Craft beer has taken the world by storm, and Skeleton Key Brewery is one of the many breweries that have contributed to the industry’s growth. Skeleton Key Brewery is located in a converted warehouse in Woodridge, Illinois, and is run by co-owners John Szopa, Emily and Paul Slayton. In this article, we will explore the brewery’s history, beers, taproom experience, community impact, future plans, merchandise, and customer reviews.
The History
Skeleton Key Brewery began in 2016, after Emily and Paul Slayton had been homebrewing for years. They started with a small system and gradually expanded to the brewery’s current 10-barrel system. The name Skeleton Key comes from their love for old horror movies, as well as the idea of unlocking new and exciting flavors in beer. Over the years, the brewery has won multiple awards, including a silver medal at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival.
The Beers
Skeleton Key Brewery offers a wide variety of beers, ranging from light lagers to stouts and sour beers. One of their most popular beers is the Friends Don’t Lie, which is a pale ale dry-hopped with Centennial hops. Another staple at the brewery is Migratory, a golden ale with toasted coconut. Skeleton Key is also known for various classic styles, such as Don’t Blink, which is a scotch ale and the Schwarzbier, 7th Evil Ex.
The Taproom Experience
The taproom at Skeleton Key Brewery has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with wooden accents and a relaxed vibe. They offer a variety of board games, as well as live music and food trucks on certain days. The brewery also hosts private events and tours, and customers can purchase growlers and crowlers of their favorite beers to take home.
The Community Impact
Skeleton Key Brewery is committed to giving back to the community and has partnered with various local charities and organizations. They often host fundraising events and donate a portion of their sales to these charities. The brewery is also environmentally conscious and has implemented several sustainable practices, such as using solar panels to power their brewery and using biodegradable packaging.
The Tornado
On June 20, 2021, a powerful tornado swept through the town of Woodridge, Illinois, leaving behind a trail of destruction in its wake. One of the many businesses affected by the tornado was Skeleton Key Brewery, a popular craft brewery located in the heart of the town.
The tornado caused significant damage to the brewery, including the collapse of a large portion of the roof and several walls. The interior of the building was also heavily damaged, with equipment and furniture strewn about and debris scattered everywhere. The brewery’s owners and employees were devastated by the destruction, but vowed to rebuild and restore the business to its former glory.
In the aftermath of the tornado, the community rallied around Skeleton Key Brewery, offering their support and assistance in any way possible. Local residents volunteered their time to help clean up the debris and assist with the rebuilding efforts, while other businesses in the area offered their resources and services to help get the brewery back up and running as soon as possible.
Despite the damage caused by the tornado, Skeleton Key Brewery remained committed to its customers and the community. The brewery’s owners worked tirelessly to rebuild the business, and in August of 2021, they were able to reopen their doors to the public. The rebuilt brewery features new equipment and a fresh interior design, but still maintains the same high-quality craft beers and friendly atmosphere that have made it a beloved destination for craft beer enthusiasts in the area.
The tornado that hit Skeleton Key Brewery in 2021 was a devastating event, but it also served as a testament to the resilience and strength of the local community. Through hard work, determination, and a deep sense of camaraderie, the brewery was able to overcome the destruction and continue to serve its loyal customers.
Nearby Attractions
The Illinois Aviation Museum – Located less than two miles away from Skeleton Key Brewery, this museum is dedicated to preserving the history of aviation and the contributions of Illinois veterans. Visitors can view aircraft displays, tour historic hangars, and learn about the science of flight.
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve – This beautiful nature preserve is just a short drive from Skeleton Key Brewery and offers visitors over 2,500 acres of scenic hiking trails, fishing, and other outdoor recreational activities. With over 11 miles of trails, Waterfall Glen is the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful hike or picnic.
Four Lakes Alpine Snowsports – This popular winter sports destination is located just a few miles from Skeleton Key Brewery and offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing for all ages and skill levels. In the summer, Four Lakes transforms into a fun-filled outdoor adventure park with activities like zip-lining and kayaking.
The Morton Arboretum – Located just a short drive from Skeleton Key Brewery, the Morton Arboretum is a sprawling 1,700-acre nature preserve and outdoor museum. Visitors can explore over 16 miles of scenic hiking trails, see rare plant species from around the world, and learn about the important role trees play in our environment.
