HttA Picks for Chicago Craft Beer Week 2016

The 7th Annual Chicago Craft Beer Week (11 days long to be exact) is upon our beer-loving city once again. With tons of new and exciting events spanning all ends of the city and suburbs, we've dove in and featured 2 fun and affordable events for each day of the celebration. Enjoy, be safe, and cheers to our local, Illinios-made craft beers!

All week, 3rd Annual Battle For Lake Michigan at Links Taproom, 5pm: 10 kegs and a firkin from each participating state will be on tap in a race to determine who is the master of the lake. Follow progress on their digital menu starting 5/19 and going until 1st and 2nd place are determined. Donations to Alzheimers Association.

May 19th, Hop Head Farms Tap Takeover at Hopleaf, 7 pm: showcasing beers from all over the country made with Hop Head Farms hops – 35 different Beers, 2 Ciders & a Mead all made with HHF hops on draft. Learn about basic hop farming, hop selection methodology and hop sensory analysis during a Hop Quality workshop upstairs at 7:30pm given by the founder of HHF. Admission is $10 at the door






May 19th, BUT (Beer Under Tin) at Paddy Long's, 7pm: featuring beers from Metropolitan and Off Color that pair perfectly with our bacon-centric menu.

May 20th, Beauty & The Brews at The Sedgwick Stop, 7pm: All 14 taps will feature women brewed or women owned breweries with brewers and representatives on hand to chat with about their beers.

May 20th, Beer Friends at Hopewell Brewing, 4pm: Kicking off their first CCBW with a new ongoing collaboration with our friends throughout the industry, featuring Ipsento Coffee and Mott Street. Beer Friends will bring in great minds from the worlds of beer, cocktails, coffee and beyond, exploring different ways to offer twists on existing Hopewell beers.

May 21st, Brews & Yoga at Alter Brewing, 11am: Enjoy yoga in the brewery before they open up to the public. $15 for one hour of yoga and one beer afterwards. Ticket sales in the taproom only.

May 21st, Burnt City Brewing Steampunk Ball, 9pm: Channel your inner history buff, get out your dusty sewing machine and don your best steampunk attire for the classiest party to ever pay homage to a fictional era. DJ beats and beer specials.

May 22nd, Goose Island 3rd Annual Sunday Funday Dodgeball Tournament at the Barrel Warehouse, 2pm: Battle of the Breweries dodgeball tournament, special beer tappings. Tickets $25 with 100% donation to Special Olympics.




May 22nd, Pipeworks & Spiteful Fighting Like Cats & Dogs for PAWS at Smallbar, 12pm: Swag and amazing brews with reps from both breweries as they hang out and talk pets and beer, with 100% of the profits from the event benefitting PAWS Chicago. Pipeworks beers on draft: The Jones Dog BA Stout, Passionfruit Guppy IPA, Lupine DIPA. Spiteful beers on draft: Working for the Weekend DIPA, God Damn Chocolate Vanilla Donut Pigeon Porter.

May 23rd, Yoga On Tap at Begyle Brewing, 6:30pm: An hour of yoga (all levels) with Yoga On Tap Chicago followed by two beer flights. $25. Bring your own mat, water and towel. 

May 23rd, Andersonville Neighborhood Brewers at Jerry's Sandwiches, 7pm: Get up close and personal with Half Acre, Empirical and Aquanaut breweries.

May 24th, A Taste of Belgium in Chicago at Beermiscuous, 5:30pm: Get a taste of Belgium from local breweries Empirical, Illuminated, Old Town Abbey Ales, Une Année, Penrose.




May 24th, Corridor & Broken Nose Cider Collaboration Release at Corridor Brewery, 6pm: Taste the 1st collaboration of a sour kettled Apple Brett/Lacto Saison.

May 25th, Stop, Collaborate & Listen: Buckley's Barkstravaganza at Fischman's, 6pm: Showing love for dogs and local beer, this dog-friendly event will feature Mikerphone Brewing, Transient Artisan Ales and Hailstorm Brewing beers including their brand new collaboration "Stop, Collaborate & Listen" Benefitting Hopeful Tails Animal Rescue.

May 25th, Brown Line Brews 4 at The Long Room, 6pm: A showcase of the breweries along the Brown Line hosted by the Cicerone Certification Program and The Long Room also reside. Food pairing provided by Beard and Belly for each featured beer.

May 26th, Art of Craft Beer at Village Tap, 5pm: Celebrating craft beer and the artists who create your favorite craft beer labels in a festive beer garden gallery. While you’re taking in the art you can also enjoy special craft beers from the featured breweries.



May 26th, Celebrating Women of Craft Beer at Riverview Tavern, 7pm: Celebrate with women of the craft beer and cider industry, featuring collaborations by Brickstone/Pink Boots Society, the women of Dryhop/Corridor and surprise firkins by Metropolitan, Rock Bottom and 3 Sheeps. Proceeds benefit Deborah's Place.

May 27th, Ultra Fresh Brews at Bitter Pops, 6pm: The Hop Review and Bitter Pops are bringing together 20 local beers packaged within days of the event, as fresh as they can be, to drink with the folks who brewed them.

