: If you’re looking to quench you’re thirst while strolling through Millennium Park or down Michigan Avenue this summer, this is your place for some award-winning German brews. From May-October, Double Clutch Brewing Company out of Evanston operates ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    January 31, 2024
    2598
    0

    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

    Josh Grubbs President and head brewer Black Lung Brewing 2217 N. IL Route 83 in Round Lake Beach 115 Nippersink Road in Fox Lake BlackLungBrewing.com Favorite breweries: Years before I ever considered opening a brewery of my own, I was a huge fan of them. I’ve been to a couple hundred breweries around the country and had ...
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  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    September 15, 2023
    3144
    0

    Inside Scoop: Prost!! It’s Oktoberfest season, and we’ve got the goods on many of the best festivals around Illinois

    The following Oktoberfest events can be found in our special digital Oktoberfest issue, which can be read here. Prost!  50th Havana Oktoberfest Sept. 8-10 Come celebrate five decades of historic Havana’s Oktoberfest and its eclectic mix of the modern and the traditional. Head to the city’s downtown district, where you’ll find something for every age at ...
    Read More
  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    January 11, 2023
    2693
    0

    Inside Scoop: Lake County Libations Trail, Saisons + Sours Beer School at The Beer Cellar, Buffalo Creek Brewing’s Alpine Fest and Westmont’s Winter Beer Fest

    Visit Lake County Libation Trail Month, February 1-28, 2023 Did you know that Lake County, Illinois is home to more than 30 craft breweries (Mickey Finn’s, Tighthead, Half Day, Black Lung, Harbor Brewing, etc.), wineries and distilleries? Not only that, but February is one of the best months to explore the establishments of Lake County. ...
    Read More

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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May 8

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The talented team at @oldirvingbrewing recently took over the role of brewing a pair of beers, the Billy Goat IPA and Billy Goat Pilsner, exclusively for the iconic Billy Goat Tavern — aka @cheezborger — and they’re now available on draft at Old Irving’s taproom on the city’s NW side and all seven different Billy Goat locations across Chicago, as well as in canned 4-packs at your favorite beer store. 

For the pilsner, the goal was “something simple and clean and steeped in brewing tradition,” says co-founder and head brewer Trevor Rose-Hamblin. And, of course, a beer that would pair well with Billy Goat’s famous cheeseburgers. 

“For the IPA, we utilized classic hops like Columbus that will give piney and grapefruit-like flavors,” according to Rose-Hamblin. “We aimed for a nicely balanced bitterness that keeps you wanting more.”

The talented team at @oldirvingbrewing recently took over the role of brewing a pair of beers, the Billy Goat IPA and Billy Goat Pilsner, exclusively for the iconic Billy Goat Tavern — aka @cheezborger — and they’re now available on draft at Old Irving’s taproom on the city’s NW side and all seven different Billy Goat locations across Chicago, as well as in canned 4-packs at your favorite beer store.

For the pilsner, the goal was “something simple and clean and steeped in brewing tradition,” says co-founder and head brewer Trevor Rose-Hamblin. And, of course, a beer that would pair well with Billy Goat’s famous cheeseburgers.

“For the IPA, we utilized classic hops like Columbus that will give piney and grapefruit-like flavors,” according to Rose-Hamblin. “We aimed for a nicely balanced bitterness that keeps you wanting more.”
...

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May 7

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Spotlight on @chaosbrewclub 

Spring issue Q&A with @jwhelp1 member director of this diverse group of talented and energetic homebrewers with their own 24/7 space — and plenty of events — in Chicago 

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

And check out their Cinco de Mayo fundraiser event coming up May 9

Spotlight on @chaosbrewclub

Spring issue Q&A with @jwhelp1 member director of this diverse group of talented and energetic homebrewers with their own 24/7 space — and plenty of events — in Chicago

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

And check out their Cinco de Mayo fundraiser event coming up May 9
...

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May 6

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BEER OF THE WEEK
Cross Pollination double NEIPA
8.0% ABV
@phasethreebrew 

Brewed in collaboration with Villa Park’s @standardmeadery this hazy double IPA 3 features big, juicy grovestand orange and tropical notes finished with a sweet kiss of orange blossom honey. Catch Cross Pollination on draft and in to-go 4-packs at Phase Three’s Lake Zurich and @phasethreebrew.elm locations now.

