Only in their second year of brewing, Solemn Oath in Naperville, Illinois has been quick to the streets with some things, and measured, even restrained, with others. Bottling is something they took their time on, opting to go keg-only for the first 18+ months of brewing, building strong relationships with bars and restaurants around Chicago and the fertile crescent that surrounds.

"Anytime I visit Chicago," says Kevin Lemp of St. Louis' 4 Hands Brewing, "they're always on in the bars I think I'd want my stuff on. It's impressive."