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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 Black Horizon Brewing Company owner/head brewer Alex Stankus

  • Inside Scoop: The annual Beer Under Glass event in Chicago’s Millennium Park kicks off Illinois Craft Beer Week May 8

  • Spotlight on 93 Octane Brewery in St. Charles and Elmhurst

  • Good eats in Lake County: Here’s just a few of the NW suburban breweries serving up much more than just great beer

  • Spotlight on Quincy Brewing Company

Tag: Sketchbook Brewing

Home›Posts Tagged "Sketchbook Brewing"
  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    March 18, 2026
    348
    0

    Insider opinions: What is the best brewery you’ve hit on vacation?

    Maui Brewing Co.  This is the first in a series of articles on the best breweries that industry insiders and craft-beer enthusiasts have hit on vacation This is a tough one. The first that comes to mind is Maui Brewing Co. because it’s right by the airport. After being on that long flight, it’s great to ...
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  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    February 2, 2026
    781
    0

    Last call: What’s the coziest Illinois brewery or bar for these cold winter days?

    Hopleaf in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood As for cozy beer-centric bars, when we are in Chicago we almost always visit Hopleaf. The staff is super knowledgeable, and the beer selection unmatched (especially in terms of rare drafts and bottles). We love the old European beer signage, and the mussels are always ordered. They have been serving ...
    Read More
  • Interviews
    By Trent Modglin
    October 27, 2025
    1154
    0

    Brewery backstories: Q&A with Brian Noonan and Cody Gough from the popular Crafty Brewers podcast

    Q&A with Brian Noonan and Cody Gough from the popular Crafty Brewers podcast CraftyBrewersPod.com Follow them on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and TikTok Q. For someone who hasn’t listened to your podcast before, tell us a bit about how it got started and the focus of Crafty Brewers Brian and Cody: Years ago, we hosted a segment ...
    Read More
  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    September 19, 2025
    1277
    0

    Inside Scoop: Check out some of the fun-filled craft beer Oktoberfest celebrations happening the weekends of Sept. 19-21 and Sept. 26-28

    Sketchbook Brewing Company The following are some of the event listings from our special digital Oktoberfest issue. Check it out.   Sketchbook Brewing’s Oktoberfest Sept. 19-21 Sketchbook Brewing’s annual Oktoberfest celebration will take place Friday, Sept. 19-Sunday, Sept. 21 at both the Skokie and Evanston taprooms. The free event will have live music, stein hoisting ...
    Read More
  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    August 23, 2025
    1693
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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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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    March 22, 2025
    1976
    0

    Illinois Brewing Insider Ted Perez on his favorite local breweries, Monk’s Pub, Sketchbook’s patio and honey basil ale, and fun beer experiences in Japan

    Ted Perez Founder of the Evanston Homebrew Club Favorite breweries: Tough question! With over 300 breweries in the state, I know there’s always a brewery that I haven’t been to yet and looking forward to discovering. My most recent visits have been to, in no particular order: Off Color Brewing, Dovetail Brewery, Begyle Brewing, Half ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    February 21, 2025
    2071
    0

    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
    January 20, 2025
    1821
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    Brewer’s Choice: Sketchbook Brewing’s Jay Dogen on Art History and Goldfinger setting the bar for lagers, discovering the Bierstadt Lagerhaus in Denver, and being proud of Sketchbook’s winter warmer and American stout

    Jay Dogen Assistant brewer at Sketchbook Brewing in Skokie, IL SketchbookBrewing.com The last really good beer I drank was… out in Denver for the Great American Beer Festival. We swung by the Bierstadt Lagerhaus, a German-style, lager-only brewery, and we tried their Oktoberfest, pilsner and helles lager. We had liters of all three, and all ...
    Read More
  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    September 12, 2024
    2291
    0

    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 ...
    Read More
  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    August 19, 2024
    2069
    0

    Brewer’s Choice: The Perch Kitchen & Tap’s Preston Mick on summertime offerings from Alarmist and Sketchbook Brewing, collaborating with CHAOS Brew Club, and his own Mug Club

    The Perch Kitchen & Tap Preston Mick Head Brewer at The Perch Kitchen & Tap in Chicago ThePerchChicago.com The last really good beer you drank was… A Wonderful Digression, which was a black IPA I grabbed a pint of at Green Cheek Beer Co. in Costa Mesa, California. Just a memorable beer in a style I’d love ...
    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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May 1

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Brewer’s Choice from our spring issue: Q&A with @black_horizon_brewing owner/head brewer Alex Stankus on the new @blumeandferris pub ales, rye beers from @werkforcebrewing and @arthistorybrewing as well as ramping up his own lager program and Black Horizon’s upcoming Pickle Fest and nine-year anniversary luau 

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewer’s Choice from our spring issue: Q&A with @black_horizon_brewing owner/head brewer Alex Stankus on the new @blumeandferris pub ales, rye beers from @werkforcebrewing and @arthistorybrewing as well as ramping up his own lager program and Black Horizon’s upcoming Pickle Fest and nine-year anniversary luau

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com
...

