Illuminated Brew Works: “The Most DIY of DIY” Breweries? Mash Tun Welding, Moving Out of Basements and More (Plus: Strange Millennial Beer Behavior)

Explore Illuminated Brew Works’ imaginative craft beer creations and unique tap room that’s unlike any other you’ve seen.

01:26 Beer Myth: Is the craft beer market so saturated that now all beer is boring? Learn why some say that craft beer has become monotonous and learn how you can rediscover the diverse and thrilling world of artisanal brews, enhancing your appreciation and enjoyment of every pint.

07:51 Illuminated Brew Works: Jason Monk, Facilities Manager and Assistant Brewer, and Rick Julien, Sales Manager of Illuminated Brew Works, explain why their brewery is “the most DIY of DIY” operations, their incredible thriftiness when building their own equipment, and how they took their operation from a basement brewery to a bustling Chicago location. They also discuss the unique ambience of their tap room, how they strike a balance between following craft beer trends versus personal brewing preferences, and why they are tired of the term “craft beer.” Plus: the ins and outs of their favorite beers, including the blueberry-laden Tony's Humble Pie white stout with blueberry puree, lactose, vanilla and cinnamon, and their citrusy Orange Sunshine saison.

38:38 Beer Behavior: Millennials are drinking craft beer, believe it or not, but they have less brand loyalty than previous generations. Jason, Rick, and Katherine discuss what this means for local craft beer communities and delve into other bizarre generational behavior that is driving change across the industry.

47:18 Today’s Featured Merchandise: Buy our merchandise that says “I just want beer flavored beer,” available in multiple styles and colors! Every purchase you make directly supports the show's production and hosting costs.

Garment-dyed Heavyweight T-shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-garment-dyed-heavyweight-t-shirt-1

Long Sleeve T-Shirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-long-sleeve-t-shirt-1?variant=44283749236976

Premium Crewneck Sweatshirt: https://3b8877-3.myshopify.com/products/beer-flavored-beer-premium-crewneck-sweatshirt?variant=44281814745328

You can find other amazing merchandise and learn more about Crafty Brewers on our official website, https://craftybrewerspod.com

About Illuminated Brew Works: Illuminated Brew Works is a Chicago brewery making beer for interesting times. From big, hazy IPAs, to yeast-driven urban farmhouses, adjunct-rich stouts and experimentally-driven sours and fruit beers, their offerings rotate seasonally to celebrate the annual cycle. Learn more on their website at https://www.ibw-chicago.com/

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If you enjoyed this episode, then please tell at least one friend about the show! And if you’re a brewer or know any brewers who would like to share their story on the podcast, then email craftybrewerspod@gmail.com. We’re always happy to hear from you!

You can also follow Crafty Brewers on Instagram at https://instagram.com/crafty_brewers_pod

Crafty Brewers is produced by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough. He insists that we tell you that in this episode, you’ll learn about: craft beer, craft breweries, beer innovation, craft beer culture, brewing process, craft beer trends, Millennial drinkers, White stouts, Blueberry Pie Stout, lagers, hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, imperial IPA, Irish Stout, Double Dry-Hopped Double IPA, Trust (a year-round lager), Orange Sunshine (a citrus Saison), Astronaut Juice (a double dry-hopped, double IPA), beer recipes, flagship beers, mash tun, welding, craft beer community, beer styles, beer market, beer operations, beer production, beer branding, craft beer events, local breweries, local beer, beer fermentation, beer ingredients, beer adjuncts, chasing beer trends, craft beer appreciation, and beer styles comparison.