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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
  • Illinois Brewing Insider Brian Noonan, host of the Crafty Brewers podcast

  • Inside Scoop: Phase Three and Pollyanna expanding to Chicago, Will Run for Beer 5K Oct. 24, Streetz Artz Alliance shows, FoBAB Nov. 13-14, Geneva Lights and Flights and more

  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Joel Hatlin from Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville

  • Q&A with Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling’s co-founder, president and CEO Ryan Weidner on acquiring the former Alarmist Brewing space and expanding to Chicago’s NW side

  • Inside Scoop: Get ready to celebrate Oktoberfest with some of the state’s best craft breweries

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
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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
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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
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    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
    926
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    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
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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
    2979
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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
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    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
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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
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    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
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    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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Sep 26

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A fun and festive Saturday (today, Sept. 26) is lined up from 12-6 p.m. in Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark 

Expect live authentic music from Paloma, German dancing by the Society of Danube Swabians Youth Group, plenty of fun competitions, and even live wood carving. The star of the show, however, might just be Crustoberfest, the signature Oktoberfest brew from @crustbrewing 

The Parkway Bank Park venues will be selling food and drinks, dishing up their own fun twist on German cuisine (as well as some of their regular favorites). There will be picnic tables set up, but feel free to bring your own chairs or blankets. Parking for Rosetoberfest is available at the Parkway Bank Park parking garage and is free with validation from any of the park’s venues.

A fun and festive Saturday (today, Sept. 26) is lined up from 12-6 p.m. in Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark

Expect live authentic music from Paloma, German dancing by the Society of Danube Swabians Youth Group, plenty of fun competitions, and even live wood carving. The star of the show, however, might just be Crustoberfest, the signature Oktoberfest brew from @crustbrewing

The Parkway Bank Park venues will be selling food and drinks, dishing up their own fun twist on German cuisine (as well as some of their regular favorites). There will be picnic tables set up, but feel free to bring your own chairs or blankets. Parking for Rosetoberfest is available at the Parkway Bank Park parking garage and is free with validation from any of the park’s venues.

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Sep 25

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From our big fall issue...

Illinois Brewing Insider @briannoonan — host of the @craftybrewerspod — on the enjoyment of having @brothership_brewing and @black_horizon_brewing so close to home, the English pub ale at @pollyannabrewingcompany and Das Nuts at @imperialoakbrewing as well as the hidden gem in Homewood that is Lassen’s Tap, and discovering the laid-back @syndicatebrewingco in Colorado

“During their Oak-toberfest celebration (THIS WEEKEND!), Imperial Oak has a special tapping of Das Nuts, where they infuse their Das Boot Oktoberfest with toasted pecans, almonds, peanuts and macadamia nuts. If I could only drink one Oktoberfest beer, this would be it.”

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big fall issue...

Illinois Brewing Insider @briannoonan — host of the @craftybrewerspod — on the enjoyment of having @brothership_brewing and @black_horizon_brewing so close to home, the English pub ale at @pollyannabrewingcompany and Das Nuts at @imperialoakbrewing as well as the hidden gem in Homewood that is Lassen’s Tap, and discovering the laid-back @syndicatebrewingco in Colorado

“During their Oak-toberfest celebration (THIS WEEKEND!), Imperial Oak has a special tapping of Das Nuts, where they infuse their Das Boot Oktoberfest with toasted pecans, almonds, peanuts and macadamia nuts. If I could only drink one Oktoberfest beer, this would be it.”

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Sep 24

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It’s a busy weekend for Oktoberfest events around the area, and plenty of fun is in the works at @chaosbrewclub in Chicago and @imperialoakbrewing in Willow Springs. 

Read all about these two popular festivals and more in our Oktoberfest Inside Scoop section from the new fall issue at IllinoisBrewing.com

It’s a busy weekend for Oktoberfest events around the area, and plenty of fun is in the works at @chaosbrewclub in Chicago and @imperialoakbrewing in Willow Springs.

