News Archives - Penrose Brewing Company

Penrose Brewing Repeats Six Medal Wins at 2025 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship

July 24, 2025

Geneva, IL – July 24, 2025 — Penrose Brewing continues to cement its reputation as a leader in the craft beverage world, repeating six medals at the 2025 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship. The competition, held in Oxford, Ohio, is the largest hard seltzer judging event in the United States, attracting top producers who compete based on quality, taste, and innovation. Penrose Brewing medaled in multiple categories and earned the following honors: GOLD – Pink Lemon Seltz-Up – Flavored Lemonade GOLD – Blueberry Pomegranate Lemon Seltz-Up – Mixed Fruit (3 or more) BRONZE – Cherry Temple Seltz-Up – Mixed Fruit (3 or more) BRONZE – Apple Cider Donut Seltz-Up – Cake/Pie/Pastry BRONZE – Margarita Seltz-Up – Mixed Drink BRONZE – Lemon Seltz-Up – Lemonade This is not the first time Penrose Brewing has been recognized for its exceptional hard seltzers. The 2023 and 2024 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championships also saw the brewery take home medals for their hard seltzers. Collecting six medals this year, Penrose earned sixth position in the overall competition at the Championship for 2025. Pink Lemon Seltz-Up completed the “Three-Peat” by collecting a gold medal in the Pink Lemonade category for the third consecutive year.

Penrose Brewing Partners with Graham’s Fine Chocolates to Release Graham’s Chocolate Ale, Launches the Golden Geneva Gift Giveaway

November 11, 2024

Geneva, IL – Penrose Brewing Company proudly announces the release of its latest seasonal beer, Graham’s Chocolate Ale, crafted in collaboration with the beloved local favorite, Graham’s Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream. This special ale follows the success of last year’s Graham’s Chocolate Porter, with Penrose taking it up a notch to capture even more of the decadent, familiar flavors from Graham’s signature chocolates. Graham’s Chocolate Ale will be available beginning this week at retailers throughout Kane County and select Chicagoland locations, or is available now at the Penrose Taproom in Geneva on-draft, growler fills to-go, or 4-Packs to-go. Graham’s Chocolate Ale is a rich, chocolate-forward ale featuring flavors expertly balanced to bring out the quality of Graham’s chocolates. This limited-edition release combines Penrose’s brewing expertise with Graham’s decades-long chocolate-making tradition to create a truly unique, locally-inspired beer for the holiday season. In celebration of the release, Penrose Brewing and Graham’s Fine Chocolates are launching the Graham’s & Penrose Golden Geneva Gift Giveaway. This promotion offers a chance to discover a lucky can – randomly placed throughout the Chicagoland area, which could be in the hands of lucky beer lovers this season. Each winning can will feature a message reading

Penrose Brewing Celebrates Six Medal Wins at 2024 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship

September 24, 2024

Geneva, IL – September 24, 2024 — Penrose Brewing continues to cement its reputation as a leader in the craft beverage world, earning an impressive six medals at the 2024 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship. The competition, held in Oxford, Ohio, is the largest hard seltzer judging event in the United States, attracting top producers who compete based on quality, taste, and innovation. Penrose Brewing medaled in multiple categories and earned the following honors: GOLD – Lemon Seltz-Up – Lemon/Lemonade GOLD – Pink Lemon Seltz-Up – Flavored Lemonade SILVER – Grape Seltz-Up – Fruit SILVER – Blueberry Pomegranate Lemon Seltz-Up – Mixed Fruit (3 or more) SILVER – Tangerine Dreamsicle Seltz-Up – Orange SILVER – Transfusion Seltz-Up – Mixed Drink This is not the first time Penrose Brewing has been recognized for its hard seltzers. The 2023 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship also saw the brewery take home gold medals for Lemon Seltz-Up and Pink Lemon Seltz-Up. Collecting six medals this year, Penrose earned fourth position in the overall competition at the Championship for 2024. The U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship works in collaboration with Niagara College’s Teaching Winery and Teaching Brewery, and judges are comprised of industry experts who

Celebrate Oktoberfest with Penrose Brewing: A Day of Fun, Music, and Stein Hoisting!