May 27th, Werk Force Sausage Fest, 6pm: Werk Force brewing is teaming up with Solstice and The Roaming Hog for a kickass night of beer and sausage featuring 4 collaboration sausages and beer pairings.



May 28th, Memorial Day BBQ Fest at Tribes Alehouse, 11:30am: Kicking off their summer-long "Beer & Smoke Menu" featuring wings, ribs, brisket and more with $4 Tribes pints. Live entertainment and music from 11:30am-4pm.

May 28th, 3rd Annual Pipeworks Tap Takeover at Emporium Arcade (Wicker Park), 12pm: Featuring 30 beers, including barrel-aged beers and never before released variants. Custom tap handles will be given away to the last pint orders of each keg.

4th Annual Celebrating Women of Craft Beer Event

Join us for the 4th Annual 

"Celebrating Women of Craft Beer" event

May 26th at Riverview Tavern (1958 W Roscoe), 7pm - ?

It's that time again and the third year will be bigger and better than ever! Numerous female brewed collaborations and special firkins will be tapped as well with proceeds benefiting Deborah's Place in Chicago.

Featured drafts:

• Pink Is the New Black, Black American Lager brewed by Pink Boots Society/Brickstone

• She Sells Sea Salt, Farmhouse Ale with Hibiscus & Sea Salt by the women of Dryhop/Corridor

• Metropolitan - surprise firkin

• Rock Bottom Chicago - surprise firkin

• 3 Sheeps - surprise firkin

Women from some of your favorite Chicagoland breweries will be in attendance, including Brickstone Brewery, Rock Bottom, Metropolitan, DryHop, Goose Island, 3 Sheeps, Solemn Oath, Church Street Brewing, Twisted Hippo, Revolution, Two Brothers and more!

Event Details:
Thursday, May 26th @7pm
Riverview Tavern – 1958 W Roscoe Ave, Chicago
FREE to attend with drinks and food for purchase
Open to men and women and is a family friendly event
Facebook invite


Come out and support the Midwest's most talented women!

Chicago's Women of Craft Beer - 2015 Edition

Join us for the 3rd Annual 

"Celebrating Women of Craft Beer" event

May 21st at Riverview Tavern (1958 W Roscoe), 7pm - ?

As we embark upon Chicago Craft Beer Week and the third year of hosting Chicago's celebration of women in craft beer, it is hard not to reminisce on how much has happened.

In Chicago alone female brewmasters have quadrupled, quietly but fiercely kicking ass in the rapidly growing craft beer movement. Female enthusiasts have spoken loud and clear, making up at least one-third to half of festival attendance, where it used to be difficult to spot more than a few in a sea of beards and testosterone. Awareness and appreciation has amplified through numerous social and educational organizations such as Pink Boots Society, Barley's Angels, She's Crafty, Girls Pint Out, Girls Drink Beer, Women Working in Mixed Media, Pussycat Beer Guild, Fermenta... the list goes on and on – and we couldn't be happier!

This year, in celebration of the 3rd Annual Women of Craft Beer event we have more brewers involved than ever, taking over ALL 26 TAPS at Riverview Tavern. Each beer represents our local women, in addition to event-exclusive firkins. Breweries involved include Temperance, Rock Bottom Chicago, Begyle, Penrose, Goose Island, Revolution, Lagunitas, Metropolitan, Rude Hippo, Motor Row, Church Street, Forbidden Root, 5 Rabbit, DryHop, Two Brothers and Right Bee Cider.

Proceeds from select pints and raffle tickets at Riverview Tavern will go to the Chicago Chapter of Dress For Success, a charity that promotes the economic independence of women in need.

Below is an introduction to some uber talented women who are continuing to shape the Midwest Craft Beer scene. We hope to see you at Riverview Tavern TONIGHT to say hi and share a pint with the women who are making brewing history!

Amanda Bates, Head Brewer at Motor Row had her first amazing beer on a trip to Freiburg, Germany. "I didn't know what it was, but I was blown away that beer could taste good. When I started learning more about beer in the years after that experience, I figured out that I had been drinking Weissbier!" These days she gravitates toward beer with distinct, clean flavors that demonstrate a high level of precision in process and attention to detail for ingredients in recipe formulation, which influences her brewing no doubt. Words of wisdom: "We should all give people the benefit of the doubt that they don't want to be sexist. Some people just don't know when they are crossing that line. Calling people out for saying sexist/heterosexist things is the only way they will learn that your work environment is not a comfy place for that sort of talk."

Diana Rodgriguez started at Goose Island's Fulton Brewery as an intern and is now a full time Brewer, responsible for our favorite barrel-aged beers. In fact, one of the 2015 Bourbon County Brand Stout variants will be a recipe that Diana designed as an intern! (We begged to know which one, but her lips are sealed). In a short time she has recognized how amazing the camaraderie and support of the craft beer industry is, adding "Always give the respect that you want to receive. Show your strengths through your work and not through your words."

