Brewers taking part in the Black brewers’ residency work on their collaboration, Jan. 9, 2022, at Haymarket Pub and Brewery. Chicago Tribune photo by Brian Cassella.

Dropping this info now, in case I miss out on further announcements: Starting for February–Black History Month–Haymarket Pub & Breweryamp; Brewery will be hosting a “residency” with four Illinois brewers with at least partial Black ownership. There will be up to eight beers on tap, or in cans, from Funkytown Brewery, Moor’s Brewing, Black Horizon Brewing Co. and Turner Haus Brewery. The guest brewers will have events and beer releases throughout the six-week residency. For Super Bowl Sunday, they will host of tapping of a collaboration Steam-style beer, Chicago Uncommon. More detail from Josh Noel at ChicagoTribune.com.

Elsewhere, it appears that 350 Brewing in Tinley Park has closed, either temporarily or for good. Its status on social media has changed to “Closed,” but there’s been no word from management. 350 changed ownership shortly after it was opened, and there have been reports of poor service and declining beer quality, as well a tendency to slam online criticism.

Friday, January 28

6:30 – 8:30 pm • BINGO Night with Castle & Key
Iron&Glass, 632 S. Weber Rd., Romeoville, IL 815-782-5559 Map
Come on out for the first BINGO Night of the year!
Castle & Key Distillery is coming out with prizes for the winners and they’ll have a tasting too

12:00 – 10:00 pm • Where I’m From Release
Temperance Beer Company, 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL (847) 864-1000 Map
Where I’m From, our Hazy India Pale ale with vanilla, tangerine, and orange peel returns this Friday on tap and in 4 packs to go! 100% of the proceeds go directly to the City of Evanston Reparations Fund, and thanks to you – so far we’ve raised $15,500.

2:00 pm • V.S.O.R. and Gravedigger Billy Release
Revolution Brewery & Tap Room, 3340 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago (773) 588-CANS Map
Bid a fond farewell to the 2021-22 Deep Wood Series with a longtime staff favorite and the return of a Very Special Ryewine.
PREORDERS
Public preorders begin Tuesday, January 25 for pickups starting Friday, January 28. You can pick up your order any time during regular business hours from January 28 through February 6. Proxies are allowed for this release.
PRICES AND LIMITS
Gravedigger Billy: $30 per four-pack, Limit 2
VSOR: $50 per four-pack, Limit 3
RELEASE DAY AND PICKUPS
The Taproom will open at 2 p.m. for this release.
In keeping with public health guidance, anyone coming for bar service during the release but show ID and proof of vaccination. The Taproom will also be 21+ only on Friday.
We’ll have a pickup station indoors, and guests can pick up preorders without a vaccination card by entering through the 3350 N. Kedzie door.
If you’re only coming by for a to-go pickup, feel free to pull all the way to the curb in front of the Taproom and use your hazard lights while you temporarily park. Please be mindful of the bike lane and traffic.
DRAFT VARIANTS
There will be plenty to last through the weekend, and we’ll let you know here first when we’re ready to unveil them.
FOOD
We’ll have Cafe Tola selling food on Friday, and Arigato Market in on Saturday.

3:00 – 8:00 pm • Calogero’s Old World Pizza
Werk Force Brewing, 14903 S. Center St., Plainfield, IL 815-531-5557 Map
Join us for live reggae jams and old world style Italian pizza this Friday night!
Pizza: 3-8pm
Live Music: 6:30-9:30pm

3:00 pm • Bourbon Barrel Aged Barleywine Release
Black & Gray Brewing Co., 311 Barrington Ave., East Dundee, IL (224) 484-8200 Map
Ye Olde Curmudgeon, our bourbon barrel aged American barleywine, will be released on tap and in 750 mL bottles. Stop in and see why this beer is our most anticipated release among our staff!

4:00 – 9:00 pm • Goodstuff Eats BBQ Pop-Up
Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL (847) 864-1000 Map
Goodstuff Eats will be serving up some delicious BBQ in our lot this winter!
Try their baby back ribs, pastrami sandwiches (with Dilly Dally Provisions spicy beer mustard & skokie provisions pickle!), brisket sandwich, smashed pork shoulder, smoked turkey special, and smoked sweet potatoes and mangoes.
See their full menu at goodstuffeats.com

4:00 – 8:00 pm • DIY Shirt and Sip
Black Lung Brewing Co., 2217 N. IL-Rt. 83, Round Lake Brach, IL (224) 643-7204 Map
Join  Mamma Fierce Designs for the first DIY shirt event of the year! I’m back at Black Lung Brewing Company with my magic markers and trusty heat press. I’ll have new designs (adult and kid friendly versions).
Shirts are $23 a piece, or 2 For $42
Come on out, grab some friends, a brew and create the night away.

