Tagged: werk force

us open beer illinois

Episode 653 – U.S. Open Beer Championship Illinois Winners 2026

The U.S. Open Beer Championship, started in 2009, is the third-largest competition that recognizes and rewards beers from all over the world – and this year, Illinois brewers collected a considerable amount of hardware. We drink through five medal-winning beers...

30 most memorable beers 2025

Craig’s 30 Most Memorable Beers of 2025

As has been discussed in my previous two years’ lists, breweries again were closing faster than they were opening. It seems to have slowed down when compared to 2024 (and maybe even 2023) but it’s still happening at an alarmingly...

top 40 beers 2025

ABV Chicago: Ryan’s Top 40 Beers of 2025

Of course there are plenty of stories of contractions and closings in the current reality of craft beer, but I truly believe this one thing: the best beer in history is being made right now. There’s never been greater technical...

gin

Episode 621 – Let The Fun Be Gin

For the first time in Barrel-Aged December history, we have a whole show of gin barrel-aged beers – and we’ll tell you why that’s something of a rarity. With an all-star lineup of breweries, nothing here is a letdown –...