BEER OF THE WEEK
Cross Pollination double NEIPA
8.0% ABV
@phasethreebrew

Brewed in collaboration with Villa Park’s @standardmeadery this hazy double IPA 3 features big, juicy grovestand orange and tropical notes finished with a sweet kiss of orange blossom honey. Catch Cross Pollination on draft and in to-go 4-packs at Phase Three’s Lake Zurich and @phasethreebrew.elm locations now.
...

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May 6

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If you find yourself in Madison, Wisconsin this spring or summer, do yourself a favor and swing by @karben4brewing 

Tasty beers, friendly place and a seriously spacious patio (photo only covers half of it).

If you find yourself in Madison, Wisconsin this spring or summer, do yourself a favor and swing by @karben4brewing

Tasty beers, friendly place and a seriously spacious patio (photo only covers half of it).
...

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May 1

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Brewer’s Choice from our spring issue: Q&A with @black_horizon_brewing owner/head brewer Alex Stankus on the new @blumeandferris pub ales, rye beers from @werkforcebrewing and @arthistorybrewing as well as ramping up his own lager program and Black Horizon’s upcoming Pickle Fest and nine-year anniversary luau 

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewer’s Choice from our spring issue: Q&A with @black_horizon_brewing owner/head brewer Alex Stankus on the new @blumeandferris pub ales, rye beers from @werkforcebrewing and @arthistorybrewing as well as ramping up his own lager program and Black Horizon’s upcoming Pickle Fest and nine-year anniversary luau

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com
...

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Apr 30

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Inside Scoop: The @ilcraftbeer annual Beer Under Glass event in @millennium_park kicks off @ilcraftbeerweek May 8

Read all about BUG, the Drink Illinois passport program, Craft Beer Week pint glasses and more now in the Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

Inside Scoop: The @ilcraftbeer annual Beer Under Glass event in @millennium_park kicks off @ilcraftbeerweek May 8

Read all about BUG, the Drink Illinois passport program, Craft Beer Week pint glasses and more now in the Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com
...

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Apr 27

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A trio of the 350+ locations you can find a copy of our spring issue is Beer on the Wall — @wehavegreatbeerpr @wehavegreatbeereh and @wehavegreatbeerah — where you can always find a great selection of cans to go and craft beer on draft. Don't sleep on the variety of liquor or THC selzters either. 

Enjoyed recently:
1. 28 Months Later barleywine from @oldirvingbrewing 
2. Mana Wahine tropical stout from @phasethreebrew 
3. Join us in Creating Excellence (JUICE) double NEIPA from @narrowgaugebeer 
4. Herbasaurus West Coast double IPA from @phasethreebrew

A trio of the 350+ locations you can find a copy of our spring issue is Beer on the Wall — @wehavegreatbeerpr @wehavegreatbeereh and @wehavegreatbeerah — where you can always find a great selection of cans to go and craft beer on draft. Don`t sleep on the variety of liquor or THC selzters either.

Enjoyed recently:
1. 28 Months Later barleywine from @oldirvingbrewing
2. Mana Wahine tropical stout from @phasethreebrew
3. Join us in Creating Excellence (JUICE) double NEIPA from @narrowgaugebeer
4. Herbasaurus West Coast double IPA from @phasethreebrew
...

10 0

illinoisbrewing

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Apr 27

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Celebrate spring the Bavarian way at the @buffalocreekbrewing annual Maifest the weekend of May 8–9, benefiting Misericordia. The brewery’s scenic one-acre biergarten comes alive with the sights, sounds and traditions of this classic German celebration. Enjoy lively German folk music from Alpine Thunder, as well as authentic German fare and refreshing seasonal beer releases. Raise a stein and discover small-batch pours at Lager Lane while enjoying raffles, games and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere filled with music, laughter and great beer — all supporting a wonderful cause.

Friday, May 8 from 4-10 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 from noon-10 p.m.

