BEER CULTURE JOURNEYS
While the Windy City is our home, we are committed to exploring beer's cultural and historical significance around the country and around the globe. At various times, we head to other locales to collaborate with colleagues to take a deep dive into the history and culture of their city. By using our vast networks in the cultural arts and in the beer and alcohol industries, we are able to provide one-of-a-kind insider experiences that offer an authentic exploration and understanding of place.
Below is a list of wonderful places we’ve already been and where we’re going.
PORTLAND, MAINE JUNE 7 - 10, 2023
Portland, Maine has become one of the most coveted food and beer destinations in our nation. With a beautiful coast, incredible seafood, and high-quality beer, a deep commitment to the environment is a key common denominator to all things Maine.
We went lobstering, visited an Oyster Farm, spent some time at Maine Beer Company and thew back some Allagash White with founder, Rob Tod himself. The goal was to take in the history and culture of the Portland area via the lens of beer, marine life, and sustainability. Now that was a good time!
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
January 25-29, 2023
February 9-12, 2022
February 5-9, 2020
We’ve hosted our wildly fun and informative four day journey through Mexico City three times in the last four years. Presented in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art, the experience is like no other and offers a packed itinerary through one of the world’s greatest cities.
Guided by Liz Garibay of the Beer Culture Center and Cesáreo Moreno of the National Museum of Mexican Art, this was an insider’s adventure that allowed guests to authentically soak in the flavors and spirit of Mexico.
Have a group? This journey is available as a private experience for up to 15 people. Please contact us for more information.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON september 4 - 8, 2019
In conjunction with our Beer + Glass Exhibition opening at the Pilchuck Glass School, we created a series of events with an array of partners in the Pacific Northwest.
Besides focusing on the art of glass blowing and relationship to beer, we explored the history of Worlds Fairs; discussed the humanity of hop cultivation, past and present; examined the meaning of community with the Olympia Tumwater Foundation, and celebrated the history and legacy of African American brewing in Seattle and environs.
WASHINGTON, D.C. APRIL 18-20, 2019
As part of our presentation at the Pop Culture/American Culture Association Conference, we spent some time in Washington D.C. to meet with other beer scholars, museum educators and beer makers to host a whirlwind of events.
From panel discussions at the historic Heurich House, to conversations with experts at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, from recording podcasts with DC Beer to celebrating Abraham Lincoln with our friends at President Lincoln’s Cottage, we did it all.
Partnering with Lost Lagers and Powers Farm & Brewery, our special collab brew, Cabin & Cottage, also made its debut in Virginia, DC, and Maryland.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA JULY 13-15, 2018
Rooted in a wonderful partnership with the Southern Food & Beverage Museum in New Orleans, we gathered with locals and other colleagues to take a look at the relationship between food, drink and culture in New Orleans.
Tours, talks, tastings and all the other things were a part of a series of events that took us throughout the Big Easy.
We also debuted our very first collaborative beer. Two Levees, a raspberry kettle sour brewed by Urban South Brewing and Illuminated Brew Works, celebrated the Bicentennial of the state of Illinois, the Tricentennial of the City of New Orleans, and the shared history, culture and connections between Chicago and New Orleans.