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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: Q&A with Keg Grove Brewing Company’s Jeff Mroz

  • Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

  • Spotlight on Adams Street Brewery in Chicago’s historic Berghoff restaurant

  • Illinois Brewing Insider Paul McCann, head of production at Uné Année Brewery

  • Underrated brewery patios and beer gardens that are perfect for a cold beer this summer

Tag: Mikerphone

Home›Posts Tagged "Mikerphone"
  • Group of friends posing for a photo at an outdoor street festival, several holding drinks.
    Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    June 24, 2026
    1336
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    Inside Scoop: Oak Park Microbrew Review, Streetz Artz Alliance summer shows, Buffalo Creek Brewing Sausage Fest, Maplewood Public House and Burning Bush Brewery’s cocktail bar, a Belgian beer competition in St. Charles, brewery deals and more

    Oak Park Microbrew Review The zero-waste Oak Park Microbrew Review festival is Aug. 22 On Saturday, Aug. 22, Oak Park’s Microbrew Review will be celebrating its 19th year as the largest zero-waste craft beer festival in the Midwest. It also happens to raise funds for the environmental nonprofit, Seven Generations Ahead. To make the event ...
    Read More
  • Interviews
    By Trent Modglin
    March 27, 2026
    1003
    0

    Q&A with Brent Banks, as Saint Errant Brewing finds a home in Evanston

    By Trent Modglin We sat down with Saint Errant Brewing co-founder Brent Banks to discuss departing the corporate world, expectations about his new taproom opening March 27, and what’s in the tanks that has him excited With a background in finance and consulting, Brent Banks, who has been brewing for nearly two decades, admits to ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    December 29, 2025
    1189
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Bubblehouse Brewing’s Jon Miller

    Jon Miller Brewer/Owner Bubblehouse Brewing Company 2121 Ogden Ave. in Lisle Favorite breweries: We are fortunate to have an abundance of amazing breweries in the great state of Illinois. I could wax poetic about so many fine establishments (that I rarely have time to visit), but a few that we find ourselves enjoying time and time again ...
    Read More
  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    August 23, 2025
    2130
    0

    Last Call: What is the most underrated spot to drink outdoors in Illinois?

    Sketchbook Brewing in Skokie To us, it’s always about hanging with family and friends at Sketchbook Brewing’s spacious front patio in Skokie. It’s a mix of sun and shade like your own backyard, only with great beer, food trucks, board games, fun events and live music on Sundays. — Dominic Soric Small but mighty, I ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    July 18, 2025
    1894
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Beer on the Wall’s Elmhurst GM Luciano Fiore

    Luciano Fiore GM at Beer on the Wall in Elmhurst 105 N. York Street WeHaveGreatBeer.com Favorite breweries: This is a pretty tough question to answer, as we are extremely spoiled for good suds here in Illinois. Some of the names that come to mind for me are Maplewood, Mikerphone, Half Acre, Roaring Table, Goldfinger and Art ...
    Read More
  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    July 14, 2024
    1731
    0

    Inside Scoop: Plenty of events like the College of Dupage “Business of Craft beer” seminar, Mikerphone’s Smells Like a Beer Fest, Oak Park Microbrew Review, Gurnee Legions of Craft Beer and Streetz Artz Alliance shows

    The College of Dupage “Business of Craft beer” information seminar July 16 Join the College of DuPage and their popular Business of Craft Beer program at Pollyanna Brewing Company in Lemont for an exciting in-person event where you can learn all about the business side of craft beer. Whether you’re a seasoned brewer, just starting ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    June 27, 2023
    3585
    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
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    April 15, 2023
    3293
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insiders Romeo & Brewliet on the excitement surrounding Phase Three’s second location, partying with (and learning from) Chaos Brew Club, and the impressive tap selection at Church Street

