This content was originally published by The Hop Review, a digital magazine that joined the Hop Culture family in March 2020.
This piece was written by Nick Costa.
CHICAGO, IL
With over 250,000 votes cast for the previous four rounds, we now have determined a champion for each region, with our Final 4. The Elite 8 matchups saw several razor thin victories, with only 6 votes determining the South and less than 100 determining the West and Suburbs. With the defending champ, Noon Whistle, still chugging along, will we be crowing a Back-2-Back champion? Or, will one of the other remaining three fan favorites reign supreme and become The Hop Review Readers’ Choice Chicago Brewery Bracket champion?
For the remaining rounds, voting will be restricted to one vote per email per day.*
Voting to determine the Brewery Championship concludes, Saturday, 3/31 at 9AM CST.
North vs. Suburbs
Middle Brow Beer Co. (8) vs. Noon Whistle Brewing (5)
Middle Brow–brewers of unconventional styles ranging from salted Scotch ales to apricot wits have clearly been bolstered by their recent move into Logan Square from years in the ‘burbs. Their soon-to-open taproom hype powered them into the Final 4. They’ll matchup against the 2017 Bracket Champs, Lombard’s Noon Whistle, who will be looking to retain their crown. Who will win this battle of underdogs?
Polls are now closed.
South vs. West
Marz Community Brewing (2) vs. Pipeworks Brewing Co. (3)
Marz had a dogfight in the South, as Morgan Park newbies, Open Outcry took them to the wire. When the dust settled, the Bridgeport makers of Jungle Boogie came out victorious, to take the South Region’s title. Their recent taproom opening and expanded packaged lineup just might’ve propelled them to this point. They will line up against Hermosa/Logan Square favorites on the North Side, Pipeworks. They’ve been crushing the 16oz can game for years and have an equally impressive barrel-aging program. This will be a true battle for a pair of Chicago’s favorites.
Polls are now closed.
For a PDF of the bracket, please click here.
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VOTING to determine The Championship CONCLUDES, Saturday, 3/31 AT 9:00AM
CHEERS!
*Voting is restricted to one vote per email per day. Duplicate and phony emails will be void. By submitting your email to vote, you’re agreeing to receive our weekly THR newsletter, chock-full of beer content from around the world.