Two Byron Guys Hope To Bring First Microbrewery To Ogle County

Hoping to join the ranks of Carlyle Brewing Co., Rockford Brewing Co., and Pig Minds Brewing a new microbrewery is hoping to join the fray.

Jon Lambert and Todd McLester are planning to build a microbrewery in Byron, and naming the place Hairy Cow Brewing Company.

According to WREX, "The duo want to break ground this fall along the Rock River at Sunshine Park, just off Route 2."

With the exploding popularity of microbrews and craft beers, it makes sense to build in a place like Byron. There's a lot of potential in that city and being the first of it's kind in Ogle County should attract visitors throughout the region.

Here's the rub though, they are currently looking for backers via crowd funding. McLester and Lambert are hoping to raise $30,000.

According to the Hairy Cow Kickstarter:

Hairy Cow will have not only world class beer, but we will also serve gourmet wood-fired pizza and pulled pork sandwiches fresh from the farm."

With four days left to go, the campaign has 107 backers with over $18,000 raised.

The Kickstarter also reads:

We are currently working with Byron City officials, investors and Byron Bank to work out details of Hairy Cow Brewing Company construction."