Illinois showcases bicentennial beer

Posted on March 19, 2018
Hand of Fate Brewing Company’s 1818 Prairie State Farmhouse Ale is the official beer for Illinois’ bicentennial celebration. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Hand of Fate Brewing Company)

By RFD Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is brewing up excitement for the bicentennial celebration.

This week, Governor Bruce Rauner visited Binny’s Beverage Depot in Springfield for the roll out of the state’s official bicentennial beer ‘1818 Prairie State Farmhouse Ale’, which was created by Petersburg based Hand of Fate Brewing Company. They defeated other top craft brewers in a competition at last year’s Illinois State Fair.

Hand of Fate owner Mike Allison is thrilled to represent the state, less than two years after Hand of Fate opened its doors.

“This opportunity, doing the 1818, has made a huge growth for my business, for my town, and it’s just unbelievable being able to do this and be part of this historic moment of Illinois,” said Allison.

Governor Rauner said the brew showcases Illinois agriculture and its craft brewing industry.

“This is part of what makes the quality of life high in Illinois – supporting our small businesses, supporting products made in the state,” Rauner explained. “This product was made with Illinois hops, with Illinois yeast, and with grains we grow here in the state.”

The beer is now available at select retailers statewide. Destihl Brewery in Normal currently has a contract with Hand of Fate to brew the beer on a larger scale.

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