Generations Brewing

A generation ago the Germans settled into Freeport, IL some 25 miles or so west of Rockford. And since that day they have been referred to as Pretzel City, USA. Now a generation later comes a brand new craft brewery to the region, Generations Brewing Co.

They just recently opened up their taproom so I took a drive out there this past Saturday to check it out. A fairly good sized taproom with about a dozen tables and a view into the brewery. I bellied up to the bar and ordered a flight of beers. You get five 4 oz. samples with their flight. I chose 4 of their beers and the one guest beer they had on tap. First sample was Hella Good, a kolsch brewed with Gambrinus honey malt and orange blossom honey. A pretty solid lighter beer to start off with. Next up was Pretzel City Amber which was actually brewed with pretzels and was good, just needed a nice soft Bavarian pretzel to go along with it. Next up was their extra pale ale, No Promises. This was more hoppy for being an extra pale ale. Each batch will use different hops so each batch will have a different hop profile. This one they used some local grown hops which is a nice touch to support your local community. Onto a saison called 5 Blend that uses not 1 yeast strain but a blend of 5 different yeast strains. Very good beer as well. Fifth and final sample was a beer from another new brewery that is soon to open up, Lena Brewing Company, more info on them as soon as they open up.

They were giving tours at the brewery the day I visited and even though I've been on plenty of brewery tours where ya see the same things, stainless steel brew kettles, bright tanks, and fermentation tanks, I did the tour anyways. Tour lasted about a half hour and you can take your beer with you as you are doing the tour.

Great way to spend an afternoon at a local brewery, well not too local to me, I did have to drive about an hour and half to get there but it was worth it. Looking forward to seeing how they progress and best of luck to them in the future. Cheers.

Generations Brewing Company