If you've been to a beer, cider or spirits event in the last few years, you've most likely seen Hilary Jurinak in action at the Binny's booth. Now Communications Coordinator, she began working at Binny's Marcey Street during college and fell in love with craft beer pretty quickly. Her go-to beers are Left Hand Milk Stout and Lagunitas DayTime. Hilary has visited 50 breweries throughout 8 states and anticipates making it 100 breweries by next fall! Hilary is also the Liaison for Pink Boots Society's Chicago Chapter. Her words of wisdom: Be confident with yourself and your decisions. “With confidence, you have won before you have started.” - Marcus Garvey

Jacquie Armanetti has been involved with some of the city's best breweries and bars over the years, but her love of craft beer started while working at Paramount Room. She shared that the late Shawn Koch taught her to love and appreciate all different styles of beer, as well as how to pronounce half of them. Thoughts on being a woman in the industry: "Women prove themselves hard working, competent, and a driving force in every industry, and beer is no different. Today, women have the weight of the world on their shoulders more than ever! Balancing home, family, and a business is something women do daily without celebration. We need to stick together and support each other in a non-judgmental way to help forward movement."

Kate Brankin is a Brewer and Do-er of media things at Pipeworks Brewing. She loves how open-minded, adventurous and supportive craft brewers are, with a community that respects craftsmanship and quality. She has found a lot of inspiration from experimental spirits maker and cocktail lover Mhairi Voelsgen, of BroVo Spirits. Kate's own advice: "Pursue curiosities to their fullest end. Be open to criticism, be proud of your accomplishments. Remember that there is no one else in the world who has your specific and unique perspective – value that."

Meet Katie Morgan, "Queen Bee" and Co-Owner of locally-crafted Right Bee Cider, with her husband Charlie. She first discovered the delicious beverage while studying abroad in the UK and Ireland. On May 4th they won the Sam Adams “Brewing the American Dream” competition in Chicago with a two minute ‘shark tank’ style business pitch. Keep an eye out as they head to the National finals in NYC this December! Katie's words of wisdom – "There is no substitute for hard work. Your gender has nothing to do with creating a quality product. No excuses."

Lisa Gregory left the world of healthcare to open Church Street Brewing with her husband Joe, in 2012. "I’ve enjoyed beer forever, but I’d say in the last 10 years I’ve really started appreciating different styles of beer." Their focus is on Old World European-style lagers, with the "Heavenly Helles" being one of Lisa's favorites to have on hand. She admits there were some hurdles breaking into the beer industry, but with her finance MBA and passion for success, she plays an integral role in running the family business. Even their two dogs have positions at the brewery!

Begyle Brewer and Quality Control champion, Liz French, shared that Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA was her craft beer game changer. Previously a stout and porter fan, the deliciously resinous and complex IPA opened her mind towards exploring new styles and flavors with enthusiasm. Liz says entering the industry with limited knowledge about how to actually brew was a small hurdle. (May we add, she had just graduated with a PhD in Microbiology and is modestly brilliant). "Head Brewer, Matt Ritchey, has taught me so much about the process, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for everything he has learned and passed on to me."

Rude Hippo Brewer Marilee Rutherford's first sip of beer was a homebrew made by her Mom and Grandfather. "God it was good. My Mom had to cut me off at age 6, which is why I really didn't get into beer again until the hubster (Karl Rutherford) and I started homebrewing in my late 20's." Her favorite thing about the industry is the endless imagination, knowledge, passion and tenacity of the people around her, providing opportunities to continually learn, collect and re-carve in her own way. With a more than full plate, Marilee's focus is on building their brand and marketplace presence, in addition to brewing outstanding beer. "Women are blazing trails, kicking ass and taking names, and thanks to the magic of the interwebs, we’re able to be connected to and inspired by those women and their accomplishments."

The Half Acre Taproom has built a team of kick-ass lady Bartenders, including the lovely Rebecca Denton. When she's not slinging some of the city's best beer, she can be found mud wrestling for women's charities – yes, mud wrestling – as "Annie Anthrax" of the Chicago MudQueens (her record is 5-2). Their last event sold a record number of raffle tickets, thanks to the craft beer industry, with donations from Half Acre, Pipeworks, Three Floyds, Spiteful and others. Her other passion is cupcakes, "Tell me your favorite beer, and I'll make you a cupcake that tastes just like it. Then let's eat them and drink that beer. Yum!"

Goose Island Beer Educator, Patti Mandel has a family heritage of slinging booze. Her Great Great Grandfather made moonshine out of the basement and sold it at their family owned candy store in Detroit. These days she keeps a nice rotating stock of beers in her fridge, with a couple bottles of Goose Island Sofie around at all times. On being a woman in the industry: "Take on the challenges and adversities that you will encounter with grace, tact and confidence. There is nothing more inspirational than a woman who pursues what she wants, does the beer industry justice and accomplishes her goals with elegance."

