There's nothing quite like enjoying something you've grown in the garden yourself, or that you picked up at the local farmer's market. The taste of something made locally is always more interesting than something mass-produced — and who doesn't love the taste of a treat straight out of the oven? So then, what's the adult version of fresh-baked cookies — fresh-brewed beer? If that sounds like your jam, then you'll feel like a kid in a candy store at this farm-to-glass brewery in Ottawa, Illinois.
Tangled Roots Brewing Company, 808 LaSalle St. in Ottawa, Illinois, is a brewery and restaurant known for its Farm-to-Foam beers, which are created from hops and barley grown at a nearby local farm.
Inside the taproom are two massive copper brewing kettles that the restaurant sourced straight from Bavaria.
Its flagship location in Ottawa is known as The Lone Buffalo, which offers private events and brewery tours in addition to its usual food and drink menu.
It has a number of homebrewed beers on tap — like lagers, pilsners, fruit and sour beers, mild and dark-roasted brews, and a rotating list of hazy IPAs.
But it's the beers made with locally-grown hops and barley that are the standouts.
The brewery says it lives by the motto of "Embrace Your Nature" when it comes to working with community farmers to source ingredients and create unique flavor profiles.
The hops are harvested and brought in by the truckful — literally.
Flavors like the Wet Hopped Pale Ale, Devil's Paint Box IPA, Valley of Gold Golden Ale, Belgian Wit, and more contain hops and barley grown by local farmers for the brewery.
Its popular Forty1 Eighty8 brew is made with ingredients that were 100 percent grown locally.
Of course, you should never drink on an empty stomach — so be sure to chow down on some incredible American fare while you imbibe. The brewery has a lunch/dinner menu, as well as brunch offerings.
Have you ever been to this farm-fresh brewery in Ottawa, Illinois? What was your favorite part of the experience? Tell us in the comments! Be sure to check out their website and social media when planning your visit — and while in you're in Ottawa, why not make a day out of it? This super charming town is as scenic as it is historic and has lots of local food, shopping, and nature. Tour this incredible 1855 mansion, or make it a weekend getaway by grabbing a room at this vintage bed and breakfast!
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Tangled Roots grows and harvests its hops!
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