If you frequented any of the breweries in the North Branch last Thursday, you would have seen a happy group of 50 pouring into taprooms and sipping finely crafted brews and spirits.

On April 9th, our brewery and distillery tour brought people from across our community to three breweries within the North Branch area. 

Our first stop, Maplewood Brewery and Distillery, (2717 N Maplewood) gave us a peek into the world of craft brewing and distilling.

Since 2014, Maplewood has distinguished itself as the first-of-its kind in Illinois to brew and distill under a single roof. A defining aspect of Logan Square, Maplewood offers not only brews and spirits, but delicious food offerings from their Lounge.

Production floor, Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Co-owners Paul (pictured above) and Ari Megalis highlighted the production behind the brews, and then offered tastes of three varieties, Son of Juice, Fat Pug Stout, and Pulaski Pils.

While sipping, Maplewood staff brought out their famous pickle plate and buffalo chicken dip, followed by wings and generous sample sizes of their Fat Pug Whiskey..

As the rain fell on the tour bus, guests meandered north to Burning Bush Brewery, (4014 N Rockwell St) in North Center, stop #2.

Burning Bush Brewery, known for its community-centered taproom (dog and family friendly!) and additional River Room venue, was the perfect second location.

Tucked cozily in their community space behind the taproom, tour guests were given three tastes of Burning Bush favorites.

Tastings included The Lion's Den, their Hazy IPA; Indulgence, a Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Stout, and their Belgian Wit, Pearly Gates (see below right). 

Tastings at Burning Bush Brewery

Taproom manager Chris Schroeder, talked about the history of Burning Bush and its production operations today. He answered questions about each taste and was generous on refills.

Please make chose Burning Bush Brewery for your next casual gathering or community event!

It was time to end the night with a bang, and what better location than Lake Effect Brewing Company (3074 N Milwaukee), tucked in the northern edge of Logan Square. 

Lake Effect Brewing Company Founder, Owner, and Head Brewer Clint Bautz welcomed guests with a taste of their crisp and refreshing Kuhler See Kolsch-Style, and a background about their unique and diverse brews.

Guests wasted no time finding seats on the patio and stayed beyond the bus departure. 

Another highlight was the Open Mic night, with some tour guests even taking their turn at the mic!

Lake Effect provided the perfect end to a packed tour.

Be sure to get yourself to Lake Effect and catch their beautiful patio and cozy atmosphere! You won't want to miss their recently opened taproom, a wonderful space 10 years in the making.

Thank you to all of our brewery and distillery partners for making this event possible. Their flexibility and consideration made for an unforgettable night for the North Branch Works community.

Many thanks also to our partners for their support, and for attendees who came to support craft brewing and distilling during this challenging time, and stayed for the delicious brews and spirits, food, and fun.

If you missed the brewery tour, do not fret! Our next event, the North Branch Works Boat Tour, sets sail this June! 

For more information or to watch the digital tour recap, please visit North Branch Works @northbranchworks on Instagram, and keep up to date by signing up for our newsletter here.

Cheers! 

From left ( Rebecca Motley, World Business Chicago, Bhargav Maganti, Monarc, Igor Karlicic, Monarc, and Kelly Schneider, Deloitte)