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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: Oktoberfest

Home›Posts Tagged "Oktoberfest"
  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    September 12, 2024
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    Inside Scoop: Upcoming Oktoberfest brewery events across Chicagoland, Will Run for Beer 5K, Midwest Coast’s 5-year anniversary party and more

    The following is a paid promotional opportunity from the fall issue of Illinois Brewing, which is out now and available at more than 400 locations across the state. Sketchbook’s annual Oktoberfest Sept. 20-22 Think tradition — with a few twists! Local food, fun games, contests and live music all three days make for one of ...
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  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    March 11, 2024
    2594
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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
    October 27, 2023
    2901
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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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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    October 21, 2023
    2775
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Timothy Ficken from Midwest Coast Brewing on the lagers and hefeweizens and Dovetail and Metropolitan, the return of his own Friendsgiving spiced strong ale, and hidden gem bars like Tuman’s Tap

    Timothy Ficken Brewery manager at Midwest Coast Brewing in Chicago’s West Loop MidwestCoastBrewing.com Favorite breweries: The first one I always think of is Hopewell. Everything they do is just awesome. Little Buddy is great, Ride or Die, their First Pils too.  I love going to Metropolitan as far as taproom and outdoor spaces on the ...
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  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    September 15, 2023
    3249
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    Inside Scoop: Prost!! It’s Oktoberfest season, and we’ve got the goods on many of the best festivals around Illinois

    The following Oktoberfest events can be found in our special digital Oktoberfest issue, which can be read here. Prost!  50th Havana Oktoberfest Sept. 8-10 Come celebrate five decades of historic Havana’s Oktoberfest and its eclectic mix of the modern and the traditional. Head to the city’s downtown district, where you’ll find something for every age at ...
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  • Interviews
    By Trent Modglin
    September 11, 2023
    3112
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    Q&A with Rob Hunter: We sat down with Crust Brewing’s head brewer to discuss his brewing background, a history of Oktoberfest beer, and getting things rolling in Rosemont

    The following Q&A is part of our special digital Oktoberfest issue of Illinois Brewing, with tons of added seasonal content and events. Check it out here.  By Trent Modglin Crust Brewing 5500 Park Place in Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Bark 630-653-5500 CrustBrewing.com Q: When did you develop a love of beer? Was there a specific memory ...
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  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    September 7, 2023
    3205
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    Last call: We asked craft beer insiders and enthusiasts for their favorite Oktoberfest and fall beers

    The following Last Call article is part of our special digital Oktoberfest issue. You can read this special issue here.  Party Hat, the Oktoberfest from Byers Brewing Company in DeKalb, is a great beer for fall. I had never tried it until a friend brought some to our NIU football tailgate last September, and I ...
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  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    September 1, 2023
    2748
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    Brewer’s Choice: Burnt City’s Ben Saller on being impressed by Phase Three and Roaring Table, constantly tweaking recipes, and tapping his own traditional Oktoberfest

    Burnt City Brewing Located at District Brew Yards in Chicago at 417 N. Ashland and in north suburban Wheeling at 700 N. Milwaukee Ave. BurntCityBrewing.com The last really good beer you drank was… Geo, the Phase Three West Coast pilsner. I picked it up at my local store, and it’s a style I’ve been intrigued ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    August 14, 2023
    2686
    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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  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    July 29, 2023
    4004
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    Spotlight on Burning Bush Brewery: The creation of a former pastor, this newer brewery in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood offers a beautiful riverfront patio, tasty beers and a perfect stop-off on the way to Wrigley

    Burning Bush Brewery 4014 N. Rockwell St. Chicago, IL BurningBushBrewery.com Monday-Thursday: 4-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 12-11 p.m. Sunday: 12-8 p.m. History in short: Brent Raska was a Presbyterian pastor in the southwest suburbs who saw his church close down in January of 2018, all while he had a 2-year-old at home and another baby on the ...
    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
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. ...

7 0

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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
...

12 0

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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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