At least five Chicago breweries have closed or announced closures this year, with experts predicting more closures are coming. Alarmist Brewing & Taproom in Sauganash permanently closed on Feb. 1 and Berwyn's and Forest Park's also shut down. The closures are attributed to a steady decline in drinking, with the U.S. drinking rate reaching historic lows in 2025. The recent closures were accelerated by rising operational and production costs, including aluminum tariffs, and an oversaturated market. Despite efforts to market to younger and more health-conscious consumers with alternative products, breweries are raising their prices to match inflation and marketing their products to younger consumers. Despite these efforts, closures mirror what's happening in the rest of the country.