Illinois Brewing

Top Menu

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact Us

Main Menu

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • Feature Articles
  • IB Insiders
  • Interviews
  • Brewery Focus
    • Brewery Listings
    • Brewery Spotlights
    • Brewer’s Choice
    • Breweries in Bunches
  • Last Call
  • Magazine
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact Us

logo

Header Banner

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

  • Spotlight on Suncatcher Brewing

  • Brewer’s Choice: Goldfinger Brewing’s Tom Beckmann

  • Spotlight on Macushla Brewing in north suburban Glenview

  • Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the Will County Craft Beer & Bourbon Fest, Streetz Artz Alliance artisan markets, Keg Grove’s BBQ Smoke Show and more

Tag: craft beer

Home›Posts Tagged "craft beer" (Page 3)
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    October 2, 2023
    1715
    0

    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

    Two Hound Red Brewing Co. 486 Pennsylvania Ave. in Glen Ellyn 2HoundRed.com Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sunday: 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. History in short: Head brewer Steve Woertendyke’s brewing career got off to a rather inauspicious start to be sure. Stationed at Ft. Lewis in Washington, he would drive around Washington and ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    June 27, 2023
    1873
    0

    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

    Trevor Rose-Hamblin Director of brewing operations/co-founder at Old Irving Brewing Co. 4419 W. Montrose Ave. in Chicago, IL OldIrvingBrewing.com The last really good beer I drank was… in a non-traditional drinking establishment. Pipeworks Brewing was kind enough to allow me to wash kegs for a few hours since our keg washer was down. They have a ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    March 3, 2023
    1295
    0

    Small-business spotlight on Leaders Beverage: The experts in draft system designs, maintenance and beverage consultancy 

    Leaders Beverage 312-497-5602 LeadersBeverage.com History in short: Leaders Beverage was founded in 2012 by Drew Larson, a retired major and aeromedical Blackhawk helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army who, at the time, was serving as the beverage director at Hopleaf, a renowned beer bar in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago. Illinois law states that bars ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    February 10, 2023
    2446
    0

    Spotlight on Scorched Earth Brewing: Head to NW suburban Algonquin for this cozy taproom, cavernous event space, live music and a variety of tasty brews (donuts, anyone?)

    Scorched Earth Brewing Company 203 Berg Street Algonquin, IL 60102 ScorchedEarthBrewing.com Wednesday: 3-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday: 3-10 p.m. Saturday: 12-10 p.m. Sunday: 12-7 p.m. History in short: Greg Doyen was fully settled into a job in the corporate financial world, but he always had an itch to own a brewery and, like so many others out ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    January 30, 2023
    2629
    0

    Spotlight on Door 4 Brewing Co. — This Decatur favorite offers a wide variety of beer styles, axe throwing, a popular stage, and even its own food truck

    Door 4 Brewing Co. 1214 W. Cerro Gordo Street Decatur, IL 62522 Door4Brewing.com Monday: 3-9 p.m. Thursday: 3-9 p.m. Friday: 3-10 p.m. Saturday: 1-10 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. History in short: Located in Decatur in central Illinois, Door 4, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in December, was founded “with an approach to foster creativity, ...
    Read More
  • Breweries in Bunches
    By Trent Modglin
    January 28, 2023
    2123
    0

    Breweries in bunches: West suburban St. Charles is booming these days, and at the center of its popularity is a quartet of fantastically unique breweries 

    By Trent Modglin Riverlands Brewing Company 1860 Dean Street in St. Charles RiverlandsBrewing.com Details: Jason Arges and Steve Marck were college roommates and friends with Eric Bramwell. In their 20s, the trio shared a place together in downtown Naperville and began homebrewing every weekend. Naturally, over beers during a 4th of July party in 2014, ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    January 25, 2023
    3399
    0

    Spotlight on Mickey Finn’s Brewery: Expect great grub, award-winning beers, a stylish space and beer garden, live music and more at this long-time Libertyville favorite

    Mickey Finn’s Brewery 345 N. Milwaukee Ave. Libertyville, IL 60048 MickeyFinnsBrewery.com Tuesday-Wednesday: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. History in short: Mickey Finn’s just happens to be the oldest continuously operated microbrewery in Illinois. The original owners, Pat Elmquest and Bill Sugars, added one of the first ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    January 24, 2023
    4682
    1

    From the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild: A journey toward direct-to-consumer shipping for Illinois craft breweries

    By Ray Stout Executive director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild [email protected] If we hopped in a time machine and headed back to 2011, it would be challenging to find a craft brewery in Illinois — particularly outside of Chicago. Tracking down an Illinois-brewed craft beer on a retail shelf would be nearly impossible. In ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    December 5, 2022
    2897
    0

