McHenry County Lupulin Project

We truly value local collaborations—especially when they involve our friends at Kishwaukee Brewing Co.

I recently had the pleasure of sampling their very limited pale ale, brewed with locally grown hops. While hops are typically cultivated within specific regions between 35° and 55° latitude north and south of the equator—including parts of Illinois—the most renowned varieties come from the Pacific Northwest, where the soil is well-aerated and the climate provides abundant moisture.

The fresh hops sourced from McHenry County College’s farm, combined with the brewing expertise of Kishwaukee Brewing Co., resulted in an elegant, crisp pale ale that showcases all the hallmark flavor characteristics you’d expect from the style.

Unfortunately, I enjoyed the beer before capturing a proper photo—but the lacing left behind spoke for itself: the unmistakable sign of a beautifully crafted brew.