Craft beer on tap at Northbrook's Brewfest

Breweries from as far away from California and Oregon and as nearby as Glenview were part of the Northbrook Park District's second annual BrewFest at Village Green Park Saturday.

Fifteen breweries offered samples of craft beers and ciders, food was available at the Johnny's Snack Shop food truck and the band Infinity played classic to current rock.

A $45 admission fee included 15 five-ounce tasting tickets and a gift bag with tasting glass. A $15 access-only pass was also available.

Recreation Supervisor Mary Mucci said the park district sold 520 general admission tickets and 60 access only passes.

"Last year was our inaugural event and we increased ticket sales this year, and hopefully we can add more and more to the event," Mucci said.

Terri and Patrick Kinsella of Northbrook stopped at the Tangled Roots Brewery booth and tried the Kit Kupfer Amber Ale. Tangled Roots is brewed in Ottawa, about 90 miles southwest of Northbrook, and has a restaurant and bar in Glenview.

"It's our first time here; it's really fun," Terri said. "We missed it last year."

"It's a great community event to get everybody out," Patrick added. "It's kind of fun to see all the different flavors, from Germany to California to right here in Glenview."

Besides the Tangled Roots' offerings, Terri said her favorite to that point was the Dragon's Milk White, which is a bourbon barrel-aged white stout from the nearby booth of New Holland Brewing, from Holland, Michigan. She also liked that she could make a pretzel-necklace at the pretzel station, and the salty snacks helped cleanse her palette between samples.

Dustin Purkal of Northbrook said he found the event to be easygoing with good camaraderie. He said there was plenty of shade on the warm, sunny afternoon and he liked the short lines for the breweries.

"You can interact with the people serving them," Purkal said.