It makes perfect sense, seeing as how Tinley Park, Illinois was initially settled by German immigrants who believed in hearty beer and fine wines. Now, in-town breweries, a growing craft beer scene and increasingly sophisticated wine events throughout the village means beer lovers and oenophiles should make visiting Tinley Park a priority.
Hailstorm Brewery Company is a 15-barrel brewery, offering Belgians, sours, IPAs and more in a modern, city-vibe atmosphere located in an industrial park. Chris Schiller smiles, “We like to take people on a beery adventure and get them out of their comfort zone.” Beer is available in flights, pints, growlers and bottles. “Our customers are beer connoisseurs; they enjoy having each particular beer’s ingredients explained.” Schiller notes that their Lake Michigan water is “nearly the same mineral profile as Munich. It makes excellent brewing water.”
The smallest brewery in Illinois at just 3 barrels, 350 Brewing is located opposite the Tinley Park Convention Center. Todd Randall says, “Creativity is important to us. Our beers are classic styles with a twist.” The newest, Dream Sickle, is a golden wheat flavored with vanilla beans, orange dust and lactose for a grown up version of the childhood favorite. 350 partners with Angelo’s Fresh Market for pairing dinners and releases a boundary-pushing, unusual small batch at each weekly “Sunday Detention” event.
With a 4-page wine list, Julie Volkmann says Siam Marina restaurant is “committed to creating a meaningful experience.” They partner with Mike Kerwin, a sommelier who guides special event guests through flavors, soils, climates, and the how and why of pairing. “The first Wednesday of every month are pairing dinners, alternating between wine and martini pairings.”
CD Liquors is a casual, retail atmosphere that also emphasizes education in wine tastings. Adnan Bebo says trained sommeliers and winemakers lead tasters, many arriving from Chicago just in time to discover new wines and whiskeys, two to three Fridays each month.
“To believe, you have to taste,” says Bebo. With all the tasting options available, Tinley Park is the best place to become a believer.
