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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
  • 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: Illinois beer

Home›Posts Tagged "Illinois beer"
  • 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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  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    May 3, 2025
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    Brewery spotlight on Springfield’s Engrained Brewing Company

    Spotlight on Engrained Brewing Company: With an emphasis on utilizing local produce and livestock, as well as reducing our environmental footprint, this Springfield brewery boasts an “upscale casual” space, farm-to-table menu and wide-ranging beer selection By Trent Modglin 1120 West Lincolnshire Blvd. Springfield, IL EngrainedBrewery.com 4-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. ...
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  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    January 31, 2025
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    Inside Scoop: Illinois craft brewers are embracing the future of hemp-infused beverages

    By Ray Stout Executive director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild In recent years, intoxicating hemp beverages — drinks infused with Delta-8 and Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) derived from hemp — have gained popularity across the U.S. These non-alcoholic drinks, containing significant amounts of THC (e.g., 5 mg per 12-ounce serving), present a new frontier for ...
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  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    March 11, 2024
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    Inside Scoop: Beer Under Glass kicks off Illinois Craft Beer Week May 3, Industry Ales and Tonality Brewing openings, Brother Chimp’s anniversary party March 15-17, upcoming events, brewery deals and more

    Beer Under Glass kicks off Craft Beer Week May 3 Get excited, because Illinois Craft Beer Week is back May 3-10. That means a full week filled with a dynamic lineup of festivals, events and specials to engage craft beer enthusiasts throughout the state.  Beer Under Glass (BUG), the cornerstone event for the Illinois Craft Brewers ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    December 17, 2023
    1051
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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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  • Interviews
    By Trent Modglin
    December 14, 2023
    1261
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    Q&A with Beckie O’Connor about the long-awaited official grand opening of The Vogt House by Banging Gavel Brews in Tinley Park

    The Vogt House by Banging Gavel Brews 17400 Oak Park Ave in Tinley Park BanginGavel.com Banging Gavel can finally see the light! The preservation project of the historic Vogt House in Tinley Park that started back in 2017 is complete, and BGB is opening its doors, officially, by trotting out a lineup of its own ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    December 5, 2023
    2259
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    Spotlight on One Allegiance Brewing: Zack Judickas’ entrepreneurial spirit, patience and creativity have made this SW suburban brewery and beer garden a true destination

    One Allegiance Brewing 10215 S. Harlem Ave. Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 OneAllegiance.com Tuesday-Thursday: 4-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday: Noon-1 a.m. Sunday: Noon-11 p.m. History in short: Dating back to his college days at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Zack Judickas always knew he wanted to be an entrepreneur. As breweries were popping up left and right throughout Chicago ...
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  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    November 29, 2023
    1605
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    Brewer’s Choice: Nik & Ivy’s Chrissy Ivnik on Maplewood’s Charlatan pale ale, the variety at Noon Whistle, and how her founder memberships can be the perfect holiday gift

    Chrissy Ivnik, co-owner Nik & Ivy Brewing Co. 1026 S. State Street Lockport, IL 60441 The last really good beer I drank was… our Nik of Time Peanut Butter Cup. It tastes like a perfect peanut butter cup! Also, Charlatan from Maplewood Brewing. It’s a good, classic American pale ale that’s refreshing, crisp and has just the right ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    October 27, 2023
    1438
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    Illinois Brewing Insider: Chicagoland Brews Cruise owner Kirk Kilker on the passion shown by Alter Brewing and Whiskey Hill, appreciating the grodziskie style, and the Sidecar Supper Club in Batavia

    Kirk Kilker Owner, Chicagoland Brews Cruise ChicagolandBrewsCruise.com Favorite breweries: I am blessed to have a number of great breweries near my home. Three of my favorites are Art History in Geneva, Brother Chimp in North Aurora and Sturdy Shelter in Batavia. Great beer, friendly staff and easy to get to. I love being able to support businesses close ...
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  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    August 21, 2023
    1990
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    Spotlight on Triptych Brewing: Located just outside of Champaign, this 10-year-old brewery with 28 beers on draft has seen significant expansion while focusing on owning the local market

    Triptych Brewing 1703 Woodfield Drive Savoy, IL TriptychBrewing.com Monday-Wednesday: 3-9 p.m. Thursday: 3-10 p.m. Friday: 12-11 p.m. Saturday: 12-11 p.m. Sunday: 12-8 p.m. History in short: It all started some 10 years ago, when Anthony Benjamin and a couple friends had an inkling to start a brewery. “I had home-brewing experience and computer engineering experience, ...
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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

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
Illinois Brewing's Beer of the week: Lil’ Bison Illinois Brewing's Beer of the week: Lil’ Bison hefeweizen from @sturdyshelterbrewing in west suburban Batavia

Just in time for spring, this German classic is brewed with a Bavarian hefeweizen yeast and is bursting with that traditional banana/clove flavor. Links & Drinks is still happening throughout the western burbs too, so bring your putting stroke.
Our spring issue cover story — Read it now at Il Our spring issue cover story — Read it now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewery bites: Great craft beer is everywhere in Illinois, but here are a few dishes we’ve encountered at spots like @openoutcrybrewing @crustbrewing and @destihlbrewery @destihlrestaurant that are sure to get your stomach growling as well
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RECENT POSTS

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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