Two Barrington Area Breweries Voted Among Best in Chicago

The surge of microbreweries and craft beers continues throughout the Chicago area and suburb, but who has the best?

Chicago Magazine rated the top 63 beers in the region and two Barrington area breweries emerged among the top.

Under the Pale Ale Smackdown: American Style category, Lake Barrington’s Wild Onion Brewing Co. was listed in the top 10. The brewery is located at 22221 North Pepper Road.

Wild Onion’s Paddy Pale Ale was described as “unique, but a touch ‘medicinal,’” according to Chicago Magazine’s website. But “it’s not like every other pale out there,” said Michael Maloney, a craft beer distributor who was one of the judges, in the article.

Wild Onion’s philosophy is “plain and simple- brew fresh, drinkable session ales and lagers that compliment each beer style,” its website said.

The Lucky Monk, 105 Hollywood Blvd. South Barrington, received praise for its India Pale Ale for its “bright, clean flavor,” one judge said while another thought it was too bitter.

Lucky Monk was named after Trappist monks “who spent centuries perfecting the craft of beer making,” according to the brewery’s website. It has a 10-barrel brew house that makes such beers as the Confessional, Cardinal Sin and Fallen Angel.