Old Herald Brewery & Distillery (Craft Beer & Brewery in Collinsville IL)

Old Herald Brewery & Distillery in Collinsville, Illinois, is a place where imagination meets craftsmanship, not a sterile lab for mass‑produced hops. The beer list reads like a catalogue of daring experiments – smokey porter infused with espresso, tart orange wheat that could wake the dead, and a herb‑forward pale ale that refuses to be ordinary. Each pour is a reminder that beer can be as adventurous as a good novel, without ever slipping into pretentious nonsense.

The food menu follows the same rule‑breaking spirit. A bacon‑jam smash burger lands on the table looking like it survived a culinary demolition derby, then collapses into a perfect balance of salty, sweet and smoky. The house‑made smokey ketchup (yes, ketchup that smells like a campfire) turns even the simplest fry into a conversation starter. And for those who think a good pint is enough, the on‑site distillery offers whiskies and spirits that rival any specialist bar (the founders, seasoned in both brewing and distilling, decided to keep the standards sky‑high). In short, Old Herald delivers flavor without apology, proving that genuine quality never needs to shout.

Why we love this brewery

What visitors love

Reviewers raved about Old Herald Brewery & Distillery for its delicious food, particularly burgers and beer-battered fish and chips. Beers and spirits were also praised for their quality and passion went into crafting them. However, inconsistent service was a major drawback.

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