Virginia Thomas, Business Manager at Cicerone Certification Program, single handedly converted an old freezer into a two-tap kegerator for her house. Let's just say her husband and roommate are forever grateful. Her favorite Craft Beer Week event is the Brown Line Brews, which showcases a lot of great, local breweries and is very low-key, yet fun, offering the opportunity to chat with brewers over a pint. Virginia's words of wisdom – "For me, education helped me be taken seriously in a male-dominated field. That, and the fact that I don't take crap from anyone!"






Still didn't get your fill of Chicago's women of craft beer? Check out our previous years posts
Chicago's Women of Craft Beer - 2014 Edition
Chicago's Women of Craft Beer - 2013 Edition

CCBW: 3rd Annual Celebrating Women of Craft Beer

It's that time again and the third year will be bigger and better than ever! We'll be taking over all 26 taps at Riverview Tavern to represent our local ladies. Numerous female brewed collaborations and special firkins will be tapped as well with proceeds benefiting the local chapter of Dress For Success.

Women from some of your favorite Chicagoland breweries will be in attendance, including Temperance, Rock Bottom Chicago, Begyle, Metropolitan, DryHop, Goose Island, Revolution and Two Brothers.

Newcomers to the scene this year: Rude Hippo, Motor Row, Forbidden Root, Lagunitas and Church Street.

Event Details:
Thursday, May 21st @7pm
Riverview Tavern 1958 W Roscoe
FREE to attend with drinks and food for purchase
Open to men and women and is a family friendly event
Facebook invite

Come out and support the Midwest's most talented women!

Chicago's Women of Craft Beer - 2014 Edition

Last May we coordinated Chicago Craft Beer Week's first ever event celebrating Chicago's own women in the brewing industry. About a dozen female brewers connected to brew a collaboration beer at Rock Bottom Chicago, dubbed “99 Problems”. The ginger and chamomile Saison was tapped as part of our event at Riverview Tavern. Hundreds of people came out for the event; it was overwhelming and wonderful to see and feel so much support.

Over the past year the women featured in last year's article have continued to grown and earn much deserved successes. Ashleigh Arnold who was brewing at Two Brothers is now Midwest Field Manager for New Belgium Brewing. Tracy Hurst is leading Metropolitan through an exciting expansion that will soon include a retail space. Lorna Juett is now on the other side of the bar, selling some of the country's best beer brands for Windy City Distribution. Claudia Jendron left Goose Island to help start Evanston's first brewery - Temperance Beer Company. Their spacious 20-barrel brew house has been busy making beer since last August and hired the help of Assistant Brewer, Amber Hencinski. It only seemed fitting to hold this year's women's brew day at Temperance with Claudia and Amber.

On April 29th we had an astounding 35 women come for the brew day, representing 13 breweries as well brewpubs, beer stores, distributors and educators. We brewed a session Pale Ale called "When Life Gives You Melons", dry hopped with German Hull Melon hops, provided by Bonnie Steinman of Hop Head Farms.

100% of the proceeds from our collaboration beer served at Riverview Tavern will go to the Chicago Chapter of Dress For Success, a charity that promotes the economic independence of women in need.

(Groups represented: Temperance Beer Co., Rock Bottom Chicago, Ale Syndicate, Begyle Brewing, Urban Legend Brewing, DryHop Brewers, Revolution Brewing, Solemn Oath Brewing, Two Brothers Brewing, Goose Island Beer Co., New Belgium Brewing, Panic Brewing, The Beer Temple, The Green Lady, Hop Head Farm, Binny's Beverage Depot, Cicerone Program, Louis Glunz Beer, CHAOS Brew Club, Hail To The Ale.)

Below is an introduction to another group of talented women who are continuing to shape and represent the Midwest Craft Beer scene. We hope to see you at Riverview Tavern for the 2nd Annual "Celebrating Women of Craft Beer" event TONIGHT to say hi and share a pint with the women who are making brewing history!

Erin Lowder, is the GM of Operations for Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville. Erin and her cat, Marsellus are both beer lovers, with Belgian IPA's being the favorite at the moment. The upcoming Oath Day is one of her favorite events, which celebrates the brewery's anniversary. It's an opportunity for everyone - friends, family, beer lovers - to get together and imbibe. This year they'll be setting up ramps in the new space and having a skate demo by the Bluetown Skateboards crew. Her words of wisdom for being a young woman working with a bunch of beer dudes "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt.

Abby Kempf Marketing & Community Relations Manager for Ale Syndicate, still hasn't found a style of craft beer that she didn't enjoy trying. Ale Syndicate's Municipal IPA is almost always in her fridge. Burton Baton, Daisy Cutter, Meantime Porter are all ones she picks up with frequency when she can find them. Abby expressed appreciation for some of the local female business owners that have taken time to talk, mentor, offer help or just chat about beer. "Sonat from Koval, Melani from The Green Lady, Tracy from Metro, Melissa from Big Buzz Events are good examples of women who have a lot on their plate, but took time out of their schedules to help me in some way," shared Abby.

