Business Spotlight
TIGHTHEAD BREWERY
There are a number of comfortable, homey, locally-owned food and beverage establishments in Mundelein. A few give you that “Cheers” feeling, where it seems that: “Everyone knows your name, and they’re always glad you came”. One of Mundelein’s unique “neighborhood” get-away spots is Tighthead Brewery, 161 N. Archer Street, just south of the Metra train station.
Tighthead, opened in December 2011 by Mundelein resident Bruce Dir, is a production brewery, meaning they brew beer for distribution in kegs and cans to bars, restaurants and retail locations throughout the Chicagoland area. Tighthead is also a “craft” brewery, meaning they produce small quantities; and it is neighborhood tap-room where mostly local patrons can sample the local product. The Tighthead tap room features six beers year-round, plus a wide-variety of “seasonal” selections that are not always on tap. Overall, Tighthead brews about 40 types of beer. The tap-room is also an entertainment venue with live music, games and special events throughout the year.
Tucked away in a mixed-use office/industrial area, the atmosphere is warm and friendly, with a good view of the production facility from the bar. “The concept of the tap room,” Bruce explains, “was to recreate the feeling and ambiance of an English pub. We wanted a relaxed, extended-family environment where people of all ages feel welcome and comfortable. However,” he adds, “the first order of business was to produce and distribute top-quality, full-bodied beers.
Tighthead, opened in December 2011 by Mundelein resident Bruce Dir, is a production brewery, meaning they brew beer for distribution in kegs and cans to bars, restaurants and retail locations throughout the Chicagoland area. Tighthead is also a “craft” brewery, meaning they produce small quantities; and it is neighborhood tap-room where mostly local patrons can sample the local product. The Tighthead tap room features six beers year-round, plus a wide-variety of “seasonal” selections that are not always on tap. Overall, Tighthead brews about 40 types of beer. The tap-room is also an entertainment venue with live music, games and special events throughout the year.
Tucked away in a mixed-use office/industrial area, the atmosphere is warm and friendly, with a good view of the production facility from the bar. “The concept of the tap room,” Bruce explains, “was to recreate the feeling and ambiance of an English pub. We wanted a relaxed, extended-family environment where people of all ages feel welcome and comfortable. However,” he adds, “the first order of business was to produce and distribute top-quality, full-bodied beers.
In 2013, Chicago Magazine rated Tighthead’s Irie IPA and Comfortably Blonde Ale, as the best in all the Chicago Metro area! Quite a distinction for a brewery after only two years of production. Tighthead beers are well-respected in the region for quality and consistency. Bruce, a long-time home-brewer, is a certified master brewer by the Siebel Institute of Chicago; America’s oldest beer making school (established in 1850). Tighthead’s head brewer, Billy Oaks, is also a master brewer certified by the American Brewers Guild. Annually Tighthead produces 3,500 barrels of beer per year. Six beers, creatively named and artistically labeled are standards, available on-tap year-round: Comfortably Blonde ale; Scarlet Fire, Irish-style red ale; Irie American IPA; Chili Water American Pale Ale; Bears Choice, American IPA; and Boxcar Porter. A wide variety of seasonal beers are also on tap at various times throughout the year. Seasonal styles include Belgian Wit, Maibock, Doppelbock, Sweet Potato Ale, Marzen, Barleywine, and more IPA’s.
In addition to Bruce and Billy, Tighthead employs nine others in production, bottling, sales and service roles. The staff is close-knit, friendly, and knowledgeable about beer. They are truly “glad you came”, and really do want to “know your name”.
In addition to Bruce and Billy, Tighthead employs nine others in production, bottling, sales and service roles. The staff is close-knit, friendly, and knowledgeable about beer. They are truly “glad you came”, and really do want to “know your name”.
At Tighthead patrons bring their own food, or can order delivery from a number of local restaurants. Occasionally during the warmer months, a food-truck will make an appearance. Although darts, the traditional English pub sport, is not available, the spacious facility does provide table shuffle-board and plenty of TV’s to follow the latest sporting events. It is also not uncommon to see cards, cribbage, or board-games being played. In addition, there is Trivia-night on Wednesdays; Yoga and Pints on the first Sunday of the month; Painting and Pints quarterly; and live music (no cover charge) Thursdays and Fridays. Brewery tours and special event space is available. Special outdoor community events like Hoptoberfest and the Mundelein Beer Festival, which feature music, food and beer, are also held annually.
Bruce and his wife, Molly, are generous supporters of many local charities and non-profit organizations, including Carmel Street Scenes, the Adler Cultural Center, Lambs Farm, Equestrian Connection, Great Lakes Adaptive Sports, and Special Olympics. Tighthead also sponsors the Lake County Gladiators, a Division III Rugby Team. After all, what could be more fitting for a business named after the owners rugby position for 13 years—the “Tighthead”. A good Tighthead, according to the Rugby manual, is essential to the quality of the scoring opportunities. Strength, knowledge and good technique are essential because the Tighthead “takes the impact of the scrum” and supports the team. Great qualities for a craft brewery as well.
Bruce and his wife, Molly, are generous supporters of many local charities and non-profit organizations, including Carmel Street Scenes, the Adler Cultural Center, Lambs Farm, Equestrian Connection, Great Lakes Adaptive Sports, and Special Olympics. Tighthead also sponsors the Lake County Gladiators, a Division III Rugby Team. After all, what could be more fitting for a business named after the owners rugby position for 13 years—the “Tighthead”. A good Tighthead, according to the Rugby manual, is essential to the quality of the scoring opportunities. Strength, knowledge and good technique are essential because the Tighthead “takes the impact of the scrum” and supports the team. Great qualities for a craft brewery as well.