Read all about these two popular festivals and more in our Oktoberfest Inside Scoop section from the new fall issue at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Sep 24

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Read the loaded Inside Scoop section from our new fall issue, which includes info on @phasethreebrew and @pollyannabrewingcompany expanding to Chicago, the @lgnsofcraftbeer in Gurnee Oct. 3, the @willrunforbeerchicago 5K on the lakefront Oct. 24, upcoming @streetzartzalliance shows at local breweries, the return of @fobab (aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers) in Chicago Nov. 13-14, the @genevaparkdistrict Lights and Flights Craft Beer Festival Dec. 12, a handful of great brewery deals and more 

Read it all in the Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

Read the loaded Inside Scoop section from our new fall issue, which includes info on @phasethreebrew and @pollyannabrewingcompany expanding to Chicago, the @lgnsofcraftbeer in Gurnee Oct. 3, the @willrunforbeerchicago 5K on the lakefront Oct. 24, upcoming @streetzartzalliance shows at local breweries, the return of @fobab (aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers) in Chicago Nov. 13-14, the @genevaparkdistrict Lights and Flights Craft Beer Festival Dec. 12, a handful of great brewery deals and more

Read it all in the Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Sep 22

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Did you know the historic @berghoffchicago restaurant  in the heart of the Loop celebrates Oktoberfest all the way through Oct. 18? Celebrate the season with classic German dishes, drink specials, beer brewed in-house by the award-winning @adamsstreetbrewery — as well as live music every Thursday through Sunday from 4:30–7:30 p.m. 17 W. Adams Street in Chicago. TheBerghoff.com

Did you know the historic @berghoffchicago restaurant in the heart of the Loop celebrates Oktoberfest all the way through Oct. 18? Celebrate the season with classic German dishes, drink specials, beer brewed in-house by the award-winning @adamsstreetbrewery — as well as live music every Thursday through Sunday from 4:30–7:30 p.m. 17 W. Adams Street in Chicago. TheBerghoff.com

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Sep 19

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When @destihlbrewery is pouring samples of six of their favorites at @wehavegreatbeerpr on a Friday night, it marks the start of a good weekend

When @destihlbrewery is pouring samples of six of their favorites at @wehavegreatbeerpr on a Friday night, it marks the start of a good weekend

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Sep 18

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The Oktoberfest fun continues across the state, with @sketchbookbrew in Skokie and Evanston and @goebberts_ Pumpkin Farm in Pingree Grove among the venues hosting some great craft-beer focused events this weekend. 

Check out our Inside Scoop from the new fall issue for details or read about all the fall events at IllinoisBrewing.com

The Oktoberfest fun continues across the state, with @sketchbookbrew in Skokie and Evanston and @goebberts_ Pumpkin Farm in Pingree Grove among the venues hosting some great craft-beer focused events this weekend.

Check out our Inside Scoop from the new fall issue for details or read about all the fall events at IllinoisBrewing.com

38 2

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Sep 14

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From our new fall issue...

Q&A with @pollyannabrewingcompany co-founder, president and CEO Ryan Weidner on acquiring the former @alarmistbrewing space and expanding (with a fifth location) to Chicago’s NW side

“One of our goals is to honor what made Alarmist special while ensuring the brand continues to thrive for both longtime supporters and new customers alike.” 

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

From our new fall issue...

Q&A with @pollyannabrewingcompany co-founder, president and CEO Ryan Weidner on acquiring the former @alarmistbrewing space and expanding (with a fifth location) to Chicago’s NW side

“One of our goals is to honor what made Alarmist special while ensuring the brand continues to thrive for both longtime supporters and new customers alike.”

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

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Sep 12

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Two of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations are happening today at @revbrewchicago in Chicago and @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston. Swing by on Saturday for plenty of festive fun (and fresh beer, of course). 

