Chicagoland Brews Cruise

31/08/2024

Such a great story of local businesses supporting each other. Love it.

29/08/2024

Three years ago, I kicked off this venture with Brews Cruise, Inc. to help take my love for local craft beer to another level, share that love with others and introduce more people to the local businesses making excellent craft beverages here in the Chicagoland area. I have enjoyed every moment and met so many wonderful people along the way.

I have decided to not expand our tour schedule in to 2025 at this time. There are a number of reasons for this, but mainly do to the inability to expand bookings to weekday afternoons and evenings and establishing consistent year-round sales, both required to help cover the expenses needed to run a small business like this.

You can still book tours through the end of the year. The web-site will continue to offer public and private tour options in to December. I am leaving a slight possibility of continuing my experiences beyond this year, but it would require a significant change in my offerings.

Thank you to all my partners who played a role in my most successful tour options and made this so enjoyable: Acquaviva Winery, Afterthought Brewing, Alter Brewing, Noon Whistle Brewing, Obscurity Brewing, Whiskey Acres Distillery and Whiskey Hill Brewing. In addition, thank you to all of you who have joined us on our excursions and the many other Breweries and Wineries who have hosted our guests.

Thank you to Brews Cruise, Inc. and all their support provided along the way. Please make sure you support Brews Cruise and the local owners by taking their many tours offered in Cities across the U.S.

The so many fantastic individuals I've been able to meet on this journey brings me to this quote: "We should look for someone to drink with before looking for something to drink".

Cheers!

Kirk Kilker, Owner
Chicagoland Brews Cruise

09/08/2024

🎉Join our team!🎉 NOW HIRING bartenders, bussers, and food expeditors! Apply in person or call for application information.

09/08/2024

For over two decades, Stockholm’s has been a cherished part of our … Rebecca Moore needs your support for Help Support Stockholm's Crew After Devastating Fire

08/08/2024

This weekend, Sturdy Shelter Brewing is releasing their Wilson Street Munich Style Dunkel, a b***e medal winner at the 2024 World Beer Cup. Make sure you get out there to celebrate with them.

30/07/2024

Just 5 spots left for Ireland 2025 Tour!

Find out the details about our next group trips to an amazing destinations around the world.

28/07/2024

Chicagoland Brews Cruise will be stopping in this afternoon. Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. is a regular stop on our Sunday Afternoon Countrysie Cruise.

🎶 Join us today for a fun Sunday afternoon at Whiskey Acres! Enjoy live music by Milkman's Kids and delicious food from Dark Horse Grill and Catering . 🍔🎸 And while you're here, don't forget to grab a bottle of our 7 Year Bourbon! 🥃 This is one bottle you won't want to miss out on. Cheers! 🥳

24/07/2024

Congrats Noon Whistle Brewing!

Yesterday, we gathered with hundreds of our members for our quarterly membership meeting. And we recognized two of our members for their outstanding contributions with our inaugural Brewery of the Year and Member of the Year awards.

Please join us in raising a glass to Brewery of the Year, Noon Whistle Brewing, and Member of the Year, Karl Rutherford from Twisted Hippo.

From their leadership on the Guild's board of directors, to the integral role they play in bringing our festivals and fundraisers to life, to their active participation in advocating for policies that support and strengthen our industry, these members are true representatives for , fighting every single day for our collective success.

Thank you for all you do. Cheers!

24/07/2024

It's a salad, only bigger, with lots of stuff in it.
Salmon Fiesta: grilled salmon, fresh mixed greens, avocado, bell peppers, red onion, tomato, feta cheese, tortilla strips, and cilantro vinaigrette. It's the best, Jerry! The best.

24/07/2024

24/07/2024

🚜🌽 Another load of corn heading to market! At Whiskey Acres, only the best corn makes it into our bourbon. The rest? It goes on to become ethanol, livestock feed, or even bourbon at other distilleries across the U.S. Can anyone guess how many barrels of whiskey can be produced from just one truckload of corn? 🤔🥃 Comment your guesses below!

24/07/2024

Don't miss out! Summertime fun for fans of craft breweries, wineries and distilleries. For a limited time, use promo code "drinklocal" at booking for a discount. Private and Public tours available. Learn more at www.brewscruise.com/chicagoland/

22/07/2024

Find out the details about our next group trips to an amazing destinations around the world.

18/07/2024

Fun afternoon adventures featuring Beer, Beer and more Beer

12/07/2024

Congrats to Geneva Winery!

🎉 A huge thank you to our amazing community! Geneva Winery has been voted the 2024 Daily Herald Readers' Choice Best of the West for Best Winery, Best Wine Bar, and Best Wine Selection. 🍷 We couldn't have done it without your support. Cheers to Our Team, Our Friends, and Our Community! 🥂 Thank you!!!

12/07/2024

Check out what Acquaviva Ristorante Batavia is doing this weekend. Mmmm! That looks amazing!

