Harbor Brewing Co. (Lake Villa)
Outlook: There is no better combination than peanut butter and chocolate, and to enjoy it in a malty stout craft beer is a flavor experience. The first sip of Deez (pea)NUTZ obtains the distinct flavor of the beloved legume chased with a chocolate bite. Brew fanatics get that sweet-malt flavor that subsides on the ending. What better environment to enjoy it in than a brewery with a modern aesthetic and relaxed atmosphere? Harbor Brewing Company’s Lake Villa taproom is the ideal setting to experience this nutty concoction.
ABV: 8%
North Shore Distillery, LLC (Green Oaks)
Outlook: The craft distillery in Green Oaks has discovered a new layer of complexity with this year's malt whiskey. With this 11th edition, the whiskey has hints of honey and apricot. A note of hazelnut and pear reach the palette as the spirit then finishes with layers of oak and minerality. This is the result of the 100% malted barley that is fermented in-house and distilled through the custom-made, Ethel the Still. The smoothness makes it easy to sip and enjoy.
ABV: 45%
Wright's Brew & Bistro (Lincolnshire)
Outlook: Did you know that bees have five eyes? Well, that is how this new honey ale from Wright’s Brew and Bistro located inside Lincolnshire Marriott Resort got its name. This cream ale is brewed in collaboration with Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein. The award-winning brew house utilizes the honey that is produced in the beehives on-site at the Lincolnshire resort. One sip and you will see what all the buzz is about.
ABV: 6.5%
Bosacki's Brewery in Mundelein
Outlook: You’ll want to say the name of this copper-colored beer twice so that you don’t confuse anyone. The Mundelein microbrewery introduced this balanced creation of sweet malts and bitter hops as a holiday beer for St. Patrick’s Day 2016. With a feel that is medium in body, there is no surprise as to why the ale with a dry finish quickly became one of their most popular offerings.
ABV: 5.4%
February 2022
Half Day Brewing Co. in Lincolnshire
Outlook: This Aromatic IPA is packed full of lupulin! Using a generous portion of cryogenically separated hops gives this beer a bright and clean hop profile. Tropical fruit and citrus hop flavors shine through slight caramel and biscuit malt tones. A firm but smooth bitterness leaves you craving more of this golden ale!
ABV: 7%
February 2022
Outlook: The Barrel Reserve Old Tom Gin is the first spirit in Oppidan’s Experiment Collection. The Waukegan distillery reimagined their standard gin by adding a smoke element and barrel aging. The grapefruit peel was smoked over pecan wood, giving a nice smokey candied pecan note to the gin. From here, the gin was aged for three to five months in a combination of new and used cooperage to give a nice round oak flavor without dominating the spirit. The tasting notes are juniper, maple syrup, cinnamon, grapefruit peel, candied ginger and pecan.
ABV: 45%
February 2022
Vigneto del Bino Vineyard & Winery
Outlook: This robust red wine was created from the French hybrid grape. This wine has a smooth read, pleasant aroma of berries with an oak finish. The taste of the vino is of similar notes to a merlot flavor.
ABV: 12.5%
January 2022
Liquid Love Brewing Co. in Buffalo Grove
Outlook: Don’t slip on the banana peel because this beer is sweet like Santa’s meal. The innovative Buffalo Grove brewpub just released its banana split-inspired sour ale. The adult beverage is a concoction filled with banana and sweet cherry purées, cacao, vanilla and ice cream cones. Crowlers are available online and in the taproom. Don't wait too long before it's all gone.
ABV: 5.6%
December 2021
Roaring Table Brewing Company in Lake Zurich
Outlook: Roaring Table Brewing Company offers the Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine Editors' Pick for Best 20 in 2021. The hazy IPA consists of a heady aroma that delivers a fruity mix of pineapple, orange, mango, guava and lime. A subtle floral accent gives the beer a flavorful burst while remaining smooth and soft. From the first sip, the IPA remains balanced with spicy hop flavors and a mixture of citrus. A great hazy IPA is difficult to brew so stop by the Lake Zurich taproom to enjoy this delectable creation on draft.
ABV: 7%
November 2021
28 Mile Distilling Company in Highwood
Outlook: 28 Mile Distilling Company offers an award-winning, Kentucky-straight bourbon. The libation is distilled and finished in both Spanish sherry and French cognac casks and is then blended with high-rye Tennessee bourbon to create a distinct, spicy, fruit-laden spirit. The velvety package tastes like spiced graham cracker with hints of mince pie and licorice. Aromatic overtones lean towards vanilla wafer cookies, cinnamon pastry, Bavarian cream and candied cherries. The Debonair Whiskey Bourbon leaves a delightful finish with a slight tingle.
