Aurora, IL Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Ultimate Brewery Tour
Aurora, Illinois, often heralded as a beacon for craft beer enthusiasts, offers a rich tapestry of breweries that capture the essence of the region's brewing heritage. With a broad range of styles, from hoppy IPAs to robust stouts and inventive sours, the city caters to an array of palates. These local breweries demonstrate their mastery by consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional beer-making while respecting the craft's time-honored techniques.
Nestled among the suburbs of Chicago, Aurora's craft beer scene stands distinct. Seasoned aficionados and curious beginners alike are welcomed into an inclusive community that prides itself on its variety and quality. Whether it's a visit to Hopvine Brewing Company for a taste of their homegrown ales or a tour through the rotating taps of innovative concoctions at breweries like Hardware or Energy City Brewing, the city is dotted with unique spots that pay homage to the art of craft brewing.
The craft beer culture here is not just about the beer but also the experience that comes with it. Many of these breweries double as sociable gathering hubs, offering tours, taproom tastings, and community events. Beyond the immersive beer experiences, these establishments offer a window into Aurora's dedication to fostering a vibrant local beer culture. They serve as pivotal social spaces where people come together, forging a bonding ritual over shared pints of locally crafted brews.
History of Aurora's Craft Beer Scene
Aurora, Illinois, boasts a rich tapestry of craft beer history, marked by unique establishments and influential architecture that have shaped its local beer culture.
Landmarks in Aurora's Beer History
Two Brothers Roundhouse: This historical figurehead in Aurora's beer history is one of the oldest limestone roundhouses in the country. Initially serving railroads, it has been repurposed by the Two Brothers Brewing Company, linking the city’s industrial past with its present craft beer renaissance.
Annual Craft Brews Tour: Reflecting Aurora's vibrant beer culture, the city hosts an Annual Craft Brews Tour, celebrating both history and the modern craft beer movement. The tour not only features diverse beer styles but also showcases Aurora's commitment to its brewing heritage.
Influence of Prominent Architects on Brewery Aesthetics
George Grant Elmslie: His work in Aurora contributed to the Prairie School of architecture and provided a framework for aesthetics that combine both function and form, a philosophy mirrored in the city's approach to brewery design.
Bruce Goff: The futuristic and organic designs by Goff can be seen as symbolic of the evolving and innovative nature of Aurora's craft beer scene.
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe: His philosophy of "less is more" influences the minimalist design seen in some modern brewery spaces in Aurora, reflecting the purity and focus of the brewing process itself.
Aurora's craft beer landscape is a vivid narrative of history, community, and a harmonious blend of art and industry.
Guide to Aurora Breweries
Aurora, Illinois, is a thriving hub for craft beer lovers, boasting a variety of breweries that encompass the city's rich brewing tradition and its innovative approach to beer-making. Each brewery in Aurora offers a unique experience, from historic settings to eco-friendly operations.
Two Brothers Roundhouse Overview
Two Brothers Roundhouse stands proud as a noteworthy landmark combining its historical presence with distinctive craft beers. It provides patrons not only with a slice of history but an array of flavorful beers in a venue that is rich in character. Located at 205 N. Broadway, Aurora, IL 60505, it serves as a culturally significant spot where the connection between beer and the community is celebrated.
Hardware Sustainable Gastropub and Brewery
As the name implies, Hardware is a sustainable gastropub and brewery that puts a heavy emphasis on environmentally friendly practices. Found at 2000 W. Orchard Road, Aurora, IL 60506, its patrons can enjoy high-quality brews knowing that sustainability is at the core of its operations. Hardware's attention to detail and care for the environment translate into its craft beer offerings, making it a must-visit for eco-conscious beer enthusiasts.
Hopvine Brewing Company Profile
Hopvine Brewing Company is a local favorite, situated at 4030 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora, IL 60504. It is known for its inventive beer selection and relaxed atmosphere. The brewery has earned a reputation for its creativity in the craft beer scene, consistently rotating an impressive lineup of general and seasonal ales that cater to a multitude of tastes.
Brother Chimp Brewing Insights
At 1059 W. Orchard Road, North Aurora, IL 60542, beer aficionados will find Brother Chimp Brewing. This brewery serves as a testament to passion-driven brewing. They offer a modest yet well-curated selection of handcrafted beers. The commitment to quality over quantity ensures that each beer on tap is carefully developed to deliver a memorable drinking experience.
New and Up-and-Coming Breweries
The craft beer landscape in Aurora is always evolving, with newer breweries entering the scene and marking their territory with innovative brews. These fledgling establishments are a testament to Aurora’s ever-growing passion for craft beer, providing a fresh take on traditional styles and giving beer enthusiasts new flavors to explore. They join established breweries in enriching Aurora's vibrant beer culture.
Beer Varieties and Specialties
Exploring Aurora's local breweries reveals a plethora of distinct beer styles and unique creations, each offering bold flavors and innovative brewing techniques. These establishments take pride in their crafted beer, from traditional ales to experimental batches.