Jess Straka is the Area Rep for Revolution Brewing. Like many of us she was first exposed to craft beer during college. While in Champagne, IL the opening of Blind Pig and Crane Alley made craft beer more accessible. She learned a lot from the bartenders there, embracing the "try 'em all" mentality. When asked about her go-to beer she shared, "Five years ago I would’ve said barrel-aged anything. But these days I appreciate a well-made session beer like a craft lager or balanced pale ale," with beers like Revolutions’s Cross of Gold, Metropolitan’s Flywheel and Two Brothers' Sidekick stocked in her fridge.

JP Pfafflin is the Cicerone Certification Program's Midwest Exam Manager. According to JP's high school journal her love for craft beer has been long lived, sharing how much she was anticipating taking "Microbrewing 101" at UW-Madison. Upon remembering her first taste of New Glarus' Belgian Red she said, "There was something comforting about knowing this beer was made only a half-hour away, and made by people who really cared about the craft. Pair the aforementioned New Glarus Belgian Red with a blue cheese (a Wisconsin-made one, natch) and it will fucking sing."

Margaret Quinn, is Owner of The Beer Temple craft beer bottle shop in Avondale, with her husband Chris. Her love of craft beer especially blossomed with a trip to Europe. "Chris and I experienced a thriving beer culture and visited breweries, bottle shops and café’s that highlighted beer the same way many places in the U.S. feature wine." Her love of beer doesn't end with a good IPA – Margaret and Chris seriously contemplated naming their dog Gumball Head when adopting him, but in the end kept his given name, Maximus, which turns out to be a Lagunitas reference, so it worked!

Jennifer Glunz Faulk, Director of Marketing for Louis Glunz Beer was raised working within the family business, but shared that her passion was ignited when rejoining after 20+ years in other industries. The new start allowed her to explore and understand the industry from all aspects. Her favorite part of the business is the passion and unique stories of their brewery partners. "When you listen to how each of them got started in this industry – it is the American Dream. Some have risked it all, and our job as their distributor is to share that dream and run with it in Chicagoland to make it a reality," shared Jen. She is also the Founder of Beerables.net and is very proud to be helping their brewery partners provide glassware and POS to the public.

Eileen Garrity is the Creative & Communications Manager for DryHop Brewers in Lakeview. They have been open just shy of a year and thanks to Eileen's hard work have held an unbelievable amount of of awesome events – collaborating with local artists and breweries and most recently the Lincoln Park Zoo. Eileen shared her favorite part of the industry being "hands down, the people. The Chicago craft beer community is really welcoming and the entrepreneurial, hard-working, passionate spirit of the industry is contagious." Aside from all of their great events, Great Taste of the Midwest is her favorite festival to be a part of. 2014 will be her 8th year going, 2nd with DryHop.

Melani Domingues, Owner and Beer Director of The Green Lady in Lakeview has a love affair with sour and wild ales. It all began the first time she tried Duchesse de Bourgogne which left her palate eager to devour all beer sour, Belgian, and funky. She loves the passion that the brewers have for making beer and feels fortunate to be the one caring for and serving it to the public. Her advice to women in the industry, "Know that you belong wherever it is you want to be as long as you put in the work to achieve it. No apologies, no excuses, you alone are responsible for your quality of work."

Keli Platek, Sales Demon of Half Acre Beer and fearless craft beer lover had her first sip when she "accidentally" found an ID on the ground and "accidentally" used it to buy a bomber of Fat Tire. Her current beer obsession are session beers, anything well balanced with complex flavors. Keli's advice on learning to become authoritative and not a "bitch", "Forget it's male driven. Work your ass off and everyone will forget you have a vagina. If you want to do it, you fucking can. But, that also means forgetting about your social life. If your philosophical view of life is to work 3 days and relax 4, you’re in the wrong god damn business."

Bonnie Steinman, Director of Whoopass at Hop Head Farms in Hickory Corners, MI has the strength to handle whatever challenges come her way, including proving that they can do hops right in the Midwest. Growing hops isn't just a job, it is a passion – she has hops growing anywhere and everywhere possible at home. Bonnie's love for beer started while in Kalamazoo in the mid 90's. The Corner Bar was her go-to place, with 9 of 12 taps being craft beer, which was a lot back then. She made some of her best friends there, tasting every beer that would come through on tap together. She's enjoyed watching the beer community in Michigan grow into what it is today.

Hail To The Ale T-shirts for Sale

Pre-sale orders are closed. Limited t-shirts will be available to purchase at the event.

We are offering t-shirts for pre-sale, to be picked up at the "Celebrating Women of Craft Beer" event on May 22nd at Riverview Tavern. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Chicago Chapter of Dress for Success.

Ladies t-shirts: Bella+Canvas V-Neck #6005. Color: Athletic Heather
Men's t-shirts: Anvil Sustainable #450. Color: Heather Charcoal

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We also have Hail To The Ale logo t-shirts for sale, for the same price. If you wish to order one of those please make a note in the comments section.

Ladies t-shirts: Bella Favorite Tee #6004. Color: Ocean Blue
Men's t-shirts: Anvil Sustainable #450. Color: Heather Charcoal

Please join us in celebrating Shark Week with the release of "Blood In The Water". This tart, refreshing Hibiscus Ginger Saison was brewed in collaboration by Lake Effect Brewing Company and Kim Leshinski of Hail To The Ale craft beer blog.

