Where To Drink On The Lake County Libation Trail in Autumn 2022
By: Nick Borowitz 09/23/2022
There's just something about the fall weather and a crisp, chilled adult beverage. We put together this guide for where to drink on the
Lake County Libation Trail in autumn 2022.
While you're on the Lake County Libation Trail, don't forget to take a picture for the #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest that goes through October 31. You can win a $100 VISA gift card.
Spooks & Spirits: Lake County, IL Autumn Celebration is a fantastic time to visit the trail's breweries, wineries and distilleries. There's no shortage of place to knock back a cold one on the Lake County Libation in autumn 2022. There's also food, fun and tricks for the kids.
Lake County has festivals galore, photo opportunities everywhere you look, pumpkin patches to pick and no shortage of spooky attractions.
Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® has returned to Six Flags Great America. Bring the kids for the day and watch the adults cower like children by night.
You might find a new favorite after you visit one of the fine establishments on the Lake County Libation Trail in autumn 2022.
Lemon Ginger Sweet Tea Whiskey | 46% ABV
For those with a refined taste but still prefer simple, the Lemon Ginger Sweet Tea Whiskey is made with their Debonair Bourbon. This modern take on a classic hits the spot after a long day or just midday refreshment. Highwood's 28 Mile Distilling Co. is a cocktail lounge thoughtfully adorned with unique décor and an exquisite aesthetic. Catch a variety of live music on the weekends.
28 Mile Distillery, 454 Sheridan Rd., Highwood.
Emily's Ale Strawberry Blonde | 5.7% ABV
Emily's Ale is named after Dave's wife (who's a strawberry blonde) and is a refreshing craft beer ideal for any day. There is a strong aroma of strawberries on the nose. You will notice the blonde base beer with strawberries on the first sip. Smell and taste the strawberries and get a smooth, sweet finish. This particular brewery is interesting because they share a taproom space with Libation Trail-partner
Harbor Brewing Co. in their Lake Villa location.
9th Hour Brewing Co., 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa.
YOUR WHAT HURTS? Imperial Stout | 8.0% ABV
YOUR WHAT HURTS? has a coffee aroma that gives hints of sweetness from the chocolate malt and the spice of the rye malt. This delectable dark beer's body palate is complemented with a balanced flavor. This brewery lives by the credo, "beer, grounded in tradition, and inspired by enthusiasm."
Black Lung Brewing Co., 2217 N. Illinois Route 83, Round Lake Beach.
Blueberry Wheat Ale | 4.5% ABV
The Blueberry Wheat Ale is unfiltered to allow the slight sweetness of the wheat into the flavor. This also means that the color takes on that signature blue-purple haziness you see in the picture. Bosacki's started in 2000 as a homebrew shop. They decided to go from hobby to production in 2013. And that's the story ever since.
Bosacki's Brewery, 610 E. Hawley St., Mundelein.
Rosé Wine | 13.1% ABV
Pazzo di Vino believes in Rosé Wine season, no matter the time of year. This bright, crisp wine has a more-full body than one might suspect at first glance. Enjoy a glass at their winery or bring a bottle home. The DiVito family perfected the winemaking recipe as the southern Lake County winery crushes, ferments, ages and bottles the berry beverage onsite.
Pazzo di Vino, 524 Sheridan Rd., Highwood.
Sherry Baby Baltic Porter | 8.8% ABV
Buffalo Creek Brewing creates Sherry Baby by using tons of Munich malts. They cold-ferment it for 30 days, then condition it for two months. This creates a delicious porter with syrupy overtones to excite the taste buds. Did you know that they have to use 1,750 pounds of grains to create this deliciously dark libation? Their beer styles are an ideal match with Long Grove’s heritage. They feature a Bavarian-style taproom, event space and Biergärten with beautiful views of the lawns and freshly trimmed pine trees.
Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove.
Meridian Wit Belgian-Style Witbier | 6.5% ABV
This craft beer has a golden appearance with a peppery, citrus aroma. Generous amounts of coriander give it a crisp flavor that shines bright. The Belgian yeast that it is brewed with accentuates the flavor by adding clove-like phenols. Half Day Brewing Co. produces up to 12 different brews from lagers, IPAs, stouts, seasonal and some small-batch, wood barrel-aged specialty beers.
Half Day Brewing Co., 200 Village Green S., Lincolnshire.
Oktoberfest Märzen | 6.1% ABV
The Oktoberfest is a festbier brewed by Harbor Brewing Co. specifically for the fall. This craft beer is popular during the autumn months on the Lake County Libation Trail, so stop into on of their taprooms before it's gone! Harbor Brewing Co. has three locations throughout the Lake County area.