4:00 – 8:00 pm • Food Truck – Josh’s Local Flavor
Oswego Brewing Co., 61 S. Main St., Oswego, IL (331) 999-1991 Map
Josh’s Local Flavor is bringing the truck out to get your weekend started right

4:00 pm • Fire & Smoke BBQ
Phase Three Brewing Co., 932 Donata Ct., Lake Zurich, IL (847) 749-6645 Map
Join us this Friday for some delicious smoked meats and fresh P3 brews from 4pm til it’s gone!

4:00 pm • Metal Monkey Brewing 6th Anniversary Weekend Continues
Metal Monkey Brewing, 515 Anderson Dr. Suite 900, Romeoville, IL 630-862-9595 Map
Metal Monkey Brewing is turning 6 and we are throwing a big ole party with special beer releases, live music, food trucks, special anniversary t-shirt and more!
Friday: Live Music, Beer Release & Food Truck
The Whiskey Matrix take the stage at 7pm for a night of metal you won’t want to miss. The Whiskey Matrix is a high energy Chicago area tribute band rocking an array of rock and metal covers from Motley Crue to Iron Maiden and everything in between!
We will also be releasing our fan favorite Balloon Head Mixed 4 Packs. These flavored sour beers are a homage to one of our favorite tangy, chewy, taffy-like treats. Drink more, drink delicious! This year’s flavors will include Classic Cherry, Blue Raspberry and 2 new flavors: Grape & Mystery. This year’s mystery flavor IS different than last time.
Ayala’s Empanadas will be here serving up their delicious food at 5pm.
Saturday: Live Music, Beer Release & Food Truck
Tonight we welcome 3 amazing local Chicago bands to The Monkey House beginning at 7pm:
Black Road is a female-fronted doom 4 piece, drenched in heavy psychedelic vibes.
Blunt is a sludge/doom/stoner metal from Dekalb, Illinois Prepare to be crushed by the weight of Blunt! Hailing from Illinois, we band play a heavy, caustic blend of doom, sludge and stoner metal.
The Waterfall King are a stoner/doom metal band hailing from Chicago.
Today’s beer releases are heavy hitters:
Dankey Kang is our Triple IPA that loaded with an obscene amount of Chinook, Cluster, Galaxy & Cascade hops.
Also releasing today is Bourbon Barrel Aged Silverback. This behemoth of a barleywine has been aging for over 14 months and offers and an amazing beer with caramel notes and a hint of bourbon that will leave you coming back for more.
Ayala’s Empanadas will be here serving up their delicious food at 3pm.
Sunday: Live Music & Free Pizza
We welcome back Paul Willaert to The Monkey House on Sunday afternoon at 1pm. Chicago’s Paul Willaert has been writing, arranging, performing, and teaching professionally since the age of 16. He’s performed and toured across the U.S. in an extremely wide variety of bands – from metal to country, new wave to jazz, bluegrass to calypso to progressive rock; anything that’s ever sparked his interest.
We will also be ordering pizza as a thank you to all our wonderful customers beginning at 1pm.

4:00 – 8:00 pm • Pop Up at Noon Whistle Brewing Naperville
Noon Whistle Brewing, 1748 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 331-431-4882 Map
Pair-it-Up 4-8PM

5:00 – 7:00 pm • Brewery Feature: Jackie O’s
Beer on the Wall, 106 Main St., Park Ridge, IL 312-720-3732  Map
We’d like to welcome in Jackie O’s Brewery for a tasting this Friday from 5 to 7pm Started in 2005 in Athens, Ohio, by Brad Clark (Head Brewer) and Art Oestrike (Owner). The name stems from Oestrike’s mother Jackie who passed away soon after they purchased the space. With an amazing lineup of flagship beers like IPAs, Wheat Beers, and Amber Ales, they also dabble in the Barrel Aged beer category and have been called “one of the greatest producers of barrel-aged stouts…in the country” by Hop Culture Be sure to come by Friday to taste some of their greatness!
IN BOTTLES
Scrip • Grape Brandy Dark Apparition
ON DRAFT FRIDAY
Peach Scrip Grisette (on draft now!) • Spiritbeast Blended Stout/ Barleywine • BBA Skipping Stones Quad

5:00 pm • RKN RMN Ramen Pop Up
McCarty Mills Taproom, 140 S. River St., Aurora, IL (630) 229-0451 Map
RKN RMN Ramen Pop Up. Menu coming soon.