Shark Week is the Discovery Channel's week-long series of events promoting awareness and respect for sharks and shark conservation.www.sharkweek.com

Donations will be made to the Shark Savers conservation efforts 501c(3). For more information or to make donations please visit our donor page athttp://sharksavers.donorpages.com/Supporter/hail2theale/

Chicago's Women of Craft Beer - 2013 Edition

When I first started homebrewing beer it was for the pure curiosity of the craft. The joy that came from creating something that had such a social and collaborative power to connect people is what turned my hobby into a passion.

After seeing the documentary “The Love of Beer” which follows the rise of women in the beer industry I was inspired to learn that historically in almost every culture, women were the brewers. Women love beer, they just haven't been spoken to by the beer industry really ever.

"The opportunity for all beer companies, no matter how large or small they are, to market authentically, accurately and appropriately to women... is explosive. It's clear that the passion is about the beer... it's about an intelligent beverage for great people." - Ginger Johnson, Women Enjoying Beer

Realizing that a female-focused event had never taken place during Chicago Craft Beer Week, I was eager to put together a night that celebrated Chicago’s own women in the craft beer industry. I started reaching out to see who might be interested in getting involved and was completely blown away by the response. As I began to get to know these women better the thing that really stood out to me, aside from the apparent passion and drive - was the unanimous response that their favorite part about working in the craft beer industry was the camaraderie. That no matter their gender, background, brewery they work for - everyone wants everyone to succeed. This event has been yet another affirmation of that spirit. 

The past two months have been an amazing opportunity to unite a group of women, most who had never met each other, to build a stronger network AND brew an all-women collaboration beer. “99 Problems”, a Saison with ginger and chamomile, brewed together at Rock Bottom Chicago will be tapped as part of Chicago Craft Beer Week at Riverview Tavern on Thursday, May 23rd. Event Info.

Below is an introduction to many of the women involved in the event, who are helping to make the Midwest Craft Beer scene what it is. We hope to see you at Riverview Tavern to say hi and share a pint!

Ashleigh Arnold, who grew up in St. Louis (home of AB) thought of beer as colorless and flavorless, until she tried her first sip of a stout and was hooked! The complex flavors immediately appealed to her and she became a 24/7 beer lover. She’s since relocated to join Two Brother’s as Production Brewer. Ashleigh loves to brew to Indie Rock like Wilco and The Lumineers, as it keeps her grounded and focused. She notes that “Nightly cleanup is when the dance party starts”. Ashleigh is proud to promote her latest beer "SideKick" and has found with hard work and perseverance, everything falls into place. She finds dating to be the real challenge however, saying “Not too many men want a woman who has a more physical job and more beer knowledge.” 

Claudia Jendron recently made the move to Head Brewer, helping Temperance Brewing in Evanston to start up shop. Her appreciation of beer started at a very young age, watching her Granddad homebrew. She even held the coveted role of throwing the hops in the kettle. He was a stout lover, as is Claudia. Her favorite thing about brewing is finishing a long day and feeling so good about what she’s accomplished, barely feeling tired, just happy that making beer is what she’s doing for a living. Her advice to women in the industry, “Women have always played a major part in the beer making process, and you deserve to be where you are right now. From our exceptional palates to our hard work ethic, there will always be a place for women in the future.”

Hayley Shine recently relocated from Miami, FL, in the middle of winter non-the-less, to become Regional Brewer at Rock Bottom Chicago. Her love for craft began by homebrewing in college and quickly grew from there. When not brewing at Rock Bottom, or attending some of her favorite events like the Craft Beer Conference, she’s likely enjoying a hoppy session beer or flanders red. She shared some of her favorite food and beer pairings which include IPA and Chicago mix popcorn or Oktoberfest with pretzels and mustard. 
Beer Geek Alert: She loves drinking beer in the shower.

Jill Sites is Owner of Greenbush Brewing and damn proud to be part of the Michigan craft beer scene (not to mention they’re rocking Chicago!). Jill’s been a craft beer lover since college. When the kids were drinking High Life, she was sipping a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, all the wiser. After a visit to Goose Island in Chicago, she was hooked. Her advice to women competing in a male-driven field, “Don’t let anything stand in your way. If this is what you want to do, be it brewing or anything else, do it. Make yourself indispensable. Don’t let them be able to do it without you. And when other men who haven’t figured out your worth but happen to be in the same field doubt you, just remember to dance circles around them.” Jill is also a firm believer that beer should be brewed to funk music, although almost all of their beer is brewed to metal. Either way, rock on Greenbush!

Carly Katz, Owner of Bottles & Cans in North Center was introduced to craft beer through her husband Joe, and the love continues to grow. Her go-to beer is Revolution’s Anti Hero IPA, however her biggest challenge right now has been being pregnant while opening and operating a beer store. Her favorite beer event is Durty Nellie’s Beer Fest, which she says is small but always a blast. Carly’s advice to women in beer, “Don’t ever feel like you don’t belong in that conversation. You are as knowledgeable and prettier!” 
Beer Geek Alert: Carly’s dream is to have two bulldogs and name them Porter and Stout. 





