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Chicago’s craft beer community is reeling this week after Whiner Beer Company, a beloved Back of the Yards fixture for roughly a decade, announced it will close its brewery and taproom on March 29. The brewery shared the news with fans on Instagram, writing, “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 post's caption continued. "The Chicago craft beer scene is one of the best in the world. We are happy to be included in it for so many years. Working side by side with countless creative people is what makes craft beer so great.
"From our taproom regulars on the south side to our Le Tub fans on the north side, we are so thankful for your support.
"Back of the Yards is our home and we will miss this neighborhood the most. From the Covid years to the ICE raids, Back of the Yards showed how resilient a community can be. The future is bright here in BOTY. Last summer SomosMonos Cerveceria joined us in the brewery/taproom. Born and raised in Back of the Yards, they helped create a neighborhood space for local artists and bands. We hope they can work out a plan to stay here.
"In the meantime we would love to see everyone a few more times before we close! Check out our calendar post for all the fun stuff we have planned the next month. We’ll throw one last get together on March 28th."
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Since opening its 1400 W 46th St. space in 2016, Whiner carved out a niche with its light, Belgian-style mixed-fermentation and barrel-aged beers. Its funky offerings and creative labels built a dedicated following among local beer enthusiasts, making the closure a heavy blow for the neighborhood and the city’s broader brewery ecosystem.
The announcement comes amid broader contractions in Chicago’s craft brewing scene. Earlier this month, longtime North Park favorite Alarmist Brewing shuttered its taproom after more than a decade. And Illuminated Brew Works announced February 20 that it would be shuttering on June 28.
With three breweries closing or announcing the end of service, the moment underscores the shifting landscape for Chicago craft beer: rising costs, changing drinking habits and lingering pandemic-era challenges are squeezing small breweries that once thrived. While fans pour one last pint in the Back of the Yards space, hopefully the city’s beer culture can continue to evolve with new spots rising even as cherished ones tap out.