    Beer blogging couple Romeo & Brewliet RomeoAndBrewliet.com Instagram: @romeoandbrewliet Favorite breweries: (Romeo) Starting with the hardest question of all I see. Well, that’s tough. My handful would have to start with Mikerphone and Phase Three. I haven’t had many from either of those breweries that I didn’t love. I love the vibe at Metal Monkey, along ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    January 11, 2023
    3231
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Tommy Riemer on Maplewood’s Morbidly Obese Pug, a love of Phase Three and Lil Beaver Brewing, shopping at Bottle Theory and crossing the border for Beer Church and Journeyman Distillery

    Beer Church in New Buffalo, Mich. We ask craft-beer enthusiasts and Illinois brewers for some of their favorite local breweries, beers and experiences  Would you like to participate? Join our e-mail newsletter and follow us on Instagram at @IllinoisBrewing and Facebook at @Illinois Brewing, and we may just select you  Tommy Riemer General manager of The Beacon ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    September 21, 2022
    2930
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Ryan Daniels on the Half Acre beer garden, the Clockwork English barleywine from Foreign Exchange Brewing, and what’s caught his eye of late

    Half Acre’s Balmoral beer garden We ask craft-beer enthusiasts and Illinois brewers for some of their favorite local breweries, beers and experiences  Would you like to participate? Join our e-mail newsletter and follow us on Instagram at @IllinoisBrewing and Facebook at @Illinois Brewing, and we may just select you  Ryan Daniels, 47 Highland Park, IL Advisory board ...
    Read More

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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Jul 24

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Plans this weekend? @streetzartzalliance is hosting a Summerween Market at @soundgrowler Brewing Co. this Saturday, July 25

Head to Tinley Park from 12-5 p.m. for one seriously spooky artisan market — where Halloween meets summer vibes. Expect eerie art, creepy crafts, and ghoulishly good items from a lineup of local makers.

Come in costume (or not), grab a cold beer and celebrate the spooky season a little early with the folks from Streetz Artz Alliance.

Plans this weekend? @streetzartzalliance is hosting a Summerween Market at @soundgrowler Brewing Co. this Saturday, July 25

Head to Tinley Park from 12-5 p.m. for one seriously spooky artisan market — where Halloween meets summer vibes. Expect eerie art, creepy crafts, and ghoulishly good items from a lineup of local makers.

Come in costume (or not), grab a cold beer and celebrate the spooky season a little early with the folks from Streetz Artz Alliance.
...

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Jul 23

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From our big summer issue available everywhere...

Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Jeff Mroz from @keggrovebrewco on being impressed with @whiteoakbrewing and @industryales … churning out an assortment of popular fruited wheat beers … and his Christmas in July celebration coming up July 25

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big summer issue available everywhere...

Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Jeff Mroz from @keggrovebrewco on being impressed with @whiteoakbrewing and @industryales … churning out an assortment of popular fruited wheat beers … and his Christmas in July celebration coming up July 25

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com
...

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Jul 23

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Just over a week to go until Sausage Fest at @buffalocreekbrewing in historic Long Grove. Mark your calendar for the “Wurst type of festival” on July 31 (4-9pm) and Aug. 1 (1-9pm). Lots happening, including…

🌭European Sausages
🥨Giant Soft Pretzels
🍻New Beer Releases
📯Live German Music 
🍺Steinholding Contests
✌️German Games

Just over a week to go until Sausage Fest at @buffalocreekbrewing in historic Long Grove. Mark your calendar for the “Wurst type of festival” on July 31 (4-9pm) and Aug. 1 (1-9pm). Lots happening, including…

🌭European Sausages
🥨Giant Soft Pretzels
🍻New Beer Releases
📯Live German Music
🍺Steinholding Contests
✌️German Games
...

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Jul 21

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Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

I’m biased to a cold beer in the driveway right outside of our Huntley space after a long shift, but other than that, the @plankroadtaproom in Elgin has an amazing outdoor space.” — David Ziebell, head brewer at @morebrewing 

“ @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park. Firepit crackling under the moon on a chilly summer night, and a delicious Chili Haze IPA in my hand.” — Kara Severson

Read the entire spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

I’m biased to a cold beer in the driveway right outside of our Huntley space after a long shift, but other than that, the @plankroadtaproom in Elgin has an amazing outdoor space.” — David Ziebell, head brewer at @morebrewing

“ @hailstormbrewing in Tinley Park. Firepit crackling under the moon on a chilly summer night, and a delicious Chili Haze IPA in my hand.” — Kara Severson

Read the entire spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com
...

