Indeed there once was a “light” version of this cheapest of beers. The next best thing to “Dry January.”

The big news this week comes again from Kings & Convicts Brewing. The ownership group that put together a package two years ago to buy Ballast Point from Constellation Brands. This time they have purchased the brewery and taproom of Saint Archer Brewing, another San Diego-based brewer, from MolsonCoors. The deal, announced on MolsonCoors’ blog, apparently involves only the physical facilities, as MC will be shutting the Saint Archer brand down.

The Tribune’s Josh Noel notes that this deal comes as Highwood-based Kings & Convicts has officially pulled the plug on its production brewery, first announced in 2019 in Pleasant Prairie, WI. Noel’s article quotes that K&C co-founder Brendan Watters admitted that the Ballast Point deal pulled their attention to the West Coast. The current Highwood brewery remains open, but it’s uncertain how much longer.

Friday, January 14

Augustus Gloompah Release
Imperial Oak Brewing Co., 501 Willow Blvd., Willow Springs, IL (708) 559-7311 Map
& 9526 W. Ogden Ave., Brookfield, IL (708) 387-0050 Map
Chris Schmelzer of Brewers Of South Suburbia brewed his Brixtoberfest winning beer at Imperial Oak in Brookfield.
“My beer, Augustus Gloompah, which is a chocolate/vanilla/coffee stout, will be tapped on January 14, 2022 at both the Willow Springs and the Brookfield locations. I will be at the Willow Springs location on Friday from 6-9 and at the Brookfield location on Saturday from 3-6. There was even talk of putting it on nitro…

Skeleton Key Collab
Bubblehouse Brewing Co., 2121 Ogden Ave., Unit A, Lisle, IL  Map
Drop by Friday when we’ll be releasing our collaboration with Skeleton Key Brewery!

Hop Butcher Releases
Iron&Glass, 632 S. Weber Rd., Romeoville, IL (815) 782-5559 Map
& Iron&Glass Minooka, 104 Ridge Rd., Minooka, IL (815) 255-2114 Map
Hop Butcher for the World is coming at us with another new beer this week plus a returning favorite
Narragansett Ridge – 8% Hazy DIPA brewed with Nectaron and Citra
Bughouse Square – 7.5% Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe and Nelson Sauvin-hopped Double India Pale Ale, Hazy style
Slap the link for the store of your choice- pick up on Friday
Romeoville or Minooka

Whiner Hop Tub Release
Whiner Beer Co., 1400 W. 46th St. #104, Chicago 312-810-2271 Map
Be the first to try our newest Tub Beer
We are excited to announce Hop Tub draft launching in the taproom Friday January 14th! Its a collaboration with Bike-a-Bee Honey, our beekeeping neighbor in The Plant. Double dry hopped with Nelson Sauvin Hops and blended with a barrel aged farmhouse with raw honey added. Hop Tub is a monster Farmhouse ale at 8%.

Blueberry Pie-Eyed Release
Alter Brewing Co., 2300 Wisconsin Ave. #213, Downers Grove, IL 630-541-9558 Map
& Alter Brewery & Kitchen, 12 S. First St., Saint Charles, IL (331) 901-5949 Map
A wintertime return of a summertime favorite, this blueberry sour has intense flavors of blueberry jam and aromas of fresh blueberry pie. Expect a full, juicy mouthfeel and a dessert wine-like finish.⁠
Mark your calendars for January 14, 2022 – this is the first brewhouse exclusive of the year, meaning it can only be purchased AT ALTER – no other outside retailers! Be on the lookout for monthly brewhouse exclusives throughout the year ⁠
We are berry excited and hope you are too! ⁠

Buffalo Creek Beer Release
Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove, IL 847-821-6140 Map
Code name PROJECT 36-08 is coming this Friday, January 14! It’s a double dry-hopped American Wheat set to become one of our three new core beers in distribution this year.