ABV: 46%
October 2021
Phase Three Brewing Company in Lake Zurich
Outlook: Once again, Phase Three Brewing has captured what it’s like to bite into a caramel apple with their latest collaboration with Affy Tapple. The blonde ale recipe adds apple juice along with hints of sweet caramel and roasted peanuts to embrace the essence of an Affy Tapple Caramel Apple. A Bushel of Apples makes it’s return at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich as part of the A Bushel of Apples in Fall Fest on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3. $1 from every single 4-pack sold will be donated to The Greater Chicago Food Depository.
ABV: 5%
Outlook: This wine drinker’s Rosé is crisp and slightly fruity. Fuller in body than one would expect from such a bright-looking wine, the Lake County Libation Trail’s newest vino partner has this drinkable is crushed, fermented and bottled right in the city of Highwood. This wine is made by lightly crushing (on the Friday Night of Pumpkinfest until 8 a.m. Saturday morning) whole berry Grenache grapes. This wine is outstanding when sipped cold. The seedlings used for this wine spend their childhood in Lodi, California, until they become adults and head to the southeast Lake County city.
ABV: 13.1%
Black Lung Brewing Co. in Round Lake Beach
Outlook: “You know you’re in Kentucky when you can visit Paris, London, Versailles and Florence all in one day.” The Lake County Libation Trail’s newest partner Black Lung Brewing Co. has created a brew with flaked maize, black malts and ancient kveik yeast. This light-bodied brew contains a fragrant malty aroma and strong flavor that goes down dry. The Kentucky bourbon-themed suds rates 19 on the International Bitters Unit scale.
ABV: 5%
Outlook: The Waukegan Lake County Libation Trail partner and the Lake County Forest Preserves have created a beer called Mile 15 Hazy & Lazy. The New England India Pale Ale dons its name from Independence Grove's hiking and biking location along the Des Plaines River Trail. The Libertyville preserve challenges libationers to find marker 15 on the Overlook Trail Loop and snap a photo. The hazy beverage NEIPA has a mild bitterness, with great hops. The aroma and flavor of the Waukegan suds include azacca, cashmere and el dorado. The libation is served at Independence Grove's newest addition to the Craft Beer Garden that sits in place of the beach area now. This brew is limited-time only, so get it while it's lazy.
ABV: 6.5%
Mickey Finn's Brewery in Libertyville
Outlook: The Malik the Five-Foot Freak (Phyfe Dawg) Kamaal the Abstract (Q-tip), Jarobi and Ali were in a tribe from the boulevard of Linden that quested through the 90s, and they made their legendary breakout track “Can I Kick It” (A Tribe Called Quest). Commemorating a song that still slaps to this day, the seven percent, double dry-hopped IPA brewed in the hazy New England IPA style. Mosaic, Citra, El Dorado and Simcoe hops paint layers of citrus, tropical fruit and grapefruit pith. Oats and wheat give a smooth rap bars as the backdrop. “Can Mickey's kick it? Yes, they can.”
ABV: 7.2%
Outlook: The Wheeling winery featured this treat in their April Red Wine of the Month. The superb 2018 vino is renowned go-to in Spain. Tempranillo is an iconic bevrage is referring to the word Temprano, which means that this type of grape ripens earlier than traditional varieties in the aformentioned European country. The vibrant vino is highlighted by an aroma of cedar, vanilla, blueberry, white pepper, laurel leaves, herbs and earthy notes. The palate features black currant, plum, dark chocolate, herbs and hints of sage. The full-bodied beverage obtains a complex, yet smooth and long finish. Aged for 24 months in an American oak barrel, this pairs perfectly with Spanish Paella, Mexican entreés, cheeses like cheddar and Monterey jack and spiced lamb chops.
ABV: 13.8%
Outlook: "Do the dance sensation that is sweepin' the nation at the hop." You know it's Hoppy Time at the Waukegan small batch brewery if you here the smash song by Danny and the Juniors. Zümbier is canning this delightful adult beverage. The libation palatte is highlighted by honey, loads of hops, columbus, citra and simcoe. Don't be bitter and take a sip or 20 of this delectable drink this Lake County Restaurant Rally and beyond. The ZümBier brew is available on tap and for carryout via can, howler and growler.