12/07/2024

Take off early and head out for this release and good times at Whiskey Acres Distilling Co..

12/07/2024

Mmmm. Our friends at Whiskey Hill Brewing Company tapping this great beer at their new location in Westmont. A great spot if you haven’t been able to stop in yet.

Tomorrow at our Brewery + Kitchen location, we’ll be tapping a beer that’s incredibly special to us!

BA Seismic Overlay 2024 - Willett Family Estate, Buffalo Trace, and Old Forester Barrel Aged (Partially Double Barrel Aged) Imperial Stout with Toasted Coconut, Vanilla Beans, Cocoa Nibs, and Roasted Pecans, 13% ABV.

Head Brewer Eric’s notes:

Barrel Aged Seismic has always been probably the most special of our BA stouts to me, since it was the first one I had worked on since joining WHBC. Because of this, it makes sense to want to use some of the best barrels we have available for such a special beer. I had marked the first 2 barrels early on in their aging period every time we had sampled barrels for each release, always noting how beatifully they were aging and making a mental note that they would be reserved for something special.

We stayed mostly true to the original adjunct ratios as well, to make sure that Seismic is what it was always intended to be; a showcase of every single ingredient present and to make sure you're able to pick up all of them with none eclipsing the others as you enjoy the beer and allow it to warm up.

11/07/2024

Private Group Excursions with Chicagoland Brews Cruise

11/07/2024

There are some fantastic trips now being offered by Brews Cruise. There are currently six Chicagoland Brews Cruise followers headed off on the Ireland trip next Spring. Check out what is being offered. If you decide to join in on one of these once in a lifetime opportunities, please mention you heard about it from us.

Brews Cruise is now offering three new Insiders Experience group trips for thirsty guests to visit the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, and Germany.

07/07/2024

Historic Geneva, with its many boutique shops, restaurants, and craft beverages is a great way to spend an afternoon this Summer. Let Chicagoland Brews Cruise add to your experience with one of four unique experiences starting in Geneva.

Whether it's building your knowledge on how to pair food and cheese with beer and wine, sightseeing and learning about the historic homes and tasting some great wine, or visiting the many breweries, wineries and distilleries in Geneva and the surrounding area. Our unique excursions focus on exploring, tasting and learning more about the award winning craft beverages being made here locally.

Join one of our public tours or schedule your own private tour. Learn more at www.brewscruise.com/chicagoland/

04/07/2024

Happy Independence Day! Enjoy your celebrations today.

03/07/2024

Great news to share! Mark your calendars and join our friends at Acres Distilling Co. on Friday, July 12th at 4:30 PM for the second release of their Seven Year Bourbon. This year's release is a blend of 12 carefully selected barrels aged between 7 and 8 years.

30/06/2024

Congrats Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. We love this Rye! Part of the tasting experience on our Sunday Afternoon Countryside Cruise: Wine, Whiskey and Beer.

Wow, truly an honor to be reviewed by @ ! We are glad they loved the pour so much! This is also the same Bonded Rye that won Double Platinum at the ASCoT Awards!

24/06/2024

Great article in the Daily Herald on our friends at Brother Chimp Brewing. They were awarded the Gold Medal for their Ludwig Vienna Style Lager at the prestigious World Beer Cup competition. Make sure you stop by their release party for this beer the weekend of July 19th. Congrats to Steve, Sam and the rest of the Team.

18/06/2024

Hot days deserve hot deals! We are ending June with a special offer for our Geneva Historic Homes and Wine Walking Tour on Friday afternoon June 28th. Use the code "drinklocal" at purchase for a 10% discount on this all-inclusive walking tour on June 28th through Historic Geneva with stops for wine flights at Geneva Winery and Up North Tasting Room.

Book at www.brewscruise.com/chicagoland/

11/06/2024

What are you waiting for? Join us on our Best of the West Brewery Excursion.

Book on one of our regularly scheduled public tours or a private tour for your group to celebrate an occassion or just a fun afternoon outing.

Learn more at www.brewscruise.com/chicagoland/

06/06/2024

Expore-Learn-Taste with craft brewery, winery and distillery adventures by Chicagoland Brews Cruise. Driving you to drink...local!

07/09/2023

Need to plan a group outing or celebration and not sure what to do? Let Chicagoland Brews Cruise help. We take care of everything from unique experiences at breweries, wineries and distilleries, transportation, meals, etc.

01/09/2023

Some great whiskeys being made here in IL. Congrats to Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. for their Best of State winning for their Rye!

Congrats to Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. on winning best of state in the 2023 Heartland Whiskey Competition.

Read full story here: https://bit.ly/illinois_whiskey

Illinois category winners include:
Best Flavored Whiskey - Fayette County Fire Red Hot Cinnamon Whiskey from Witness Distillery
Best Light Whiskey - Star Union Spirits American Corn Series Cabernet Sauvignon from Star Union Spirits
Best Rye Whiskey - Whiskey Acres Straight Rye Whiskey