The Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism recently launched the program that features makers, creators and artisans from across the state.

On July 21, Cory Jobe, director of the Office of Tourism, awarded Scorched Earth Brewing Company owners Mike and Jennifer Dallas with an “Illinois Made” designation.

“The team at Scorched Earth is honored and humbled to receive the Illinois Made Award,” said Mike and Jennifer Dallas, owners and founders of Scorched Earth Brewing. “To us, this award is a symbol of not only our hard work and the quality product we provide, but our passion to work with other local artisans like Ethereal Confections and Heider’s Berry Farm, to showcase their quality ingredients.”

“On behalf of all of Algonquin, I have to say we’re thrilled!” said John Schmitt, president of the village of Algonquin. “Scorched Earth started out as a dream with a really solid business plan, and they have quickly grown their business in just a few years. I’m very happy for Mike and Jen Dallas personally, and I couldn’t be happier with their tasting room, patio, and their beer. I would encourage all beer lovers to stop in and try some today, and I’m looking forward to their next big leap of growth, whether that is broader distribution of their beer, or a bigger facility.”

Throughout the summer, Commerce’s Office of Tourism will feature a series of in-depth videos, exclusive web content, and Illinois Made-inspired travel ideas at www.EnjoyIllinois.com/Illinoismade.

Experiential travel continues to be a defining factor in trip planning. According to a special 2014 report by Skift and Peak DMC, a global travel expert network, more than 72 percent of consumers would rather spend money on experiences than things. With Illinois Made, the Department aims to bring the best of Illinois’ unique, creative and on-trend experiences to travelers of all backgrounds, encouraging people to extend their experiences beyond a day trip by exploring the local businesses and great attractions nearby.

From craft brewers and independent coffee roasters, to custom canoe makers and woodworking journeymen, Illinois is teeming with craftspeople that are proud to call the Land of Lincoln home, and this pride shines through in their work. Illinois Made brings all of these amazing experiences together in one location for travelers to explore.

Visitors can get an intimate glimpse into the lives of these craftspeople through a video series available on the website. In addition, in-depth editorial features allow visitors to dive deeper into the unique story behind each maker’s establishment. What’s more, each maker feature includes an interactive map highlighting other travel experiences, amenities and attractions near the maker’s location, allowing visitors to build an amazing customized travel itinerary unique to them.

“Illinois is home to a thriving culture of artisans and craftspeople, making unique products that are in high demand among people looking for authentic, out of the ordinary experiences,” said Cory M. Jobe, Director of the Office of Tourism. “By profiling the stories of these makers and how the state of Illinois shapes their work through Illinois Made, we hope to inspire both new and repeat travelers to discover the gems they didn’t know about on a trip to Illinois.”

Illinois Made is an ongoing program that will highlight the depth and diversity of Illinois’ makers, creators, and artisans. The program will introduce new featured craftspeople every few weeks throughout the summer months.

• Editor’s Note: Scorched Earth Brewing is located in the McHenry County portion of Algonquin.

To learn more about Illinois Made and to view the latest video content and featured makers, including Scorched Earth Brewing Company, visit www.EnjoyIllinois.com/Illinoismade or www.Facebook.com/EnjoyIllinois.