Chicago breweries that don’t need their own thread (2025)

didn’t know they sold them as singles. Thanks for the tip

 

On Tour is closing?

https://chicagoreader.com/food/food-drink-feature/michael-quinlan-links-taproom-beer-bar-reopening/

 

Seems like Une Annee/Hubbard's Cave might be having some issues. This was included in their last email:
LOOKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

As many of you are aware, the craft beer industry has been having a rough time. Since we moved to our current location and opened our doors on Gross Point Road at the start of the pandemic, the industry has seen tremendous change, affecting both breweries themselves and our distribution partners, both nationally and locally. Due to some of these issues we have had to break ties with our local distributor and are moving back to a self distribution model for the Chicagoland area. This puts a tremendous strain on our resources and staff.

As we work to get our self-distribution back to what it once was, we need your help!

What can you do?

1. Come into our taproom location. We are working to get our beer out to local outlets but it may be harder to find in the short term. Stop in for some food or beer and pick up a two or four pack to-go. Our taproom continues to grow year over year and this strength, seeing all your smiling faces day after day, is what continues to inspire us and keep us going.
2. Support our retailers. If you see our beer on the shelf of your local beer seller, let them know you support us by picking something up to bring home. If you don't see it on the shelf, let them know they should consider carrying us in their establishment.
3. Let us know if you have a contact at a local outlet that might be interested in selling our beer, if you can give us a name and contact information we will contact them.
4. Ask your employer or group organization to plan their upcoming party or outing at Une Année. We have a great space for groups under fifty and are able to accommodate bigger groups in our convertible production area.
5. Consider joining our Le Grand Monde Beer Membership or gifting a membership. We've left it open a bit longer this year.

This is a critical time and we know that our loyal supporters know how hard this business is and appreciate how an interruption like this can determine the success or failure of a small brewery. Thank you for your continued support!

 

all singles were still available last night. Cool space and right near Phil’s Pizza which I was happy to check off my list. The HDHC More Broccoli triple was really great.

 

Didn’t they go through this with a distributor a decade ago?

 

Yeah:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2018...d-ride-behind-with-new-niles-brewery-and-pub/

 

Years ago when they first starting to release their brews, they were the cool new brewery between me and my craft beer buddies. Loved their simple minimalistic black and white can/bottle art. Pretty much loved almost everything they released. Fast forward 8-9 years, when I go beer shopping I see one or two 4 packs sitting on the self. Been a while since I had anything from them.

Still a fan of the Hubbards cave brews, the Une Annee stuff like the sours I'm not so hot on. But been to their brewery and it's a pretty cool vibe. Food is great and staff are very nice. Hoping they can hang on.

 

I haven’t heard Une Annee mentioned since that car drove into the place what, 4 years ago? Totally forgot they existed. Hopefully distro issues don’t sink them, but in a crowded market I don’t have time for them.

 

Was curious and checked - that was 7 years ago next week.

 

There was a period where I grabbed almost every Fresh IIPA release from them — would call Gus each week to see if they had gotten it in at Fischmans. But then maybe just exhaustion of hazy (although not sure theirs were ever fully NE style?) and also thought the quality/consistency became super spotty. Used to go to the old location regularly even though wasn’t close, and now live close to current one but almost never go.

 

I’ve never really loved their hazies but they have a couple standout brews. Le Grande Monde 3 with cinnamon and peaches is consistently excellent year after year. BA coco van might be the most underrated BA beer in the area. BA peanut butter cup solid as well

 

We went to Bubblehouse Brewing co. In Lisle last night. Only the second time I’ve been there, but a large tap list of solid choices including a good smoked rye porter at 5% and a red Zinfandel barrel aged Belgian strong ale that was excellent (if a tad sweet).

Good number of people there along with a bluegrass jam circle providing some entertainment. Worth a stop if you’re in the neighborhood.

 

This reply may not last long, but on my Mastodon presence, I post text and images how to walk from the closest transit stop on Touhy Ave. to the brewery.
It does involve strolling through parking lots which are not its property, and glancing a gate with a dark screen over it. It opens outward; and then you will see another gate on your left which is open and leads inside the brewery.

 

Bubblehouse is on my list to try. Heard great things from friends who have been there.

 

I'd love to try some Art History. Do they distribute throughout IL?

 

Only Chicago area IIRC. They do have a beer finder on their website.

 

Art History makes delightful beer. Somebody help this man out!

 

Art History has their Irish red on cask at the moment- quite good! Also, according to untapped, they’re putting on an ESB next.

 

Anyone tried the recent Goldfinger collabs with Rev and/or Jack's Abby?