Harbor Brewing Company locations:
Lakefront Biergarten, 701 North Point Dr., Winthrop Harbor. (Closes October 31)
Lake Villa Taproom, 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa.
Winthrop Harbor Taproom, 811 Sheridan Rd., Winthrop Harbor.
2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown | 11% ABV
The 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is from their Estate Vineyard. They aged it for two years in French and American Oak barrels for a delicious red wine. If you're patient, you can age it for another five to eight years at home. Experience four generations of wine-making at Lake County's first winery. Award-winning wines are available for tasting and purchase by the bottle or in discounted cases. Their estate vineyard calls the rolling hills of Paso Robles in California home.
Glunz Family Winery and Cellars, 888 E. Belvidere Rd., Ste. 107, Grayslake.
Pucktoberfest American Maerzen | 6.0% ABV
Light The Lamp describes Pucktoberfest as one of their favorite craft beers. This beer also signals the start of their Pucktoberfest celebrations! You can find delicious German-style food, drinks, and other fares. Light The Lamp Brewery serves innovative beer and modern Americana cuisine in a beautifully renovated historic building.
Light The Lamp Brewery, 2 S. Lake St., Grayslake.
Oktoberfest Märzen-Style Lager | 5.8% ABV
Just released for Liquid Love Brewing’s second anniversary, this Märzen lager is full of flavor. And what better time than right before the changing of the season? The Oktoberfest has the classic lager taste and dons a rich amber color. Stop into their brewery because this autumn delight is easier to find on tap. Liquid Love Brewing is a Chicagoland brewing project focused on creating a beer that has heart. They use fresh ingredients to create what they like to call “Arterial Alchemy.”
Liquid Love Brewing, 1310 Busch Pkwy., Buffalo Grove.
Güdenteit Hefe-Weizen Wheat Beer | 5.6% ABV
The Güdenteit Hefe-Weizen
Wheat Beer is a traditionally inspired wheat ale. When imbibing it, you get aromas of yeasty bread, banana and clove. The flavorful combination gives a rich mouthfeel that manages to finish dry. Since 1993, this landmark, casual, social gathering place famous for handcrafted beer is Lake County's first brewpub and has a trophy case to prove it.
Mickey Finn's Brewery, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.
Straight A Craft Cocktail | 45% ABV
This gin-forward cocktail is made with their very own Fyren Gin. They add apricot and lemon juice to add a straight bite of flavor. An addition of peppercorn arugula syrup gives it a zesty finish. This locally-owned business in Lake Zurich sources grains from the Midwest. Their award-winning spirits are handmade, grain to bottle. They welcome bring-your-own-food as well!
Copper Fiddle Distillery, 532 W. Illinois Route 22, Ste. 110, Lake Zurich.
Marechal Foch Reserve | 13.8% ABV
The Marechal Foch Reserve is a fantastic local flavor to add to your autumn drinking experience. Their wines are grown and produced on their 20-acre estate. The white vino is barrel-aged in French and American oak barrels, and bottled right on site. They boast over 20 different grapevines that produce more than 20 vinos.
Valentino Vineyard and Winery, 5175 Aptakisic Rd., Long Grove.
Besley's Waukegan Extra | 4.8%
Besley's Waukegan Extra has a malty body and nose when you take that first sip. A caramel-y finish greets you at the end of the sip. Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing Co. provides the drink of your wildest dreams and days gone by, as though one more sip will bring them back in reach.
Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing Co., 216 W. Clayton St., Waukegan.
A Bushel of Apples Golden Ale | 6.0% ABV
If you love the iconic caramel-covered apple of fall, look no further than Phase Three Brewing Co. and its collaboration with Affy Tapple. This golden ale captures the flavors of sweet caramel and apple juice for a seasonal favorite. The Lake Zurich brewpub mixes in roasted peanuts that embrace the renowned Affy Tapple flavor. They do hand-crafted beer brewed with quality ingredients by honest people. They celebrate life’s ordinary and extraordinary moments.
Phase Three Brewing Co., 932 Donata Ct., Lake Zurich.
Steep Ravine IPA | 7.3% ABV
Steep Ravine IPA is packed full of hoppy flavor and plenty of adventure. This crispy craft beer features notes of aromatic pine and a citrus bite. Ravinia Brewing Co. says to keep your bum on the saddle and enjoy the hop-forward ride. The Highland Park Brewhub features amazing beer, a taco bar, a cozy taproom and an expansive beer garden. The Libation Trail partner is located in downtown Highland Park's historic Ravinia District.
