Imperial Oak Brewing is approaching their first anniversary, and we visit them at their Willow Springs brewpub to sample their beers and talk about their operation. Brewers and owners Grant Hamilton and Brett Semenske are getting the most out of their 7-barrel brewery through constant experimentation with post-fermentation additions and barrel treatments. Owner Chris DiBraccio talks about his decade-plus experience running Brixie’s Beer Bar in Brookfield and how it’s helped keep Imperial Oak flowing smoothly. We learn a bit about their unique artwork, the plethora of growler and merchandise selections they sell, and why the local bikers love them. Craig also geeks out a lot on Star Wars, and someone finally calls Ryan out on his shit. It’s a trap! (Please don’t sue us, George Lucas.)

Craig

1. Billy Dee’s Coconut Pecan Porter

2. Barrel-aged Admiral Ackbeer It’s a Barrel-aged Trap!ist Dubbel

3. Barrel-aged Odin’s Beard Imperial Red Ale

4. Brother’s Keeper Imperial Honey Saison

5. Crank It Hop - Amarillo IPA

6. Admiral Ackbeer It’s a Trap!ist Dubbel

Ryan

1. Barrel-aged Odin’s Beard Imperial Red Ale

2. Crank It Hop - Amarillo IPA

3. Billy Dee’s Coconut Pecan Porter

4. Brother’s Keeper Imperial Honey Saison

5. Admiral Ackbeer It’s a Trap!ist Dubbel

6. Barrel-aged Admiral Ackbeer It’s a Barrel-aged Trap!ist Dubbel