Shop the Lake : Cypress Grove Brewery & Distillery
Cypress Grove Brewery & Distillery is a hidden gem tucked away in Assumption that combines an on-farm brewery, distillery, and meat store for a one-of-a-kind experience. Here, you can sip award-winning craft beer, taste their newest bourbon and whiskey releases, and look out over the pasture as Belted Galloway cows (yes, the "Oreo cows") graze nearby.
Cypress Grove is a one-of-a-kind local gem — part brewery, part farm store, part rectifying distillery — all set on the founders' working family farm.
A Business Born From Passion
Owners launched 1905 Brewing in 2018, then expanded the dream in 2019 to include the farm-based brewery and meat store. Most recently, in January 2025, they added a bourbon and whiskey rectifying distillery, creating something truly special for the area and the state.
What’s a rectifying distillery? It means they purchase high-quality spirits and secondary-age them in freshly dumped beer barrels — adding incredible depth of flavor and a signature twist you won’t find anywhere else.
What You'll Find at Cypress Grove
- Craft beers ranging from light and summery ales to dark, decadent brews aged 1–2 years in bourbon barrels
- Farm-raised, grass-fed Belted Galloway beef, available for purchase in the on-site meat store
- Secondary-aged Bourbons and Rye Whiskeys drawing rave reviews
- Outdoor seating with peaceful views of the pasture
- A rotating lineup of seasonal beers, specialty cocktails, and food options
And for the Shop the Lake event, they’re offering some special treats you’ll definitely want to plan your weekend around.
Shop the Lake Specials
$5 Beltie Old Fashioned – made with their own barrel-proof Rye Whiskey
The Beltie Bistro – their on-site food trailer will be grilling up signature Beltie Cheeseburgers (yes, made with their farm-raised beef!)
Saturday Hours – 12 PM to 7 PM (regular hours)
Whether you're stopping for a bite, relaxing with friends, or stocking up on quality local products, Cypress Grove offers something that feels both elevated and deeply rooted in local charm.
More Than Just a Brewery
While their products speak for themselves, the experience is what brings people back time and time again. Watching cows roam as you sip a perfectly chilled pint — or trying a bourbon that’s been aged right there on the farm — it's something you'd expect to find in Kentucky or Colorado, not rural Illinois. But here it is, and it’s thriving.
“We’re one of the only breweries and distilleries in the state operating on a working farm. That’s something really unique to our area.”
Their flagship cows — Belted Galloways, often affectionately called “Oreo cows” — originate from Scotland and are known for their striking appearance and flavorful, grass-fed beef. You’ll see them while you sip.
Why They Love What They Do
At the heart of it all, Cypress Grove is a love letter to the land, the craft, and the community.
“We’ve always wanted to create a place that brings people out to the country, where they can enjoy something local, something real, and just take a break from everything else.”
They’ve built something truly special — and they’re excited to welcome you in.
