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.
Chicagoland, IL
Round 1 saw more than 86,000 total votes, with no region more contested than the Suburbs bracket. The only upsets in the entire ‘tourney’ occurred here. And, given voters’ opinions on the field, this should come as no surprise. With that said, there were some close ones–and none closer anywhere in the bracket than BuckleDown’s edging of Mikerphone by just 2%. What’s left is a batch of eight worthy breweries, vying to move on to the Sweet 16.
Vote for your favorite breweries from Chicago’s Suburbs, below, and we will tally the votes in order to select winners for the next round. We’ll know our Sweet 16 when voting for Round 2 concludes, Sunday, 3/19 at 9am.
Vote for the other regions here: NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Two Brothers Artisan Brewing (1) vs. BuckleDown Brewing (9)
Two Brothers has been brewing in Warrenville since 1996, and expanded into the historic railroad roundhouse in Aurora in 2011 (and also into Arizona in 2015). Meanwhile, Lyons’ BuckleDown has gained a hearty following with their get-your-hands-dirty approach and unapologetic preference for ales of the pale variety. Both have cans that you’re likely to see all around Chicagoland, and both have big plans for ’17. Watch out here.
Voting is closed, stay tuned for results.
5 Rabbit Cervecería (4) vs. Noon Whistle Brewing (12)
Noon Whistle provided us with the biggest surprise in Round 1, taking down 5 seed Pollyanna in dramatic voting fashion. They tallied the second most votes of any brewery in the bracket. Their uber approachable lineup of beers is clearly winning folks over in Lombard and otherwise. They’ll have their work cut out for them in Round 2, as they line up against South Side faves 5 Rabbit. Will their latin-inspired beers be enough to edge them past this Cinderella?
Voting is closed, stay tuned for results.
Temperance Beer Co. (3) vs. Penrose Brewing Co. (6)
Temperance took its name as an effort to poke fun at Evanston’s notable Temperance Movement. Since opening on the North Shore, they’ve gone on to win medals for their English-inspired offerings, as well as create some of the area’s best barrel-aged beers. Head as far west as could still be considered the Chicago ‘burbs, and you’ll find Geneva’s Penrose Brewing Co. Our number 6 seed is also no stranger to barrel-aging, funk and Belgian yeast and is making a major push this month to get back in the can game.
Voting is closed, stay tuned for results.
Solemn Oath Brewery (2) vs. Hailstorm Brewing Co. (10)
These two breweries have created an uber loyal fanbase on the West and Southwest sides respectively. Solemn Oath brought an edge to Naperville with its Belgian and American pales, while Hailstorm has been on the NE IPA bandwagon as of late, creating some incredibly tasty and juicy beers. And both breweries reside in nearly identical industrial parks, so there’s that, too.
Voting is closed, stay tuned for results.
Best of luck to the remaining 32 breweries. It’s hard to pick a favorite Chicago beer maker as we all know, but hey, here’s your chance. Stay tuned as we tally the votes in order to select a “Sweet 16.”
Vote for the other regions below:
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