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Apr 30

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Inside Scoop: The @ilcraftbeer annual Beer Under Glass event in @millennium_park kicks off @ilcraftbeerweek May 8

Read all about BUG, the Drink Illinois passport program, Craft Beer Week pint glasses and more now in the Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com

Inside Scoop: The @ilcraftbeer annual Beer Under Glass event in @millennium_park kicks off @ilcraftbeerweek May 8

Read all about BUG, the Drink Illinois passport program, Craft Beer Week pint glasses and more now in the Inside Scoop section at IllinoisBrewing.com
...

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Apr 27

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A trio of the 350+ locations you can find a copy of our spring issue is Beer on the Wall — @wehavegreatbeerpr @wehavegreatbeereh and @wehavegreatbeerah — where you can always find a great selection of cans to go and craft beer on draft. Don't sleep on the variety of liquor or THC selzters either. 

Enjoyed recently:
1. 28 Months Later barleywine from @oldirvingbrewing 
2. Mana Wahine tropical stout from @phasethreebrew 
3. Join us in Creating Excellence (JUICE) double NEIPA from @narrowgaugebeer 
4. Herbasaurus West Coast double IPA from @phasethreebrew

A trio of the 350+ locations you can find a copy of our spring issue is Beer on the Wall — @wehavegreatbeerpr @wehavegreatbeereh and @wehavegreatbeerah — where you can always find a great selection of cans to go and craft beer on draft. Don`t sleep on the variety of liquor or THC selzters either.

Enjoyed recently:
1. 28 Months Later barleywine from @oldirvingbrewing
2. Mana Wahine tropical stout from @phasethreebrew
3. Join us in Creating Excellence (JUICE) double NEIPA from @narrowgaugebeer
4. Herbasaurus West Coast double IPA from @phasethreebrew
...

9 0

illinoisbrewing

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Apr 27

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Celebrate spring the Bavarian way at the @buffalocreekbrewing annual Maifest the weekend of May 8–9, benefiting Misericordia. The brewery’s scenic one-acre biergarten comes alive with the sights, sounds and traditions of this classic German celebration. Enjoy lively German folk music from Alpine Thunder, as well as authentic German fare and refreshing seasonal beer releases. Raise a stein and discover small-batch pours at Lager Lane while enjoying raffles, games and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere filled with music, laughter and great beer — all supporting a wonderful cause.

Friday, May 8 from 4-10 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 from noon-10 p.m.

360 Historical Lane in Long Grove. BuffaloCreekBrewing.com

Celebrate spring the Bavarian way at the @buffalocreekbrewing annual Maifest the weekend of May 8–9, benefiting Misericordia. The brewery’s scenic one-acre biergarten comes alive with the sights, sounds and traditions of this classic German celebration. Enjoy lively German folk music from Alpine Thunder, as well as authentic German fare and refreshing seasonal beer releases. Raise a stein and discover small-batch pours at Lager Lane while enjoying raffles, games and a festive, family-friendly atmosphere filled with music, laughter and great beer — all supporting a wonderful cause.

Friday, May 8 from 4-10 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 from noon-10 p.m.

360 Historical Lane in Long Grove. BuffaloCreekBrewing.com
...

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Apr 25

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Brewery spotlight from our big spring issue...

Fully settled into their new Elmhurst location (in addition to the original St. Charles taproom), the growing empire for @93octanebrewery includes a talented brewing duo, 6,000 square-foot brewhouse, a variety of delicious food, community events and a pair of sun-soaked patios perfect for summer. And they’re not done yet.

Read the feature article now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewery spotlight from our big spring issue...

Fully settled into their new Elmhurst location (in addition to the original St. Charles taproom), the growing empire for @93octanebrewery includes a talented brewing duo, 6,000 square-foot brewhouse, a variety of delicious food, community events and a pair of sun-soaked patios perfect for summer. And they’re not done yet.

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

24 0

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Apr 24

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Date: Thursday, 1:30 p.m.

Location: A packed @auchevaldiner in Chicago’s West Loop

Food: One of the best diner cheeseburgers you’ll find anywhere, paired with an order of crispy hash browns.

Craft beer: Off a solid draft list, the Juicy Beer for Burgers pale ale from @offcolorbrewing packs plenty of hops to go with notes of passion fruit, cantaloupe, honeydew and candied fruits.

Date: Thursday, 1:30 p.m.

Location: A packed @auchevaldiner in Chicago’s West Loop

Food: One of the best diner cheeseburgers you’ll find anywhere, paired with an order of crispy hash browns.