    Spotlight on Une Année/Hubbard’s Cave Brewery: This Niles taproom is known for its variety of quality beer and sun-filled patio, but wait till you try their BBQ

    By Trent Modglin Une Année and Hubbard’s Cave 6543 Gross Point Road in Niles UneAnnee.com The history: Born on the near west side of downtown Chicago in 2013, this independent craft brewery was founded by Chicago native Jerry Nelson. Une Année — which means “One Year” in French — set out on a quest to ...
    Read More
1 2 3

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
[email protected]

Art director: Brian Hertel
[email protected]

Illinois Brewing's magazine, website and email newsletter are property of Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

Illinois Brewing magazine

illinoisbrewing

Stylish magazine, website and e-mail newsletter focused on the vibrant craft beer scene in Illinois. Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

Quick family vacation to Southern California and c Quick family vacation to Southern California and coming away impressed with the San Diego craft beer scene. Favorites so far include: @moderntimesbeer Orderville hazy IPA (winner so far), @latitude33brew Brewing’s blood orange IPA, @seekbeerco That Adds Up hazy IPA, @coronadobrewing Weekend Vibes IPA, @emboldenbeerco Industry blonde ale and @burgeonbeer Carlsbad Crush pale ale.
Read our spotlight on @suncatcherbrewing — who h Read our spotlight on @suncatcherbrewing — who happens to be hosting a Summer Solstice party today.

“Suncatcher is all about going back to the beers I was stoked and inspired by when I was first learning about beer as a younger person… and keeping that feeling going.” — Co-owner Matt Gallagher

Read the feature now at IllinoisBrewing.com
From the archives: Spotlight on @onelakebrewing — 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. And did we mention they have an awesome rooftop? 

“We try to brew beer that’s true to the region it came from. We bring in ingredients from all over the world and use them in their purest form. … We even adjust the water chemistry too, in order to mimic the environment of the local brewers.” — Shawn Stevens

Read the brewery spotlight at IllinoisBrewing.com
Double hazy IPA from @mikerphonebrewing on the pat Double hazy IPA from @mikerphonebrewing on the patio while playing a “candy Monopoly” my kid created on his own? 

Not a bad way to spend a summer evening.
Had a great time at the annual @illinoisbrewing go Had a great time at the annual @illinoisbrewing golf scramble earlier this week — with a tasty variety of beers from the likes of @hopbutcher @midwestcoastbrewing @blindcornerbeer @werkforcebrewing @reserveartisanales @alterbeer and more.

Also swung by for an interview with @brotherchimpbrewing for a feature in the summer issue. Now that’s a day.
Thanks to @maplewoodbrew for the invite earlier th Thanks to @maplewoodbrew for the invite earlier this week to get a sneak peek of their new kitchen and expanded taproom in Logan Square. Stellar smash burger, Pillowy Mellows NEIPA and In Dark Trees dark Czech lager. And a bottle of their finest bourbon to go. Look for more on Maplewood in the upcoming summer issue
Fun event alert: The fourth annual STC Six collabo Fun event alert: The fourth annual STC Six collaboration launch party is happening on Wednesday, June 18 at 5 p.m. at Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling in downtown St. Charles. 

The STC Six is made up of the following St. Charles breweries: @93octanebrewery @alterbeer.stc @brokenbrix_cidery @pollyannabrewingcompany @riverlandsbrewingcompany and D&G. The breweries invite everyone to join in on the celebration for a great cause with the first opportunity to taste the new beer — a West Coast pilsner with notes of citrus, tropical fruit and a touch of pine. 

This year’s collaboration supports the important mission of Support Over Stigma, a nonprofit helping veterans and first responders. For every beer and limited-edition glassware sold, $1 will be donated to the cause. Can’t make it to the event but want to contribute? You can visit any of the participating breweries to try the beer and purchase limited-edition glassware.

More information: STCSix.com
Nice patio session catching up with old friends la Nice patio session catching up with old friends last night at @halfacrebeer on Chicago’s far north side. Really dug the Nebula Double Daisy Cutter hazy IPA, Persephone pomegranate kolsch and Second Setting imperial IPA. New supply of Illinois Brewing is there now too. Summer issue out soon.
Brewer’s Choice: Tom Beckmann @twbeckmann from @ Brewer’s Choice: Tom Beckmann @twbeckmann from @goldfingerbeer on tasty recent brews from @iswasbrewing and @suncatcherbrewing … the growth of his brewery and their fifth annual Lagerversary coming up July 18-20

Read the spotlight from our spring issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com
This is not an event to be missed from the @ilcraf This is not an event to be missed from the @ilcraftbeer Guild. Tomorrow, Friday, June 6 at @gallagherwaychi next to Wrigley Field. Not a bad backdrop, right?