11:00 am • The Glen Ellyn Chili Cook-Off Kick-Off
Two Hound Red, 486 Pennsylvania Ave., Glen Ellyn, IL (630) 547-2912 Map
The Glen Ellyn Chili Cook Off is a fun filled week of healthy competition. We are not sure who enjoys this event more, the local restaurants perfecting their favorite chili recipe for bragging rights on the best chili in town or all the happy folks able to warm up their bellies on a cold January day. One thing is for sure. It’s a good time for all.
For one week only Friday, January 14 through Sunday, January 23, is the Glen Ellyn Chili Cook-Off. This community-wide event will feature nine Glen Ellyn restaurants putting their spin on the classic dish. The Chamber is excited to highlight local restaurants and provide a fun event for all ages. We hope many will try as many chilis as possible and continue to support or Glen Ellyn restaurants. Voting is done online by rating each chili as you go throughout the week.
The winner will be announced the following week after all the results are in. See each restaurant for available hours and if for dine in or carry out. For additional information, to see the participating restaurants, and to vote for each chili visit: www.GlenEllynChamber.com/chili

11:00 am • Warrior Paint Release Party!
Half Day Brewing Co., 200 Village Green, Lincolnshire, IL 847-821-6933 Map
Join us on January 14th for our Warrior Paint Release Party!
Featured on Tap (10 oz Pours):
2021 Limited Release Warrior Paint
2021 Double Coffee Warrior Paint
Both Aged 1 year in Tattersall Rye Whiskey Barrels
Take home your own 2021 Barrel Aged Warrior Paint 2-Pack 16oz Cans!

12:00 pm • Local Tap Takeover
Prestige 6249 Tap Room, 6249 S. Cass Ave., Westmont, IL (630) 963-9733 Map
First Forest Brewing will be taking over Prestige 6249 Tap Room with our friends at Whiskey Hill Brewing Company and Foreign Exchange Brewing Co. Can’t wait to see some new and familiar faces!
First Forest tap list:
Dylan the Pilot: Orange Pale Wheat
Rider: DDH IPA
Self Care: Hazy IPA – Collaboration with Foriegn Exchange Brewing Co.
Bohemian Breakfast: Imperial Stout with Maple, Cacao Nibs and Vanilla bean- Collaboration with Whiskey Hill Brewing Company

12:00 pm • Barrel Aged Morning Luau Release
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
Grab your leis, coconut bras, and grass skirts…Barrel Aged Morning Luau is here!
Our imperial porter with coconut and coffee went into hand-selected bourbon barrels and came out the other side as a dark, tropical wonderland.
DETAILS:
– 22oz bottles will go online for pre-sale starting at noon on Wednesday, January 12.
– Proxies allowed, just show the forwarded email receipt at pick-up.
– All orders must be picked up by 9pm on Sunday, January 16. This gives you three full days to find a way to grab them.
– The beer will be on tap as well as 22oz bombers to-go.
– Chuck’s Wood Fired Pizza will be here starting at 5pm with their Hawaiian style pizza to pair perfectly with the porter!

4:00 pm • Serna’s Grill
Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing, 216 W. Clayton St., Waukegan, IL (847) 445-2467 Map
Serna’s Grill brings Gyros, Italian Beef, Burgers and more.

4:00 pm • Mamma Mia Pizza
Mikerphone Brewing, 121 Garlisch Dr., Elk Grove Village, IL 847-264-8904 Map
New & locally-owned wood-fired pizza truck Mamma Mia will be here on Friday Jan. 14th from 4p-sellout. No reservations required.

4:00 – 6:00 pm • Maplewood Keep The Pint Night
Legends Grill and Bar, 6320 Illinois 53, Woodridge, IL (630) 541-3221 Map
Swing through Legends Grill & Bar on Friday, grab yourself a pint of Maplewood’s finest and take the glass home!