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Welcome Firewater BBQ to the taproom!
Goldfinger Brewing Co., 513 Rogers St., Downers Grove, IL (630) 541-9728 Map
We’re excited to welcome Firewater BBQ to the taproom for the first time! They’ll be slinging some mouthwatering BBQ to keep you warm and pair with our beers.
They’ll be setup in the vestibule near our Goldfinger history wall, so come in, get settled, and head over to their table to place your order.

5:00 – 7:00 pm • Happy Lobster Meal Box Pick-Up
Riverlands Brewing Co., 1860 Dean St. Unit A, St. Charles, IL (630) 549-6293 Map
Happy Lobster returns to the Tri-Cities area on January 28th for a Take Home Meal Kit Pick-Up event!
Order your meal kits online and pick them up at Riverlands Brewing in St. Charles to take home between 5-7pm on Friday, 2/28! Each kit can be prepared at home in at least 10 minutes and include a variety of options:
Meal Kits
• Just Lobster Rolls for 2
• Just Lobster Rolls for 4
• Lobster Grilled Cheese Kit for 2
• Lobster Dinner for 2, including:
• Premium Crab Cakes
• New England Clam Chowder
• Lobster Rolls for 2
• Whoopie Pies
• Reusable Thermal Bag
• Lobster Dinner for 4 – same as above, times 2!
Add Ons
• Whoopie Pies
• Lobster Mac & Cheese (serves 2)
• New England Clam Chowder (serves 2)
• Premium Crab Cakes
• Kettle Chips

5:00 – 8:00 pm • FRY-DAY at Holzlager Brewing Company
Holzlager Brewing Co., 150 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL (815) 308-5901 Map
From 5-8pm, you can find us around the patio serving up fresh hot fries. Fork N Fry Mobile Poutinerie food truck serves a twist off poutine and our own crafted French Fry creations! Everything on the truck is gluten free.
Check out our seasonal menu at forknfry.com
Bring the friends, to grab a brew and a bite.

7:00 pm • Movie Night
ZümBier, 3232 Monroe, Waukegan, IL (847) 420-7313 Map
Movie night Fridays 7pm. Free
ZümBier’s own ‘crackcorn’ free too! Come on in have a bier and watch with us.

Saturday, January 29

9:00 am – 4:00 pm • Energy City Releases
Energy City Brewing, 917 First St., Batavia, IL (630) 597-5581 Map
Triple Sample Saturday returns at the brewery, January 29th! We’re tasting Bistro Smoothie, Bistro Grape PB&J and Lemon Meringue Pie. Stop by, have some samples and start your weekend off with craft beer
Drive-thru pickup time at Energy City Brewing  from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

10:00 – 11:00 am • Stacey’s Bootcamp HIIT Class
Crafted 1979, 19200 LaGrange Rd., Ste. E, Mokena, IL 708-860-2826 Map
Come in and work out with Stacey as she has you work off those beers from the week. She adjusts the workout to all levels. High-Intensity Interval Training at its finest. Plus we reward you for finishing the class with a draft pour of your choosing. This cost is $12

10:00 am • HIIT Pilates Class with ROVM Hard Kombucha
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (773) 270-5995 Map
FREE HARD KOMBUCHA + FREE ROVM TANK TOP
Alex from Sweat to Reset has partnered with ROVM Hard Kombucha to help us kick-off 2022 with a 45-minute Pilates HIIT Hybrid class at Pilot Project Brewing. STR Pilates HIIT is pilates with a twist. This is the heart-pumping, fat-burning low impact cardio you love mixed with pilates-inspired exercises and an incredible playlist.
This ticket ($28 plus fees) includes a 45-min workout, 16oz ROVM “booch” of your choice, and a ROVM tank top! Please bring a mat and two canned goods to use as weights during the workout; they will be donated to a local food bank after the event.
Wherever you are ROVMING this year, take time with others to reset

11:00 am – 5:00 pm • Luchador Re-Release Pick Up
Cruz Blanca Brewery & Taquería, 904 W. Randolph St., Chicago 312-733-1975,  Map
Cruz is warming up your winter with a re-release of our 2021 Luchador Barrel-Aged Series, including Chicago’s Best Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, Rey Gordo and FOBAB gold medalist, Barbarosa Red + Black Raspberry Ale. Pre-order your bottles on Tock from Wednesday through Wednesday 1/26.
Pickup Dates + Times:
Saturday 1/29 through Tuesday 2/1, 11AM – 5PM