Did you know that 5 Rabbit's beer, "5 Lizard" is named after Chicago Tavern Historian Liz Garibay? Her website Tales, Taverns & Towns researches, reviews and documents history of Chicago taverns and beyond. She also provides historic consult in naming beer, which is how she met Randy Mosher. The biggest hurdle she's overcome is that the field of tavern history is pretty much non-existant. "I had to create the field on my own, in a way. Getting people to understand it's a true area of research and learning has been a bit difficult. You can lear a lot about history through bars and beer," says Liz. She's likely to be found drinking some of her local favorites like Half Acre Daisy Cutter, Lagunitas IPA, and of course 5 Lizard, which she says pairs wonderfully with steak or fish tacos.

Avid homebrewer and beer blogger for Girls Like Beer Too, Jessica Murphy first discovered craft beer through her husband Christopher and it continued to grow as she’s traveled. “That’s what’s great about beer,” Jess says, “there can be a brewery anywhere so it’s an awesome opportunity to get a taste of the local flavor.” Jessica’s favorite festival is Dark Lord Day. This year marked her 6th, in which she attended pregnant. What a sport! She misses having a beer at the end of a long day, but says she’s overcome it by really concentrating on aroma and appreciating how much it impacts the entire beer experience. “It does get a little awkward when I walk up and start smelling people’s beer, though.” We’ve got your back Jess, smell away!

Lorna Juett, fearless leader of the Chicago Barley’s Angels (a women only beer enthusiast club), regular contributor of the Chicagoist and Sales Rep for Windy City Distribution is fully immersed in the Chicago craft beer scene. As both a lover of beer and a natural educator she’s most comfortable behind the counter, pouring beer and turning people onto styles they are trying for the first time. Some of her favorites are IPAs and most recently sours and wild beers, especially with the weather warming up. Lorna says, “The wonderful thing about beer is that there is truly a style for every occasion, and there is no style I am adverse to and no beer I am not willing to try.” 
Beer Geek Alert: Lorna went to high school in Michigan with Larry Bell’s daugther. Ask her about the story!

It’s no secret that the President of Metropolitan Brewing’s, Tracy Hurst, is a fan of lagers. She finds them to exemplify the skill and expression of the brewer, sharing that “a well-made lager can stop me in my tracks.” Flywheel Bright Lager can always be found in her refrigerator, but has also been enjoying the new SideKick Pale Ale from Two Brothers. Her favorite festival is the Great Taste of the Midwest, put on by the Madison Homebrewers and Taster’s Guild. The event has become an annual retreat for the Midwest industry and is run and attended by people who truly love and appreciate craft beer, setting a standard in hospitality and honest celebration. Tracy’s words of wisdom to anyone in the beer industry, “Take good care of yourself. You’ll perform best at work – whether you’re brewing beer, out in the market selling beer, or involved in brewery operations – if you’re healthy and sharp.”

Two Brothers Brewer, Maryhelen Harper’s appreciation for craft beer grew while working at Oades Big Ten in Lansing, Michigan. Oades boasts a rotating selection of over 600 different beers available in single bottle, 4-pack, 6-pack or case. She graduated from Michigan State, but her Dad likes to joke that she attended Beer College. Right now she can’t get enough of Two Brothers new SideKick Extra Pale Ale and also shared that her favorite beer to cook with is Bell’s Two Hearted. Ask her about the fantastic asparagus recipe she uses it in! When not brewing and cooking, she loves attending beer festivals like Michigan Winter Beer Festival and Great Taste of the Midwest.

Ashley Hunsader, Control Lab Assistant at Two Brothers, graduated with a chemistry degree from Valparaiso University knowing that she wanted to work on something she personally enjoyed consuming. Having an appreciation for craft beer and the creativity that goes into recipe development led her to a career in the brewing industry. “Working at Two Brothers has given me the opportunity to experience a larger range of craft beer and continue working with a product I love,” says Ashley. She’s a big fan of sours and stouts, but always has Two Brothers beer in her fridge.

Shawna Carter, Sales Rep at Flossmoor Station love for beer crosses international borders, as she drank her first Guinness in Ireland and also attended Oktoberfest in Munich. She also enjoys Pale Ales and always has Three Floyd’s Gumball Head stocked in her fridge. She has found as a newcomer to the industry that hard work and persistence definitely pays off, sharing how much she enjoys meeting industry people. “ Any beer event you go to, someone always has a beer you’ve never tried and are always willing to pour you a taste of it.” Beer Geek Alert: Ask her about the chicken head mask she wears to Dark Lord Day.