Ravinia Brewing Co., 582 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park.
Barbara 2014 | 13.8%
The Barbara 2014 has flavors of raspberries, maraschino cherries and herbs. The grapes used are from Clarksburg in California. Barbara 2014 has mature, firm tannins and crisp acidity. They add a touch of Syrah to the final wine to enhance its complexity and color. Lynfred has two luxurious locations here in Lake County: Highland Park and Wheeling. You can tour both and shop to your heart's content. Lynfred is Illinois' oldest and largest, continually-operating family winery.
Lynfred Winery Highland Park, 1823 St. Johns Ave., Highland Park.
Lynfred Winery Wheeling, 971 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling.
RTB Helles | 4.9% ABV
Roaring Table Brewing Co. in their own words says, "this beer is hard for us to sell, being sorely tempted to drink it all ourselves." They create a flavorful synthesis of German malt, hops and yeast. The interior of their brewery has a live-edge bar, multiple seating areas that include communal tables, a cozy fireplace lounge and an open view of our brewery.
Roaring Table Brewing Co., 739 W. Illinois Route 22, Lake Zurich.
Legend of Norm American Pale Ale | 7.0% ABV
This American pale ale is a light, hoppy craft beer treat with a citrusy kick. The flavor is bright and crisp and easy to drink. Side Lot Brewery has a rustic, reclaimed and leather-filled lounge. Cool, welcoming color palettes and friendly faces. And best of all, craft beer and cocktails are capable of turning a good night into a legendary one.
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda.
Mundeleiner Lager | 5.0% ABV
Mundeleiner is specifically brewed by Tighthead to celebrate the end of summer and welcome autumn. It's almost like it's telling you to take on the Lake County Libation Trail for the fall season. Mundeleiner is a refreshingly crisp lager with a light, grainy sweetness. They balance it perfectly with a single hop variety that changes year to year. This Mundelein brewpub is a neighborhood institution where friends and families can meet and enjoy great music, wonderful company and beer.
Tighthead Brewing Co., 161 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein.
Smoke + Sea Straight Bourbon Whiskey | 45% ABV
Smoke + Sea combines Oppidan’s Four Grain Straight Bourbon and Solera Aged Bourbon mash bills. They finish them in French oak and peated Islay scotch barrels. The French oak adds structure and dark fruit notes. The Islay casks add a layer of smoke, earth and sea to the already-malty chocolate bourbon. This bourbon tickles the nose and front palette with a briny and peaty finish. Oppidan Spirits pays respect to one of the world’s oldest craft spirits while taking a distinctively modern perspective.
Oppidan Spirits, 220 W. Clayton St., Lot C, Waukegan.
The Sequiot Red Table Wine | 12.5% ABV
Vigneto del Bino made this red table wine as a blend of Frontenac, Sabrevois and St. Croix grapes. This fruity fusion of strawberry, cherry and red currant is present in the aroma and taste of this wine. See if you notice the gentle additional hint of spice. Vigneto del Bino Winery is a boutique winery specializing in “Wines grown from local vines." The winery sits on a 10-acre property surrounded by 2,300 grapevines.
Vigneto del Bino Winery, 42150 Crawford Rd., Antioch.
Stay Puft Brown Ale | 6.5% ABV
Stay Puft Brown Ale is kind of like drinking a campfire in a can. The flavor of this craft beer is reminiscent of s'mores and the distinctly sweet taste of marshmallows. Wild Onion Brewery has a timber-framed bar and dining room anchored by a massive stone fireplace, creating a comfortable atmosphere that has made The Onion a local favorite since 2003. This June, the Lake Barrington brewery celebrates its 25th year in existence.
Wild Onion Brewery and Banquets, 22221 N. Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington.
Five Eyes Honey Ale | 6.5% ABV
Did you know that bees have five eyes? Well, that is how this honey ale from Wright’s Brew and Bistro, located inside
Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, got its name. This honey ale is brewed in collaboration with
Tighthead Brewing Co. The award-winning brew house utilizes the honey produced in the beehives onsite at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort.
Wright's Brew and Bistro, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire.
Lauren Barrel-Aged Vanilla Bean Porter | 9.5% ABV
Zümbier describes this barrel-aged craft beer as graceful. It is flavorful and barrel-aged porters are always a delight for the chilly weather with autumn's arrival. The barrel aging imparts notes of vanilla and whiskey, all balanced with a malt body. Savor it slowly, sip by sip, in a Belgian glass. Zümbier's beer reflects who they are and what they stand for.
