October Beer Events We're Excited About

Women Working in Mixed Media: She's Crafty
October 22nd, 6pm
Chop Shop, 2033 W North Ave, Chicago IL
tickets $30, 2/$50

WWIMM is back in action with a new networking event in honor of Oktoberfest devoted to women working in the craft beer industry. Come meet the top women working in the field with our interactive panel, while tasting some of our favorite craft brews.
Panelist include:
Claudia Jendron - Brewer, Temperance Beer Company
Kate Bernot - Nightlife Reporter, RedEye
Kim Leshinski - Design Consultant and Event Curator, Hail To The Ale
Monica Mooney - Field Sales Representative, Bell's Brewery, Inc. (Official)




The Hirter Überbrew Homebrew Contest
Submissions due October 3rd
Judging and Awards Ceremony, October 11th, 7pm
Dank Haus, 4740 N Western Ave, Chicago IL

Only a few days remain to enter your best German-style homebrew into this unique competition hosted by Austrian Euro Craft brewery, Hirter Bier in collaboration with Square Kegs Homebrew Club and Louis Glunz Beer.  

Register your homebrew here!

Come by the DANK Haus following the Uberbrew Homebrew Competition judging for the official awards ceremony, with special guests Klaus Möller and Nikolaus Riegler – 5th and 6th generation Owners of Brauerei Hirt, makers of Hirter Bier.
 
Winners of each category will be announced as well as the grand prize winner, who will receive a $1500 scholarship to Siebel Institute. Beer and food will be available to purchase. Live music. No cover. More info here.




C.H.A.O.S. Brew Club Harvest Fest
October 18th, 6pm
2417 W Hubbard St, Chicago IL 
$30 Trial Membership

Join the C.H.A.O.S. Home Brew Club for their annual Harvest Fest, boasting over 30 beers on tap, a Thanksgiving-style buffet, raffle prizes. Oh, and a 30-day trial membership to check out their unique, brew-on-premise facility. More info.




DryHop Brewer's Evening of Pumpkin Beers
October 30th, 6pm
3155 N Broadway Ave, Chicago IL

For the second year DryHop will tap their delicious pumpkin stout "Starry Night In A Sleepy Hollow" in celebration of Halloween. They'll be sharing the taps with an extensive lineup of craft brewed pumpkin ales, including local offerings. Full list to come. 5oz pumpkin flights and food specials will be available.

Chicago Beer Gals: Beer & Beauty Night

Ladies - join us for an evening of craft beer & pampering at Noktivo Spa & Beauty Boutique, Chicago's ONLY non-toxic spa. They will be offering a choice of two services: mini manicure, mini pedicure, mini massage.

We will be joined by Patti Mandel from Goose Island Beer Company. She will be sharing two NEW beers from Goose Island - Endless IPA and The Illinois Imperial IPA. Both of these new beers have unique ingredient stories with a local twist.

Jenny Perillo, Owner of Noktivo Spa, will be talking about the skin benefits of beer and hop oils, which are also used in beauty care products.

Tickets include 2 mini spa services, samples of 2 new beers from Goose Island and light snacks.

You must be over 21 to attend. IDs will be checked at the door.

TICKETS -> HERE

Noktivo Non-Toxic Spa & Beauty Boutique is Chicago's premier chemical-free salon and spa for eco-conscious beauty enthusiasts and green glamour gals. Whether you're craving a little bit of pampering or need an environmentally-sound spa day, you'll leave Noktivo feeling healthy, luminous, and beautiful.
www.noktivo.com

Goose Island Beer Co. is an innovator and leader in the craft of brewing. Striving to create beers that define styles, win awards, and captivate the hearts, imaginations, and palates of beer drinkers.
www.gooseisland.com

The Chicago Beer Gals Collective is a series of educational craft beer events connecting enthusiasts with women in the industry. Events produced by www.hail2theale.com

Interested in being involved in future events as a speaker or collaborating brewery? Email us at chicagobeergals@gmail.com

Celebrating International Women's (Brew) Day

In celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th, Hail To The Ale and Brew Camp will be taking over the classroom for a day full of demos and fun with ladies from the Chicago brewing industry!

