Whiner Beer Company in Chicago will cease operations by the end of March. After serving Chicago’s Back of the Yards community for 10 years, the brewery is closing amid ongoing challenges in the craft beer industry. The team explored several options to stay open before deciding to close.
Whiner Beer Company to Close After a Decade in Back of the Yards
Whiner Beer Company announced its permanent closure on March 29, 2026, through a social media announcement. This iconic brewery is known for its farmhouse-style ales and barrel-aged products.
Founded in 2016, Whiner gained a reputation for its saisons and mixed-fermentation beers brewed at The Plant. As the years went on, the brewery increased its number of taprooms and became a beer-centered venue where people could find small-batches and experimental styles of beer.
The company thanked customers, employees, and partners who were a part of the journey. This shutdown occurs as the craft beer sector continues to face difficulties. Several breweries, both in Chicago and beyond, are downsizing operations or closing down.
The owner, Brian Taylor, wrote, “The last few years have been so difficult, but we gave it our best shot. We could write a bunch of reasons why we are closing, but it’s a familiar story in the brewing industry.”
The brewery witnessed various ups and downs with the Back of the Yards community. Be it the COVID years or ICE raids, the resilience helped it reach here. To boost business and attract customers, Whiner partnered with SomosMonos Cerveceria. The post mentioned that SomosMonos can figure out a plan to continue operations at the location.
Patrons can visit Whiner Beer in its final days. One last get-together will be organized on March 28, 2026, by the brewery.
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Legacy of the Company
Whiner Beer Company is built around barrel-aged beers and innovative mixed-fermentation models. The brewing styles are inspired by Belgian brewing tradition. It is located at The Plant, an incubator for food businesses in Chicago’s Back of the Yards.
Whiner offers a wide variety of food distinct from the usual taproom menu. The company mixed traditions and innovations, such as Le Tub, a blended, barrel-aged wild farmhouse saison, and Miaou, a blended, dry-hopped Belgian wheat.
The range also features variants such as Bubble Tub with watermelon, Bleu Tub with blueberries, and El Tub with lime and cucumber. Whiner went on to offer hard kombucha drinks, such as Polly and Flamingo Prince, in addition to beer.
The taproom, over the years, has been not only a place to taste its distinctive products but also a community meeting spot with special releases, events, and a welcoming atmosphere.
News of the closure sparked reactions from regulars and fellow brewers across Chicago. Long-time customers recalled finding saisons and barrel-aged beers at the Whiner Beer Company taproom. Others cited it as the key to making the Back of the Yards neighborhood a destination to find craft beer.