360 Historical Lane in Long Grove. BuffaloCreekBrewing.com

Celebrate spring the Bavarian way at the @buffalocreekbrewing annual Maifest the weekend of May 8–9, benefiting Misericordia. The brewery’s scenic one-acre biergarten comes alive with the sights, sounds and traditions of this classic German celebration. Enjoy lively German folk music from Alpine Thunder, as well as authentic German fare and refreshing seasonal beer releases. Raise a stein and discover small-batch pours at Lager Lane while enjoying raffles, games and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere filled with music, laughter and great beer — all supporting a wonderful cause.

Friday, May 8 from 4-10 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 from noon-10 p.m.

360 Historical Lane in Long Grove. BuffaloCreekBrewing.com
...

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Apr 25

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Brewery spotlight from our big spring issue...

Fully settled into their new Elmhurst location (in addition to the original St. Charles taproom), the growing empire for @93octanebrewery includes a talented brewing duo, 6,000 square-foot brewhouse, a variety of delicious food, community events and a pair of sun-soaked patios perfect for summer. And they’re not done yet.

Read the feature article now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewery spotlight from our big spring issue...

Fully settled into their new Elmhurst location (in addition to the original St. Charles taproom), the growing empire for @93octanebrewery includes a talented brewing duo, 6,000 square-foot brewhouse, a variety of delicious food, community events and a pair of sun-soaked patios perfect for summer. And they’re not done yet.

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

26 0

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Apr 24

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Date: Thursday, 1:30 p.m.

Location: A packed @auchevaldiner in Chicago’s West Loop

Food: One of the best diner cheeseburgers you’ll find anywhere, paired with an order of crispy hash browns.

Craft beer: Off a solid draft list, the Juicy Beer for Burgers pale ale from @offcolorbrewing packs plenty of hops to go with notes of passion fruit, cantaloupe, honeydew and candied fruits.

Date: Thursday, 1:30 p.m.

Location: A packed @auchevaldiner in Chicago’s West Loop

Food: One of the best diner cheeseburgers you’ll find anywhere, paired with an order of crispy hash browns.

Craft beer: Off a solid draft list, the Juicy Beer for Burgers pale ale from @offcolorbrewing packs plenty of hops to go with notes of passion fruit, cantaloupe, honeydew and candied fruits.
...

7 1

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Apr 23

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This beautiful spring weather means sorting through my supply for proper driveway beers with the neighbors. Yesterday's tasting included some gems from the likes of @sketchbookbrew @keggrovebrewco @pollyannabrewingcompany @sainterrantbrewing @horsethiefhollow and @industryales 

Seriously, a lot of NBA All-Star games don't even have a lineup like that.

This beautiful spring weather means sorting through my supply for proper driveway beers with the neighbors. Yesterday`s tasting included some gems from the likes of @sketchbookbrew @keggrovebrewco @pollyannabrewingcompany @sainterrantbrewing @horsethiefhollow and @industryales

Seriously, a lot of NBA All-Star games don`t even have a lineup like that.
...

11 0

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Apr 21

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Three of the 350+ locations you can grab a copy of the spring issue of Illinois Brewing are the new @sainterrantbrewing taproom in Evanston, the gorgeous @crustbrewing in the heart of Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark (try the 312 pizza with shaved Italian beef and giardiniera), and the popular lager-focused @goldfingerbeer in Downers Grove.

Three of the 350+ locations you can grab a copy of the spring issue of Illinois Brewing are the new @sainterrantbrewing taproom in Evanston, the gorgeous @crustbrewing in the heart of Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark (try the 312 pizza with shaved Italian beef and giardiniera), and the popular lager-focused @goldfingerbeer in Downers Grove. ...

16 1

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Apr 20

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From our spring issue...
Good eats in Lake County: @mickey_finns @tangledrootsbrewingcompany and @roaringtable are some of the NW suburban breweries serving up much more than just great beer 

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

From our spring issue...
Good eats in Lake County: @mickey_finns @tangledrootsbrewingcompany and @roaringtable are some of the NW suburban breweries serving up much more than just great beer

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com
...

16 0
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RECENT POSTS

Feature Articles

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 — in Chicago Q. Tell ...
  • Beer mug with frothy head and Black Horizon Brewing Company logo on an outdoor patio table.

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

    By Trent Modglin
    May 1, 2026
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