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Jul 21

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From the @uneannee patio in Niles and @psbrewingco riverside dock in Rockford to live music outside at @destihlbrewery in Normal and sidewalk dinners at @theperchchicago — we asked readers for the spots they’re most looking forward to still having a beer outside at this summer

Read the Last Call section from our big summer issue now at illinoisbrewing.com

From the @uneannee patio in Niles and @psbrewingco riverside dock in Rockford to live music outside at @destihlbrewery in Normal and sidewalk dinners at @theperchchicago — we asked readers for the spots they’re most looking forward to still having a beer outside at this summer

Read the Last Call section from our big summer issue now at illinoisbrewing.com
...

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Jul 17

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When you find yourself in South Florida, we recommend @dangerousmindsbrewing in Pompano Beach. Enjoyed the Cocobana blonde ale, Stradamus hazy IPA and Jolly Proper British pub ale

When you find yourself in South Florida, we recommend @dangerousmindsbrewing in Pompano Beach. Enjoyed the Cocobana blonde ale, Stradamus hazy IPA and Jolly Proper British pub ale ...

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Jul 15

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It was another great quarterly @ilcraftbeer meeting, and the fine folks at @keggrovemorris went above and beyond as hosts. There are lots of good things happening in the craft beer industry right now, and Illinois Brewing magazine is here to showcase it all

It was another great quarterly @ilcraftbeer meeting, and the fine folks at @keggrovemorris went above and beyond as hosts. There are lots of good things happening in the craft beer industry right now, and Illinois Brewing magazine is here to showcase it all ...

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Jul 13

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Solid selections from the best beer fridge around while watching England beat Norway (at an English neighbor’s garage party) included the @begylebrewing No Tomorrow hazy pale ale, @solemnoathbeer Hippo Trout dark mild ale and Foderface Marzen, and @keggrovebrewco Gravel Beer pale ale.

Solid selections from the best beer fridge around while watching England beat Norway (at an English neighbor’s garage party) included the @begylebrewing No Tomorrow hazy pale ale, @solemnoathbeer Hippo Trout dark mild ale and Foderface Marzen, and @keggrovebrewco Gravel Beer pale ale. ...

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Jul 9

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Well, sometimes it pays to be up late working, especially when good news like this breaks…

It’s official: @pollyannabrewingcompany has acquired @alarmistbrewing - the longtime Chicago brewery that closed its doors earlier this year. We’re told the Sauganash taproom will undergo “guest‑experience upgrades” before reopening in late 2026 as a Pollyanna location. 

Look for the addition of a pizza‑driven, artisanal shareables menu, and for Pollyanna to continue producing Alarmist favorites like Le Jus, Pantless, Crispy Boy and more. The core brands will return to market later this year at bars, restaurants and retail accounts.

“This acquisition aligns two award‑winning producers with shared values around quality and community,” said Ryan Weidner, Pollyanna’s President & CEO. “We’re excited to build on Alarmist’s legacy while expanding Pollyanna’s footprint into the city.”

Look for a Q&A spotlight on this major move in the next issue of Illinois Brewing.

Well, sometimes it pays to be up late working, especially when good news like this breaks…

It’s official: @pollyannabrewingcompany has acquired @alarmistbrewing - the longtime Chicago brewery that closed its doors earlier this year. We’re told the Sauganash taproom will undergo “guest‑experience upgrades” before reopening in late 2026 as a Pollyanna location.

Look for the addition of a pizza‑driven, artisanal shareables menu, and for Pollyanna to continue producing Alarmist favorites like Le Jus, Pantless, Crispy Boy and more. The core brands will return to market later this year at bars, restaurants and retail accounts.

