As summer’s vibrant colors fade, it's the perfect time to savor fall’s distinctive flavors in Lake County. Embark on a delightful adventure along the Lake County Libation Trail and take part in our Spooks and Spirits Check-In Challenge. Visit five or more trail stops between October 1-31 to enter for a chance to win exclusive prizes. Cozy up by the fire at your favorite haunt and toast to the season’s flavors!
Oktoberfest (Lager - Red/Amber)
Packed with classic German malts and accented by the distinctive flavors of Fuggle and Tettnang hops, this amber beer offers a toasty aroma and a robust taste that brings a taste of Bavaria to your glass. With a 5.9% ABV, Black Lung's Oktoberfest is both crisp and flavorful. Lift your stein, embrace the rich traditions and enjoy the spirit of Oktoberfest with every sip of this outstanding brew!
Black Lung Brewing Co. 2217 N. Illinois Route 83, Round Lake Beach and 115 Nippersink Rd., Fox Lake.
Word To the Weizenbock (Wizenbock)
This Bock Strength Dunkel Weizen offers a touch of sweetness from the wheat, balanced by a malty finish and subtle spicy notes. With an ABV of 8.3%, it’s a stronger take on traditional wheat beers, yet maintains a smooth balance with its 21 IBU. Perfect for those seeking a bold but well-rounded brew.
Bosacki’s Brewery, 610 E. Hawley St., Mundelein.
Par Fünf (Festbier)
"Par Five" Oktoberfest Bier is back, offering a smooth 6.5% ABV brew. This seasonal favorite strikes a perfect balance between the crispness of Pilsner malt and the subtle bitterness of Hallertauer Mittelfrüher hops. Its well-rounded flavor profile captures the essence of a classic Oktoberfest beer. Whether celebrating or relaxing, "Par Five" is the perfect sip for the season.
Broken Tee Brewing Co. 406 Green Bay Rd. Highwood.
Buffalo Gose (German Sour Ale - Watermelon)
Buffalo Creek Brewing’s Buffalo Gose (Watermelon) is a refreshing German sour ale with a 4.5% ABV and 9 IBU. This brew offers the signature tang of a gose, complemented by a subtle hint of fresh watermelon. Its light and crisp profile makes it a perfect beer to savor as summer ends, with just the right touch of fruitiness, a must-try for sour ale enthusiasts.
Buffalo Creek Brewing Co., 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove.
Espresso Martini
Copper Fiddle Distillery’s Espresso Martini is a rich and bold cocktail crafted with their smooth Fiddle Vodka, Italian Espresso Liqueur, demerara and bitters. The Fiddle Vodka, born from their bourbon mash of rye, yellow corn and barley, provides a clean and balanced base with a smooth finish. Distilled in a copper pot and triple-filtered, this Midwestern vodka enhances the cocktail's refined flavor. Perfect for coffee lovers and spirit enthusiasts!
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. Illinois Route 22, Suite 110, Lake Zurich.
Mission Angelica
The Glunz Family Winery and Cellar’s Mission Angelica is a testament to time, having gracefully aged in oak barrels for an impressive average of 25 years. A symphony of butterscotch and maple syrup dances across your taste buds, delivering a harmonious blend of sweetness and depth. What makes this wine truly remarkable is its impeccable balance, where the luscious flavors are complemented by a subtle touch of acidity, creating a sensory experience like no other.
Glunz Family Winery & Cellars, 888 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake.
Oktoberfest (Märzen)
Half Day Brewing Company's Oktoberfest Märzen is a crisp and refreshing German lager with a 6.5% ABV. Its rich caramel and biscuit malt flavors create a smooth, well-rounded profile. Balanced by a subtle yet firm hop presence, this brew perfectly captures the essence of a classic Oktoberfest beer. Rated 3.7, it's an ideal choice for those seeking a taste of tradition.
Half Day Brewing Co., 200 Village Green, Lincolnshire.
