2023 Illinois Brewery Opening / Closure Thread

Here is Part 1 of the photographs I got of Aleman Brwg. The forum restricts me to two images per post.
The date I was there was 28 January 2020 (not the 30th).

 

Here is Part 2 of my visit to Aleman Brwg. on 28 January 2020.

 

Appears to finally have a date of 28 Sep based on their social media and this trib article.

 

Exterior looks cool. Like an old school UK production brewery. It doesn't get more authentically European than the al fresco seating facing a graffiti covered wall...

 

Coal Creek Brewing Company opened in Princeton a few months ago. Haven't been there yet.

Ginger Road Brewery opened in Utica, IL recently as well. Haven't been there yet either.

 

Was talking to one of the Lake Effect guys at the Oak Park Craftbrew review a few weeks back and they were pretty excited with the progress of the new taproom. Been a fan of Lake Effect for a while and they're one of the more underrated breweries in the city, imo. Glad Clint and his staff are finally getting a proper taproom.

For several seasons we had of our Fantasy Football draft at the Rock Bottom Yorktown location.Beer wasn't the best, but their food was good and staff was always nice. Actually had some pretty good happy hour specials.

 

What's the skinny on 5 Rabbit? I know their Bedford Park location closed, but weren't they moving to Pilsen to run a smaller operation? On Untappd, it says 5 Rabbit no longer is open, but there's still posts as late as last week of people drinking their beers.

 

Update on Punk Rock Pizza and Brewery in Silvis, IL. If all goes according to plan they plan to open in early 2024. I'll post back with a definite date when it's announced.

 

Great Revivalist Brew Lab in Geneseo, IL will be closing on September 30th 2023. They have purchased a building in Rock Island, IL. A former Church of Science built around 1915. It now houses a manuscript museum, which is also closing on September 30th. The museum will open back up when Great Revivalist is done with remodeling to put a brewery in the basement and a restaurant on the main floor. 700 22nd Street, Rock Island, IL is the address. I'll post back when an opening date is announced. Here's a photo of the new location for Great Revivalist.

 

Exit Strategy announced their last day of operation will be 10/29

 

Insert @Jplachy "these jokes write themselves".

 

apparently Other Half is opening a brewery in Bridgeport, in an old theater connected with a restaurant? It is kind of unclear exactly.

https://chicago.eater.com/2023/9/22...restaurants-bars-fall-2023-coming-attractions

 

This Trib article doesn't mention too much more on it but does confirm the Other Half partnership.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/dini...0231010-siev3d5pyvfn5gavp3rd4arhli-story.html

 

Articles need some work. Does this mean OH will just have regular tap handles from delivered NYC kegs on or what? Given how often OH drops it really is pretty meaningless unless we know if they are brewing on site.

 

Other Half brews in most of the cities it is in I thought. Fuck Other Half though really, as if there werent 50 breweries I'd rather go to first in the area.

 

My best self would say, " @nuplastikk why do you care? If others enjoy Other Half, let them enjoy it!"

But my real, petty self can't help but scream " @nuplastikk you are right, fuck this hazy IPA / pastry stout factory, I'll be enjoying traditional Doppelbocks and Helles Lagerbiers in a loft of indeterminate coordinates."

 

Do you guys remember J.T. Walkers Brewing Company out of Mahomet, Illinois? They have a good beer called Hale To The Chief IPA. I heard they closed when the pandemic started sadly or maybe just the sportsbar did. The tap room may still be open.