Guide to the Libation Trail During Lake County Flavor Festival 2026

By: Stephanie Wylie 01/27/2026

Lake County celebrates the diversity of the modern palate, offering a landscape where fine wine aficionados, craft beer purists, and cocktail enthusiasts find common ground. The Lake County Libation Trail serves as an expansive map through this liquid artistry, providing a journey as unique as the flavors found in every glass.

Throughout February, the annual Flavor Festival transforms the region into a destination for explorers seeking a curated tasting experience. Navigating the trail is simple and rewarding: visitors who check in at five or more participating locations during the month will earn an entry into the Restaurant Month sweepstakes, providing the opportunity to win prizes while supporting the local makers who define the county’s craft culture.

Now, let's explore the Lake County Libation Trail as you embark on your tasting journey during February Flavor Festival!

28 Mile Distilling Co. in Highwood

Smoked Old Fashioned

At 28 Mile Distilling in Highwood, craftsmanship meets storytelling, and it pours straight into the glass. The local distillery is rooted in Midwest grains and Prohibition-era lore, including the Debonair — the real-life queen who inspired the distillery’s name and logo. That history shines in the Smoked Old Fashioned, a dramatic riff on a classic, served beneath a curl of aromatic smoke. Built on house-distilled spirits with notes of vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon and cherry, the cocktail is silky, warming and clean on the finish. A rich, fall-ready sip with depth and character.

9th Hour Brewing Co. in Lake Villa

Emily's Ale Strawberry Blonde

At 9th Hour Brewing Co. in Lake Villa, education, community and craft all come together, and they taste especially bright in Emily’s Ale Strawberry Blonde. Named for co-owner Dave Auston’s wife, the beer opens with a fresh strawberry aroma, followed by a smooth blonde base that lets the fruit shine without excess sweetness. Founded by former Lakes Community High School teachers Dave and Jim, 9th Hour blends its passion for learning with small-batch brewing, offering tours, classes and a lineup of thoughtfully made beers in its shared space with Harbor Brewing Co. A refreshing pour with heart, story and balance.

ABV: 5.7%

Black Lung Brewing Co. in Fox Lake, GRAYSLAKE and Round Lake Beach 

Noon Porter

Black Lung Brewing Co. proudly wears its blue-collar roots, from its garage-brew beginnings in Grayslake to its welcoming taprooms in Round Lake Beach and Fox Lake. Founded by brewmaster Josh Grubbs, the family-driven brewery keeps tradition front and center with rotating taps, community events and a menu built for gathering. One standout pour is Noon Porter, an English-style porter that opens with soft chocolate notes before finishing with a gentle roast. Light-bodied and easy drinking, it reflects Black Lung’s approach to brewing — approachable, well-crafted and grounded in the passion that started it all.

ABV: 5.5%

Grayslake | Round Lake Beach | Fox Lake

Broken Tee Brewing Co. in Highwood

Shankopotomus

At Broken Tee Brewing Co. in Highwood, craft beer and golf culture share the same fairway. Founded by former golf pro Paul Bumbaco, the brewery blends balanced, approachable beers with a playful nod to the game, all brewed on-site since opening in 2021. One standout is Shankopotomus, a 5% ABV kettle sour that delivers bright lime flavor with a subtle ginger finish. Light, refreshing and a little cheeky, it’s the perfect post-round pour.

ABV: 5%

Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove

Long Grove Lager

Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove pairs Bavarian tradition with small-town charm, inviting guests to linger in its cozy taproom or expansive Alpine Biergarten framed by pines and open lawns. Founded by owner and brewmeister Mike Marr, the brewery reflects years of passion and Old World influence. One of its signature pours is the Vienna Lager, a malt-forward yet crisp beer balanced with noble hops. With a touch of malt sweetness and a clean finish, the lager is a fitting tribute to a historic bier, brewed to be savored in a historic village. 

ABV: 5%

Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich

Mai Tai

At Copper Fiddle Distillery in Lake Zurich, craft spirits are made with intention and with a sense of history. Founded in 2012, the small-batch distillery draws inspiration from a 1906 family heirloom violin, using its smooth sound as a metaphor for the balance found in every pour. That harmony carries into the Mai Tai, a vibrant cocktail made with pineapple juice, orange liqueur, lime, hibiscus tiki bitters and grenadine. Built with the house’s Fiddle Gold Rum, or crafted as a mocktail, the drink is bright, layered and transportive, showcasing the award-winning precision that defines Copper Fiddle’s lineup.