11:00 am • Barrel-Aged Stout Release
Werk Force Brewing, 14903 S. Center St., Plainfield, IL (815) 531-5557 Map
Humongous Chungus Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Pastry Stout – 12.8%
Tasting Notes: Sticky Icky Vanilla – For Rizzel Dizzel Coconut – Count Chocula On Steroids
Loaded with over 100 lbs of toasted coconut, Madagascar vanilla beans, Ghana cacao nibs and aged in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels this Imperial Pastry Stout is as kick ass and delicious as the best Elvis on Velvet painting you’ve ever seen. Like getting on the biggest roller coaster you’ve ever ridden and not wearing your seatbelt, Humongous Chungus will take you on one wild ride of flavor town. Take a seat, grab a can and get ready for some major g-force.
Available on draft and 2pks to-go Saturday 1/29 at 11am
Limits will be determined at start of release

12:00 – 2:00 pm • Dry January Celebration
Fjällräven Chicago, 1708 N. Damen Ave., Chicago (773) 661-0227 Map
Join Fjällräven and Athletic Brewing Co. as we celebrate Dry January. Sign up here for a free time-slot and stop by Fjällräven Chicago in Wicker Park between the hours of 12 pm and 2 pm. Athletic Brewing will be here to talk about their 2 For The Trails Initiative and their commitment to the environment. Everyone who signs up will receive a FREE sample of Athletic Beer and a special discount on premium Fjällräven gear!

2:00 – 4:00 pm • Pudding & Pints w/Banana Pudding Twist
Tapville Social – Fox Valley, 195 Fox Valley Center Dr., Aurora, IL (630) 823-0651 Map
Stop by for 5 puddings from Banana Pudding Twist and a unique beer pairing experience with Tapville Social at the MyPerks Lounge at Fox Valley Mall! Tickets online, $35.

2:00 pm • Mamma Mia Pizza
Phase Three Brewing Co., 932 Donata Ct., Lake Zurich, IL  Map
Our favorite wood-fired pizza is back at the taproom this Saturday. Made fresh to order on site!

2:00 pm • Fire & Smoke BBQ at Mikerphone
Mikerphone Brewing, 121 Garlisch Dr., Elk Grove Village, IL  Map
Fire & Smoke is back from 2p-sellout

2:00 – 6:00 pm • Big Barn Beer Fest 2022
County Line Orchard, 200 S. County Line Rd., Hobart, IN (219) 947-4477 Map
Join us for our annual Big Barn Beer Fest – a great event for an even greater cause! Your ticket includes unlimited sampling of over 100 of the region’s best craft brews, live music, and food buffet. All proceeds from the event will support the United Way of Northwest Indiana Food Pantry. We also invite guests to bring a non-perishable item for donation upon entrance into the event.
Live Music: Angelo Cicco & Crawpuppies
Must be 21 and over to attend this event. 
Tickets $20-$80 through Eventbrite.

3:00 – 7:00 pm • Czech Please!
Hopewell Brewing Co., 2760 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (773) 698-6178 Map
Looking for something fun and delicious to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered ~ Join us at our taproom this Saturday for Czech Please! A celebration of Czech beer and food
Flat & Point will be popping up with some tasty Bavarian Brauhaus fare and we’ll have our Czech Style Pils and Czech Dark Lager to wash it down.
Na Zdravi!

4:00 – 9:00 pm • Winter, Winter, Taco Dinner
Sponsored by Plank Road Tap Room, 39W149 Plank Rd., Elgin, IL 224-238-3527 Map
Why not kick off 2022 with an all inclusive trip from Plank Road Tap Room to visit our friends at Soundgrowler Brewing Co. in Tinley Park, IL!
This beer & taco dinner trip will include:
– Round trip bus transportation (to/from Tinley Park)
– 4 Beers
– Taco Dinner w/ choice of meat and all the fixin’s (toppings, rice, beans, chips & salsa)
– Tour of Soundgrowler Brewing Co.
Ticket Price: $67.99 per person. Buy here.
*Sales end on January 28th or when sold out. Bus space is limited so don’t wait!
ITINERARY
Pick-up/Drop-Off Location:
Bowes Creek Country Club
1250 Bowes Creek Blvd. Elgin, IL 60124.
Please park in the far back corner of the East parking lot.
Arrive by: 3:45PM
Bus Departs: 4:00PM
Arrive at Brewery: 5:30PM (ish)
Dinner: 6:30PM
Tour: TBD
Departure: 8:45PMMasks are required on the bus and at Soundgrowler. Times are subject to change. No outside alcohol is allowed on the bus. We will provide beer on the bus. However, please keep in mind that we most likely won’t be making any stops along the way.