Local Craft Beer Styles
In Aurora, craft beer aficionados are treated to a diverse range of styles that cater to various palates. The area is known for its handcrafted traditional ales and lagers, offering a taste of well-honed brewing methods. Patrons can expect refreshing options like:
Pale Lager: A staple at gatherings for its crisp and light profile.
Amber Ale: Rich in both color and malt-driven flavors.
Vienna Lager: Noted for its elegant amber hues and delicate balance of malts and hops.
German Hefeweizen: A wheat beer that often features notes of banana and clove, courtesy of its distinctive yeast.
Signature Brews and Their Brewers
Certain Aurora breweries have gained acclaim for their standout beers; these are usually connected with enthusiastic stories of their origin. Brother Chimp Brewing is celebrated for its Smile English brown ale, which boasts a smooth and sweet character. Uncle Joe’s IPA remains a favorite for its robust hop profile and assertive bitterness. Meanwhile, Earl the Pearl Pale Ale and Misty’s Cream Ale demonstrate the brewmasters' versatility and skill, juxtaposing hoppy notes against creamy, smooth textures.
Seasonal and Limited Edition Releases
The craft beer scene in Aurora is dynamic, with breweries frequently offering seasonal and limited edition releases. These often incorporate locally sourced ingredients and imaginative recipes. Seasonal beers might include:
Summer: Fruit-infused IPAs infused with local produce.
Autumn: Pumpkin ales or amber ales with seasonal spices.
Winter: Rich stouts and porters, offering warmth and depth in flavor.
Spring: Lighter, floral pilsners or hefeweizens that reflect the fresh, vibrant nature of the season.
Each release is typically available for a limited time, making each sip an exclusive experience treasured by the community.
Brewing Processes and Sustainability
Craft breweries in Aurora, IL, prioritize the quality of their beer and the impact of their brewing processes on the environment. They focus on producing small batches and implementing sustainability practices.
Small Batch Production
Craft breweries like Brother Chimp Brewing value the control and flexibility that comes with small batch production. Operating in small-scale facilitates meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each batch meets high standards of taste and quality.
Handcrafted: Aurora breweries emphasize handcrafted techniques, highlighting traditional styles of ale and lager.
Scale: Producing in small quantities allows for better quality control and a personal touch in every brew.
Sustainability Practices in Aurora Breweries
Sustainability is integral to Aurora's craft beer scene. Breweries adopt various measures to ensure their processes are environmentally friendly.
Water Reduction: Breweries aim to minimize water usage during the brewing process, which is both an essential ingredient and a precious resource.
Strategy Benefit
Water-efficient equipment Lower water bills and reduced environmental footprint
Recycling wastewater Reuse for non-consumable purposes
Support Local: Some breweries, like Mountain Tap Brewery, support sustainability by sourcing from local malt and hop growers, reducing transportation emissions and boosting the local economy.
Local Partnerships: Collaborations with nearby businesses, such as pairing with local pizzerias, create a symbiotic relationship that emphasizes community and sustainability.
Craft Beer Tasting and Tours
Aurora, IL, offers a vibrant craft beer scene with a wealth of breweries where enthusiasts can savor a variety of styles fresh from the tap. These local establishments provide tailored experiences, ranging from casual tastings to well-organized tours, ensuring visitors a comprehensive understanding of Aurora's beer culture.
Where to Taste Craft Beers on Tap
Hopvine Brewing Company
Location: 4030 Fox Valley Center Drive
Offers: A diverse array of styles, including sours and root-beer ales.
Noon Whistle Brewing
Beers on Tap: Known for their sessionable and full-flavored brews.
Energy City Brewing
Specializes in: Small-batch experimental beers, with an emphasis on hoppy and fruity flavors.
These taprooms present an engaging atmosphere where patrons can explore an extensive selection of craft beers. The venues focus on fresh, innovative brews, ensuring that visitors have access to the latest and most exciting offerings.
Guided Tours and Experiences
Brew 'N' View at The Roundhouse
Guided Tours Available: A historic venue offering a glimpse into the brewing process.
Chicagoland Brews Cruise
Tour Options: Curated tours of various breweries in the area, combining education with tastings.
Aurora Craft Brews Tour
Annual Event: Sponsored by local organizations, it's a celebrated event where participants can experience the breadth of Aurora's craft beer offerings through a guided tour.
Guided tours and experiences often include behind-the-scenes access to the brewing process, giving visitors a chance to learn directly from brewers about crafting the perfect pint. These tours are designed to provide a deeper understanding of the skill and artistry behind Aurora's craft beer scene.
Gastronomy and Beer Pairing
The art of pairing craft beers with local gastronomy in Aurora, IL, centers on creating a harmonious balance between the flavors of the beer and the regional cuisine. Such pairings can elevate both the culinary experience and the enjoyment of the beer.
Local Food Pairings with Craft Beers
When pairing food with craft beers, complementary flavors are paramount. Brother Chimp Brewing is known for its traditional ale and lager offerings. Their Smile, an English brown ale, pairs exceptionally well with house-made ravioli, complementing the richness of the pasta with its smooth, sweet notes. The bitterness of a hoppy IPA might be tempered by the sweet and spicy character of brisket, creating a balanced taste sensation, ensuring that neither the beer nor the dish overpower each other.
