Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

Scorched Earth Brewing Co.

Apr 28, 2017 Food & Beverage

Drink

Mike Dallas is the first to admit he’s a dreamer.

And like most dreamers, he’s had many loves in his life, mostly fanciful pursuits such as guitar, woodworking, and public administration. But his love of craft beer was different—something his more pragmatic wife, Jen, recognized when she saw the attention Mike gave to his recreational homebrews. Together, they turned Mike’s latest dream into Scorched Earth Brewing Co.

Mike and Jen liken the “Scorched Earth” name to the wildfires that would often wipe out whole prairies in the years before Illinois was settled. In the place of that burnt grass, new growth would emerge, resulting in a more diverse ecosystem than was there before. This fresh start speaks directly to the blank-canvas style that defines Scorched Earth’s creative portfolio of beers, all of them with names such as Twisted Hickster and Rugged Coalminer.

In that rugged spirit—and to help the ingredients reach their full potential—Mike and his team craft each beer with old-world brewing techniques such as step mashing and decoction and even age some brews in wooden casks. The entire process takes place onsite at the brewery in Algonquin, where guides lead regular tours behind the scenes. Or you can just look out at the vats from the taproom, where you can drink Scorch Earth’s beers, play a game of shuffleboard, or simply hang. Feel free to bring your well-trained dog, too. We’ve all got many loves in our life.

Discover more Illinois Artisans at Illinois Made.

Man and a drink
Drink Guys and drinks
Exterior of bar People

Share this story

Related Reads

Field of pumpkins with a horse and carriage in the background
Farms & Orchards

The Great Pumpkin Patch

Apr 1, 2024
Read More
People eating outside
Food & Beverage

Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery

Oct 16, 2023
Read More
Two people behind the bar
Food & Beverage

Tighthead Brewing Company

Nov 1, 2017
Read More
Lady standing in the bar
Food & Beverage

St. Nicholas From Hotel to Brewery

Aug 10, 2017
Read More
Drinks
Food & Beverage

Obed & Isaacs Microbrewery & Eatery

May 24, 2016
Read More

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.