Illinois Brewing

01/09/2026

One of the more than 350 craft breweries, bottle shops, bars and festivals you can find the winter issue of Illinois Brewing is the charming Millpond Brewing in downstate Millstadt (near St. Louis).

Nothing like a Chicago-area friend sending you a photo while getting a little work done — and ignoring Dry January — at Millpond today.

From the archives, check out a Brewer's Choice Q&A we did with Millpond's Bryan Schubert in 2024: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2024/07/12/brewers-choice-millpond-brewings-bryan-schubert-on-some-great-recent-beers-from-mikerphone-white-oak-white-rooster-and-blue-jay-brewing-as-well-as-his-own-distribution-expansion-and-work-with/

01/06/2026

New on the Scene feature from our big winter issue

Blume & Ferris Public House to open in Downers Grove and expansions for Analytical Brewing (Peoria) and Maplewood Brewery & Distillery (Glen Ellyn)

Read it all here: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2026/01/06/new-on-the-scene-blume-ferris-public-house-to-open-in-downers-grove-and-expansions-for-analytical-brewing-peoria-and-maplewood-brewery-distillery-glen-ellyn/

01/06/2026

One of the more than 350 craft breweries, bottle shops, bars and festivals you can find the winter issue of Illinois Brewing is the lively and creative Burning Bush Brewery on Chicago’s north side. Beautiful private event space and patio out back along the Chicago River, friendly vibes and a nice selection of beer. Get your hands on their Broken Pillar chocolate raspberry milk stout while you can. One of the better brews we’ve had this winter

12/31/2025

From our big winter issue…
Illinois Brewing Insider Jon Miller from BubbleHouse Brewing Company on great recent beers from Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Werk Force Brewing and Skeleton Key Brewery, his own rye West Coast IPA that’s perfect for cold weather, the cozy vibes of The Bavarian Lodge in Lisle, and escaping to Burial Beer Co. in North Carolina

Spotlight: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2025/12/29/illinois-brewing-insider-jon-miller-from-bubblehouse-brewing/

12/30/2025

Cool to see our spotlights on the great breweries around the state are being shared... like this one on the Historic Red Rooster downstate.

Located just an hour drive from Downtown St. Louis you will find, Historic Red Rooster, which is one of only two breweries in our region that offer onsite lodging, making it an ideal weekend getaway. Plus you can also visit Opera House Brewing Company located just blocks away, or if you are feeling like a pit stop on the way up of back home you can always visit Mississippi Culture Oak Fermented Ales in Staunton, IL.

Read Illinois Brewing Article: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2025/11/01/spotlight-on-red-rooster-brew-werks-and-distilling-in-downstate-hillsboro/

12/29/2025

One of the more than 350 craft breweries, bottle shops, restaurants and bars you can find a copy of Illinois Brewing magazine is the fun and eclectic Illuminated Brew Works in the Norwood Park neighborhood on Chicago’s far NW side. It’s home to some solid happy hour and daily specials too.

12/28/2025

Ice skating with the family and visiting nieces means a break for a cinnamon-and-sugar rimmed Wreck the Halls Christmas ale and awesome sage pizza from Crust Brewing in Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park

12/26/2025

Beer of the week: Guapo Gaucho
4.8% dark Mexican-style lager with cinnamon and chili arbol
Black Horizon Brewing Company
Willowbrook, IL

If you’re looking for a flavorful pick-me-up for those gloomy winter days, this seasonal favorite is it. The dark lager is infused with comforting cinnamon and and soft, smokey chili arbol for a deep spice flavor that melds perfectly with its roasty and subtle chocolate notes. Available now at Black Horizon on draft and in howler/growler fills to go.

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12/25/2025

12/23/2025

Get the Inside Scoop from our winter issue: Westmont Winter Beer Festival, Lake County Craft Beer Fest and Visit Lake County, Illinois February Flavor Fest, Streetz Artz Alliance upcoming shows, Design on Draft exhibit in Chicago, C.H.A.O.S. Brew Club's Stout & Chili Night, deals at Keg Grove Brewing Company - Bloomington, Tangled Roots Brewing Company, Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company and more

Read all the fun happenings here: https://illinoisbrewing.com/2025/12/23/inside-scoop-westmont-winter-beer-festival-lake-county-craft-beer-fest-and-february-flavor-fest-streetz-artz-alliance-shows-design-on-draft-exhibit-in-chicago-brewery-deals-and-more/