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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 Hannah Gilmore, assistant taproom manager at Begyle Brewing

  • Inside Scoop: The highly anticipated Festival of Barrel-Aged Beers (FoBAB) returns to Chicago Nov. 13-14

  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with 93 Octane Brewery’s Sam Altaner

  • Last Call: What was your favorite craft beer experience of the summer?

  • Spotlight on White Oak Brewing in Normal

Tag: Off Color Brewing

Home›Posts Tagged "Off Color Brewing"
  • Group of friends at a long outdoor picnic table, sharing a meal with burgers, fries, and drinks under a canopy.
    Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    July 20, 2026
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    Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

    Uné Année Brewery in Niles The question: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer? Uné Année Brewery in Niles. The patio is covered, there’s a stage to see great bands play, plenty of games and bubbles for the kids, etc. It is a very secluded area off the road, ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    January 26, 2026
    1252
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    Illinois Brewing Insider: Rachel Morrison from Beer Adjacent

    Midwest Coast Brewing in Chicago Rachel Morrison BeerAdjacent.com @beeradjacent Favorite breweries: This question feels illegal, but I’ll share my current stomping grounds since inquiring minds want to know! A newer favorite is Suncatcher Brewing for their patio, pale ale selection and cozy taproom. Maplewood Brewery & Distillery is a regular spot for their newly launched (and ...
    Read More
  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    September 24, 2025
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    Last Call: What’s your favorite Oktoberfest or fall beer?

    The following version of our magazine’s popular Last Call section is from a special digital Oktoberfest issue we published in early September. Check it out here. The question: What’s your favorite Oktoberfest or fall beer? Every Oktoberfest beer is a good beer! The ones I make sure to grab every year are Lager Town from ...
    Read More
  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    August 23, 2025
    2591
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    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 ...
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  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    March 27, 2025
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    Brewer’s Choice: Adams Street Brewery’s Mark Duchow and Jim Riggs on great recent beers from Off Color, Double Clutch and Dovetail, raking in 17 awards in 2024, and tapping a pair of favorite stouts this spring

    Adams Street Brewery inside the historic Berghoff restaurant 17 W. Adams in Chicago AdamsStreetBrewery.com The last really good beer I drank was… Jim: Typically, I would say a High Life or Miller Lite, but in this case, it would definitely have to be Beer for Tacos by Off Color Brewing. It’s such a complex wheat ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    February 21, 2025
    2680
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    Illinois Brewing Insider: Mike Gemma on creating a welcoming vibe at Haymarket, Piece Pizza as a go-to spot, Hopewell Brewing’s Tank Beer and visiting Russian River on his anniversary

    Mike Gemma Co-owner, Haymarket Pub & Brewery Chicago, IL and Bridgman, MI Favorite breweries: So many great ones to choose from! Can’t really go wrong with the combo of pizza and beer, so easily Piece Pizzeria & Brewery in Chicago is one of my go-to spots. A couple of The Weight pale ales to pair ...
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  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    October 11, 2024
    2404
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    Brewer’s Choice: Azadi Brewing’s Bhavik Modi on Off Color Brewing’s thoughtful marketing, Dovetail’s Czech-style pilsner, staying true to his Indian roots, and his own chicory amber ale

    Bhavik Modi Co-founder of Azadi Brewing Company Brewing out of Pilot Project in Chicago, IL  The last really good beer I drank was… I just enjoyed the Czech-style pilsner from Dovetail Brewery recently with friends. I’ve traveled quite a bit to Europe, and this reminded me of some of the classic beers I had throughout ...
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  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    June 30, 2024
    2900
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: Twisted Hippo’s Karl Rutherford on Scratch Brewing’s Black Walnut dark lager, an appreciation for Old Irving Brewing, Off Color and Alarmist, and the popularity of his own Fruit Booty series of fruited goses