30-plus Chicago breweries serving up some of their best stuff for just $30. Can’t beat it, and the weather looks awesome.
This Saturday, June 7 is the @keggrovebrewco annua This Saturday, June 7 is the @keggrovebrewco annual Summerfest + Pub Club Rotary’s BBQ Smoke Show 

Get ready for an unforgettable day of craft beer, mouthwatering BBQ and music. Summerfest includes plenty of live entertainment, food trucks, and craft beer from across Illinois. A portion of the proceeds will go toward providing supplies for local animal shelters, so every bite you take is for a great cause. Doors open at noon.

712 E. Empire Street in Bloomington. KegGroveBrewing.com
One of the nearly 400 locations across the state y One of the nearly 400 locations across the state you can grab a copy of Illinois Brewing is @hopdistrictbrewing in west suburban La Grange Park. Friendly staff, versatile space, community focused, great beer (try the 2 Week Vacation hazy IPA) and an underrated patio out back. 
#IllinoisBrewing #craftbeer #DrinkIllinois
With a nice variety of small-batch beer, a popular With a nice variety of small-batch beer, a popular communal patio, family vibes, and Megan Welch’s desire to keep her late husband’s dream alive, @macushlabeer is quite the destination in north suburban Glenview

Read the spotlight from the spring issue at illinoisbrewing.com
Want to see your name in print in breweries, festi Want to see your name in print in breweries, festivals and bottle shops across the state this summer? Our LAST CALL section for the upcoming summer issue is asking craft beer enthusiasts the following question: 

*** What is the most underrated spot for enjoying a cold beer outdoors this summer? 

Remember, we like details, so please don’t just answer “Brewery X’s patio.” Tell our readers why you like it and give a few reasons. And feel free to share if you have friends who know of a few alluring patios, beer gardens or festivals. Thanks in advance, and cheers!!
Afternoons like this were made for craft beer and Afternoons like this were made for craft beer and patios like @hairycowbrewing in Byron. Creative woodfires pizzas and views of the Rock River included.
What better backdrop for sampling great local craf What better backdrop for sampling great local craft beer than in @gallagherwaychi next to iconic Wrigley Field? Friday Night Flights is back on Friday, June 6, and it’s a fantastic deal for such a unique event.

* 30+ Chicago craft breweries
* Live DJ
* Food trucks & local eats
* Just $30 in advance ($35 at the door)

Tasting session 1:  5–7 PM
Tasting session 2:  8–10 PM

Hosted by the @ilcraftbeer Educational Foundation, every ticket supports scholarships and education for the Illinois brewing community. 

Tickets on sale now at linktr.ee/illinoisbeer
Finally was able to stop by the @mastheadbrewing t Finally was able to stop by the @mastheadbrewing taproom in Cleveland last weekend. Especially enjoyed the In the Shadow of a Colossus barleywine, Estate Grown IPA and Zungenbrecher doppelbock. Very cool space, knowledgable staff and good vibes
If you find yourself around the near NW suburbs th If you find yourself around the near NW suburbs this Sunday, May 25, head on over to the annual Main Street Craft Beer Festival in Park Ridge. The eighth annual event — hosted by @wehavegreatbeerpr and @theharpandfiddle — will be held from 12-9 p.m. in the Park Ridge farmers’ market lot. With food, live music, a kid zone and, most importantly, 100+ craft beers available from breweries like @hopbutcher @dovetailbrewery @phasethreebrew and @morebrewing … it’s a pretty solid way to kick off summer.
#IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #illinoisbeer #beerfest
One of the nearly 400 locations around the state t One of the nearly 400 locations around the state that you can find a copy of Illinois Brewing is @alterbeer.obc 
It’s a gorgeous venue with private event space and great food and @alterbeer brews
Dropping off the cousin at O’Hare today reminded Dropping off the cousin at O’Hare today reminded us that one great spot for a beer and delicious food before departure (or while awaiting an arrival) is @crustbrewing in Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark 

Great venue to catch Rosemont’s Rockin’ in the Park concert series every Thursday in the summer too. 

Today’s offerings: The I Know Joe hefeweizen and the delightful Blueberry Crusher, a light-bodied cream ale with a hint of lemon and lots of real blueberries.
Load More Follow on Instagram

RECENT POSTS

Last Call

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 ...
  • Spotlight on Suncatcher Brewing

    By Trent Modglin
    June 21, 2025
© Copyright Illinois Brewing and Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved.