Mikerphone Brewing prides itself on its high-quality beers and dedication to experimentation. They have won numerous awards for their unique and innovative beers, and their taproom is a popular destination for beer lovers in the Chicagoland area. In this article, we will delve into the history of Mikerphone Brewing, explore their brewing process, highlight some of their most popular beers, and discuss the overall experience of visiting their taproom.
History of Mikerphone Brewing
Mikerphone Brewing was founded in Elk Grove Village, Illinois in 2012 by Mike Pallen. Mike began brewing beer as a hobby, experimenting with different styles and flavors in his garage. His love for music inspired the name “Mikerphone,” which is a play on the words “Mike” and “microphone.”
After several years of brewing at home and winning awards at local homebrew competitions, Mike decided to take his passion for brewing to the next level and start a commercial brewery. In 2015, Mikerphone Brewing officially opened its doors in a small industrial park in Elk Grove Village.
Since then, Mikerphone has grown exponentially, with their beers becoming highly sought after by beer enthusiasts across the country. They have expanded their facilities several times to accommodate their growing production, and in 2020, they opened a second taproom in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood.
Brewing Process
Mikerphone Brewing is known for its innovative and experimental approach to brewing. They use high-quality ingredients and a variety of brewing techniques to create unique and complex flavors in their beers.
One of the key aspects of Mikerphone’s brewing process is their use of different yeast strains. They experiment with various yeast strains to create distinct flavors and aromas in their beers. They also use a variety of hop strains, often incorporating newer and lesser-known varieties to create unique hop profiles.
Mikerphone Brewing also uses a variety of adjuncts in their beers, including fruit, coffee, chocolate, and spices. They carefully select these adjuncts to complement the flavors of the base beer and create a well-balanced and flavorful final product.
Popular Beers
Mikerphone Brewing offers a wide variety of beers, ranging from traditional styles like IPAs and stouts to experimental beers that push the boundaries of what beer can be. Here are some of their most popular beers:
Smells Like Bean Spirit: A coffee stout that is brewed with cold-brew coffee from a local roaster. This beer has notes of chocolate, caramel, and roasted coffee.
Special Sauce: An IPA that is brewed with Mosaic, Citra, and Amarillo hops. This beer has a juicy, tropical flavor with notes of mango, pineapple, and citrus.
Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Smells Like Bean Spirit: A barrel-aged version of their popular coffee stout. This beer is aged in bourbon barrels for several months, which imparts flavors of vanilla, oak, and bourbon to the beer.
DDH Hazelnut Marshmallow: An imperial stout that is brewed with hazelnuts and marshmallows. This beer has a rich, decadent flavor with notes of chocolate, hazelnut, and marshmallow.
Taproom Experience
Visiting the Mikerphone Brewing taproom is an experience in itself. The taproom is spacious, with a laid-back and inviting atmosphere. The decor is industrial and modern, with a touch of rock and roll. The brewery offers a variety of seating options, including bar seating, tables, and lounge areas with couches and armchairs. There is also a patio area with outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a cold beer on a sunny day.
One unique aspect of the Mikerphone Brewing taproom is their music theme. The brewery has a record player and a large selection of vinyl records available to play, creating a fun and lively atmosphere. They also have regular live music events, featuring local and regional musicians. Additionally, the taproom offers board games, pinball machines, and a dartboard for patrons to enjoy.
The Brewer
Mikerphone Brewing was founded by Mike Pallen, a former recording engineer turned brewer. Pallen’s love for music is evident in the brewery’s name and branding, and he often incorporates his passion for music into his beer names and labels. Pallen’s background in engineering also comes in handy when it comes to brewing, as he takes a meticulous and scientific approach to his craft.
Under Pallen’s leadership, Mikerphone Brewing has gained a reputation for brewing some of the best and most innovative beers in the region. Pallen is constantly experimenting with different ingredients and brewing techniques, always striving to push the boundaries of what is possible in beer.
The Merchandise
Mikerphone Brewing’s iconic mic-stand logo has become a staple in the craft beer community. They offer a range of merchandise featuring the logo, including t-shirts, hats, and glassware. Their merchandise is high-quality and well-designed, making it a popular choice among beer enthusiasts.
The Community
Mikerphone Brewing is deeply involved in the community, hosting charity events and fundraisers on a regular basis. They have also collaborated with local organizations and artists, such as their recent “Beer Meets Art” event that featured artwork from local artists on their beer cans.
Their commitment to giving back extends beyond their local community as well. In 2019, Mikerphone Brewing collaborated with Sierra Nevada Brewing to create the Resilience IPA, with all proceeds going to benefit wildfire relief efforts in California.
Awards and Recognition
Mikerphone Brewing’s commitment to brewing high-quality, innovative beers has not gone unnoticed. The brewery has won numerous awards and accolades, both locally and nationally.
In 2017, Mikerphone Brewing was named one of the “Top New Brewers in the World” by RateBeer, a popular beer rating and review website. The brewery has also won several medals at the Great American Beer Festival, the largest beer competition in the United States.
In addition to these awards, Mikerphone Brewing has gained a loyal following of beer enthusiasts who appreciate the brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Conclusion
Mikerphone Brewing has quickly become one of the most exciting and innovative breweries in the Midwest. With their dedication to brewing high-quality, unique beers and their commitment to creating a fun and inviting taproom experience, it’s no wonder that the brewery has gained such a loyal following of beer enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a music lover, a craft beer enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a great spot to hang out and enjoy a beer, Mikerphone Brewing is definitely worth a visit. With their ever-changing lineup of exciting and delicious beers, there’s always something new and exciting to try.
FAQ:
Q: Does Mikerphone Brewing offer food?
A: No, Mikerphone Brewing does not have a kitchen and does not serve food. However, they often host food trucks and pop-up restaurants outside their taproom, and patrons are welcome to bring in their own food.
Q: Does Mikerphone Brewing offer tours of their brewery?
A: Yes, Mikerphone Brewing offers tours of their brewery on select Saturdays. Reservations are required, and tickets can be purchased on their website.
Q: Can I bring my dog to the Mikerphone Brewing taproom?
A: Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patio area outside the taproom. However, dogs are not allowed inside the taproom itself.
Q: Does Mikerphone Brewing offer merchandise for sale?
A: Yes, Mikerphone Brewing has a selection of merchandise available for purchase, including t-shirts, hats, glassware, and more. Merchandise can
Q: What is Mikerphone Brewing’s flagship beer?
A: Mikerphone Brewing’s flagship beer is their Special Sauce IPA. It’s a New England-style IPA that’s known for its hazy appearance, juicy flavor, and tropical aroma.
Q: Can I visit the Mikerphone Brewing taproom?
A: Yes! Mikerphone Brewing has a taproom located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, where you can enjoy their beers on tap, purchase cans and bottles, and even catch live music on occasion.
Q: Does Mikerphone Brewing have any special events or releases?
A: Absolutely! Mikerphone Brewing frequently hosts special events and releases limited edition beers throughout the year. Check their website or social media pages for upcoming events and releases.
What types of beer does Mikerphone Brewing offer?
Mikerphone Brewing offers a wide variety of beer styles, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and barrel-aged beers. They frequently release limited-edition and seasonal brews, so there’s always something new to try.
Q: Can I bring my dog to Mikerphone Brewing?
A: Mikerphone Brewing has a dog-friendly outdoor patio area where well-behaved dogs are welcome. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed inside the taproom.
Q: Can I purchase Mikerphone Brewing beer to take home with me?
A: Yes, Mikerphone Brewing offers cans and bottles of their beer for purchase in their taproom. They also occasionally release special limited-edition bottles that can only be purchased at the brewery.