    Karl Rutherford Owner and brewery director at Twisted Hippo Chicago and Wheeling, IL (Inside District Brew Yards) TwistedHippo.com The last really good beer I drank was… Black Walnut from Scratch Brewing Company. I am a huge fan of dark lagers, and this one took the style to the next level. The slightly chocolate backbone was ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    June 8, 2023
    4674
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    Brewery spotlight: Both innovative and unconventional, Off Color Brewing, the self-proclaimed “fermentation-focused brewery,” has been racking up awards for 10 years in Chicago

    Off Color Brewing 1460 N. Kingsbury Chicago, IL OffColorBrewing.com Sunday-Thursday: Noon-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday: Noon-midnight History in short: Owners John Laffler and Dave Bleitner, like so many others in the industry, did “other stuff” for a while before figuring out they were better at making beer than at the other stuff. The two met at the famed Siebel ...
    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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Oct 20

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One of the most anticipated beer events in the country, @fobab (aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers) is where brewers show off their most ambitious, most imaginative creations and where drinkers get to explore the absolute edge of craft beer.

Tickets for Nov. 13-14 are on sale now at FOBAB.com. Read more about this event in our Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

One of the most anticipated beer events in the country, @fobab (aka the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers) is where brewers show off their most ambitious, most imaginative creations and where drinkers get to explore the absolute edge of craft beer.

Tickets for Nov. 13-14 are on sale now at FOBAB.com. Read more about this event in our Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Oct 19

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Catching the Bears game at the versatile @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston prior to the kid’s playoff baseball game down the street = a quality decision. Smoked turkey BLT, nice variety of brews, classic cars and three different rooms to enjoy.

Catching the Bears game at the versatile @doubleclutchbrewery in Evanston prior to the kid’s playoff baseball game down the street = a quality decision. Smoked turkey BLT, nice variety of brews, classic cars and three different rooms to enjoy.

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Oct 16

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Now this is a trend we can get behind — an imperial Oktoberfest. Nice little mid-October treat from Colorado’s @averybrewingcompany during a lunch meeting in Chicago today

Now this is a trend we can get behind — an imperial Oktoberfest. Nice little mid-October treat from Colorado’s @averybrewingcompany during a lunch meeting in Chicago today

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Oct 14

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The one and only Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers ( aka @fobab ) is only a month away and will include more than 250 barrel-aged beers, ciders, meads and perries. This massive event is always a highlight of the year, so get your tickets now.

The one and only Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers ( aka @fobab ) is only a month away and will include more than 250 barrel-aged beers, ciders, meads and perries. This massive event is always a highlight of the year, so get your tickets now.

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Oct 13

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Brewer’s Choice Q&A from our fall issue: @93octanebrewery brewer Sam Altaner on the simple pleasure that is the @dovetailbrewery helles lager … the impressive selection at @bubblehousebrewing … the joy of giving back to the community … and anticipating his own barrel-aged Belgian golden strong later this fall

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewer’s Choice Q&A from our fall issue: @93octanebrewery brewer Sam Altaner on the simple pleasure that is the @dovetailbrewery helles lager … the impressive selection at @bubblehousebrewing … the joy of giving back to the community … and anticipating his own barrel-aged Belgian golden strong later this fall

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Oct 12

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Quite a haul for the proud state of Illinois out at the @greatamericanbeerfestival in Colorado this past weekend. Congrats to all the winners. Keep spoiling us with some of the best craft beer in the country.

Quite a haul for the proud state of Illinois out at the @greatamericanbeerfestival in Colorado this past weekend. Congrats to all the winners. Keep spoiling us with some of the best craft beer in the country.

