Illinois Beers: Exploring the Best Brews of the Prairie State

ByKarl S

Illinois boasts a dynamic craft beer scene with breweries across the state producing a diverse array of exceptional beers.

From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and unique sours, Illinois offers a variety of brews that capture the essence of its vibrant beer culture.

Here are ten of the best Illinois beers you absolutely must try.

1. Goose Island Beer Co.’s “Bourbon County Brand Stout”

Goose Island Beer Co. is renowned for its Bourbon County Brand Stout, a highly acclaimed imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels.

This beer is celebrated for its complex flavors and rich, intense profile.

  • Style: Imperial Stout
  • ABV: 14.7%
  • Description: Rich and robust with flavors of bourbon, chocolate, coffee, and vanilla.

2. Half Acre Beer Co.’s “Daisy Cutter Pale Ale”

Half Acre Beer Co.’s Daisy Cutter Pale Ale is a popular choice known for its bright hop character and balanced flavor profile.

It’s a go-to beer for those who enjoy a refreshing and flavorful pale ale.

  • Style: Pale Ale
  • ABV: 5.2%
  • Description: Crisp and hoppy with notes of grapefruit, pine, and a touch of caramel malt.

3. Revolution Brewing’s “Anti-Hero IPA”

Revolution Brewing’s Anti-Hero IPA is a standout beer with a bold hop character and a well-rounded flavor profile. It’s a favorite among IPA enthusiasts.

  • Style: IPA
  • ABV: 6.5%
  • Description: Hoppy and aromatic with flavors of pine, citrus, and tropical fruit.

4. Pipeworks Brewing Co.’s “Blood of the Unicorn”

Pipeworks Brewing Co.’s Blood of the Unicorn is a highly regarded IPA with a vibrant hop profile and a smooth finish. It’s known for its juicy and aromatic character.

  • Style: IPA
  • ABV: 6.5%
  • Description: Juicy and hoppy with notes of pineapple, grapefruit, and a hint of pine.

5. Three Floyds Brewing Co.’s “Zombie Dust”

Three Floyds Brewing Co.’s Zombie Dust is a well-known pale ale with a hop-forward character and a balanced malt profile. It’s a great example of the brewery’s skill in crafting flavorful beers.

  • Style: Pale Ale
  • ABV: 5.5%
  • Description: Hoppy and flavorful with notes of citrus, pineapple, and a smooth malt backbone.

6. Lagunitas Brewing Co.’s “Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale”

Lagunitas Brewing Co.’s Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale is a unique beer that blends the qualities of an IPA with those of a wheat beer. It’s a flavorful and refreshing brew.

  • Style: IPA/Wheat Beer Blend
  • ABV: 7.5%
  • Description: Hoppy and smooth with flavors of citrus, melon, and a light wheat malt character.

7. Off Color Brewing’s “Apex Predator”

Off Color Brewing’s Apex Predator is a farmhouse ale with a distinctive and complex flavor profile. It’s known for its crisp and refreshing qualities with a touch of funk.

  • Style: Farmhouse Ale
  • ABV: 6.5%
  • Description: Crisp and dry with flavors of pear, white pepper, and a hint of earthiness.

8. Urban Chestnut Brewing Co.’s “Zwickel”

Urban Chestnut Brewing Co.’s Zwickel is a German-style Kellerbier with a smooth and malty profile.

It’s a great representation of the brewery’s dedication to quality and tradition.

  • Style: Kellerbier
  • ABV: 5.0%
  • Description: Malty and smooth with notes of bread, caramel, and a clean, dry finish.

9. Maplewood Brewery & Distillery’s “Son of Juice”

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery’s Son of Juice is a juicy New England-style IPA with a tropical and aromatic flavor profile.

It’s a favorite for those who enjoy a fruity and hop-forward beer.

  • Style: New England IPA
  • ABV: 6.3%
  • Description: Juicy and hazy with flavors of mango, pineapple, and a smooth hop bitterness.

10. Begyle Brewing’s “Notorious IPA”

Begyle Brewing’s Notorious IPA is a well-balanced beer with a vibrant hop profile and a clean finish.

It’s a great choice for those who appreciate a flavorful and approachable IPA.

  • Style: IPA
  • ABV: 6.3%
  • Description: Hoppy and aromatic with notes of citrus, pine, and a balanced malt character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the flagship beer of Goose Island Beer Co.?
Answer: Goose Island Beer Co.’s Bourbon County Brand Stout is highly acclaimed for its complex flavors and rich profile.

What makes Half Acre Beer Co.’s Daisy Cutter Pale Ale stand out?
Answer: Daisy Cutter Pale Ale is known for its bright hop character and balanced flavor profile.

What are the key characteristics of Revolution Brewing’s Anti-Hero IPA?
Answer: Anti-Hero IPA is celebrated for its bold hop character with flavors of pine, citrus, and tropical fruit.

What distinguishes Three Floyds Brewing Co.’s Zombie Dust?
Answer: Zombie Dust is a hop-forward pale ale with a balanced malt profile and notes of citrus and pineapple.

What is special about Off Color Brewing’s Apex Predator?
Answer: Apex Predator is a farmhouse ale with a crisp, dry profile and flavors of pear, white pepper, and earthiness.

Summary

Illinois’ craft beer scene is marked by its diversity and innovation, offering a range of exceptional brews that reflect the state’s vibrant beer culture.

These top picks highlight some of the best beers Illinois has to offer, showcasing the creativity and quality of its breweries.

Enjoy exploring the rich flavors of Illinois’ craft beer!

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