Despite its name, Chicago Craft Beer Week is actually 11 days long this year-not that anyone's complaining.
The popularity of the celebration, put on annually by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, has only grown over its four-year history. This year, from May 16 to 26, more than 250 venues will participate in tap takeovers, beer dinners and tours supporting the theme "Chicago: A City of Neighborhoods."
While the unofficial kick-off bash, Beer Under Glass at the Garfield Park Conservatory, already has sold out, there are plenty of events that are worth putting on your calendar. Here are a few that caught my eye. See the full schedule, with maps, on the CCBW website.
For foodies:Fermentation Foibles, May 19
Avondale's Owen & Engine is known to beer drinkers for its robust selection of English and cask-conditioned ales, but it's also a popular spot for authentic British pub food. The two come together on May 19 for a house-cured charcuterie feast with accompanying beers. Tickets will be on sale soon.
For Cubs fans: CCBW in the Sky, May 20
Ditch the Old Style and upgrade to Goose Island beers and food while taking in a game at the Skybox on Sheffield. Tickets are $150 and are on sale now.
For drinkers with a competitive streak: Solemn Oath x Greenbush, May 21
Small Bar on Division Street hosts this six-tap showdown between Sawyer, Mich.-based Greenbush and Naperville's Solemn Oath. No matter how the votes go, everyone wins when these two are on tap.
For learners: Celebrating Women in Craft Beer, May 23
Women haven't always been properly represented in the craft beer industry, but thankfully, times are changing. Roscoe Village's Riverview Tavern hosts beer blogger Kim Leshinski and local female brewers for tappings of their beers as well as a screening of "The Love of Beer" film. This event is free.
For Bells die-hards:Bells Two Hearted Three Ways, May 25
The Beer Bistro North in Lincoln Park welcomes three formats of Bells' popular Two Hearted Ale: on draft, in bottles and in a firkin, or cask. Fans of the beer can explore the flavor and textural differences between the three serving methods.
Check CCBW's website frequently, as it will be updated with more events information, ticket sales and neighborhood guides.
kbernot@tribune.com @redeyeeatdrink
The popularity of the celebration, put on annually by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, has only grown over its four-year history. This year, from May 16 to 26, more than 250 venues will participate in tap takeovers, beer dinners and tours supporting the theme "Chicago: A City of Neighborhoods."
While the unofficial kick-off bash, Beer Under Glass at the Garfield Park Conservatory, already has sold out, there are plenty of events that are worth putting on your calendar. Here are a few that caught my eye. See the full schedule, with maps, on the CCBW website.
For foodies:Fermentation Foibles, May 19
Avondale's Owen & Engine is known to beer drinkers for its robust selection of English and cask-conditioned ales, but it's also a popular spot for authentic British pub food. The two come together on May 19 for a house-cured charcuterie feast with accompanying beers. Tickets will be on sale soon.
For Cubs fans: CCBW in the Sky, May 20
Ditch the Old Style and upgrade to Goose Island beers and food while taking in a game at the Skybox on Sheffield. Tickets are $150 and are on sale now.
For drinkers with a competitive streak: Solemn Oath x Greenbush, May 21
Small Bar on Division Street hosts this six-tap showdown between Sawyer, Mich.-based Greenbush and Naperville's Solemn Oath. No matter how the votes go, everyone wins when these two are on tap.
For learners: Celebrating Women in Craft Beer, May 23
Women haven't always been properly represented in the craft beer industry, but thankfully, times are changing. Roscoe Village's Riverview Tavern hosts beer blogger Kim Leshinski and local female brewers for tappings of their beers as well as a screening of "The Love of Beer" film. This event is free.
For Bells die-hards:Bells Two Hearted Three Ways, May 25
The Beer Bistro North in Lincoln Park welcomes three formats of Bells' popular Two Hearted Ale: on draft, in bottles and in a firkin, or cask. Fans of the beer can explore the flavor and textural differences between the three serving methods.
Check CCBW's website frequently, as it will be updated with more events information, ticket sales and neighborhood guides.
kbernot@tribune.com @redeyeeatdrink
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