September 16, 2024

Geneva, IL — Get ready to don your lederhosen, hoist your steins, and celebrate Oktoberfest with Penrose Brewing this Saturday, September 21st from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM! Taking place in a tent behind the brewery at 509 Stevens Street, this lively celebration promises a day full of German-inspired fun for all ages. Guests can enjoy music, great food, and, of course, beer and hard seltzers brewed by Penrose. Partnering with Craft Urban, this year’s event will feature German fare to complement your beers and hard seltzers. Admission Options: $10 General Entry $20 Entry + Souvenir Stein Complimentary Admission for Designated Drivers Complimentary Admission for anyone under 21 Tickets Available Now –> HERE Your name will be added to guest list upon purchase. One of the highlights of the day will be the Penrose Stein Hoisting Tournament, sponsored by CrossFit Kokua, where participants can put their strength and stamina to the test. Think you have what it takes to outlast the competition? Come join the fun and cheer on your friends as they compete! At 5 PM, there will be a ceremonial barrel tapping to kick-off the evening of fun. The event will also feature music, creating a festive atmosphere

Korder’s Corner: Celebrate Father’s Day and Swedish Days with Penrose Brewing

June 14, 2024

As summer heats up, so do our events and special releases at the Penrose Taproom. We’ve got a fantastic lineup of activities and treats for you to enjoy, starting with a celebration for all the great dads out there. Here’s a peek at what’s brewing this month at Penrose. Father’s Day Celebration This Sunday is Father’s Day, and we’re raising a glass to all the amazing dads and father figures with a special offer: $4 off Flights of Beer and Seltz-Ups. Bring your dad, your granddad, or just yourself and enjoy a variety of our finest brews and refreshing Seltz-Ups. It’s the perfect way to celebrate with family and friends. Monday Flight Deals and Tuesday Specials We’re excited to announce that starting this Monday, June 17, we’ll be extending our Father’s Day flight discount to every Monday. Yes, you heard that right—$4 off Flights of Beer and Seltz-Ups every Monday! It’s a great way to kick off your week with a tasting adventure. Don’t forget, Tuesdays continue to offer $1 off all draft beers and Seltz-Ups. It’s our way of making your midweek a little more enjoyable with your favorite Penrose beverages. Trivia and Bingo Nights Our beloved Trivia Nights

Korder’s Corner: Penrose’s 12 Beers of Christmas and Exciting December Releases

December 12, 2023

Greetings, Penrose enthusiasts! As we find ourselves in the heart of the holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to share the exciting events and releases we have planned at the Penrose Taproom. It’s been an incredible year for us, and your support has been the driving force behind our success. As we approach the end of 2023, we have some special treats in store for you. The 12 Beers of Christmas Extravaganza Starting today, December 12th, we’re thrilled to kick off our annual tradition: the 12 Beers of Christmas. Every day leading up to the big day, we will unveil a new and exclusive Taproom-Only beer or meticulously crafted hard seltzer on draft. It’s our way of spreading holiday cheer and sharing our passion for unique and exceptional brews with you. Expect a delightful mix of styles and flavors, each carefully crafted by our talented brewing team. From bold IPAs to smooth stouts and innovative seltzers, there’s something for every palate. Follow us on social media or stop by the Taproom to discover each day’s surprise and make this festive season a little more spirited. Caves Series Bourbon Barrel Aged Stouts This Friday, get ready for a double

Penrose Brewing Unveils Graham’s Chocolate Porter: A Sweet Collaboration with a Purpose

November 2, 2023

GENEVA, IL – Penrose Brewing is thrilled to announce the release of Penrose Graham’s Chocolate Porter on Friday, November 3, a delectable collaboration with the renowned Graham’s Chocolates, providing beer enthusiasts and chocolate lovers alike with an extraordinary sensory experience. This luscious fusion of chocolate and craft brewing promises to be a highlight of the Fall season in Geneva. Penrose Graham’s Chocolate Porter pours a rich, velvety brown, immediately captivating with an irresistible aroma of roasted malt and chocolate that envelops your senses. What sets this porter apart is the use of the same premium chocolate ingredients as those found in Graham’s Chocolates, ensuring an authentic and indulgent flavor profile. With each sip, you’ll be treated to a luxurious medley of chocolate and roasted malt, balanced to deliver a harmonious blend of sweetness and bitterness. What makes Penrose Graham’s Chocolate Porter even sweeter is its commitment to giving back to the community. A portion of the proceeds from this delightful indulgence will support Tri-City Family Services, a local non-profit organization dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of individuals and families in the Tri-City area. By enjoying this exceptional brew, you not only satisfy your taste buds but also