4:30 – 8:00 pm • Smiley’s Barbecue Food Pop-Up
Scorched Earth Brewing Co., 203 Berg St., Algonquin, IL 224-209-8472 Map
Smiley’s Barbecue is back at the brewery. Join us for some delicious barbecue
Real Wood * Real Smoke * Real Barbecue

5:00 – 11:00 pm • Lake Villa Grand Opening
Harbor Brewing Co., Lake Villa, 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa, IL  Map
THE DAY IS FINALLY HERE!
We are SO excited to welcome everyone to our new taproom location in Lake Villa! We have a bunch of awesome beers on tap AND live music from Tom Rutledge starting at 7pm!

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Chuck’s Wood-Fired Pizza
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
Chuck’s back from vacation and ready to cook up some killer pizzas on Friday.
Even better? He’s bringing his Hawaiian pizza market special with him. A full description of this tasty beast is coming soon.
There’s a reason for this special pizza…we’re releasing Barrel Aged Morning Luau as well! Our imperial porter with coconut and coffee will transport you out of Chibeeria and straight to the beach.

7:00 pm • Karaoke Night
Two Pints Lounge, 641 E. Boughton Rd. #110, Bolingbrook, IL (630) 739-3000 Map
Sing your heart out!

7:00 – 7:00 pm • Karaoke Nights
Zorn Brew Works Co., 605 E. 9th St., Michigan City, IN (219) 243-7157 Map
Karaoke Nights start this Friday at 7pm!

Saturday, January 15

11:00 am • Yoga & Craft Beer
Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
Join us for Yoga and Craft Beer on Saturday January 15th – All levels are welcome, bring your own mat! $20 includes one hour of yoga and one beer afterward.

11:30 am • 6th Annual Long Johns On Winter Warmer Bash
Burn ‘Em Brewing, 718 Freyer Rd., Michigan City, IN 219-210-3784 Map
We are happy to announce our 6th annual LJO Winter Warmer Bash.
We will be doing things a little differently this year.
Still 21+ Over.
Doors open at 11:30 AM. Music starts at Noon.
Food by Bare Bones Gastropub
General Admission tickets are $20 (SOLD OUT) and get you into the fest.
We will be selling only 100 VIP Packages for $60 each.
The VIP package includes:
Entry to the fest
1 can of the Barrel Aged Long Johns On
1 exclusive custom knitted Burn ‘Em Scarf
1 exclusive stemless snifter LJOWWB glass.
1 pair of Burn ‘Em Gloves.
Remaining tickets are available here.
ONLY ONLINE PURCHASE
The Barrel Aged Variants of LJO, our winter warmer barley wine with dates, nutmeg and vanilla bean, will all be available on draft only in the party and available to-go only in the taproom.
This years lineup is as follows:
Normal Barrel-aged Long Johns On, aged in Hotel Tango Whiskey barrels.
Blueberry Pie Barrel-aged Long Johns On, aged in Hotel Tango Whiskey Barrels with pureed blueberries and cinnamon.
Chocolate & Cherry Wine Barrel-aged Long Johns On aged in zinfandel barrels with pureed cherries and cocoa nibs.
Gluhwein Wine Barrel-aged Long Johns On aged in zinfandel barrels with cinnamon, clove, and orange peel.
All BA’s and variants are $10 for each 16oz can. You can mix and match all 4 variants for $36/4 pack.
LIVE MUSIC FROM: REGGAE EXPRESS 4pm-6pm
STEALIN’ THE FARM 1:15pm-3:15pm
ST JOE JACK 12:00pm-12:45pm
This is an outdoor event inside of heated tents. Please plan accordingly!!

12:00 pm • Pollyanna Super Fun Time Winter Party January Edition!
Pollyanna Brewing Co., 431 Talcott Ave., Lemont, IL (630) 914-5834 Map
& Pollyanna – Roselare, 245 E. Main St., Roselle, IL (847) 285-1909 Map
& 106 S. Riverside Ave., St. Charles, IL 630-549-7372  Map
Our Pollyanna Super Fun Time Winter Party is back in January! Join us this Saturday in Lemont, Roselle, and St Charles for new beer releases, food, music, fire pits, heaters, and super fun times!
Beer Releases for 1/15:
Roselle Red – 5.0% ABV. Our 2021 Great American Beer Festival Gold Medal Winning Vienna Lager is in cans for the first time and finally back on draft!
Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Toasted Marshmallow Fun Size – 13.5% ABV Imperial Milk Stout aged in Rabbit Hole Cavehill Bourbon Barrels with Toasted Marshmallow, Peanut, Cocoa Nib, Vanilla Bean, & Sea Salt.
Helles – 5.1% ABV Helles Lager.

