Two Brothers Artisan Brewing

Not long ago, I thought that Two Brothers was a coffee roastery.

It is!

But it’s moreso a brewery—when it’s not actually roasting tea leaves or distilling spirits.

Scroll down to see more photos and read more about Two Brothers Artisan Brewing.

“Has a sharp bite to it!”

If only I could bring to you the thumpin’ beats of Ron Smolen Orchestra, the lively bubbles tickling the nose from all the brews, and the slick operation that I saw behind the scenes on my private tour of Two Brothers Artisan Brewing, then I would be on to something. Well, I’ve got the photos and snippets, so pull up your Lederhosen because this is Oktoberfest at the Tap Room; and, instead of backs to slap, it’s all about thigh tops and heels.

Hey!

Lisa, our stein-lifting friend Scott, and I took a trip to the headquarters of Two Brothers Artisan Brewing. This was not only the location of their brewery, but also the Tap Room, a combination bar/restaurant that was jumpin’ with the energy of Oktoberfest. We arrived early, so we found a high table outside of the blast radius pumping from the Ron Smolen Orchestra. I ordered Fish Tacos, Lisa wanted to try the Jägerschnitzel, and Scott was born ready for the Smokey Burger. The bar/restaurant combo must’ve sharked us, because this was high quality fare as if we were in a celebrated old money restaurant. Lisa’s plate was made specially for Oktoberfest, and Scott and I were blown away—not by the beats, but the eats.

Getting into the spirit of Oktoberfest, beers were the main draw. Originally we wanted to try flights of beer; but, because this was Oktoberfest, beer flights and group brewery tours were suspended on account of focusing on all the festive seasonal foods, drinks and fun. However, the Tap Room staff accommodated us by bringing out their best beers in style with a variety of steins and glasses to share. The order of the day: Wobble, Atom Smasher, Bloodline: Chomp Chomp!!, Domaine Cassis, Domaine Dupage, and Northwind. Scott and Lisa dove beneath the waterline, coming up for air with sudsy smiles. I was the designated driver; moreover, I was chosen to take a private tour of the brewery. Management and staff were impressively supportive of giving us the full Two Brothers experience.

“The black currants add a unique fruity taste!”

As we took a break, I heard that there was a stein holding contest outside. Here were some strong arms, but it must’ve been a psych job looking at these Two Brothers beers. The contest was shorter than I expected under such heavy pressure. It came down to two, with thirst for victory winning the day. Then it was back inside where I got to take a private tour of the brewery!

Behind the scenes, I did not expect the scope of all the interests. I learned firsthand about the spirit distilling and coffee roasting. The processes were diverse. Everything was modern and gleaming. Two Brothers took the initiative to do, not try, so many endeavors. I was so impressed that we were driven to buy some beer, coffee and tea. If Two Brothers made pillow cases, then we would’ve brought those home too.

We marked on our calendars the availability of Northwind (imperial stout). Although we enjoyed it on tap during Oktoberfest, it is a seasonal brew sold only during winter. Suddenly, cold days and warm nights go hand in hand with the Northwind, “King of Stouts.”

“This is one of the best stouts I’ve ever tasted. It’s the perfect finisher!”

Maybe another time, we would like to try the Two Brothers Roundhouse in Naperville. This time, it was great to see the source of everything Two Brothers. The personal touch from the entire Tap Room staff during Oktoberfest was unexpected and amazing, especially considering the demands of the busy crowds and packed schedule. We came on a good day to the right place.

Well, the next time I pick up a bag of Two Brothers coffee at the supermarket, I will know where it comes from and how it’s made. I will hear the voice of my personal tour guide as I saw how they brew their handcrafted batches, and age their distilled spirits. I will remember their good food and all the kind people who provided us with an experience to remember. Now we know that winter is coming, and blowing in will be the Northwind. Is there a Novemberfest? Decemberfest?

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To learn more and plan your visit to Two Brothers Artisan Brewing, click Two Brothers Artisan Brewing

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