ABV: 10%
Light the Lamp Brewery in Grayslake
Outlook: Synonymous with the hawk a-blowin in the Chicagoland area, winter has a constant squeeze on all of us. Something that takes those winter blues is the Constant Squeeze the Grayslake brewery has on us with this delectable new IPA. Think of the summertime has this milkshake India pale ale tastes like you're drinking a melted carbonated dreamsicle. The lavors you'll taste include orange, milk sugar, vanilla, a ton of citra and Belma hops all swirled into a 12-ounce can. The hockey-themed Lake County Libation Trail partner can neither confirm nor deny that Constant Squeeze pairs well with breakfast. The fruit, milkshake brew concoction is available via four pack.
ABV: 7.5 %
Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein
Outlook: The Mundelein brewery expands the family of its signature series draft, "Everybody Loves" with Ekuanot. Infused with tropical fruit, berry, papaya and apple, the refreshing aroma of this American double dry-hopped India pale ale will transport you to a tropical paradise. Visit the Mundelein brewery as they open for indoor suds sipping as Lake County advanced to Phase 4 Tier 1 in Restore Illinois recently. If you want to drink the psychedelic sips in a land of lakes winter wonderland, Tighthead Brewing Co. also boasts a heated patio area. If you're not comfortable returning to indoor or outdoor service, you can enjoy the newest draft addition, via carryout by purchasing a four pack to-go of the DDH IPA. Support your local Lake County brewers. .
ABV: 5.8%
North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks
Outlook: The self-proclaimed nerds have been hard at work in 2020. Besides the hand sanitizer created for first responders and the Lake County community, co-founders, owners and husband and wife distiller/mixologist duet (along with their larger than life compadre Ethel the Still) have been busy this year with two spirits: Vacation Curaçao and For Peat's Sake Whiskey. The libation aged in a boubon cask with broken oak staves, is a peated malt qhiskey made from barley. The flavor is smokey, rich and layered with a roudn body that is perfect for sipping while roasting chestnuts on an open fire. Visit the Green Oaks distillery to pick up a bottle of both new releases.
ABV: 42.5%
Glunz Family Winery in Grayslake
Outlook: This vino warms the soul during the wintertime. The concoction contains a half dry red wine, while the complementing percentage is port flavor. Vin Glögg is jam-packed with cinnamon, cadarmon spices, and it also includes an orange peel taste. The Grayslake adult beverage is intended to be served warm.
ABV: 13%
Light thhe Lamp Brewery in Grayslake
Outlook: This most eligible bachelor/bachelorette brew still doesn't have a date, but it recently took home some hardware at the 2020 Great AMerican Beer Festival last month. Alas, the solo suds remains "Still Single." The American Belgo-style ale just notched a bronze finish in the national fest is their second consecutive medal (won with their session beer Lite it in 2019). According to the Grayslake brewpuck masters, the Belgian ale is complemented by lonesome TV dinners, long strolls along the shore...with your feline friend, tacos for one and an entire frozen pizza in bed. The brew is served via full pour, half pour, taster glass or take-home 32 ounce crowlers/64-ounce growlers.
ABV: 4.4%
Bosacki's Brewery in Mundelein
Outlook: The Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy is the perfect year-round libation in the land of lakes for a brisker forecast. The autumn-tinted, sweet-flavored ale, also that may be a bit overweight is rated 20 on the International Bitterness Units Scale. Due to the higher ABV content, the Mundelein brewery limits customers to only two of the pints in one visit. The brewery is open indoors and alfresco style from Thursdays-Sundays. Suds sippers must wear a mask when entering the building. The brewhouse is also running small batch Saturdays to-go.
ABV: 7.3%
Only Child Brewing Co. in Gurnee
Outlook: The name Ruckus & Riots not only commemorates the Gurnee brewpub's their fifth anniversary but also speaks to the civil unrest in the past few months. The adult beverage is stout dessert in a glass. The suds obtain a bouquet of roasted malts with char, oak, vanilla and bourbon characteristics. The Gurnee maestros also infused the barrel-aged brews with fudge brownies and Madagascar bourbon vanilla. The bourbon barrel-aged brownie batter stout is on tap and canned.
ABV: 13%
Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich
Outlook: After bringing you favorites like their gin, rum, bourbons and other spirits, Copper Fiddle Distillery has added vodka to their repertoire! The Lake Zurich liquor masons used their legendary rye, yellow corn and barley mash distilled in their copper pot and reflux for this clean finishing, very balanced and smooth triple filtered Midwestern vodka. The neutral spirit is 100 percent distilled grain.
ABV: 40 percent | 80 Proof
Harbor Brewing Co. in Winthrop Harbor
Outlook: Harbor Brewing Co. in partnership with North Point Marina opened Lake County's first beer garden in late May. To commemorate this accomplishment, the Lake County Libation Trail participant created a New England India Pale Ale called Locoe NEIPA. The delectable brew is their juiciest double dry hopped ale. The seven percent beverage is jam-packed with lotus and simcoe hops.