Penrose Brewing Clinches Multiple Medals at the 2023 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship

September 26, 2023

Geneva, IL – 9/26/23– Penrose Brewing is proud to announce its success at the 2023 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship. This year’s competition featured competition from across the nation, and Penrose was awarded four collective medals for its Seltz-Up series hard seltzers. The competition evaluates seltzers on their quality, taste, and innovation.The U.S. Open Championships work with the Niagara College Teaching Winery and Teaching Brewery for the judging of the submissions. Almost 70 Hard Seltzer brewers from across the country entered a record 251 hard seltzers in the 2023 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship. Penrose’s performance at the 2023 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship includes the following medal wins: Lemon/Lemonade: Lemon Seltz-Up – Gold Medal Flavored Lemonade: Pink Lemon Seltz-Up – Gold Medal Flavored Lemonade: Blackberry Lemon Seltz-Up – Bronze Medal Anything Goes: Lemon Tea-Up – Gold Medal “We are thrilled and honored to have received these prestigious medals at the 2023 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship,” said Tom Korder, Co-Founder and Head Brewer at Penrose Brewing. “The continued recognition for the Seltz-Up series is a testament to our team and the same effort we put into our beer offerings, we have intentionally put forth in these as well.” Lemon

Penrose Brewing set to host 2023 Oktoberfest Event on September 16

August 30, 2023

GENEVA, IL – Penrose Brewing is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated Oktoberfest event, a day filled with traditional Bavarian merriment, live music, delicious German fare, and exciting activities. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 16, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, as we transform our brewery parking lot into a festive Oktoberfest celebration! Break out your lederhosen and dirndls, because we’re bringing the best of German culture right to Geneva! Get ready to enjoy a day of stein drinking, live music, and non-stop fun at Penrose Brewing’s Oktoberfest. Event Details: Date: Saturday, September 16 Time: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM Location: Penrose Brewing, 509 Stevens St. Geneva, Illinois Admission: General Entry: $10 at the door Entry + Souvenir Glass Stein: $20 at the door Entry + Souvenir Ceramic Stein: $40 at the door Free Entry for Kids Highlights: Indulge in mouthwatering German fare provided by Nobel House, featuring authentic flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Bavaria. Put your strength to the test at the Penrose Stein Hoisting Tournament, proudly sponsored by Kokua Crossfit. Do you have what it takes to hold that stein high? Engage in friendly competition at our Bags Competition — a classic

Penrose Lemon Seltz-Up Wins 2023 Gold Medal from The Beverage Testing Institute

Penrose Lemon Seltz-Up Awarded 2023 Gold Medal By Beverage Testing Institute

July 6, 2023

GENEVA, IL – Penrose Brewing was awarded a 2023 Gold Medal by the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) for its Lemon Seltz-Up, crafted hard seltzer with real lemons. The Chicago-based BTI hosts the annual competition, which is open to all producers, distributors, retailers, agents, importers, ad agencies or public relations offices for beverages from any country in the world. Submissions are judged in a blind tasting by a panel of BTI judges and industry professionals. Ratings are based on a 100-point scale. Penrose’s Lemon Seltz-Up received 94 points. In its analysis, BTI noted Lemon Seltz-Up’s “Fresh, natural tasting lemonade that is pretty dang crushable.” Lemon Seltz-Up was originally crafted in 2021 by Penrose and began packaging in cans and distributing throughout Illinois in 2023. “We could not be more thrilled for our first foray into the hard seltzer category. To come out with a score that matches how we feel about Lemon Seltz-Up, is very exciting.,” said Tom Korder, co-founder and head brewer of Penrose Brewing. “This highlights the spectacular lemon puree we source and showcases our efforts and craftsmanship we put into all of our beverages. Our customers have been coming out in droves to our taproom and this is

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