Harbor Dark Lager (Lager - Dark)
Harbor Brewing Company's Harbor Dark Lager is a Czech-American style dark lager with a 3.84 rating. Brewed with Vienna, Munich, and Chocolate Wheat malts, it offers a rich base of bakers chocolate and coffee flavors. American Crystal hops introduce a woody spice and add complexity to this smooth, balanced brew. Perfect for those who enjoy a robust, yet refined dark lager experience.
Harbor Brewing Co. 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa and Harbor Brewing Co.Lakefront Biergarten, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor and Harbor Brewing Co.
Spiced Apple Wine
Explore Lynfred Winery's rich German heritage with their unique Spiced Apple Wine. This exquisite creation is a beautiful fusion of tradition and innovation, as they've aged the apple wine with natural cinnamon and star anise. With a blend of 100% Red Delicious and Fuji apples, sourced from Prosser, Washington, this wine offers a glimpse into the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. As you pour a glass, you'll be greeted by a mesmerizing color, a harmonious blend of yellow with golden hues. The aroma is a symphony of apple, flowers, cinnamon, honey and anise.
Lynfred Winery. 971 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling and 1823 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park.
Pretzel Logic (Festbier)
Micky Finn's Brewery is back with a seasonal masterpiece that'll have you raising your glass in celebration of fall. Introducing "Pretzel Logic," a Festbier that's set to become your new autumn favorite. Unlike traditional Oktoberfest brews, Pretzel Logic offers a lighter, slightly hoppier profile that's sure to pique your taste buds' interest. This Festbier boasts a malty, cracker-like body, a satisfyingly dry finish and just the right amount of noble hop character to provide the perfect balance. This Festbier is a tribute to fall in every pour!
Mickey Finn's Brewery. 345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
Rosemary's Baby (Pale Ale)
Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing Company's Rosemary's Baby is a bold American Pale Ale with a 7.8% ABV. Infused with the unique flavors of blood orange and rosemary, this brew delivers a refreshing citrusy punch with a subtle herbal undertone. Its distinct combination of ingredients creates a perfectly balanced and aromatic experience. Rosemary's Baby is a standout choice for those looking for something adventurous and flavorful.
Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing. 216 W. Clayton St., Waukegan.
The Nutty Professor (Sour - Fruited)
9th Hour Brewing's The Nutty Professor is a fruited sour with a playful twist, boasting a 5.1% ABV. This inventive brew delivers a bold concord grape flavor, perfectly complemented by the nutty richness of peanut butter, finishing with a tangy sour kick. The Nutty Professor is a fun and unique beer for those craving something sweet, nutty and tart all at once.
9th Hour Breiwng (located inside Harbor Brewing Co.), 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa.
Fall Fizz
Northshore Distillery’s Fall Fizz is a refreshing and spiced cocktail that perfectly captures the essence of the season. With the warmth of North Shore Vodka, fresh lemon juice, apple-ginger, chai simple syrups and a splash of cranberry juice, it delivers a delightful balance of fruity and spiced flavors. Topped with fizzy club soda and garnished with an apple slice, this pinky-red drink is as visually striking as it is flavorful. Fall Fizz is the ideal cocktail to sip while enjoying the autumn sights and tastes.
North Shore Distillery, 13990 W. Rockland Rd., Green Oaks.
A Bushel of Apples (Blonde/Golden Ale)
Phase Three Brewing’s A Bushel of Apples is a golden ale with a 6% ABV that perfectly captures the essence of a caramel apple. This unique brew features a harmonious blend of fresh, tart apple, sweet caramel and roasted peanuts. Celebrating five years in 2024, it’s a special collaboration with Chicagoland’s Affy Tapple, with proceeds benefiting Gigi's Playhouse and their mission to transform perceptions of Down syndrome. Enjoy this deliciously balanced ale while supporting a meaningful cause.
Phase Three Brewing. 932 Donata Ct., Lake Zurich.
Ludwig's Oktoberfest
Ludwig's Oktoberfest is a unique barleywine blend with a robust 10% ABV. Combining the rich, malty sweetness of a traditional barleywine with the smooth, toasty notes of Oktoberfest, this beer delivers a distinctive and satisfying flavor experience. Its high alcohol content is balanced by a complex profile of caramel and roasted malt flavors. Ideal for those who enjoy a bold and flavorful brew, Ludwig's Oktoberfest offers a special twist on classic beer styles.
