Hailstorm Brewing Hires New Brewer After Former Co-Owner Removed

TINLEY PARK, IL — Tinley Park-based brewery Hailstorm has found a new head brewer after their previous brewer and co-owner was removed from the company following sexual misconduct allegations.

Wil Turner has previously brewed at Revolution Brewing, Goose Island Brewing and most recently at Open Outcry Brewing on Chicago's South Side.

Turner will replace Steve Miller, who left the company in December amidst allegations. According to Chris Schiller, principal owner of the award-winning south suburban brewery, Miller described going out with a group of other industry professionals after the Great Taste of the Midwest festival in Madison, Wisconsin and inappropriately touching a fellow brewer.

While out, Schiller said Miller and others were "drinking heavily" when "Steve did something that was basically assault, I would say." According to Schiller, Miller admitted to the accusation.

"That is absolutely unacceptable for us, and it's unfortunate that we didn't know about it any sooner," Schiller said. "We will never condone, cover up, support or be affiliated with that kind of thing."

The incident occurred in August of 2021, only a few months after Pollyanna Brewing and Distilling President and CEO Paul Ciciora was taken out of his management role at the Lemont brewery after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

Turner will begin at Hailstorm immediately, Shiller said. According to a social media post, Turner is excited to bring unique new styles of brewing to the company.