Will County Brewing Anniversary IV: Double Bomber Release

SHOREWOOD, IL — Jamie Albert and his Will County Brewing Company will be rocking and having a blast this weekend, celebrating its four-year anniversary here in Shorewood. Two limited-supply bottles will be unveiled Saturday. Customers can also get a limited edition chalice.

In 2021, Will County Brewing captured a gold medal in Denver at the Great American Beer Festival, for its popular fruity wheat ale, Bamm Bamm Loves Pebbles, Albert said.

Will County Brewing followed that up with a silver medal for its Three Caramel Apple Tripel at the Festival of Barrel Aged Beers in Chicago.

"It put us on a larger map, I guess, while we're still focused on our local community," Albert said.

Will County Brewing strives to be known for the three Cs: craft, community and charity, Albert said.

"It's been a great four years. We've grown quite a bit. We're running out of beer faster than we can make it, which is a great problem to have."

Will County Brewing products are sold at Jewel, Berkot's Super Foods plus several local liquor stores and bars.

At noon Saturday, Will County Brewing will be selling two limited-edition bottles: Anniversary IV Crème brûlée Imperial Stout and the Erebus Imperial Stout.

Both beers are 12.2 percent alcohol content.

As part of the double bomber release, the 22-oz bottles are $15 each, and there is no limit for how many people can buy.

Both the Crème brûlée and Erebus Imperial Stout will be available on tap Saturday.

And starting at noon on Friday, Will County Brewing customers can get a 22k gold foil anniversary chalice filled with their favorite beer for $12, while supplies last, Albert said.

"The last three years, we sold out of our anniversary bottles that same day," Albert remarked during Thursday's interview. "This is our first time releasing two different bottles on the same day, so we'll have twice as much."

Over the past year, Will County Brewing has made two significant hires, Albert noted.

Jason Meehan was hired as new head brewer, coming from Werk Force Brewing, and Rick Guzaski was hired as sales and marketing director.

"He also does all our illustrations, our label art for us," Albert said.

What does the future hold for Will County Brewing, 1142 West Jefferson Street?

"We're actively looking to expand," Albert said. "It could be a production facility, or it could be a tap room. We don't know yet."

Patch asked Albert if he's pleased with his decision to open the Will County Brewing Company in Shorewood?

"Absolutely," he remarked. "The community's been great, and the village is great to work with."

Will County Brewing Company is in the same plaza as Savarino's Pizza, Happy Place Cafe and Mauve Nosh & Libations, which opened right next door in September.

"The parking lot is pretty busy every weekend," Albert said.

Normally, Will County Brewing is open 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

For this weekend's anniversary celebration, Will County Brewing opens at noon on Friday. There will also be live music performers both Friday and Saturday.