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Self Distribution in Illinois: A New Twist

Submitted by josh on Wed, 05/11/2011 - 16:07

I've been part of an effort to restore brewers' rights to self distribute their beer in Illinois that is getting more complicated by the day.  The big picture is that small, independent brewers often can't get the distribution they need out of the gate and self-distribution is the tool that gets them to the market.  Zooming into the details of the issue, everyone is now fighting to protect their own interests and there is one battle in the courts and another in the legislature that seem to be traveling dual paths.   The quick synopsis of what's happened, visit the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. 

The news of the day is an A-B Motion to extend the stay of enforcement of the court's 'remedy' that takes away brewers' self distribution rights.  What's interesting in it is the affidavit of Jason Ebel of Two Brothers about the recent threat he's received from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission about ending the "common family ownership" of their brewery and distribution company, Windy City Distribution.  This is a huge wrinkle in this story that shows the domino effect of the Judge's decision hurting brewers in Illinois.  A-B argues that facts about Two Bros/Windy were withheld from them and the Judge and that the remedy should be appealed.  Interestingly enough, A-B makes no mention of their recent announcement to purchase Goose Island in their motion.  Would that have made them an in-state brewer and thus eligible to own a distributor in the days before the lawsuit? All this makes wish for a second I went to law school. Or not. Back to making beer.

There's also an opinion in today's SJR in favor of the craft brewer exemption and the amendment to fix the brewpub language that the ICBG has been pushing for.  Oh and if you missed this news, Two Brothers just purchased the Roundhouse (formerly Walter Payton's) in Aurora at auction for a fire sale price.  I think that's the most beautiful building housing a brewpub in the country and can't wait to see what they do with it. Hats off to Jim and Jason Ebel!

machinery eye candy

Submitted by josh on Wed, 05/11/2011 - 06:13

A few weeks ago, we got to unload a few shipping containers worth of various equipment that will become our new canning line at the new Kedzie Cannery.  This is the Crown Cork & Seal 40 head can filler, which got towed around by a 13 ton forklift. 

 

Just like our brewhouse did for much of 2008 and 2009 before it finally got installed, this piece will sit in the corner for a little while before it starts spitting out cans before your very eyes. It is a vintage machine that needs a good lubing but we think it's in pretty good condition overall.  It was made in Baltimore a few years after I was born and was pretty much the industry standard can/bottle filler.  The was one of the smaller units they made for cans and sister machines are still in use all over the place.  Maui Brewing installed one last year.

 

The current plan is to can four year round beers:

Anti-Hero IPA
Bottom Up Wit
Eugene Porter
Riot Pilsner

We'll also fill kegs and bomber bottles of some big beers.  We're currently still in the engineering phase of the new brewery, so we've got lots of work to do.  Lots more pictures and info to come in 2011, so sit back and enjoy the ride. 

 

 

Newer Revolutions

Submitted by josh on Sat, 03/19/2011 - 01:38

Forgive me father, it has been four moons since my last blog post.  I have done many sinful things in the meantime, but I've also been working hard brewing some tasty ales and cooking up some nice grub.  Cut me some slack.  I know the brewpub gets kinda busy sometimes and even you have to wait an hour to get in, but we are making more space upstairs and it will be ready soon.  You can even throw a party there with 129 of your closest friends or maybe catch a rock show down the line.  Everybody likes to rock out now and then, no?  Yes, we did name our latest beer Baphomet Bock for a pagan idol, but you have to admit it is pretty cool looking.  I have been keeping up with my Facebook updates, but I know I know, not everyone does that.

And we just signed a lease for a new 35,000 square foot production brewery nearby to spread the Revolution across Chicagoland.  Is that a good enough excuse for ignoring this blog for so long?  The lease took four months to negotiate, so I figure I deserve a beer for getting through that at least.  Where is it? Oh, over by Lee Lumber on Kedzie.  It'll have mondo huge beer tanks, a high speed canning line, loads of wooden barrels and a tasting room.  No father, it won't be ready to visit anytime soon, but we should have beer to sell and see there in about a year or so.  Awwh c'mon that's not too long.  Imagine if we were making wine.

Brewing The General

Submitted by josh on Wed, 11/03/2010 - 19:14

Today we are basking in the post-Hickenlooper glow of beer politics and brewing a special brew to recognize our own local hero.  The General is a molasses-enriched porter that honors the legacy of Gen. John A. Logan, for whom our lovely hood is named.  Special guest brewers for the day are Michael, Brad and Sam, making for a day with far too many cooks in the kitchen and a higher than normal ratio of beers consumed to beers brewed.  

The malt bill is:

 

2-Row 700
( Biscuit 220
 Munich 110
 Victory 75
Black Malt 50
 Carafa III 40

We didn't use any caramel malts because we want the leftover sweetness of the molasses to come through as much as it wants to.  More to come.

 

Festival of Barrel Aged Beers

Submitted by josh on Sun, 10/31/2010 - 21:20

Coming up this weekend is the 8th Annual Festival of Barrel Aged Beers run by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild.  We'll be bringing bourbon barrel aged Eugene Porter and Bad Man Old Rye Ale.  As of press time, there are still tickets available for the evening sessions from 6-10pm although the day is sold out. 

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