Craft Breweries with Quality Food Menus
The experience at local breweries often extends beyond the beer. Raimondo's Pizza in North Aurora often collaborates with Brother Chimp Brewing, ensuring patrons can enjoy well-paired meals with their handcrafted beers. At the heart of their menu, one might find the comforting short rib pot pie as a robust choice that can stand up to the bold flavors found in a hearty stout or porter, as these beers often possess the depth to match the savory taste of short ribs.
Craft breweries in Aurora are adept not only in brewing but also in the culinary arts, inviting beer enthusiasts to explore a symphony of flavors through thoughtfully curated pairings.
Pubs and Bars Showcasing Local Beers
Aurora, Illinois, offers beer enthusiasts a variety of venues where local brews are celebrated and served. Each establishment highlighted below provides a distinctive atmosphere and a curated selection of craft beers that showcase the flavors of the region.
Aurora Tap House
Aurora Tap House is known for its excellent selection of locally sourced beers and a lively ambiance. It stands out as a prime social hub for tasting regional craft ales and enjoying a robust nightlife in Aurora.
Bulldog Ale House
At Bulldog Ale House, patrons can enjoy a blend of traditional and innovative brews. This venue is recognized for both its friendly environment and its dedication to featuring craft beer from the area's burgeoning breweries.
Gillerson’s Grubbery
Gillerson’s Grubbery offers a diverse beer menu, emphasizing local craft beer selections. Here, visitors can pair gourmet pub fare with a range of unique and flavorful ales from Aurora and surrounding communities.
Community and Events
Aurora, Illinois nurtures a vibrant craft beer community with a calendar marked by festive events and seasonal offerings. The local breweries not only produce unique beers but also contribute to a sense of camaraderie among patrons and enthusiasts.
Beer Festivals and Seasonal Fares
Several times throughout the year, Aurora's craft beer scene shines at local festivals. Notably, the community looks forward to the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild convention, which features workshops, keynote addresses, and networking opportunities. These events allow fans to enjoy seasonal fares from their favorite local breweries, with autumn's pumpkin ales and winter stouts often stealing the show. A highlight is the Aurora Craft Brews Tour, an annual happening that echoes the city's enthusiasm for finely-crafted beers.
Upcoming Beer Festivals:
7th Annual Illinois Craft Brewers Convention
Aurora Craft Brews Tour
Community Involvement and Support
The craft breweries in Aurora are pillars of the community, extending far beyond the confines of their respective taprooms. They build strong relationships with nearby businesses, like Brother Chimp Brewing's collaboration with Raimondo's Pizza to create perfect pairings. These efforts not only support the local economy but also foster a sense of unity among businesses and patrons alike. This relationship reflects a broader community engagement where breweries often contribute to local charities, host events, and support one another in a collective pursuit of brewing excellence.
Community Highlights:
Collaborations with local eateries, e.g., Brother Chimp Brewing and Raimondo's Pizza
Support for local charities through event partnerships
Adapting to New Norms
The local craft beer community in Aurora, IL has faced significant changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with adaptations and resilient measures that define its current landscape.
Impact of COVID-19 on Local Breweries
COVID-19's advent led to lockdowns that undoubtedly placed Aurora's local breweries in a difficult position. They responded by rapidly shifting their business models to stay operational. An example is curbside pickup, a direct strategy to ensure customer access to craft beer, while adhering to safety protocols.
Local breweries were also seen enhancing their online presence, offering detailed information about their available brews, hours of service, and COVID-19 safety practices, enabling them to stay connected with their community. Initiatives such as virtual tastings have also emerged, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy a guided craft beer experience from the confines of their homes.
The adaptations made during and after the lockdowns reveal a community dedicated to preserving the culture and enjoyment of craft beer in the face of unprecedented challenges.
Visitor Information
When planning visits to the local craft breweries in Aurora, IL, guests should consider the varying operating hours and the convenience of parking facilities at each location to ensure a smooth experience.
Operating Hours and Best Times to Visit
Hopvine Brewing Company:
Wednesday - Sunday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Brother Chimp Brewing:
Thursday - Friday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Closed Monday - Wednesday.
McCarty Mills Taproom:
Wednesday - Thursday: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday - Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Visitors often find early evening hours or weekend afternoons to be ideal times for brewery tours and tastings to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more personalized experience.
Locations and Parking
Hopvine Brewing Company:
4030 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora, IL 60504
Parking is available on-site with no fees.
Brother Chimp Brewing:
Located near Raimondo’s Pizza in North Aurora.
Plentiful parking is available and shared with neighboring businesses.
McCarty Mills Taproom:
140 S River Street, Unit 108, Aurora, IL 60506
Street parking is provided, with additional parking lots nearby.
Each brewery offers its unique atmosphere and selection, and visitors are encouraged to check with individual locations for any special events or changes in hours. It's often possible to find parking options that are convenient and free of charge, particularly at larger establishments.