Join us for:

*Live Beer Making Demos throughout the day, 11am-4pm

*Special Pro Brewer Guests from the brewing industry will be joining us to talk about their experiences and share beer

*BYOB bottle share, snacks will be provided

*Donations from ticket proceeds will go toward women in need through the Chicago Chapter of Dress for Success

*This event is open to everyone - men, women, kids - the more the merrier!

Our Featured Women Homebrewers who will be LIVE BREWING:

* Nancy Rockwell from CHAOS Brew Club and the blog "Nancy Brew" www.nancybrewchicago.com

*Mary Clare Crabtree, winner of the 5 Rabbit Iron Homebrew Challenge and designer extraordinaire

*Laura Lanford, homebrewing rockstar and procurer of Movies On The Roof www.moviesontheroof.com

Tickets are available through brewcamp.com

This event is curated in collaboration with Brew Camp, Hail To The Ale, the Chicago Beer Gals Collective and the fine ladies of the Chicago brewing industry!

Chicago Beer Gals: Beer & Chocolate Pairings

The Chicago Beer Gals Collective presents perhaps the most delicious monthly event yet on Monday, February 10th at the Brew Camp Classroom - 1826 W Wilson Ave.

We will be featuring 3 satiating treats from Katherine Anne Confections, each paired with a beer selection.

Katherine herself will be joining us to talk about the handmade confections and the growth of her Logan Square shop. http://www.katherine-anne.com/

Snacks & beer provided. This is a small, intimate space and advanced tickets are recommended. 

Tickets are available at: brewcamp.com

Event produced by Hail To The Ale.

Chicago Beer Gals January Event

Hey Ladies! Join us this month for a craft beer bottle share at the Brew Camp Classroom -1826 W Wilson Ave. 

Please bring some beer to share. We’ll provide the snacks and conversation.

Special Guests:

Liz Garibay, Beer Historian of Tales, Taverns & Towns
Katie Rains, Beer Jewelry Designer of Katie Rains Designs

Limited seats are available, advanced tickets recommended through Brew Camp HERE

Have questions about the event? Want to be a future guest speaker? Feel free to email me.

Event produced by Hail To The Ale.

Chicago Beer Gals - November Event

Hey Ladies! Join us for an evening at the Brew Camp Classroom. This month will be focused on the beauty of lagers. We’ll be providing a special tasting of Metropolitan Brewing beer and vegan snacks.

Special Guests:

Tracy Hurst, Metropolitan Brewing

Alison Cuddy, WBEZ Public Radio Reporter and 

Co-host of the Strange Brews podcast

Limited seats are available, advanced tickets recommended through Brew Camp HERE

Have questions about the event? Want to be a future guest speaker? Feel free to email me.

Chicago Beer Gals - September Event

Ladies, please join us for an evening at the Brew Camp Classroom. This month we'll be focused 100% on Craft Cider!

We’ll be providing a tasting of Midwest made hard ciders as well as some fall snacks.
*This event will have Gluten-free options

Special guests:
Holly Christopher and Michelle Foik from Virtue Cider
Kate Bernot, Nightlife Reporter for Redeye Chicago

Limited seats are available, advanced tickets through Brew Camp -> HERE

Have questions about the event? Want to be a future guest speaker? Feel free to email me.

Chicago Beer Gals - July Event

Ladies, join us for evening of great beer and conversation at Brew Camp with special guests JP Pfäfflin (Cicerone Certification Program) and Sally Selwan (Louis Glunz Beer, Certified Cicerone). Tickets available here.

Have questions about the event? Want to be a future guest speaker? Feel free to email me.

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.

CCBW Design Brought To You By Miaso Design!

Did you guys know there is not one, but five versions of the Chicago Craft Beer Week logo? As a design enthusiast, it definitely caught my eye! The variation speaks to all of the different events, venues, breweries, styles of beer... we love it!

The creativity behind the logos you're seeing for Chicago Craft Beer Week, Beer In Film (postponed to a later date), and West Loop Craft Beer Fest is brought to you by Chicago's own Kristin Miaso of Miaso Design. 

Make sure to check out her work and say hi when you see her out over the next 11 days!
Follow her on twitter @miasodesign

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