Two Brothers Retail Manager Amanda Wells discovered a small brewery in Indiana, Back Road Brewery and upon drinking their Blueberry Amber was hooked on craft beer. Losing her job during the recession ended up being a blessing in disguise for Amanda because she started homebrewing, which led her to pursue a career in the craft beer industry. She’s a big fan of the Craft Brew Festival in Winter Park and always has something from Colorado stocking her refrigerator. Her favorite food and beer pairing are omelets with a blood orange Hefeweizen. 
Beer Geek Alert: She has a black Golden Doodle named Stout.

Chicago Craft Beer Week

One week until the coveted "Chicago Craft Beer Week" kicks off, showcasing local craft beer from all of your favorite and 'yet to be discovered' favorite breweries from the Midwest and beyond. This 11 day celebration is brought to you by the hard working folks of the Illinois Craft Brewer's Guild, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the development and expansion of the local craft beer industry.

This year's schedule is overwhelming to say the least, with over 250 locations involved. Each day offers dozen's of fantastic events, spanning not only the Chicago area neighborhoods, but expands into many of the surrounding suburbs. 

In addition this year the ICBG has published a free CCBW app, to help you organize your event schedule as well as check into events to earn points to win prizes, such as beer festival tickets, t-shirts and more. The app can be downloaded here.

Below are some highlighted favorites, with the best intentions to hit as many as possible. We of course have to spotlight our own event - Celebrating Real Women of Craft Beer on May 23rd at Riverview Tavern. The ladies behind your favorite local breweries will be in attendance to tap an exclusive all women brewed collaboration beer, "99 Problems" - a Saison brewed with Chamomile and Ginger. We'll be screening the documentary "The Love of Beer". 

Hope to see you there!

For the full list of events go to www.chibeerweek.com and follow @chibeerweek

Thursday, May 16th

Beer Under Glass

Some would say the most spectacular event to kick off Craft Beer Week featuring all of Chicago’s local breweries pouring beer at the beautiful Garfield Park Conservatory.

Garfield Park Conservatory, 6:30pm, tickets are SOLD OUT

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=47

Friday, May 17th and May 24th
Half Acre Double Firkin Tapping
Taking their weekly Firkin Friday to the next level, Half Acre will feature two firkins - to be announced the day of
Half Acre Taproom, North Center
http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=259


Saturday, May 18th

Ipswich, MA-dness, featuring Boston area breweries Clown Shoes and Brash Brewing. The brewery guys will be in attendance and are ready to rock the Chicago scene.

Jerry’s Sandwiches, Andersonville, 6pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=71

Saturday, May 18th

Atlas Brewing 80’s Beer Prom/Two Brothers Tap Takeover

A fabulous night of Two Brothers beers, 80's music, dancing, awkwardness, balloon arches, and polaroid photos!

Lincoln Park, 9pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=110

Sunday, May 19th

Goose Island’s 25th Anniversary Party

Celebrating of 25 years of brewing in Chicago with a variety of beer including the Fulton & Wood and Bourbon County collections.

Goose Island Fulton Brewery, 12pm-3pm, $25 tix

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=323

Monday, May 20th

Brown Line Brews, featuring local northside breweries Half Acre Beer Company, Begyle Brewing, Atlas Brewing Company, Metropolitan Brewing, DryHop Brewers

The Longroom, Ashland/Irving Park in North Center, 6pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=162

Monday, May 20th

Viking’s Feast with Solemn Oath Brewing, featuring 8 taps and a firkin of Solemn Oath’s beer, paired with Viking films and Nordic Metal music.

Jerry’s Sandwiches, Andersonville, 7pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=70

Wednesday, May 22nd

5 Rabbits Tap Takeover

The Beer Bistro North, Lincoln Park, 6pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=34

Wednesday, May 22nd

New Wave Brewer Showcase, featuring Temperance, 4 Paws, Lake Effect, Spiteful, Flesk, Ale Syndicate, Begyle & DryHop

Hamburger Mary’s, Andersonville, 7pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=200

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Thursday, May 23rd

Celebrating Women in Craft Beer, featuring the female brewers of the Midwest  from Goose Island, Two Brothers, Rock Bottom, Metropolitan, Greenbush, 4 Paws, Ale Syndicate, Flossmoor Station as well as Bottles & Cans beer store, with an exclusive all women brewed collaboration beer. 

Riverview Tavern, Roscoe Village, 6:30pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=93

https://www.facebook.com/events/468159669922343/

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Friday, May 24th

Barrel-Aged Obfuscation Release (I’m proud to have helped brew this beer!!)

Atlas Brewing, Lincoln Park, 7pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=112

Saturday, May 25th

West Loop Craft Beer Fest

IL Craft Brewer’s Guild & Chicago French Market bring you the city’s largest craft beer block party with over 25 breweries participating

French Market, West Loop, 12pm-5pm, $40 Gen Admission ($65 VIP hour)

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=214

Saturday, May 25th

Beerfly Alleyfight - Watch 10 homebrewers compete with the same beer recipe paired with a food dish and a local artist performance. Sample food, beer & art!

Haymarket Pub, West Loop 12pm-5pm, $35 advanced tix

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=142

Sunday, May 26th

3 Floyds & Off Color Brewing Tap Takeover

Northdown, Lincoln Park, 2pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=223