Our Top 10 Breweries

Oct 8 / Gary Olding
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Illinois is home to a vibrant and growing craft beer scene, with breweries spread across the state offering everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and crisp lagers. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or someone looking to explore new flavors, there’s no shortage of unique breweries to try. From bustling Chicago to the small towns scattered throughout the state, here’s a list of some of the best breweries in Illinois you simply can’t miss.

1. Revolution Brewing (Chicago)

Arguably one of the most well-known craft breweries in Illinois, Revolution Brewing has become synonymous with the Chicago beer scene. Founded in 2010, Revolution is famous for its wide range of bold beers, particularly its IPAs like the fan-favorite Anti-Hero. Their brewpub in Logan Square offers a welcoming environment to enjoy both limited releases and year-round staples alongside a solid menu of food.

Must-Try Beer: Anti-Hero IPA – A balanced, hop-forward IPA with citrus and pine notes.

2. Half Acre Beer Company (Chicago)

Another Chicago-based staple, Half Acre Beer Company has earned a devoted following for its balanced yet creative brews. Known for producing everything from easy-drinking pale ales to complex barrel-aged stouts, Half Acre’s beers reflect a commitment to quality. Their taproom on Balmoral Avenue is a great place to sample their diverse offerings.

Must-Try Beer: Daisy Cutter Pale Ale – A floral, grassy, and slightly hoppy pale ale that has become a classic.

3. Two Brothers Brewing Company (Warrenville)

Founded in 1996, Two Brothers Brewing Company is one of the pioneers of the Illinois craft beer movement. Located in Warrenville, this brewery is known for its commitment to sustainability and producing organic, artisanal beers. The brewery offers a wide range of styles, from classic lagers to Belgian-style ales, along with a café and artisanal coffee roasting operation.

Must-Try Beer: Domaine DuPage French Country Ale – A toasty, caramel-forward biere de garde with a smooth finish.

4. Goose Island Beer Company (Chicago)

While Goose Island is now owned by a larger corporation, it remains an essential part of Illinois' beer history and continues to produce some of the state’s most beloved brews. Known for its iconic Bourbon County Stout, Goose Island’s portfolio includes a wide variety of beer styles that can satisfy any palate. The brewery is also famous for its annual Black Friday release of Bourbon County variants, which draws fans from across the country.

Must-Try Beer: Bourbon County Stout – A rich, barrel-aged imperial stout with flavors of chocolate, vanilla, and oak.

5. Maplewood Brewery & Distillery (Chicago)

Combining the best of both worlds, Maplewood Brewery & Distillery is the first in Illinois to have both beer and spirits under one roof. Known for its creative takes on traditional styles, Maplewood consistently delivers excellent hazy IPAs, pale ales, and stouts. Their taproom offers a chance to sample their beers and cocktails side by side, making it a unique stop for beer lovers.

Must-Try Beer: Son of Juice IPA – A juicy, tropical, and slightly hazy IPA with a smooth, citrusy finish.

6. Temperance Beer Co. (Evanston)

As Evanston’s first brewery in over a century, Temperance Beer Co. made a significant mark on the Illinois craft beer map when it opened in 2013. Known for its wide variety of thoughtfully crafted beers, Temperance has a comfortable and welcoming taproom that perfectly complements its innovative brews. From their rich dark beers to refreshing sours, they have something for everyone.

Must-Try Beer: Gatecrasher English IPA – A hoppy yet malty English-style IPA that’s smooth and easy to drink.

7. Penrose Brewing Company (Geneva)

Located in Geneva, Penrose Brewing Company is known for its Belgian-inspired ales and wild fermentation beers. With a strong focus on experimentation, Penrose frequently releases limited-edition beers that showcase creativity and craftsmanship. The taproom offers a rotating selection of beers that range from fruity and sour to hoppy and light.

Must-Try Beer: Session Sour – A tart and refreshing sour ale with a bright, citrusy flavor profile.

8. BrickStone Brewery (Bourbonnais)

Located in the small town of Bourbonnais, BrickStone Brewery has quickly gained recognition for producing high-quality, award-winning beers. The brewery’s commitment to traditional brewing methods combined with modern innovation has led to beers that are both flavorful and approachable. Their cozy brewpub is a great place to relax and enjoy a pint or two.

Must-Try Beer: BrickStone APA – A well-balanced American Pale Ale with notes of citrus, pine, and a slight bitterness.

9. Triptych Brewing (Savoy)

Downstate Illinois isn’t lacking in great beer, and Triptych Brewing is a perfect example of why craft beer fans should venture outside of Chicago. Located in Savoy, near Champaign-Urbana, Triptych focuses on bold, creative beers. They frequently release small-batch beers, so there’s always something new to try.

Must-Try Beer: Dank Meme – A juicy, hazy pale ale with big tropical fruit flavors and a touch of sweetness.

10. Metropolitan Brewing (Chicago)

For fans of traditional German-style lagers, Metropolitan Brewing is a must-visit. Specializing in lagers rather than the ales that dominate the craft beer scene, Metropolitan brews clean, crisp beers with a focus on precision. Their brewery along the Chicago River offers a scenic setting to enjoy their finely crafted beers.

Must-Try Beer: Krankshaft Kölsch – A refreshing, light-bodied kölsch with subtle malt sweetness and a dry finish.

Final Thoughts...

The craft beer scene in Illinois is as diverse and exciting as the state itself. From small-town breweries to big-city staples, there’s something for every kind of beer lover. Whether you're drawn to hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or refreshing sours, Illinois' breweries offer a wealth of options to explore. Be sure to visit some of these top breweries to taste the creativity and passion driving Illinois' craft beer industry forward.
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