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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
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  • Breweries in Bunches: Exploring a quartet of versatile craft breweries that call the Naperville-Aurora corridor home

  • 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

Tag: craft beer

Home›Posts Tagged "craft beer"
  • Outdoor patio with people dining near a mural of a large black bird on a brick wall, string lights overhead, and wooden barrels.
    IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    July 3, 2026
    876
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    Illinois Brewing Insider Paul McCann, head of production at Uné Année Brewery

    Uné Année Brewery in Niles Paul McCann Head of Production at Uné Année Brewery in Niles Favorite breweries: My favorite brewery would have to be New Glarus when all is said and done. Their wide range of styles and ability to package so well is impressive to me. I’ve had five-year-old beers from them that have tasted ...
    Read More
  • 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
    661
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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 Rochester, NY. It’s not crazy hazy, nor is it overly juicy, but it has the perfect amount of bitterness with its simple hop bill of Citra and Centennial. It’s ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    March 18, 2026
    1008
    0

    Small-business spotlight: Society Insurance shares a safety guide to handling kegs

    At one time or another, almost everyone who works in the restaurant and bar industry has been asked to change, move or assist with a beer keg. If they are lucky, an experienced coworker will be able to provide instruction and guidance on how to properly move and swap empty kegs for full ones. Unfortunately, ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    February 11, 2026
    1018
    0

    Joining ImBIBE: Are you a big Illinois craft beer enthusiast?

    Joining ImBIBE (the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s annual enthusiast program) is an incredible opportunity for you to immerse yourself deeper into Illinois’ vibrant beer scene while enjoying exclusive benefits. ImBIBE, which stands for “I’m a Big Illinois Beer Enthusiast,” is the only statewide membership program designed specifically for craft beer lovers, offering access to a ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    August 7, 2025
    2412
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    Brewer’s Choice: Keg Grove Brewing Company’s Jacob Jones

    Jacob Jones Head brewer at Keg Grove Brewing Company Normal and Morris, IL KegGroveBrewing.com The last really good beer I drank was… Pabst Blue Ribbon. Don’t judge. Well, from a craft standpoint, Grass Assassin is one of our summer light beer offerings at Keg Grove that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. Analytical Brewing in Lexington has a great ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    June 6, 2025
    3129
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    Brewer’s Choice: Goldfinger Brewing’s Tom Beckmann

    Tom Beckmann Goldfinger Brewing Company Downers Grove, IL GoldfingerBrewing.com The last really good beer I drank was… The American Zoigl brewed by Schilling Beer Co. out of New Hampshire. It is part of a collaborative project we started a few years ago, where breweries around the country share the same base recipe for a lager ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    May 15, 2025
    2039
    0

    Brewery bites: Dishes from around the state sure to get your stomach growling

    Great craft beer is everywhere in Illinois, but here are a few dishes we’ve encountered that are sure to get your stomach growling as well By Trent Modglin Hot honey chicken sliders at Open Outcry Brewing Company Not gonna lie, we’re a sucker for a hot honey chicken sandwich whenever we can get our hands ...
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  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    April 2, 2025
    4339
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    Inside Scoop: Links Taproom & Brewery opening in Chicago this summer, Pilot Project adding Wrigleyville location, Beer Under Glass kicks off Craft Beer Week May 9, St. Charles Brew Tour, and much more

    By Trent Modglin Links Taproom & Brewery set to take over On Tour Brewing space in Chicago’s West Town this summer Links Taproom, a popular craft beer and sausage bar that operated for six years in Chicago’s Wicker Park before closing amidst the Covid pandemic, is set to return this summer and reopen as Links ...
    Read More
  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    February 5, 2025
    1938
    0

    Inside Scoop: Brews on Blvd beer festival Feb. 8, Westmont Winter Beer Festival Feb. 15, Diversey House opens, Lake County February Flavor Festival and Illinois brewery deals not to be missed

    Brews on Blvd craft beer festival BREWS ON BLVD at Hollywood Blvd Cinema is Feb. 8 Snag your tickets now for BREWS ON BLVD, the ninth annual craft beer festival from Hollywood Blvd Cinema in Woodridge. Enjoy beer samples from 35+ local breweries (along with appetizers and arcade games) on Saturday, February 8 with general ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    December 22, 2024
    2779
    0

    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

    Dovetail Brewery’s barrel loft Dave Zalatoris Host of the Beer in Front podcast Favorite breweries: How many pages do I have for this answer? I would include Dovetail Brewery in any list of recommended breweries, even if I did not live nearby. When I send beer mail to friends across the country, Dovetail’s offerings are ...
    Read More
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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 11

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Replenishing our fall issue through the north burbs and a downpour "forced" us to stop in to @macushlabeer in Glenview for a Cowboy Shoes hazy IPA and Broken Shovel schwarzbier ... and continue working on our new events/promotions calendar app that's launching in a few days. Get ready, beer fans.

Replenishing our fall issue through the north burbs and a downpour "forced" us to stop in to @macushlabeer in Glenview for a Cowboy Shoes hazy IPA and Broken Shovel schwarzbier ... and continue working on our new events/promotions calendar app that`s launching in a few days. Get ready, beer fans.

17 1

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Nov 9

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It’s @fobab time this weekend, and the brewery list put together by the @ilcraftbeer looks better than ever. A few tickets remain to one of our favorite events anywhere. Get yours today at FoBAB.com

It’s @fobab time this weekend, and the brewery list put together by the @ilcraftbeer looks better than ever. A few tickets remain to one of our favorite events anywhere. Get yours today at FoBAB.com

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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

19 1

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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/

28 1

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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

53 3

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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.

15 1

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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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RECENT POSTS

Breweries in Bunches

Breweries in Bunches: Exploring a quartet of versatile craft breweries that call the Naperville-Aurora corridor ...

Blind Corner Brewery By Trent Modglin Blind Corner Brewery 1655 Quincy Avenue, #155 in Naperville BlindCornerBrewery.com The details: The trio of Eric Hobbs (COO), JP Vander Veen (brewing and operations) ...
  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Larry Bolton from Blind Pig Brewing in Champaign

    By Trent Modglin
    November 5, 2026
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