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Oct 9

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Soaking up as much of this 70s weather as possible on the patio at @wehavegreatbeerpr with a stellar Southern Tuba hazy IPA from @roaringtable and an @alarmistbrewing Crispy Boy pilsner (thanks to @pollyannabrewingcompany for keeping it alive)

Soaking up as much of this 70s weather as possible on the patio at @wehavegreatbeerpr with a stellar Southern Tuba hazy IPA from @roaringtable and an @alarmistbrewing Crispy Boy pilsner (thanks to @pollyannabrewingcompany for keeping it alive)

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Oct 8

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Time to register for the @willrunforbeerchicago 5K on Chicago’s lakefront Oct. 24

Some 5K races end at the finish line. This one is just getting started. Will Run For Beer Chicago returns October 24 to Lincoln Park, serving up a scenic 5K with Chicago skyline and lakefront views before turning race day into a full-on celebration. Post-run, head to the Lager Than Life Brewfest for craft beer samples, food, live music and Oktoberfest energy. Plus, every registration includes race swag, a bottle-opener medal and tasting glass. Run the 5K. Earn the beer. Make a day of it. Register now at WillRunForBeerChicago.com

Time to register for the @willrunforbeerchicago 5K on Chicago’s lakefront Oct. 24

Some 5K races end at the finish line. This one is just getting started. Will Run For Beer Chicago returns October 24 to Lincoln Park, serving up a scenic 5K with Chicago skyline and lakefront views before turning race day into a full-on celebration. Post-run, head to the Lager Than Life Brewfest for craft beer samples, food, live music and Oktoberfest energy. Plus, every registration includes race swag, a bottle-opener medal and tasting glass. Run the 5K. Earn the beer. Make a day of it. Register now at WillRunForBeerChicago.com

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Oct 6

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Last Call from our big fall issue: From the @greattastemw in Madison and the @milkmoneybrewing Summerfest to concerts in Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark and chilling on the patio at @halfacrebeer and @sturdyshelterbrewing we asked readers for their favorite craft beer experiences of the summer 

Read it all now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Last Call from our big fall issue: From the @greattastemw in Madison and the @milkmoneybrewing Summerfest to concerts in Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark and chilling on the patio at @halfacrebeer and @sturdyshelterbrewing we asked readers for their favorite craft beer experiences of the summer

Read it all now at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Oct 3

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Oktoberfest is off and running at @uneannee Brewery in Niles. All day today and Sunday. Weather is perfect, the beer is cold, and the vibes are festive

Oktoberfest is off and running at @uneannee Brewery in Niles. All day today and Sunday. Weather is perfect, the beer is cold, and the vibes are festive

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Oct 2

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Spotlight on @whiteoakbrewing 

This expanding brewery in Normal, Illinois is known for its wide range of beers — from award-winning BA stouts and English-style ales on cask to hazy IPAs — as well some friendly taproom vibes and unique events

Read the feature from our fall issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Spotlight on @whiteoakbrewing

This expanding brewery in Normal, Illinois is known for its wide range of beers — from award-winning BA stouts and English-style ales on cask to hazy IPAs — as well some friendly taproom vibes and unique events

Read the feature from our fall issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com

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Sep 29

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A rare laid-back weekend included some great yard/garage work beers from the likes of @sketchbookbrew @whiteoakbrewing @keggrovebrewco @destihlbrewery @solemnoathbeer @hiddenhandbeer and @adamsstreetbrewery

A rare laid-back weekend included some great yard/garage work beers from the likes of @sketchbookbrew @whiteoakbrewing @keggrovebrewco @destihlbrewery @solemnoathbeer @hiddenhandbeer and @adamsstreetbrewery

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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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Illinois Brewing Insider Hannah Gilmore, assistant taproom manager at Begyle Brewing

Begyle Brewing in Chicago Hannah Gilmore Assitant taproom manager Begyle Brewing Chicago, IL  Favorite breweries: Hop Butcher and Half Acre in Chicago are two of my favorites. I love virtually ...
  • Inside Scoop: The highly anticipated Festival of Barrel-Aged Beers (FoBAB) returns to Chicago Nov. 13-14

    By Trent Modglin
    October 20, 2026
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