ABV: 7%
Half Day Brewing Co. in Lincolnshire
Outlook: The Barrel-Aged Warrior Paint Imperial Coffee is taking a victory lap through the Lincolnshire brewing company. The 11-percent ABV stout is brewed with Mexican coffee beans from Bannockburn’s Newport Coffee House. Beautiful aromas of molasses and coffee waft from this libation and the scents are paired with hints of oak and vanilla. Half Day Brewing Co. in Lincolnshire is open for pickup daily serving growler refills, four packs and family meal kits daily and with the start of Phase 3 Restore Illinois, the Lincolnshire brewpub is open for outdoor dining.
ABV: 11%
Vigneto del Bino Winery (Antioch)
Outlook: This tropical wine from Vigneto del Bino is bursting with fruity flavors. The Antioch vineyard takes three of their white wines: Brianna, Summer Shanty and Frontenac Gris and combines them with flavors of pineapple, mango and coconut to create a sweet, refreshing blend that tastes like a piña colada. Perfect for both warm and cold weather days, one sip of this vino will have you wishing you were relaxing on a beach.
ABV: 11.5%
Nightshade and Dark's Pandeonium Brewing (Waukegan)
Outlook: Celebrate the legacy of Ray Bradbury and the City of Waukegan with this beer from Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing. Named after the city's pre-prohibition brewery, this English Bitter is brewed with Cluster, Kent Golding and Fuggle hops making this brew extremely satisfying.
Swing by the brewery and grab a howler to-go.
ABV: 4.8 %
The Onion Pub & Brewery (Lake Barrington)
Outlook: The luck of the Irish will be on your side when sipping on this creation from The Onion Pub & Brewery. Their Irish Style Red Ale is infused with cocoa nibs, which gives this seasonal brew a hoppy finish with a touch of sweetness courtesy of the chocolate. This easily drinkable ale is prefect for St. Paddy's Day celebrations.
ABV: 5 %
Outlook: Side Lot Brewery has crafted a candy infused beer that will have you humming Aaron Carter's "I Want Candy" in your head. The Wauconda brewery's Citra and El Dorado hopped Candy Paint is brewed with Jolly Ranchers giving this Pale Ale an extra bit of sweetness. Each sip of this uniquely tasty brew will take you back to your childhood days.
ABV: 5.7%
Outlook: Oppidan Spirits deviated from the standard London Dry style to create a unique and refreshing perspective gin with floral and citrus notes that are usually unseen in this category. For citrus, the Waukegan distillery uses a freshly peeled pink grapefruit. Elderflower, hibiscus and Chamomile give the Oppidan Spirit American Botanical Gin a light floral nose, balanced by spices like ginger, cardamom and cinnamon. The result is a superbly balanced gin tastes great neat or in your gin cocktail.
ABV: 43%
Zümbier Brewery (Waukegan)
Outlook: Zumbier produces an extraordinary porter this time of year that is well-balanced and with its malty body pairs well with the cooler temperatures. After aging in barrels, this beer relays whiskey and vanilla tasting notes directly to your taste buds giving that nice warm feeling during the holidays. This drinkable treat is brewed once a year so be sure to grab some before it's gone.
ABV: 9.5%
Valentino Vineyards (Long Grove)
Outlook: Late harvest wines are made from grapes that are left on the vine, late in the season, after reaching peak ripeness. Plucking these berries later in the year allows the sugar content to become more concentrated. This gives the rosé a slight touch of sweetness. This versatile wine is the perfect complement to turkey for your Thanksgiving feast. Gobble, gobble!
ABV: 13.9%
Wright's Brew & Bistro (Lincolnshire)
Outlook: Did you know that bees have five eyes? Well, that is how this new honey ale from Wright’s Brew and Bistro located inside Lincolnshire Marriott Resort got its name. This cream ale is brewed in collaboration with Tighthead Brewing Co. in Mundelein. The award-winning brew house utilizes the honey that is produced in the beehives on-site at the Lincolnshire resort. One sip and you will see what all the buzz is about.
ABV: 6.5%
Mickey Finn's Brewery (Libertyville)
Outlook: BEAR DOWN, Chicago Bears. Being neighbors with Halas Hall (the Chicago Bears practice facility), the county's oldest brewery pays ode to the Monsters of the Midway with a brown ale. The brew heralding the inventors of the T formation is an English-styled beer that’s charismatically nutty and toffee flavor.