12:00 pm • …And Juicetice for All
Noon Whistle Brewing, 800 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, IL ​(630) 376-6895 Map
& 1748 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 331-431-4882 Map
This Double Dry Hopped Double IPA is a collab with Mikerphone Brewing; and it is DANK! …And Juicestice for All was made using only Yakima Chief Cryo hops. This means the hops are more concentrated which gives off very intense flavors! Filled with more hops than any other hazy we’ve brewed in a while, this hazy is sure to knock your socks off with bright citrus flavors and a gratifying, juicy finish.
This beer will be released at both locations, on tap and to go!

12:00 – 5:00 pm • Fresh Off the Line – Can Release
Solemn Oath Taproom, 1661 Quincy Ave. #179, Naperville IL (630) 995-3062 Map
Join us this Saturday at our Naperville production facility as we celebrate the first event of Solemn Oath’s #10For10 anniversary celebrations and the debut of the first ever 16oz year-round can offering, _____ ____ ____ ____ , a Double Dry-Hopped (aka: Hazy) India Pale Ale!
In case the name of the event didn’t tip you off, this will also mark the first time SOB has ever invited our community into the brewery to enjoy as-fresh-as-it-gets cans right off the line on a Saturday afternoon. The can of Solemn Oath beer that our packaging crew hands you this Saturday will likely be the freshest beer you’ve ever had, canned mere seconds before it hits your lips.
In addition to the fresh-off-the-line cans, there will be a mechanical shark on site for kids (and grown up kids) to test their shark wrangling skills against your fellow SOB faithful from 12pm-3pm and to make things interesting, the rider who hangs on the longest will receive a SOB Prize Pack!
In keeping with the nautical theme (hint hint), we’ve got our dear friends from The Argonaut Co. on site serving up fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and their most epic seafood boils from 12pm-5pm.
Catch the wave, join the club, enjoy the first rips of _____ ____ ____ ____ with your favorite SOBs this Saturday at the Brewery!
PLEASE NOTE:
Tickets are not required to attend, but guests are encouraged to pre-purchase one of our 3-tab wristbands to help expedite the canning line pickup process and ensure everyone gets the freshest of the fresh beer possible! 3-tab wristbands are $18 and entitle the wearer to any 3 Solemn Oath beers or City Water Hard Seltzer of their choosing, including the freshie cans coming off the line Saturday afternoon.

12:00 – 10:00 pm • Chuck’s Smoked Corned Beef Dinner Day
Chuck’s Café Darien, 8025 S. Cass Ave., Darien, IL 331-431-4000 Map
Join us on the 17th of every month for our famous: Smoked Corned Beef Dinner!
This great dinner features: smoked corned beef, boiled red potatoes, carrots, braised cabbage, rye bread, choice of yellow mustard, Dijon or horseradish. 21.99
*This meal goes quickly, so be sure to catch it when it’s available!
*When the 17th falls on a Monday we will move it usually to the weekend before as we are closed on Mondays!

1:00 – 4:00 pm • Lamb and Tamb w/ Sinovi
Region Ale, 1080 US-41, Schererville, IN 219-322-2337 Map
Live Tamburitza music from Sinovi, fresh lamb and chevops!

1:00 – 2:45 pm • Temperance Trikonasana (Yoga & Beer Tasting)
Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL (847) 864-1000 Map
Our Temperance Trikonasana series pairs beer with yoga and a cause. Jenny Arrington of Rebel Human brings her “Rebel Human Way” class back to the brewery! Once our bodies and minds are opened, we’ll have a beer together and learn about the charity we are supporting this month.
December charity: Brady: United Against Gun Violence
Sign up here.

