Beer lovers won’t want to miss the 10th Annual Long Grove Craft Beer Fest, where they will be offered unlimited tasting samples from more than two dozen outstanding craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. on April 25 at the historic town’s Brothers’ Field, 340 Old McHenry Road. General admission is $70, which includes unlimited samples and a commemorative taster glass.
Ryan Messner is Board President of the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association which presents the popular annual event.
“The goal of our organization is to create awareness, which brings people to the community so they can see not just the event but also the improvements and advancements of the downtown as well as the new businesses that we offer,” Messner said.
In terms of the Craft Beer Fest, Messner reported, “It gives people a way to come out and taste different beers and distillery products,” he said. “We bring it all under one tent. People talk about the flavor, the textures, the smell. It’s an enjoyable day.”
Messner is excited about the fact that another brewery/distillery is opening in Long Grove, and people will have the chance to try its products.
That’s Spirit Water, owned by brewmaster Tim Kovac. Messner reported that Kovac came to the event last year, “loved it and decided to close down their existing location and come to a brick and mortar here in Long Grove to be part of the community 365 days a year.”
Brewmaster Kovac opened Spirit Water in February in Long Grove.
“This town has always been part of our family story,” Kovac explained. “It felt right to bring Spirit Water back where our roots really are in Long Grove. I’ve been coming to Long Grove since I was a kid. My parents were married here. My mom still lives down the street. Being part of the village again is the best thing for us.”
Kovac said that at Spirit Water, “Everything we do is in brewing science. We build around our flavors. It’s an experience that keeps people coming back to Long Grove.”
At the Long Grove Craft Beer Fest, Kovac plans to be pouring samples of their upcoming spirits and marking the official opening of Spirit Water.
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“It’s going to be a true experience for the people who are coming to visit us in Long Grove,” Kovac promised.
Kovac praised the role that events like the Long Grove Craft Beer Fest play in benefiting the village. “Long Grove is a destination, and events like this remind people why they keep coming back,” he said.
Nikki Faul, Events Manager for the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association, said that her job for this event is “making sure everything runs smoothly for both the attendees and the participating breweries. It’s really been a well-established and anticipated event in our community. It’s growing every year.”
She reported that there will be live music at the event provided by Bluewater Creek, performing classic Americana revival music.
In addition to being a fun event, the fest is a fundraiser, Faul reported. “Proceeds are for improvements in the downtown area, including things like beautification, future events, local promotions,” she said.
Local vendors will be selling food. The list will be added to the Craft Beer Fest website.
Board President Messner concluded that the Craft Beer Fest “Brings people out to see the excitement but it does generate revenue that we put back into the community.”
Faul added, “It’s a hometown community event that brings everyone together to enjoy the day and sample some really great tasting spirits.”
For reservations and more information about the Long Grove Craft Beer Fest, visit longgrove.org/festivals/craftbeerfest.
Myrna Petlicki is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.