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Illinois Brewing

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
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  • Last Call: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery?

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  • 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

Tag: Phase Three

Home›Posts Tagged "Phase Three"
  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    May 14, 2024
    1386
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    Last call: From White Oak and Roaring Table to Hopewell and Kinslahger, we asked craft beer enthusiasts and industry professionals for the most underrated breweries in Illinois

    Spring issue question: What is the most underrated craft brewery in Illinois?  “White Oak Brewing down in Normal. Scott and his team are consistently doing awesome beers. We’ve collaborated with them on a beer and scheduled to do another one. I don’t know if it’s mid-state thing or whatever, but I don’t feel like they’re ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    April 26, 2024
    1380
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    Illinois Brewing Insider Daniel Booth on his admiration of Phase Three, Roaring Table and Art History Brewing, the assortment and community vibes at The Beer Cellar, and why The 1899 Pub is a must-stop in Ohio

    Art History Brewing in Geneva Daniel Booth Beertender and sales associate The Beer Cellar 488 Crescent Blvd. in Glen Ellyn BeerCellarChicago.com Favorite breweries: Man, where to start. We are spoiled here in Illinois by the sheer number of breweries available to us, not to mention the quality of product being produced. You almost can’t throw ...
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  • Interviews
    By Trent Modglin
    April 15, 2024
    1904
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    Q&A with Dan Ochwat and Jessica Sedgwick — This Chicago couple co-authored “Beer Hiking Chicago and Beyond,” a new guidebook made up of a curated collection of 30 family-friendly beer hikes

    By Trent Modglin Beer Hiking Chicago and Beyond is available for pre-sale online via Amazon, Target and more.  Q: What was it that initially led you guys to write the book? Jessica: Well, for us, we didn’t come to the project set out to create this book, it just sort of happened. Like a lot ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    December 17, 2023
    1091
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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 ...
    Read More
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    November 14, 2023
    1249
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    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 ...
    Read More
  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    October 24, 2023
    782
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    Inside Scoop: The Lake County Libation Trail’s Spooks & Spirits Check-in Challenge, Will Run for Beer 5k, and Streetz Artz Alliance upcoming markets

    Spooks and Spirits Check-in Challenge on the Lake County Libation Trail runs through Oct. 31 You have another week remaining to enjoy this spine-tingling adventure with the Lake County Libation Trail’s Spooks and Spirits Check-In Challenge. All you have to do is visit five or more participating locations to enter for a chance to win ...
    Read More
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    October 17, 2023
    1497
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    New kids on the block: A handful of exciting new breweries have opened in Illinois, and we couldn’t be happier to hoist a pint with them

    By Trent Modglin The Vogt House by Banging Gavel Brews 17400 Oak Park Ave in Tinley Park BanginGavel.com The anticipation: Banging Gavel can see the finish line of a project that started in 2017, and it looks glorious. The restoration of the stunning Karl Vogt House in Tinley Park is complete, and the opening of ...
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  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    September 15, 2023
    1682
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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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  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    September 7, 2023
    1232
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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
    1293
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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 ...
    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.

illinoisbrewing

Stylish magazine, website and e-mail newsletter focused on the vibrant craft beer scene in Illinois. Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

If you haven’t tried the menu at @industryales i If you haven’t tried the menu at @industryales in downtown Chicago yet, prepare to be blown away. 

Be on the lookout for our Breweries in Bunches feature on the four Loop breweries in our new summer issue.
Well, we thought we were doing a decent job with t Well, we thought we were doing a decent job with the magazine, but it seems Illinois Brewing is so entertaining, it can even distract people from enjoying the likes of Malibu Beach and Joshua Tree National Park in California.
From @oldirvingbrewing burgers and the @uneannee c From @oldirvingbrewing burgers and the @uneannee cave monster sandwich to @crustbrewing fish tacos and @morebrewing Indian dishes, we asked readers and industry professionals: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery?

Read the Last Call section now at IllinoisBrewing.com
Quick family vacation to Southern California and c Quick family vacation to Southern California and coming away impressed with the San Diego craft beer scene. Favorites so far include: @moderntimesbeer Orderville hazy IPA (winner so far), @latitude33brew Brewing’s blood orange IPA, @seekbeerco That Adds Up hazy IPA, @coronadobrewing Weekend Vibes IPA, @emboldenbeerco Industry blonde ale and @burgeonbeer Carlsbad Crush pale ale.
Read our spotlight on @suncatcherbrewing — who h Read our spotlight on @suncatcherbrewing — who happens to be hosting a Summer Solstice party today.

“Suncatcher is all about going back to the beers I was stoked and inspired by when I was first learning about beer as a younger person… and keeping that feeling going.” — Co-owner Matt Gallagher

Read the feature now at IllinoisBrewing.com
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
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RECENT POSTS

Last Call

Last Call: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery?

Old Irving Brewing’s burger of the week We asked craft beer enthusiasts and industry veterans for the best meal they’ve had at an Illinois brewery recently Hands down, Old Irving ...
  • Spotlight on Suncatcher Brewing

    By Trent Modglin
    June 21, 2025
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