2:00 pm • Smiley’s BBQ
Mikerphone Brewing, 121 Garlisch Dr., Elk Grove Village, IL 847-264-8904 Map
New BBQ pop-up at the brewery! Smiley’s will be serving from 2p-sellout!

3:00 – 4:00 pm • Brewery Tour & Tasting
Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL (847) 864-1000 Map
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process while drinking fresh beer.
Each ticket costs $10 and buys you:
– A backstage pass to the brewery
– Beer samples
– A souvenir pint glass
– 20% discount on merchandise that day
IMPORTANT TO NOTE
– Tour size limit is 24 people
– First come, first served
– Tours last about 45 mins
– 21+ only
The Chicago Reader rated our tour 4 stars, see where the magic happens!

4:00 pm • Dark Horse Pastries Noon Whistle Brewing Naperville
Noon Whistle Brewing, 1748 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 331-431-4882 Map
Dark Horse 4PM + Live music with Brad Hides 6PM

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Saturday Night Food Truck – Billy Bricks Pizza
Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Lane, Long Grove, IL 847-821-6140 Map
Thin-crust, Neapolitan-style pizza, baked in an authentic wood-fired, brick oven is the centerpiece of a simple menu along with some treats!

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Uncle Cam’s Sandwiches – Food Pop-up
Scorched Earth Brewing Co., 203 Berg St., Algonquin, IL (224) 209-8472 Map
Uncle Cam is back!
Uncle Cam’s Sandwiches are created with fresh & local ingredients and hot pressed to form some absolutely fantastic sandwich creations!

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Karaoke Night!
Harbor Brewing Co., 811 Sheridan Rd., Winthrop Harbor, IL  Map
Ernie is hosting KARAOKE every 3rd Saturday at the Taproom!
Come on out and show us what ya got!

7:00 – 10:00 pm • Rock & Wrestling w/ SCW and Shock The System
Steam Hollow Brewing Co., 450 S. Spruce St. Unit C, Manteno, IL  Map
It’s a night of rock and wrestling as Southland Championship Wrestling and Shock The System team up once again at Steam Hollow Brewing. We will be accepting donations for Fallen officer Sargent Rittmanic and injured officer Bailey. If you missed our packed event in October, now is your chance to catch another great night of hard hitting pro wrestling action integrated with live, high energy hard rock music hits! Bell time is 7:00pm for this all ages show. Tickets are $20 available at Steam Hollow Brewery, Fit Body U and Pacesetters.

7:00 pm • Bingo and Band Beer Thursdays!
Whiner Beer Co., 1400 W. 46th St., Chicago 312-810-2271 Map
Every Thursday in January we’re hosting bingo night and $5 Band Beers
We’ll start Bingo at 7pm and offer our dry hopped session ale all evening.

Sunday, January 16

Fill the Beerbulance Fundraiser
Sew Hop’d Brewery & Taproom, One Union Special Plaza, Ste. 113, Huntley, IL (815) 701-8819 Map
We love the thought of helping and giving where we can. The Grafton Food Pantry in Huntley,  strives to improve the lives of friends and neighbors in need by providing food items and education on nutrition and smart shopping. The most needed essentials are shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, tissues, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and toilet paper. Through January 16, we are asking that our Sew Hop’d friends please lend a hand to fill our beerbulance with essentials for Grafton Food Pantry. Any donation is accepted and for every donation that is made you will receive a free 10oz beer coupon; you may use it the same day or hold on to it until another time.
Beers will be flowing from 3pm-9pm! Please be careful driving and we’ll see you soon!

10:00 – 11:00 am • Beer & Yoga
Imperial Oak Brewing Co., 501 Willow Blvd., Willow Springs, IL (708) 559-7311 Map
Join us for a 60 minute guided yoga lesson every Sunday from 10am-11am in the Willow Springs Savage Oak Room.
After you’ve reached a higher physical, mental and spiritual plane, reach for your cool down pint in the pub! Just $20 covers your class and your first pour of any IOB beer.
Our space is limited to 30 people, so come a little early to grab your spot and stretch. Please remember to BYO yoga mat and $20 (cash only).

