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Crystal Lake Brewing all about exceptional beers crafted in-house

Crystal Lake Brewing bought a 1960s car dealership that was being used to hold garage sales early this year and started construction immediately to open a taproom and production facility in August. While the brewery's products are served at restaurants throughout McHenry County, if you go right to the source, at 150 N. Main St., you'll get to taste brews you can't find anywhere else.

Motif: The space features long tables made with wood from a bowling alley and a shuffleboard table created using the leftovers. Beer lovers can lounge on the couches in front or grab one of the curved brown leather stools at the long steel bar, where you have a clear view of the brewing operations, which you can tour Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons.

A 133-inch projector screen shows Bears and Blackhawks games and Monday Night Football. Another TV behind the bar serves as a digital menu while also showing beer quotes. Walls are lined with photos of historic Crystal Lake and beer in production. A side room can be rented for private parties of up to 45 and serves as overflow seating. The taproom also features two electronic dartboards and a bookcase filled with classic board and card games including Apples to Apples and Uno.

Food: Aside from some metal bowls filled with pretzels, the taproom doesn't serve any food. You're welcome to bring in your own or order using takeout menus from local restaurants, many of which won't charge you a delivery fee.

Liquid consumption: Brewmaster Ryan Clooney previously worked for Emmett's Brewing Company in Downers Grove and West Dundee, and he's using his expertise to make some exceptional beers here. You'll find seven or eight different brews on tap at any given time, with five lines devoted to seasonal beers that change every other week. The best way to try them is to order a $6 taster, which gets you four pours. The excellent, hoppy Wake Maker and light, refreshing Beach Blonde are always on draft, but you should hurry in for some of their limited brews like the smooth Early Harvest Saison, sweet and not-too-dark Oktoberfest and fruity Paradise Peach ale.

To refresh you palate between tastes, you can grab a glass of flavored water from a pair of big jars. If you find something you really like, the taproom sells growlers. They're also looking to start canning their beers in the spring.

Crowd: The bar is busy on the weekends, with a casual 30 and older crowd packing in early.

Service: The bartenders are very friendly and happy to let you sample anything, chat about the beers and explain what the brewery is working on that's not on tap yet.

Parking: There are plenty of spots in the lot along with easy, free street parking nearby.

Overall: There's always something new on tap at Crystal Lake Brewing.

  Crystal Lake Brewing serves up its beers in a new taproom. Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
  Jacque Waite pours a beer at the Crystal Lake Brewing taproom. Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
  All brewing is done on-site at Crystal Lake Brewing. Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
  Oktoberfest is among the seasonal beers at Crystal Lake Brewing. Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
  Crystal Lake Brewing serves up its beers in a new taproom. Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
  Beach Blonde, Wake Maker and Slalom King are always on the menu, with other brews offered at different times of the year at Crystal Lake Brewing. Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
  Crystal Lake Brewing's Main Street taproom gives beer lovers a chance to sample their brews. Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
  Patrons can view the brewing equipment from the taproom at Crystal Lake Brewing. Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
  Crystal Lake Brewing opened in August. Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
  Crystal Lake Brewing opened on Main Street in August. Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com

Crystal Lake Brewing

150 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, (779) 220-9288, <a href="http://crystallakebrew.com">crystallakebrew.com</a>

<b>Hours:</b> 4 to 10 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 3 p.m. to midnight Friday; noon to midnight Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday

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