“This acquisition aligns two award‑winning producers with shared values around quality and community,” said Ryan Weidner, Pollyanna’s President & CEO. “We’re excited to build on Alarmist’s legacy while expanding Pollyanna’s footprint into the city.”

Look for a Q&A spotlight on this major move in the next issue of Illinois Brewing.
...

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Jul 9

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One of the state's more underrated patios/beer gardens belongs to @evergreenfarm1858 Brewing near Peoria, which sits on a fifth-generation family farm. Outside of the cozy taproom — which feels a bit like a speakeasy — you’ll find a comfortable patio surrounded by flowers and rustic farming equipment. Tour the property with a cold beer in hand, get ready for some amazing sunsets, and check out their Midwest Skies music series with concerts running July 11, Aug. 22, Sept. 19 and Oct. 3.

Read more about Evergreen and a handful of other underrated patios around the state in our summer issue and online at IllinoisBrewing.com

One of the state`s more underrated patios/beer gardens belongs to @evergreenfarm1858 Brewing near Peoria, which sits on a fifth-generation family farm. Outside of the cozy taproom — which feels a bit like a speakeasy — you’ll find a comfortable patio surrounded by flowers and rustic farming equipment. Tour the property with a cold beer in hand, get ready for some amazing sunsets, and check out their Midwest Skies music series with concerts running July 11, Aug. 22, Sept. 19 and Oct. 3.

Read more about Evergreen and a handful of other underrated patios around the state in our summer issue and online at IllinoisBrewing.com
...

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Jul 7

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From our big summer issue that’s out now...

Spotlight on @adamsstreetbrewery in Chicago’s historic @berghoffchicago — This gorgeous, 128-year-old building in the Loop is dripping with history, full of original woodwork and charm, and home to plenty of award-winning beer and mouthwatering German favorites

Read the feature article now at IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big summer issue that’s out now...

Spotlight on @adamsstreetbrewery in Chicago’s historic @berghoffchicago — This gorgeous, 128-year-old building in the Loop is dripping with history, full of original woodwork and charm, and home to plenty of award-winning beer and mouthwatering German favorites

Read the feature article now at IllinoisBrewing.com
...

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Jul 5

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Day No. 6 of smuggling Illinois beers into the northwoods of Wisconsin features the award-winning 13.5 Polotmavy Pivo from @adamsstreetbrewery inside the historic @berghoffchicago in the Loop. It’s a traditional amber Czech lager with hints of caramel and toasted bread. Look for more on Adams Street in our summer issue out now

Day No. 6 of smuggling Illinois beers into the northwoods of Wisconsin features the award-winning 13.5 Polotmavy Pivo from @adamsstreetbrewery inside the historic @berghoffchicago in the Loop. It’s a traditional amber Czech lager with hints of caramel and toasted bread. Look for more on Adams Street in our summer issue out now ...

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Jul 3

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From our big summer issue that’s out now...

Illinois Brewing Insider Paul McCann, the head of production at @uneannee / @hubbards_cave on their own Summer’s Cauldron IPA, the @halfacrebeer impressive barrel-aging program, the @goldfingerbeer lager lineup, a beautiful day spent at @monkishbrewing in California, and the hidden gem in Chicago that is @laschets Inn

Read the spotlight now: IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big summer issue that’s out now...

Illinois Brewing Insider Paul McCann, the head of production at @uneannee / @hubbards_cave on their own Summer’s Cauldron IPA, the @halfacrebeer impressive barrel-aging program, the @goldfingerbeer lager lineup, a beautiful day spent at @monkishbrewing in California, and the hidden gem in Chicago that is @laschets Inn

Read the spotlight now: IllinoisBrewing.com
...

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RECENT POSTS

Brewer's Choice

Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Keg Grove Brewing Company’s Jeff Mroz

Jeff Mroz Co-owner and brewer Keg Grove Brewing Company Bloomington and Morris, IL  The last really good beer I drank was…  Most recently, I was very impressed with Black and ...
  • Group of friends at a long outdoor picnic table, sharing a meal with burgers, fries, and drinks under a canopy.

    Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

    By Trent Modglin
    July 20, 2026
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