10:00 am • Snowga in the Beer Garden
Plank Road Tap Room, 39W149 Plank Rd., Elgin, IL 224-238-3527 Map
The snow has returned which means our popular Snowga in the beer garden is back this season!
Join us on Sunday at 10pm for a morning of yoga in the snow. Space is limited, so don’t wait too long. Advance tickets here.
Schedule:
10:00 – Check In
10:15 – Class Begins
11:00 – Class Ends, redeem your beverage in the tap room (included in your ticket)
Things to note (please read carefully):
– There are no refunds, but your ticket can be applied to a future event if for some reason you cannot make the date you purchased for.
– Blizzard plan: We will reschedule for a Saturday or Sunday in the same month.
– Please arrive 15 minutes early to check-in and set up your mat. Carpool if you can. Parking is limited.**
– This class will be cold (as we are outside) please bring full snow gear with yoga clothing underneath, and a full water bottle. You WILL get HOT

11:00 am – 6:00 pm • Mikerphone Brewing: Closed for Staff Party
Mikerphone Brewing, 121 Garlisch Dr., Elk Grove Village, IL 847-264-8904 Map
We need to party together, so the brewery will be closed Sunday Jan 16th for the full day. Thanks for understanding!

12:00 – 5:00 pm • Pair it Up @BubbleHouse Brewing
Bubblehouse Brewing Co., 2121 Ogden Ave., Unit A, Lisle, IL  Map
Treat yourself to a scrumptious Pair-it-Up Tikka Masala meatball sub or loaded fusion Nachos with your favorite Bubble House brew!

1:00 – 6:00 pm • Pop-Up Kitchen: Bootleg Bâtard!
Sketchbook Brewing Co. – Skokie, 4901 Main St., Skokie, IL (847) 588-0652 Map
Enjoy this pop-up by local bread and pastry-makers Bootleg Bâtard!
Menu TBD but will include pastries sweet and savory.
Count on us for delicious food every weekend!

1:00 – 5:00 pm • Sunday Eats: Mac Dynamite
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
Holy moly, Mac Dynamite is back on the food schedule for our Sunday Sessions on January 16!
If you haven’t tried their awesome mac n cheese creations, you’ve missed out. But NO MORE! What a perfect comfort food during the cold days of winter.
Live music by Ken Slauf from 2-5pm as well, so come out and support the local trifecta of beer, food, and music.

2:00 – 4:00 pm • Bingo @ Begyle
Begyle Brewing, 1800 W. Cuyler Ave., Chicago 773-661-6963 Map
We’ve got two new dates for BINGO @ BEGYLE!
Join in the fun on Sunday, January 16 & 30 from 2-4 pm.
Bring your friends and compete to win fantastic prizes (gift cards!). First time playing bingo at Begyle? No worries. The rules are easy and we supply the bingo sheets and dabbers. There is no cost to play. Reservations are not required but space is limited.
Proof of vaccination is required for entry.

4:00 – 8:30 pm • Mädern Mäke Sushi and RAMEN!
Nightshade and Dark’s Pandemonium Brewing, 216 W. Clayton St., Waukegan, IL (847) 445-2467 Map
Trucking in with a greatly expanded menu including real RAMEN (not that bagged stuff)! Former Sushi chefs from Ikigai serve up the good stuff made to order. This time with Tempura, fried rolls and other delights not normally found at their pop-ups!

7:00 pm • Live Bingo Returns
Elmhurst Brewing Co., 171 N. Addison Ave., Elmhurst, IL 630-834-2739 Map
Sunday January 16th, BINGO RETURNS! Tons of Prizes will be given out with a Cash Jackpot and it’s FREE TO PLAY We’re taking reservations so give us a call at (630)834-BREW(2739)