Tasty Tuesdays: Breweries Specializing Solely in Suds on the Lake County Libation Trail
By: Jonathan Jones 01/28/2020
"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer," said the 16th President of the United States and suds sipper, Abraham Lincoln.
The final tasty Tuesday, we take a look at breweries specializing solely in suds on the Lake County Libation Trail.
Lake County is home to 14 libation trail brewhouses, and six of them serve exceptional eatswhile the other eight that we'll cover today, feature solely the brewdoos that they do.
Make sure by Friday, January 31, you note your attendance at one of these maker’s facilities. During Lake County Libation Trail Month, sippers have the opportunity to win free tickets to the Lake County Beer Festival on February 22 at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center. Click here to learn more.
Every season these land of lakes masons of brew continuously blow our minds with the options they offer at their speakeasies. Closeout Lake County Libation Trail Month this tasty Tuesday with a frothy brew-ha-ha.
Bosacki's Brewery (formerly known as Bosacki's Home Brew/Microbrewery) is a local microbrewery serving traditional and historic ales and lagers. Fresh liquified hops are available in growlers to take home and share with the family and friends. Since 2013, brewer and owner Greg Bosacki opened his establishment, but not before over a decade of prep work as he was given a basic homebrew kit by his wife, Brigitte. The mission of Bosacki's is the importance of sharing with family and friends. It is really a family affair at the Mundelein brewhouse. Bosacki features 12 libations on tap, including the Scotch Ale/Wee Heavy, perfect for the colder seasons and Lake County Libation Trail Month. You can take home 32 and 64-ounce growlers for later consumption. Bosacki's also hosts a plethora of food trucks throughout the year. Their Blueberry Wheat Ale was the land of lakes' libation of the month in August 2018.
Buffalo Creek Brewing in historic downtown Long Grove has something extra brewing every weekend. The Lake County destination brewery that is popular for its Bavarian-style brew features a tasting room, deck and gazebo. Brewmeister and owner Mike Marr puts a little bit of magic in his libations as he produces 10 unique beers. The award-winning brewery is known for its 42K Belgian Strong Ale, Marrvelous German-Style Kölsch, Xerxes Chocolate Bacon Stout (Lake County libation of the month in June 2019) and more.
Buffalo Creek Brewing Co., 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove.
The Winthrop Harbor microbrewery produces adventurous ales. The Lake County suds maker is also highlighted by a taproom, beercade and live music. Since 2018, Habor Brewing has taken innovative flavors and created exceptional libations. The Lake Michigan bordering brewhouse offers 12 different potables on tap like their Special K Milkshake IPA (a libation of the month in April 2019), No Wrong Way Peanut Butter Cup Porter, the Prizm Sours Series and much more.
The Ray Bradbury-themed, Waukegan brewhouse, is a part of the Lake County Libation Trail. The Waukegan suds factory boasts 20 traditional and experimental brews and creates the adult beverages on site. Nightshade and Dark's also features food trucks, pop kitchens and live music. Shares a co-location with Oppidan Spirits Distillery.
Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing, 216 W. Clayton St., Waukegan.
The small-batch, family-run brew company creates premier, artisanal drinks with fresh ingredients. The dog-friendly company has been filling the bellies of satisfied customers since 2013. As of January, the Gurnee brewery has 12 unique brews on draft. The No Way Jose pale ale was featured as the libation of the month in March 2019. Libation drinkers can also take home 32-ounce howlers as well as 16-ounce, four-packs. Feel free to bring your doggo in when taken down a few beers.
Only Child Brewing Co., 130 Tri-State Pkwy., Suite 124, Gurnee.
This sleek and savvy brewery knows what's up with a stellar selection of beers on tap. The Wauconda brewhouse is a rustic, reclaimed and lounge. Cool, welcoming color palettes and friendly faces. Whether it's craft beer, microbrews, craft spirits, boutique wine or even locally-roasted coffee, the Side Lot Brewery has something for your taste buds. Established in 2015, the Wauconda (Wakanda) suds staple is highlighted by 13 brews on tap, including the precious Vibranium IPA. Not only is it what charges T’Calla’s Black Panther suit, but it’s also what fuels us during libation month.
The Mundelein, brewhouse is dedicated to crafting exceptional suds for all seasons. Tighthead Brewery is highlighted by a taproom and offers tours. Sample first-class flights like the Scarlet > FIre Irish-Style Red Ale, the Boxcar Porter and the Irie IPA, just to name a few. The nine-year-old neighborhood institution poured their heart and soul into each glass. Tighthead also has partnered with Lake County establishments to concoct a few libations like Wright's Brew and Bistro's Five Eyes Honey Ale and the Lake County Forest Preserves District's limited edition Greenway Boogie IPA commemorating the Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway (also the land of lakes' brew of the month in October 2018).
TIghthead Brewing Co., 161 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein.
The Waukegan brewery created innovation bier along with traditional to-style bier. The city brewhouse concocts tons of beers and has a changing lineup on 13 rotating taps. Zümbier is a family run business and Larry Bloom, Founder, and Biermeister wants your journey in beer exploration to be inspirational. Zümbier shares fascinating brews with their customers like Citra-Tasm double Pale Ale, Bloomin' Apple Ale, SRMX2 Double Red Irish Ale and more.
Zümbier Brewery, 3232 W. Monroe St., Waukegan.
For past Tasty Tuesdays, continue here. For more about the Lake County Libation Trail, click here. Cheers, Lake County!
