Posted in Illinois Breweries & Wineries, Food & Dining July 21, 2021 by Melissa Mahoney

Illinois’ First Farm Brewery Is Unexpectedly Awesome

Illinois has plenty of incredible rural areas with farms as well as many fantastic breweries around the state. But have you ever been to a farm that also has a brewery? Big Thorn Farm & Brewery is a small farm that happens to brew its own beer using what’s grown on the property, and it’s an unexpectedly awesome place! Let’s have a look.

Big Thorn Farm & Brewery is located in Vermilion County close to the Indiana border. It was started by Aaron Young and Anna Schweig who purchased 15 acres in 2011.

Aaron had started as a homebrewer, then became a professional while Anna started growing herbs, fruits, and vegetables on the farm.

Their dream was to grow things on the farm to use in the beer on their future farm brewery. Big Thorn Farm & Brewery became a reality in 2016 when they constructed a three-barrel brewery and cellar.

The owners of Big Thorn have sustainability in mind and make their wood-aged, cellar-fermented ales and lagers using ingredients grown on this off-grid farm. The beer is also brewed using solar power.

Visitors can come and enjoy delicious brews at The Tree Bar, the outdoor bar space that's used during the spring, summer, and fall.

The indoor Greenhouse Bar is where everyone can hang out in the winter and during inclement weather in the warmer months. Both The Tree House and Greenhouse Bar provide a great atmosphere to enjoy amazing farm beer and have a bite to eat.

If you're hungry when you visit, there's The Truck which serves incredible food like gyros, sandwiches, burgers, kabobs, tacos, and even something for the kiddos (yes, this is a family-friendly place). On certain days, there will be a burger option with beef from a local farm.

Want to take some Big Thorn beer home with you? Bottles and growlers are available for purchase.

Have you visited this incredible farm brewery in Georgetown, Illinois yet? If so, please tell us all about it in the comments!

For more information on Big Thorn Farm & Brewery, visit the official website and Facebook page. Looking for another unique brewery in Illinois? Read our coverage on Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery which is located in a former historic church in Peoria.

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Address: Big Thorn Farm & Brewery, 14274 600 North Rd, Georgetown, IL 61846, USA