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Illinois Brewing

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • Feature Articles
  • IB Insiders
  • Interviews
  • Brewery Focus
    • Brewery Listings
    • Brewery Spotlights
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    • Breweries in Bunches
  • Last Call
  • Magazine
  • 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

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

  • Brewery spotlight on Springfield’s Engrained Brewing Company

Tag: Hop Butcher

Home›Posts Tagged "Hop Butcher"
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    April 7, 2025
    554
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Fred Sanchez on Hubbard’s Cave barrel-aged offerings, Mikerphone’s orange-vanilla IPA and Beer on the Wall’s selection

    Illinois Brewing Insider Fred Sanchez on a love of Hubbard’s Cave barrel-aged offerings, Mikerphone’s orange-vanilla milkshake IPA and Mambo Italian pilsner, Haymarket’s Chicago Tavern Beer, the rotating selection and vibe at Harp & Fiddle and Beer on the Wall in Park Ridge, and taking a break from California wine country to hit up Firestone Walker ...
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  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    October 7, 2024
    1213
    0

    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

    Begyle Brewing 1800 W. Cuyler Ave. in Chicago BegyleBrewing.com Monday-Thursday: Noon-9 p.m. Friday: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday: 12-8 p.m. History in short: Having launched back in 2012, Begyle found itself part of the first wave of craft breweries that popped up in Chicago — “basically homebrewers who were making the big jump ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    September 25, 2024
    1633
    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. ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    December 17, 2023
    1063
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    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

    Josh Sissman Manager Beer on the Wall in Park Ridge, IL (with additional locations in Arlington Heights & Elmhurst) WeHaveGreatBeer.com Favorite breweries: Some of my favorites are Alarmist, Maplewood and Illuminated Brew Works. I’ve learned to appreciate those that don’t take themselves too seriously and make fun beer that’s accessible. I like brands that make great ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    November 14, 2023
    1225
    0

    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

    Evan Nimke Taproom manager and marketing director Bubblehouse Brewing Company in Lisle, IL Favorite breweries: Obviously, I’m partial to Bubblehouse Brewing in Lisle, as I work there, but even if I didn’t, they would certainly be one of my top faves. Outside of Bubblehouse, I’m a huge fan of Phase Three and I’m very excited ...
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  • Breweries in Bunches
    By Trent Modglin
    September 19, 2023
    1436
    0

    Breweries in Bunches: Chicago’s Malt Row district just happens to be one of the more prolific craft beer neighborhoods in the country

    By Trent Modglin Begyle Brewing 1800 W. Cuyler Ave. BegyleBrewing.com Details: Back when co-owner Kevin Cary moved to Chicago in 2007, there were maybe a half dozen craft breweries in town, so when he and his roommate, Matt Ritchey, began home brewing, it wasn’t exactly easy to transition into full-time jobs making beer for a ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    August 14, 2023
    1256
    0

    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

    Insiders: Matt Psenicka, Billy Nauss, Brian Nauss Midwest Brew Review on You Tube Favorite breweries: Growing up and living around Downers Grove, we’ve had the pleasure of watching both Alter Brewing and Goldfinger turn into two outstanding breweries in their own right. Goldfinger’s rich tradition and strict discipline in their brewing process produce some of the ...
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  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    July 13, 2023
    2024
    0

    Inside Scoop: The Lodi Tap House “Christmas in July” Beer Advent Calendar pre-sale, Streetz Arts Alliance shows, Ravenswood on Tap, Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer Fest and Sketchbook’s Oktoberfest celebration

    Lodi Tap House celebrates “Christmas in July” with popular Beer Advent Calendar pre-sale The temperatures may be warming up outside, but it’s Christmas in July at the Lodi Tap House. The craft beer establishment has launched its third edition of the Lodi Tap House Beer Advent Calendar. The exclusive pre-sale takes place throughout July. This one-of-a ...
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  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    June 2, 2023
    956
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    Brewer’s Choice: Door 4 Brewing’s Justin Curtis on Twisted Hippo’s dark lager and Noon Whistle’s hop water, Old Irving making their guest tap list, and excitement for patio season in Decatur

    Justin Curtis Head brewer at Door 4 Brewing Co. Decatur, IL Door4Brewing.com The last really good beer you drank was… I had the opportunity to go to Asheville (N.C.) and do a collaboration with Eurisko Beer Company this winter. Zac had a killer pilsner that we drank off the tank all day. I’m also still a ...
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  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    February 16, 2023
    3184
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    Fresh on the scene: Learn more about the new venues from District Brew Yards, Alter Brewing + Kitchen, Burning Bush Brewery and Hop Butcher for the World

    District Brew Yards adds suburban Wheeling location Already a hit in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, District Brew Yards opened its highly-anticipated second location late last fall in the former Ram Restaurant & Brewery location in north suburban Wheeling. We had the pleasure of attending the grand opening (with a few additional follow-up visits), and could ...
    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
[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

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.
One of the nearly 400 locations around the state t One of the nearly 400 locations around the state that you can find a stack of Illinois Brewing is @noonwhistlebrewing in west suburban Lombard. Check out their Gummy series of hazy IPAs, solid daily specials, crispy pizzas and Pause sparkling water with THC
Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the @streetzmob Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the @streetzmobeatz artisan market at @tightheadbrew May 18, the @willcountybeerandbourbonfest May 31, Mayfestiversary with @begylebrewing and @dovetailbrewery May 24-25, @keggrovebrewco BBQ Smoke Show June 7 and more 

Read it all now at Illinoisbrewing.com
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Brewer's Choice

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 ...
  • Spotlight on Macushla Brewing in north suburban Glenview

    By Trent Modglin
    June 3, 2025
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