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Trends
inspiring ventures
beverage review
IllInoIs BrewerIes BY: JON KAISER
General Manager
Bloomington, Illinois
If you’re looking to drink local, there are a Pipeworks Ninja vs Unicorn
growing number of breweries operating in Illi- Brewed in Chicago and brand new to the cen-
nois that are marketed locally, regionally, and tral Illinois market, Ninja vs Unicorn is an Amer-
nationally. The range of styles of beer brewed ican double IPA brewed with over five pounds
in Illinois are wide and extensive. From German, of hops per barrel. This beer doesn’t come off
to Belgian, to Latin inspired brews and beyond, as a heavy brew despite it’s 8 percent ABV – the
Illinois is a strong competitor in the national mouthfeel is very well balanced and not over-
craft beer market. In an analysis from 2015 by bearing. Being an unfiltered double IPA, it pours
Crain’s Chicago Business, Chicago had 144 craft a hazy dark golden color with a thick creamy
breweries and Chicago’s craft brewers occupied head. Displaying notes of grapefruit, melon, and
more square feet of commercial real estate than oranges on the palate with a caramel malty un-
those of any other US city. Although the number dertone, it finishes with just a hint of pine.
of craft breweries across the state is large and
continuing to grow, most of these operations
are small. Unlike Chicago’s famous Goose Island Destihl Weissenheimer Hefeweizen
which was purchased by Anheuser-Busch InBev From right here in Bloomington/Normal, the
in 2011, a large number of Illinois craft breweries Destihl Weissenheimer is a classic German-style
are only able to produce enough beer to support Hefeweizen...in a can! At a tad over 5 percent
the local market. This can be great for those who ABV, it’s a great beer for you beer drinkers who
like to travel as you can find a different selection prefer something on the lighter side. The Weis-
of local beers on the shelves depending on what senheimer pours a light golden color with an
town you’re in. Luckily for those who don’t like appropriate amount of yeasty haze for a wheat
to venture too far to find great beer, a few of beer. On the palate is notes of bready wheat, ba-
these sought after breweries in Illinois are ex- nanas, lemon rind, and a hint of orange.
panding with the help of local support for their
products. Their expansion is helping to fuel an Bent River Jalapeno Ale
increase in production and distribution of some
really unique and fantastic brews. With a brewpub in Moline Illinois, and bot-
Pipeworks Brewing Company out of Chicago tling line and taproom in Rock Island, Bent River
just recently became available in central Illinois has become a popular Illinois brewery amongst
and demand is high. Not surprising since their central Illinois beer drinkers. If you’re like me
Cheers!
and can’t resist the urge to try anything that has
beers are fantastic! Also, Half Acre (also out of
hot peppers mixed in, you should give this one a
Chicago) is set to make its central Illinois debut
try. Pouring a dark amber color with a head that
within two weeks from me writing this article
quickly dissipates, you don’t get much jalapeno
with their fantastic portfolio of beers finally mak-
on the nose, but once you take a sip you’ll feel
ing their way to Binny’s in Bloomington. And lets
it! Once you get past the spice, the beer finishes
not forget Destihl, a central Illinois favorite which
with a yeasty and sweet malt note. Although the
began distributing their beers to retailers across
jalapeno ale is somewhat of a novelty beer that
the state just within the last few years. Recently
one couldn’t drink all night, it’s certainly some-
at Binny’s I sampled through a few Illinois beers
regularly available at Binny’s in Bloomington that
for something to pair with loaded nachos.
you should give a try next time you’re looking for
something unique and local to try! thing different to try next time you’re looking
36 INaroundTOWN.magazine