The Naper Settlement – This living history museum is located just a few miles from Skeleton Key Brewery and features over 20 historic buildings from the 19th century. Visitors can explore the grounds, see historic exhibits, and learn about life in early Naperville.
The DuPage Children’s Museum – Located just a short drive from Skeleton Key Brewery, this hands-on museum offers interactive exhibits and programs designed to inspire creativity, learning, and curiosity in children. Visitors can explore the museum’s various exhibits, participate in educational programs, and attend special events.
The Riverwalk – This picturesque walkway along the DuPage River is located just a few miles from Skeleton Key Brewery and offers visitors scenic views of the water, bridges, and local wildlife. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor recreation activities like biking, fishing, and kayaking along the river.
The Naperville Farmers Market – Located just a few miles from Skeleton Key Brewery, this outdoor market offers visitors the chance to shop for fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts from local vendors. The market runs on Saturdays from June through October and is a great way to experience the local community.
Classes at The Brewery
Skeleton Key Brewery not only serves delicious craft beer, but also offers a unique experience for visitors through their educational classes. The brewery regularly hosts classes that are open to the public and cover a variety of topics related to beer-making, tasting, and pairing. The classes are led by the brewery’s experienced staff, who share their passion and knowledge of the craft beer industry.
One of the most popular classes at Skeleton Key Brewery is their Homebrewing 101 class. This class is perfect for anyone who has ever wanted to learn how to brew their own beer. Participants learn about the brewing process, the equipment needed, and the various ingredients used to make beer. They also get to try a variety of beers and receive guidance on how to develop their own recipe. This class is a great way for beer lovers to explore the world of brewing and gain hands-on experience.
Skeleton Key Brewery also offers classes on beer tasting and pairing. These classes are perfect for anyone who wants to enhance their understanding of beer flavors and learn how to pair different styles of beer with food. Participants learn about the key components of beer, such as hops, malts, and yeast, and how they contribute to the overall flavor of a beer. They also learn how to identify different beer styles and how to pair them with food to create the perfect combination of flavors.
In addition to their public classes, Skeleton Key Brewery also offers private classes and events for groups. These events are perfect for team building activities, birthday parties, and other special occasions. The brewery can customize the classes and events to meet the needs and interests of the group, making it a unique and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Overall, the classes offered at Skeleton Key Brewery provide a fun and educational experience for beer lovers of all levels. The knowledgeable staff, combined with the cozy atmosphere and delicious beer, make for an unforgettable experience that visitors will not soon forget.
Brewery Merchandise
Customers can purchase Skeleton Key Brewery merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, and glassware. The brewery also offers a variety of limited-edition merchandise, such as holiday-themed shirts and custom glassware.
Reviews and Testimonials
Customers and industry professionals alike have praised Skeleton Key Brewery for its innovative and creative approach to brewing, as well as its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to the community. Many reviewers have highlighted their favorite beers, such as the Patina Pale Ale and the Dubbel Dare, and have noted that the taproom is a great place to hang out with friends and family.
Why It’s a Must-Visit
Overall, Skeleton Key Brewery is a must-visit for anyone looking to try new and unique beers in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The brewery’s commitment to experimentation and sustainability, as well as their involvement in the local community, make them a standout in the craft beer industry.
FAQ
Q: Do they have food at Skeleton Key Brewery?
A: Yes, Skeleton Key Brewery has a small menu of snacks and light bites, including soft pretzels, chips and salsa, and charcuterie boards. They also often have food trucks parked outside on weekends.
Q: Is Skeleton Key Brewery kid-friendly?
A: Skeleton Key Brewery is a family-friendly establishment, but children are only allowed in the family area.
Q: Can I bring my dog to Skeleton Key Brewery?
A: No, dogs are not allowed.
Q: Do they offer tours of the brewery?
A: Yes, Skeleton Key Brewery offers tours of their facility, which can be scheduled in advance on their website. Tours include a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, a history of the brewery, and tastings of their beer.
Q: Is there outdoor seating at Skeleton Key Brewery?
A: Yes, Skeleton Key Brewery has a spacious outdoor patio with ample seating and a view of the brewery’s beer garden. The patio is open year-round, weather permitting.