4:00 – 8:00 pm • Jordan’s Going Away Party
Flight Tasting Room & Bottle Shoppe, 508 Center Pkwy., Suite C, Yorkville, IL (630) 686-2337 Map
Jordan is moving and my heart is breaking, but like all people you love, you want what’s best for them and you want them to be happy. So, on Saturday evening, we’ll all join together in wishing Jordan all the best in her next adventure.
If she has ever recommended your latest favorite beer or if you came in a stranger and left as her new BFF, please join us!!
Judy will be on hand with….honestly, it doesn’t matter – everything she makes is the best thing you’ve ever eaten. Don’t miss out!

Sunday, January 30

Wort Rally w/ Mickey Finn’s
Mickey Finn’s Brewery, 345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, IL 847-362-6688  Map
Perfect Brewing Supply is organizing our third annual ever Wort Rally and Competition with Mickey Finn’s Brewery. The brewers at Mickey Finn’s will be brewing up one of their very own recipe, all you have to do is add yeast and ferment the beer! Easiest brew day ever! We are also changing up the recipe this year. This year you will have a Pilsner type wort to use as a blank canvas. We will be featuring a new Malt from BSG, Rahr Northstar Pilsner Malt,
“North Star Pils™ brings overtones of honey and sweet bread with supporting flavor and aroma notes of hay and nutty character. Suitable for any beer style, but particularly craft brewed versions of classic lager styles.”
Proceeds will go to our friends at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. We are also planning on hosting an awards party TBD.
Cost for the event is $55.00 per 5 gallons of wort.
Yeast is not included so don’t forget to purchase your yeast ahead of time.

2020 BCS Bottles
Roots Handmade Pizza, Chicago locations.  Map
Goose Island BCBS ‘20 bottles are available at each location while supplies last!
Available for purchase SUN-THU, max. 2 per guest.
Check out our drink menus for each location’s selection on Rootspizza.com

8:30 am • Side Lot Flavors: UK Breakfast
Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map
A UK Inspired Breakfast Paired with a Flight of SLB Beers.
A Full English Breakfast
Eggs – Bacon – Sausage – Griddled Tomato & Mushroom – Beans – Toast with Butter & Fig Jam
Beer Flight:
Crack Waffle Nitro Cream Ale [NEW]Demitasse English Blond Ale [NEW]Kluane 2020 Maple Syrup Barrel-Age Stout
Tickets are required through Tock – No Walk-ins
$20 Per-person.
Gratuity is not included.
We are unable to make changes or substitutions to our pairing menus.

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).

11:00 am – 1:00 pm • Free Donuts & Drafts at the WCBC!
Will County Brewing Co., 1142 W. Jefferson St., Shorewood, IL (815) 582-4157 Map
Join us at 11 AM the last Sunday of every month for a pairing of delicious Orland Park Bakery and refreshing Will County Brewing Craft Beer. The Donuts are ALWAYS FREE with any craft beer purchase in the brewery while supplies last.

12:00 – 5:00 pm • Chicken Truck Sunday in Oswego
Oswego Brewing Co., 61 S. Main St., Oswego, IL (331) 999-1991 Map
The Country Grill chicken truck comes every Sunday, rain or shine, to Oswego and brings the finest rotisserie chickens, ribs, homemade sides and wraps!
Check out our menu.
If you want to pre-order, just send us a Direct message what food you want us to reserve and at what time you plan to pick it up!

1:00 – 8:00 pm • Smittytown Market
Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL (847) 864-1000 Map
Come support some of your favorite local vendors directly at our indoor market. Grab a beer, browse, and buy!

2:00 – 6:00 pm • Pop-Up Kitchen: Bootleg Bâtard!
Sketchbook Brewing Co., 4901 Main St., Skokie, IL  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!

2:00 – 4:00 pm • Bingo @ Begyle
Begyle Brewing, 1800 W. Cuyler Ave., Chicago 773-661-6963 Map
We’ve another new date for BINGO @ BEGYLE!
Join in the fun on Sunday, January 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.