Do you want to see your favorite craft beers sold in stores throughout Illinois? Do you want your neighborhood brewpubs to be able to distribute their beer? Call your state legislators and support "Save the Craft," a campaign to revise the Liquor Control Act to make it easier for small, craft brewers to get their beers to the drinkers who want them. Bills are before the Illinois State House and Senate right now, and they need your support. more ›

The Chicago Journal had an interesting article in last week's edition about the good growing pains at Goose Island. Craft beer, if you're a reader of this site, is a booming business, and the article reported that Goose Island would move brewing all of its brewing of Honker's Ale and India Pale Ale to a contract brewer in New Hampshire. Contract brewing is a common practice for craft brewers who either wish to keep their beer as fresh as possible for their customers, or to start getting their product out to the masses. Boston Beer Company, the largest American-owned brewery, has contract brewers across the country. Half Acre was criticized by some for initially starting out with a contract brewer. They're now the fastest growing brewery in the city. So we placed a call to Goose Island brewmaster Greg Hall to get some clarity on their move to produce Honker's and IPA on contract. more ›

(Read Part 1 and Part 2) more ›

2008 has been a banner year for Flossmoor Station Brewing Company. The rollout of their bottled beer line was well-received, with beer lovers snatching up the Pullman Brown, IPA and Station Master Wheat Ale as quickly as the brewery can bottle them. This week's selection is a joint effort between Flossmoor Station brewmaster Mat Van Wyk and two other gifted/twisted brewmasters. more ›