Read more about both of these events and much more in our Inside Scoop section of the new fall issue at IllinoisBrewing.com

Two of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations are happening today at @revbrewchicago in Chicago and @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston. Swing by on Saturday for plenty of festive fun (and fresh beer, of course).

Read more about both of these events and much more in our Inside Scoop section of the new fall issue at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Sep 11

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Location: North side of Chicago
Time: Friday evening, 4:54pm
Temp: 79 degrees
Attraction: The family-friendly patio at @halfacrebeer and the fresh shucked oysters and ceviche that @prairiemoonrestaurant is serving up at @spitefulbrewing 
And did we mention the cold beer? Yeah, that too.

Location: North side of Chicago
Time: Friday evening, 4:54pm
Temp: 79 degrees
Attraction: The family-friendly patio at @halfacrebeer and the fresh shucked oysters and ceviche that @prairiemoonrestaurant is serving up at @spitefulbrewing
And did we mention the cold beer? Yeah, that too.

9 1

illinoisbrewing

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Sep 11

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Our big fall issue came out earlier this week and is loaded down with Oktoberfest events, insider opinions, info on @pollyannabrewingcompany and @phasethreebrew expanding to Chicago, brewery spotlights on @whiteoakbrewing @printersrowbrewing and those that call Naperville & Aurora home like @hopvinebrewingcompany @solemnoathbeer @noonwhistlebrewing and @blindcornerbeer as well as plenty of upcoming events, favorite summer craft beer experiences, and much, much more. Check out your local brewery or bottle shop for a copy or read it digitally at IllinoisBrewing.com

Our big fall issue came out earlier this week and is loaded down with Oktoberfest events, insider opinions, info on @pollyannabrewingcompany and @phasethreebrew expanding to Chicago, brewery spotlights on @whiteoakbrewing @printersrowbrewing and those that call Naperville & Aurora home like @hopvinebrewingcompany @solemnoathbeer @noonwhistlebrewing and @blindcornerbeer as well as plenty of upcoming events, favorite summer craft beer experiences, and much, much more. Check out your local brewery or bottle shop for a copy or read it digitally at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Sep 10

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The Oktoberfest fun begins at the @imperialoakbrewing Brookfield taproom tonight. Check out the Inside Scoop section on IllinoisBrewing.com for details on this and many more Oktoberfest events at local craft breweries

The Oktoberfest fun begins at the @imperialoakbrewing Brookfield taproom tonight. Check out the Inside Scoop section on IllinoisBrewing.com for details on this and many more Oktoberfest events at local craft breweries

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Sep 10

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Oktoberfest season is upon us, and you can check out the new fall issue of Illinois Brewing and our website for the latest on a ton of craft brewery events in the coming weeks. Kicking off the festivities this weekend are @revbrewchicago in Chicago, @imperialoakbrewing in Brookfield, the historic @berghoffchicago with @adamsstreetbrewery in Chicago’s Loop, and @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston. 

Check out our Inside Scoop section for info on these many and more at IllinoisBrewing.com

Oktoberfest season is upon us, and you can check out the new fall issue of Illinois Brewing and our website for the latest on a ton of craft brewery events in the coming weeks. Kicking off the festivities this weekend are @revbrewchicago in Chicago, @imperialoakbrewing in Brookfield, the historic @berghoffchicago with @adamsstreetbrewery in Chicago’s Loop, and @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston.

Check out our Inside Scoop section for info on these many and more at IllinoisBrewing.com

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IB Insiders

Illinois Brewing Insider Brian Noonan, host of the Crafty Brewers podcast

Brian Noonan Host of the Crafty Brewers podcast CraftyBrewersPod.com Favorite breweries: I’d love to skip this question because I can’t possibly list all the breweries I love without leaving someone ...
  • Inside Scoop: Phase Three and Pollyanna expanding to Chicago, Will Run for Beer 5K Oct. 24, Streetz Artz Alliance shows, FoBAB Nov. 13-14, Geneva Lights and Flights and more

    By Trent Modglin
    September 23, 2026
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