Evanston, IL – Temperance Beer Co., the first brewery to open in Evanston in late 2013, will be closing its doors on Sunday, October 27, marking the end of an era for the suburb’s craft beer scene. Founded by Josh Gilbert, the brewery quickly gained recognition for popular brews like Might Meets Right and Gatecrasher IPA, contributing to the burgeoning craft beer movement that saw home brewers flocking to taprooms.
In a heartfelt announcement made via a newsletter and an Instagram post, Gilbert expressed his sentiments about the changing landscape of the craft beer industry, stating that it has become “barely recognizable” compared to a decade ago. He noted, “It’s difficult to even imagine that kind of excitement for a new brewery launch these days.”
The closure comes as drinking habits have evolved, with many craft beer enthusiasts now favoring bourbon, non-alcoholic beverages, and spiked seltzers over traditional beer. The brewery’s once-popular food trucks have also seen a decline in interest, largely due to the rise of food delivery apps.
Claudia Jendron, Temperance’s head brewer and one of the few women in the industry, played a crucial role in the brewery’s inception. The establishment helped elevate Evanston’s reputation within the food and drink community, particularly significant for a city with a long history of being dry.
The news of the closure has resonated deeply within the community, with condolences flooding in from fans and former staff members alike, including Shamus Toomey, co-founder of Block Club Chicago, and former Tribune beer and spirits writer Josh Noel.
As the community prepares to say goodbye, fans have just 12 days to celebrate and relive the brewery’s glory days before its final farewell.
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