3 Illinois Breweries Rank Among Best in Nation

ILLINOIS— Illinois' craft brewery scene is one of the state's best kept secrets. While lacking the smell of hops in the air like its Milwaukee or Iowa neighbors, three Illinois companies have ranked among the top breweries in the nation, with one also ranking in the top craft breweries category, according to the Brewers Association.

The not-for-profit trade association released two lists on Tuesday of the top 50 breweries — a ranking for craft breweries and a 'best overall breweries' list. Both rankings are based on sales volume, the organization said, though beer sales changed significantly over the past year.

"The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed where Americans purchased alcohol in 2020," said Bart Watson, a chief economist for the association.

Revolution Brewing, Chicago's newer addition to the craft brewery game, has already scored a spot on both the top craft breweries list and the top overall breweries list. The company started in 2010 and now owns one of the largest brewery and taprooms in Illinois, according to a spokesperson.

Some other familiar Illinois favorites ranked at the top of the best overall breweries list with MolsonCoors as number two and Constellation in third place.

Top craft breweries in Illinois, according to the Brewers Association:

• Revolution Brewing, Chicago - Rank: No. 39
  • Core beers: Anti-Hero, Hazy-Hero, Freedom Of Speach, Fist City, Deth's Tar

Top overall breweries in Illinois, according to the Brewers Association:

• MolsonCoors, Chicago - Rank: No. 2
  • Core beers: Coors Light, Miller Lite, Blue Moon Belgian White, Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy
• Constellation, Chicago - Rank: No. 3
  • Core beers: Corona Extra, Corona Refresca, Modelo Especial, Funky Buddha
• Revolution Brewing, Chicago - Rank: No. 49
  • Core beers: Anti-Hero, Hazy-Hero, Every Day-Hero, Issue 12, First City, Rev Pils

The Brewers Assocation represents more than 5,400 U.S. small and independent craft breweries. The organization's independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that highlights beers by small and independent craft brewers.

>> Read the full Brewers Association report here.