1 • Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - The Scoop Today/Shopper’s Guide
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017
Pecatonica Brew House pours new life into downtown Warren By John Day
CORRESPONDENT
Turn off of Route 20, head north on Route 78 and in about 10 miles you’ll find yourself in Warren. As you drive down Main Street look for a shingle hanging over the front of an old restored building. When you see the sign that reads Pecatonica Beer, pull over. As you enter the Pecatonica tasting room you’ll find yourself in a place that is reminiscent of the up north fishing lodges from another time. You’ll think of a place that could have been out in the country where beer could be had even if Prohibition was in effect and suds were illegal. You’ll feel surrounded by history. August 25, 2017 was a day in Warren, Illinois when contemporary history was made. The first ever batch of home town beer had finished brewing and a glass of Irish Red Ale was drawn for tasting. The event took place at the Pecatonica Brew House. Officiating was Tim Quinn, Managing Partner and Head Brewer of the Pecatonica Beer Company along with his partners and several other people. Quinn said, “It was pretty exciting. This being the first beer brewed in Warren made it a special occasion. The Mayor was here to have the first glass of the tasting. “We took occupancy of this building in 2013. Since then, the building has been gutted and all of the electrical, mechanical and
plumbing has been replaced. The structural integrity of the building has been improved and repaired where necessary and the premises are open to the public.” Russ Ruegsegger, one of the Pecatonica Beer partners said, “There’s been a lot of work that took time. We’ve put in some sweat equity. We’re proud of this building.” In addition to the work on the premises a new state of the art brewing system has been installed. Quinn said, “The process begins on the uppermost floor in the brewing room and piping brings the product down to the main floor in the fermentation room. From there, gravity takes the beer to the basement where it ages. There are no pumps in this system. The only pumps are those that are used to flush and clean the pipes. Our beer doesn’t see the light of day until it’s tapped. “We started this business 5 years ago and we’ve been very successful. At present we contract with Petosi Brewing to brew our beer according to our recipe, using our hops. Right now we have six beers which we make available. Currently our brewing capacity here in Warren is 100 gallons. We hope to triple that by years end. Our most popular beer is our Muskellager, a take on the muskellunge fish.” Local artist Kathy King has been putting finishing touches on a wall mural in the tasting room that fea-
tures the dreaded Muskellager being caught by caricature of walking beer bottle personalities. King said, “This has really been a fun project.” Ruegsegger said, “We’d like to expand in ways beyond production. We’d like to consider the use of an additional building in some kind of retail capacity that’s tied into our beer. Also, we’d like to have more people use our upper level for wedding receptions or other events.”
In the upper level there’s a large open area with tables and chairs that offers a view over looking Main Street. Along a wall is a bar that is classic early 20th century art deco that once graced the DelMar Hotel in Wisconsin Dells. That hotel was owned by Al Capone during Prohibition and there’s little doubt that Al lifted a glass of Pilsner off the bar on more than one occasion. Across the room is an octagon table where Capone allegedly sat when
Williams withdraws from State Representative race Hanover Mallard Festival Democrat candidate for 89th District State Representative released the following statement Sunday evening, Sept. 17: “Today, and with much regret, I wanted to let you know that I must withdraw from the race for State Representative of the 89th District. For each of you that have sup-
ported me, cheered me on, helped me, or simply said “hello” during this campaign, thank you. It has been an incredible experience. At this time, I’ll be stepping back from politics to reconsider and perhaps to reload for another race at another time. Thank you again for your amazing support. Vote your heart.” Ann Williams
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By Tony Carton
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playing cards with friends. This venture has been more than just the opening of a small town brewery. Quinn said, “It’s been a partnership between Pecatonica Beer, the town, local contractors and local people. All of the brewing equipment is U.S. made. Pecatonica Beer has a solid business plan and established itself on Main Street. Even the hops used are grown by
See BREW HOUSE, Page 2
DOMINIC CARTON PHOTO Scoop Today
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 928 of Elizabeth served up wonderful grilled sandwiches and more during Mallard Fest in Hanover.
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