Feather Glass Wine Bar and Eatery in Vernon Hills

Purvi Damini-Patel didn’t just want to open a restaurant; she wanted to bottle the feeling of a perfect evening. At Feather Glass Wine Bar & Eatery, the vision is as clear as the polished stemware. This Vernon Hills sanctuary serves as a sophisticated crossroads where global wine lists and high-caliber cuisine meet in total harmony. The timing is perfect to pull up a chair as the eatery prepares for the upcoming Flavor Fest. While the specific menu pairings remain a delicious mystery for now, stay tuned for the reveal of a festival deal that promises to be the toast of the town.

Harbor Brewing Co. in Lake Villa and Winthrop Harbor

Harbor Lager

Harbor Brewing Co. in Lake Villa pairs adventurous brewing with laid-back lake culture, offering a lively taproom, beercade and live music just miles from Lake Michigan. Since 2018, the microbrewery has built its reputation on inventive yet approachable beers, including Harbor Lager, a highly drinkable American lager at 4.3% ABV. Brewed with pilsner, Vienna and Munich malts, the beer delivers light bread notes, balanced by floral and citrus notes from American Crystal hops. Clean, crisp and well-matured, it’s a go-to pour that fits perfectly with Harbor’s easygoing, community-driven vibe.

ABV: 4.3%

Lake Villa | Winthrop Harbor

Lynfred Winery in Wheeling and Highland Park

Assemblage

Lynfred Winery, Illinois’ oldest winery, has shaped the state’s wine story since 1979, blending tradition with innovation across its celebrated tasting rooms. Founded by Fred E. Koehler and guided today by an internationally seasoned winemaking team, Lynfred continues to earn national recognition for its expressive, award-winning wines. A standout is the 2021 Assemblage, a co-fermented blend of Alicante Bouschet and Malbec from Washington’s Columbia Valley. Aged 24 months in American oak, the medium-bodied red unfolds with notes of plum, black cherry and dark chocolate, finishing smooth and complex.

Highland Park | Wheeling

Mickey Finn's Brewery in Libertyville

Since 1994, Mickey Finn’s Brewery has anchored Libertyville as a craft beer pioneer, pouring more than six million pints within its rugged, industrial-chic walls. As Illinois’ oldest brewpub, the landmark destination balances tradition with a rotating lineup of 18 unique taps. The experience extends beyond the glass, pairing these house-made ales with an expansive menu featuring everything from thin-crust pizzas to fresh seafood. Don't forget to check out their Flavor Fest special. While the exact details are still simmering, the kitchen and brewhouse are reportedly collaborating on a limited-time pairing designed to highlight the best of their three-decade legacy.

Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing Co. in Waukegan

A Sound of Thunder

In the heart of Waukegan, a Ray Bradbury-themed suds factory is proving that beer is an intellectual pursuit. Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing Company, a standout on the Lake County Libation Trail, offers a rotating selection of 22 traditional and experimental brews, all crafted on-site. The brewery's masterpiece, "A Sound of Thunder," is a massive barley wine that commands the same respect as its literary namesake. This silky, malty elixir offers sophisticated notes of plum and raisin in every small-batch sip. 

ABV: 13%

North Shore Distillery in Green Oaks

Feeling Toasty

Since 2004, North Shore Distillery has operated as a laboratory of liquid art, claiming its stake as the first craft distillery to open in Illinois since the Prohibition era. Founded by Derek and Sonja Kassebaum—the latter recognized by Wine Enthusiast as one of the women who changed gin history—the distillery has earned the state’s "Illinois Made" distinction for its relentless experimentation. That spirit of invention is currently headlined by the Feeling Toasty, a feature that balances technical precision with warmth. The cocktail serves as a spirited showcase of the distillery’s artisanal range, layering Tahitian vanilla and rich demerara over a bourbon base and finished with toasted pecan bitters.

perfect brewing supply 

What began as a mail-order warehouse operation has evolved into Perfect Brewing Supply, Libertyville’s premier community hub for fermentation enthusiasts. The shop offers specialized ingredients and equipment for everything from beer and wine to cheese and soda. To support hobbyists at every level, the venue provides professional rental gear, including fruit presses and on-site temperature-controlled fermentation space. This commitment to the craft has turned the shop into a local incubator, helping many regulars transition from homebrewing to opening their own professional breweries.