Craft beer: Off a solid draft list, the Juicy Beer for Burgers pale ale from @offcolorbrewing packs plenty of hops to go with notes of passion fruit, cantaloupe, honeydew and candied fruits.
...

5 1

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Apr 23

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This beautiful spring weather means sorting through my supply for proper driveway beers with the neighbors. Yesterday's tasting included some gems from the likes of @sketchbookbrew @keggrovebrewco @pollyannabrewingcompany @sainterrantbrewing @horsethiefhollow and @industryales 

Seriously, a lot of NBA All-Star games don't even have a lineup like that.

This beautiful spring weather means sorting through my supply for proper driveway beers with the neighbors. Yesterday`s tasting included some gems from the likes of @sketchbookbrew @keggrovebrewco @pollyannabrewingcompany @sainterrantbrewing @horsethiefhollow and @industryales

Seriously, a lot of NBA All-Star games don`t even have a lineup like that.
...

10 0

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Apr 21

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Three of the 350+ locations you can grab a copy of the spring issue of Illinois Brewing are the new @sainterrantbrewing taproom in Evanston, the gorgeous @crustbrewing in the heart of Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark (try the 312 pizza with shaved Italian beef and giardiniera), and the popular lager-focused @goldfingerbeer in Downers Grove.

Three of the 350+ locations you can grab a copy of the spring issue of Illinois Brewing are the new @sainterrantbrewing taproom in Evanston, the gorgeous @crustbrewing in the heart of Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark (try the 312 pizza with shaved Italian beef and giardiniera), and the popular lager-focused @goldfingerbeer in Downers Grove. ...

16 1

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Apr 20

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From our spring issue...
Good eats in Lake County: @mickey_finns @tangledrootsbrewingcompany and @roaringtable are some of the NW suburban breweries serving up much more than just great beer 

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com

From our spring issue...
Good eats in Lake County: @mickey_finns @tangledrootsbrewingcompany and @roaringtable are some of the NW suburban breweries serving up much more than just great beer

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com
...

16 0

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Apr 17

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Fun and educational day spent at the quarterly @ilcraftbeer meeting at @churchstbrew in Itasca on Tuesday. Get excited for Beer Under Glass and @ilcraftbeerweek kicking off May 8

Fun and educational day spent at the quarterly @ilcraftbeer meeting at @churchstbrew in Itasca on Tuesday. Get excited for Beer Under Glass and @ilcraftbeerweek kicking off May 8 ...

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Apr 14

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One of the new spring menu items at @maplewoodbrew — Slagel Farms St. Louis-style ribs with a cherry peppercorn glaze, lime zest and crushed hazelnuts. Hungry yet?

One of the new spring menu items at @maplewoodbrew — Slagel Farms St. Louis-style ribs with a cherry peppercorn glaze, lime zest and crushed hazelnuts. Hungry yet? ...

7 0

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Apr 13

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Not a bad choice for spending Masters Sunday in front of the TV with my dad.

Not a bad choice for spending Masters Sunday in front of the TV with my dad. ...

5 0

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Apr 11

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Beer Under Glass (BUG), the cornerstone event for the @ilcraftbeer Guild, will be kicking off @ilcraftbeerweek in grand style on Friday, May 8, hosted again this year under the towering glass of Chicago’s iconic skyline — on the acclaimed @millennium_park Harris Theater rooftop terrace.

This unique evening features beer samples from more than 80 Illinois craft breweries, most of whom will be available to chat and answer questions as they’re pouring beer. The event runs 5:30-8:30 p.m., with VIP early entry at 4:30. General admission ($55) and VIP tickets ($65) are on sale now at IllinoisBeer.org

Beer Under Glass (BUG), the cornerstone event for the @ilcraftbeer Guild, will be kicking off @ilcraftbeerweek in grand style on Friday, May 8, hosted again this year under the towering glass of Chicago’s iconic skyline — on the acclaimed @millennium_park Harris Theater rooftop terrace.

This unique evening features beer samples from more than 80 Illinois craft breweries, most of whom will be available to chat and answer questions as they’re pouring beer. The event runs 5:30-8:30 p.m., with VIP early entry at 4:30. General admission ($55) and VIP tickets ($65) are on sale now at IllinoisBeer.org
...

18 2
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RECENT POSTS

Brewer's Choice

Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Black Horizon Brewing Company owner/head brewer Alex Stankus

Alex Stankus Owner/head brewer Black Horizon Brewing Company Willowbrook, IL The last really good beer I drank was… Blume & Ferris’ Old Speckled Hare, which is an English pub ale. ...
  • Group of friends posing for a photo at an outdoor event, smiling and wearing lanyards and casual jackets.

    Inside Scoop: The annual Beer Under Glass event in Chicago’s Millennium Park kicks off Illinois Craft Beer Week May 8

    By Trent Modglin
    April 30, 2026
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