Illinois boasts a vibrant craft beer scene, with breweries across the state producing a diverse range of styles to suit everyone. There are a few factors that have contributed to Illinois’ once-flourishing craft beer scene. For one, the state is home to a large population, which has created a substantial market for craft beer. In addition, Illinois has a long history of brewing, dating back to the 1800s. This has helped to foster a deep appreciation for beer and brewing in the state. Here are a few notable examples:
IPAs:
- 3 Floyd’s Zombie Dust: This highly sought-after American IPA from Munster is known for its juicy citrus and tropical fruit notes, balanced by a subtle malt backbone.
- Lagunitas Sumpin’ Pumpkin: A seasonal favorite from Chicago, this spiced pumpkin ale offers a unique twist on the IPA style, with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove blending seamlessly with the hoppy character.
- Solemn Oath Hemisphere IPA: This New England-style IPA from Champaign showcases hazy, juicy flavors and aromas of pineapple, mango, and guava.
Stouts and Porters:
- Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Stout: This legendary imperial stout from Chicago is aged in bourbon barrels, resulting in a complex flavor profile with notes of chocolate, vanilla, oak, and roasted coffee.
- Dark Horse BA Speedway Stout: This barrel-aged imperial stout from Marshall is another highly sought-after beer, known for its rich chocolate, coffee, and molasses flavors, often with additional notes depending on the specific barrel used for aging.
- Spiteful Brewing Snake Pit Mexican Chocolate Stout: This Mexican chocolate stout from Chicago packs a flavorful punch with cinnamon, ancho chiles, cocoa nibs, and coffee beans, offering a unique and delicious twist on the classic style.
Sours and Goses:
- Empirical Brewery Lactobacillus Gose: This tart and refreshing gose from Cicero is brewed with Lactobacillus bacteria, resulting in a tangy flavor profile with hints of lemon and lime.
- More Brewing Company Key Lime Pie: This sour ale from Woodridge captures the essence of the classic dessert, with a tart and creamy flavor profile balanced by notes of lime and graham cracker.
- Solemn Oath Luau Gose: This tropical gose from Champaign features guava, passion fruit, and orange peel, offering a refreshing and flavorful beer perfect for warm weather.
Other Styles:
- Two Brothers Brewing Domaine DuPage: This Belgian-style farmhouse ale from Warrenville is fermented with saison yeast and aged in oak barrels, resulting in a complex flavor profile with notes of pepper, spice, and funk.
- Hailstorm Brewing Citraquencher: This session IPA from Arlington Heights is light and refreshing, with citrusy hop flavors and a low alcohol content.
- Prairie Artisan Ales Bomb!: This sour Berliner Weisse from Krebs is kettle-soured with lactobacillus bacteria and features a variety of fruit additions, offering a tart and refreshing flavor profile.