Phase Three Brewing Co. in Lake Zurich

Pixel

What began as a two-tank contract operation between friends Shaun Berns, Evan Morris and Brittany Berns has evolved into Phase Three Brewing, a 21,000-square-foot powerhouse of Lake County craftsmanship. The brewery, known for its technical innovation and specialized lager fermentation, now showcases its commitment to quality through its flagship hazy IPA, Pixel. This 6.5% ABV New England-style brew utilizes 100% Citra hops to deliver a vibrant profile of lime peel, passion fruit and pulpy grapefruit. Formerly known as Pixel Density, the refined flagship is a testament to the hand-selected ingredients. It stands as the quintessential pour for a team that successfully leaped from a shared dream to a state-of-the-art destination for beer enthusiasts.

ABV: 6.5%

Roaring Table Brewery in Lake Zurich

Warbler Vivant

Since transforming a former furniture store into a stylish taproom in 2017, founders Beth May and Lane Fearing have established Roaring Table Brewing Co. as a cornerstone of Lake County's craft community. The venue, anchored by a custom-carved elm bar and communal lounge, has built its reputation on a diverse portfolio ranging from complex imperial stouts to the featured Warbler Vivant. This dark mild ale is designed for the brewery's signature easygoing sessions, offering a sophisticated malt profile of chocolate, bread crust, toffee and red fruits. The addition of this nuanced ale further cements Roaring Table's commitment to delivering high-quality, approachable styles that invite guests to linger.

ABV: 3.5%

Steep Ravine Brewing Company in Highland Park

Wild Kolsch Chase

For more than a decade, the craft brewery formerly known as Ravinia Brewing Company has served as a community anchor, recently reimagining itself as Steep Ravine Brewing Company to honor the rugged local geography. The Highland Park taproom known for an award-winning portfolio that includes GABF medalists. Currently taking center stage is the Wild Kolsch Chase, a beer that captures the brewery’s commitment to balanced, high-quality craftsmanship. This crisp, light-tasting Kolsch offers a sophisticated harmony of subtle hops, soft malt and delicate fruit notes. Steep Ravine invites neighbors to connect over a glass.

ABV: 5.5%

Tangled roots craft beer and kitchen in vernon hills

Tangled Roots Craft Beer & Kitchen pairs a high-quality, chef-driven menu with authentic beers brewed right in the community. The venue offers a relaxed, small-town welcome within a modern space, providing a full range of seasonal pours designed to complement its elevated gastropub fare. While the kitchen prepares its exclusive offerings for the upcoming Flavor Fest, guests can currently explore the brewery's diverse tap list, which showcases the "farm-to-foam" philosophy that defines the Tangled Roots brand. Every pour reflects the brewery's commitment to quality, making it a premier stop for craft beer enthusiasts in the Vernon Hills area.

tighthead brewing in mundelein

Irie IPA

Since 2011, Tighthead Brewing Company has anchored Archer Avenue as a neighborhood institution where families and friends gather over live music and heart-and-soul craftsmanship. The brewpub continues its more than a decade-long run of excellence with the featured Irie IPA. This bold, Jamaican flag-colored ale lives up to its "Mufasa" moniker. A robust malt backbone supports a generous triple-threat of Chinook, Centennial and Columbus hops. This king of the forest brew offers a potent example of why Tighthead remains the talk of the Mundelein craft scene.

ABV: 7.8%

timothy o'toole's pub in Gurnee and O'toole's in libertyville

Since 1992, Timothy O'Toole's Pub has served as a family-owned cornerstone of the Chicago-area dining scene, blending the spirit of a traditional Irish pub with a modern, scratch-made culinary program. Known for its award-winning wings and a vast selection of local craft beers, the "Diner's Choice" favorite has spent over 30 years cultivating a community gathering space across its multiple locations. While the pub prepares its exclusive offerings for the upcoming Flavor Fest, guests can currently enjoy an extensive beverage selection featuring rotating local taps and specialty cocktails designed to pair with their hearty pub classics. 

Gurnee | Libertyville

Wild Onion Brewery and Banquets in Lake Barrington

Experience Wild Onion Brewery, where timber-framed architecture and a massive stone fireplace set the stage for handcrafted brewing. The venue offers a rustic retreat, featuring a cathedral-ceilinged Great Hall that overlooks a serene 11-acre lake. This season, the Lake Barrington favorite is bringing its expertise to the forefront as a featured participant in Flavor Fest. While guests enjoy the signature bistro-lit atmosphere, they can also explore exclusive festival offers that highlight the brewery's two decades of dedication to the craft.

For more information about the Lake County Libation Trail, continue here. To check-in at your Libation Trail location, click here. Continue here to return to the Lake County Flavor Festival page.