ABV: 10%
Glunz Family Winery (Grayslake)
Outlook: Glunz Family Winery & Cellars produces a trio of seasonal Sangria flavors: red, white and rosé. The intense citrus, berry flavors complemented by a dash of sweetnes, makes for a refreshing treat during hot summer days. The Grayslake vino can be enjoyed by the glass or by can!
ABV: 11%
Flesk Brewing Co. (Barrington)
Outlook: The newest hazy New England IPA from Flesk Brewing Co. is bursting with a citrusy aroma and fruity flavors. This juicy IPA brewed with Citra and Amarillo hops is the perfect complement for your summer adventures!
ABV: 6.20%
Buffalo Creek Brewing Co. (Long Grove)
Outlook: Chocolate AND bacon. Who can say NO TO that DYNAMIC duo? This choclate bacon stout IS rated 35 ON the International Bitters Unit Scale (IBU) AND can be thoroughly enjoyed YEAR-ROUND. WITH the village's Strawberry Festival in June, this is the perfect time to complement our favorite cocoa treat with an enormous berry.
ABV: 5.8%
Ravinia Brewing Co. (Highland Park)
Outlook: Cock-a-doodle-doo has NEW meaning WITH the Flight of the Rooster Saison. Utilizing NEW Zealand Nelson Sauvin hops, this brew obtains a sauvignon blanc palate. This brand of suds has 25 IBUs AND IS perfect FOR warmer months.
ABV: 7.5%
Harbor Brewing Co. (Winthrop Harbor)
Outlook: Your favorite cereal IS NOW a beer! AND it's good! This delightful IPA is brewed with zero boil hops and is packed with Citra and Mosaic hops for an incredible aroma and finish.
ABV: 6.7%
Only Child Brewery (Gurnee)
Outlook: Pucker up, buttercup. This Gurnee Pale Ale is brewed with lime zest and agave; the perfect combination of sweet and sour. The crisp finish of this brew pairs nicely with the assortment of food vendors that the brewery brings to their tap room most weekends.
ABV: 5.30%
Light the Lamp Brewery (Grayslake)
Outlook: Perfect for a chilly winter's day, Light the Lamp's Sin Bin Stout is the perfect mixture of roasted malts and a smooth, smokey finish. The English Oatmeal Stout is the perfect compliment to more than a few of the Grayslake brewery's finely crafted food menu.
ABV: 5.80%
Copper Fiddle Distillery (Lake Zurich)
Outlook: Pronounced "Fire Engine," this unique style of gin packs a punch. The spicy libation uses a full serrano pepper in each bottle which has been charred, roasted and cut by hand. Fyren Gin is the perfect companion for cocktails such as bloody marys, martinis and more. If you're looking for the perfect winter warmup, this is the libation for you. Fyren Gin perfectly accompanies cucumber, basil, tonic water, simple syrup and more in their featured cocktail, Lake Zurich Fire Department.
ABV: 46%
North Shore Distillery (Green Oaks)
Outlook: The delightful spirit starts with fermented honey turned into mead and then distilled with a variety or oranges, spices and herbs. Beehive Curaço is a phenomenal sipping liqueur for the holiday season. North Shore Distillery will host the libation's launch party on December 8 at the Green Oaks tasting room / distillery.
ABV: 40%
Lynfred Winery (Wheeling)
Outlook: The mulled libation is packed with aromas of cinnamon, cloves and gingerbread cookies; perfect for cold, long November nights. Pair with oatmeal cookies or chocolate berries for a real treat. The spiced wine can also be warmed for especially chilly nights.
ABV: 11%
Tighthead Brewery (Mundelein)
Outlook: The limited edition IPA is full bodied, incredibly refreshing and brewed by award-winning craftsmen. The Greenway Boogie IPA is a collaboration between Tighthead Brewing, REI in Vernon Hills and the Lake County Forest Preserves. A percentage of sales support the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserves.
ABV: 6.7% | IBU: ??
Roaring Table Brewery (Lake Zurich)
Outlook: This is a soft, hazy, fruity beer that goes well with hanging out with the best people in the world! Friends, family and Fido.
ABV: 5.4% | IBU: 20
Bosacki's Home Brew (Mundelein)
Outlook: A complement TO the newly released Raspberry Wheat, this American Pale Wheat Ale provides the subtle taste of blueberries AND allows the slight sweetness of the wheat through. This unfiltered wheat beer IS visually cloudy, WHILE obtaining a fuller body. The ale has a 5.3 percent alcohol BY volume AND IS rated AT 15 ON the International Bitterness Unit scale. Available FOR a limited time.
ABV: 5.3% | IBU: 15
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