Brittany Beach Artisan Craft Cocktail | 45% ABV
The Brittany Beach cocktail is a delightful sipper that’s frothy, herbal and botanical. North Shore Distillery uses its own Dearborn Gin and Sirène Absinthe Verte in this infusion. They add hibiscus, lemon and egg white to give it the frothy touch. North Shore Distillery is the first craft distillery to open in Illinois. Since day one, our mission has been creating original, delicious spirits that we love to drink.
The Beer Garden at Independence Grove Forest Preserve is a part of the scenic 1,135-acre recreation area. The Beer Garden features delicious beverages from partners of the Lake County Libation Trail, including Black Lung Brewing Co. of Round Lake Beach, Tighthead Brewing Co. of Mundelein, Mickey Finn’s Brewery of Libertyville, 9th Hour Brewing Co. of Lake Villa, Roaring Table Brewing Co. and Phase Three Brewing Co. of Lake Zurich, ZumBier of Waukegan, Ravinia Brewing Co. of Highland Park, Buffalo Creek Brewing of Long Grove and Liquid Love Brewing Co. of Buffalo Grove. While there, hang out and listen to different artists as part of SeptOberFest. This free festival is highlighted by lakeside fire pits, free firewood, s’mores kits and more.
- September 29: Kraig Kenning
- October 6: Kraig Kenning
- October 13: Kraig Kenning
- October 20: Todd Donnelly
- October 27: JT/James - Rock/Pop/Country Duet
Breweries, wineries and distilleries are already pretty awesome. But take a look at these additional experiences that add in an extra twist to already-delicious happenings.
- Spooks & Spirits: Lake County, IL Autumn Celebration (Now-October 31) INFO»
- Oktoberfest Party at Mickey Finn's Brewery (September 23-24) INFO»
- Village of Antioch Fall Wine Walk (September 24) INFO»
- Hoptoberfest at Tighthead Brewing Co. (September 24) INFO»
- Wine Pairing Dinner: Greek at Vigneto del Bino Winery (September 24) INFO»
- Legions of Craft Beer Festival at Gurnee American Legion Post 771 (September 24) INFO»
- Oktoberfest at Timothy O'Toole's Libertyville (September 23-25) INFO»
- Lindy's Oktoberfest (September 23-25) INFO»
- Flight Night at North Shore Distillery (September 29) INFO»
- Ravinia Brewing Presents Highland Park Fall Fest (September 30-October 2) INFO»
- Harvest Celebration Crush at Vigneto del Bino Winery (October 1) INFO»
- Roaring Table Five Year Anniversary Celebration (October 1) INFO»
- Annual Oktoberfest Celebration at Buffalo Creek Brewing (September 29-October 2) INFO»
- Bushel of Apples Fall Fest (September 30-October 2) INFO»
- Oktoberfest 5K Walk/Run at Half Day Brewing (October 2) INFO»
- Flight Night at North Shore Distillery (October 6) INFO»
- Bubbles and Brews at Grayslake Heritage Center (October 6) INFO»
- Craft Beer Walk and Brunch in Antioch (October 8) INFO»
- Wine Pairing Dinner: Oktoberfest at Vigneto del Bino Winery (October 14) INFO»
- Cocktail Distillery Tour at North Shore Distillery (October 15) INFO»
- Wine Pairing Dinner: Oktoberfest at Vigneto del Bino Winery (October 15) INFO»
- Wine Pairing Dinner: Oktoberfest at Vigneto del Bino Winery (October 22) INFO»
- Champagne Walk and Brunch in Antioch (November 5) INFO»
- Italian Theme Pairing Dinner at Vigneto del Bino Winery (November 5) INFO»
- Italian Theme Pairing Dinner at Vigneto del Bino Winery (November 11) INFO»
- Italian Theme Pairing Dinner at Vigneto del Bino Winery (November 2) INFO»
Check out the Libation of The Month after you spend autumn on the Lake County Libation Trail! View each partner listed above!
For things to do this weekend, click here!
Submit your photos for the #LetsSnapLakeCounty by October 31 for a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card.
Spooks & Spirits: Lake County, IL Autumn Celebration has something for the entire family.
Find out more about the spooky fun of Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® at Six Flags Great America.
We put together a helpful guide to the festival season!
Enjoy photos from our social media friends on the Lake County Libation Trail.
Be sure to continue sharing with us socially!
