WOODRIDGE, Ill. - CuisineWire -- Midwest Microbrew released an interview with Skeleton Key Brewery co-owner Emily Slayton, who details how the Woodridge brewery survived COVID-19 and an EF3 tornado before marking its 10th anniversary.

Henry Nosek of Midwest Microbrew spoke with Slayton, who owns the craft brewery with her husband and brother. Skeleton Key opened a little over 10 years ago and remains bootstrapped, without outside investors. "It's the three of us doing it all," Slayton said.

A tornado five years ago tore off part of the roof and closed the tap room for 11 months, Slayton said. The owners chose to rebuild and painted cracked masonry gold as a reminder of the damage.

Community drives the business. The Skull Muggery Society mug club has more than 500 members, and about 70% of daily customers are returning visitors. The brewery has a separate family room for children. Early on, an incubator program helped three other breweries open before the pandemic ended it.

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"We love introducing people to each other and so many friendships have been made," Slayton said.

Events fill the calendar. The Spectral Silhouette, a live radio drama created by Slayton's husband and local musician Henry Scharer, runs three nights every other month and sells out within 15 minutes, with 65 guests per night. Glass mosaic classes also sell out quickly. A Black Wednesday party with local band Echo and Ransom is planned ahead of Thanksgiving.

On tap, the brewery favors regularly available styles over fixed brands. Excluding IPAs, its top seller is Migratory, a toasted coconut golden ale brewed since its first year. A schwarzbier, Seventh Evil X, was released this fall.

For visitors, Slayton recommends more than beer: "try talking to someone who's sitting next to you at the bar."

Skeleton Key sits in a small industrial building on Lamont Road in Woodridge. A lit neon key sign in the window means it is open. Event listings are on the brewery's website and social media. The full interview is available here: https://midwestmicrobrew.com/skeleton-key-brewery-10-years-a-tornado-craft-beer/.

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About Midwest Microbrew

Midwest Microbrew produces the Midwest Microbrew Podcast, featuring conversations with brewery owners and brewers across the craft beer community. Visit https://midwestmicrobrew.com to learn more.