The word “pollyanna” is defined as “having irrepressible optimism, or always finding the joy or good in everything.” In beer related terms, the glass is always half full. Brewmaster Brian Pawola and the rest of the team at Pollyanna Brewing Company, use this term as the fuel and driving force behind their one of a kind brewery. Located along the banks of the I-M Canal in Lemont, Illinois, Pollyanna is a fresh new brewery that is beginning to turn quite a few heads in the area.

Pawola puts his unique set of skills earned from the Doemens Academy in Munich, Germany, into every beer he brews at Pollyanna. German and Belgian malts, grain, hops, and experimental yeasts can be found in most of his beers, and each is crafted with dedication and Old World style expertise. Pawola also knows the importance of connecting with the locals. Some beers like The Full Lemonty (Golden Ale), Mazzie (American Pale Ale), and others are named after the town and it’s historical venues. Also, the brew house and most of it’s equipment was built by Crawford Company in Rockford, IL, with local reverse osmosis water used in every batch of beer. Like I said earlier, dedication and attention to detail is one of Brian’s strengths and a key reason as to why each Pollyanna beer tastes so fresh.

Above the brewhouse is where you will fine Pollyanna’s beautiful taproom. All 10 of Brian’s beers are tapped and ready to be poured by the flight, pint, howler, or growler. A great variety of sampling methods for those new to the brewery. Feel free to bring in food from area restaurants to enjoy with your beers. The first Saturday of every month offers a brewery tour and two 10 oz pours of any Pollyanna beer for just $10. Not only do you get to drink great beer, but you learn so much about the history of Lemont, the brewery, and in depth details about each beer.

Currently, Pollyanna beers are only found at their taproom or other neighboring bars on tap. Plans for canning Mazzie and Lexical Gap (IPA) are being finalized, so look for these two in stores soon! The Full Lemonty can be found on tap all season long at the South Siders ballpark, beginning with their home opener Friday, April 10th!

Pollyanna is a brewing company that leaves its customers feeling optimistic. Great beers, an inviting atmosphere, and dedication to the local market makes craft beer drinkers confident that the uniqueness and creativity behind craft beer is here to stay. Brian and Pollyanna strongly believes in this vision, and it is influenced in every beer they produce. Stop by Pollyanna today and see for yourself. And remember, the glass is always half full! Cheers!

Beers sampled: The Full Lemonty (Golden Ale), Mazzie (APA), Eleanor (Porter) and Dalliance (Berliner Weisse)

Rating: 5/5