Ravinia Brewing Company. 582 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park.
Festbier
Festbier is a crisp and clean lager with a 5.7% ABV, inspired by the modern beers served at Oktoberfest in Theresienwiese every September. This pale beer offers a malt-forward profile with bready notes, complemented by a floral and gently spicy bitterness from noble hops. Designed for enjoyment by the liter, it delivers a refreshing and satisfying drinking experience. Perfect for celebrating the season, Festbier invites you to raise a glass and say "Prost!"
Roaring Table Brewing Co. 739 W. Illinois State Route 22, Lake Zurich.
Longsnapper (IPA)
Longsnapper from Tighthead Brewing Company is a West Coast-style IPA with a 6% ABV and 40 IBU, crafted in collaboration with Chicago Bears legend Patrick Mannelly. This beer combines base and Vienna malts with caramel notes from Carastan and Munich malts, delivering a rich and balanced flavor profile. Released to commemorate the inaugural “Patrick Mannelly Award,” it celebrates Mannelly's legacy and his favorite beer styles.
Tighthead Brewing Co., 161 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein.
Bloody Mary
The 28 Mile Bloody Mary, crafted with 28 Mile Vodka, showcases a premium, handmade American vodka made from malted Midwest wheat, barley and rye. This vodka is renowned for its creamy, crisp texture and nuanced aromas of cheese danish, herb muffin and carnation. Rated highly for its elegance and rich, silky profile, this 80-proof vodka is perfect for elevating cocktails beyond mere alcohol delivery.
28 Mile Distilling Co. 454 Sheridan Rd. Highwood.
Valentino Signature Red (2004)
Valentino Vineyards' Valentino Signature Red 2004 is an award-winning Bordeaux-style red wine known for its full-bodied richness and smooth finish. This exceptional wine features mid to full-range tannins and is aged for two years in a blend of French and American oak barrels. Its robust character and refined flavor profile make it an excellent pairing with steak and lamb. Valentino Signature Red offers a distinguished choice for those seeking a high-quality and memorable wine experience.
Valentino Vineyards. 5175 Aptakisic Rd., Long Grove.
Sangria Splash
Vigneto Del Bino’s Sangria Splash is a vibrant and flavorful cocktail that showcases their Sabrevois wine base. Infused with the sweet notes of strawberry, mango and pineapple, it offers a delightful blend of fruity flavors. This sangria creates a refreshing and beautifully balanced fruit fusion in every glass. Perfect for any occasion!
Vigneto Del Bino. 42150 Crawford Rd., Antioch.
Oktoberfest (Märzen)
Wild Onion Brewery’s Oktoberfest Märzen is a Vienna-style lager with a 6.5% ABV, brewed to celebrate the traditional Oktoberfest season. This amber-hued beer is renowned for its exceptionally smooth and balanced flavor profile. Perfect for enjoying during fall festivities, this brew captures the essence of Oktoberfest with every sip.
Wild Onion Brewery and Banquets, 22221 N. Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington.
Five Eyes Honey Ale
Try Wright's Brew and Bistro, nestled within the picturesque Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, reintroduces their beloved classic, Five Eyes. This cream ale derives its name from the honey harvested straight from the resort's on-site beehives, infusing it with a touch of local charm. What makes Five Eyes truly special is the collaborative expertise behind it, a partnership with Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein. Together, they've created a brew that captures the essence of the region, blending flavors seamlessly to create a unique cream ale that's both refreshing and distinctive. Join us at Wright's Brew and Bistro and discover what all the buzz is about. Don't miss out on the chance to indulge in Five Eyes – a brew that's truly the bee's knees!
Wright's Brew and Bistro (located inside the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort), 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire.
For more information about the Lake County Libation Trail, click here. To find information about the Spooks and Spirits Check-in Challenge, continue here. To view all the Lake County Libation Trail events occurring this fall, click here.
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