Half a century ago, famous Chicago journalist Mike Royko gathered 11 of his friends to taste 22 foreign and domestic beers, to prove just how bad American beer was.  The result was an article he published in the Chicago Daily News where he discussed the process, the beers, and the winner. An interesting endeavor, indeed.

To honor the 50th anniversary of that affair (and the 60th anniversary of the start of Royko’s column), the Chicago Brewseum, Newberry Library, and Pocket Guide to Hell are coming together to re-stage the beer taste test. Sort of.

Our modern interpretation of the Great Mike Royko Beer Test brings together 22 Chicagoans in beer and beyond to taste and rate 11 lagers, local and national, to determine which is best and how far the industry has come in 50 years.  And this time, you, the public, gets to join in the experience, with the chance to select a “people’s choice” beer and win some prizes.

But wait, there’s more!  Our special time at the Old Town Ale House (one of Royko’s regular haunts) also includes readings of some of Royko’s alcohol related articles, light bar snacks, and buttons courtesy of Busy Beaver Button Company.

$7.50 ticket fee includes all the things, access to the Ale House when it’s not normally open, a commemorative button, and a darn good time. Beers on you at this cash only wonder of a bar!

A limited number of event posters by designer Ethan D'Ercole will be available for $10.

SPECIAL GUESTS + JUDGES INCLUDE:

Hope Arthur, Accordionist

Pat Berger, Kaiser Tiger

John Carruthers, Revolution Brewing + Crust Fund Pizza

Pat Doerr, Nisei Lounge

Paul Durica, Pocket Guide to Hell + Chicago History Museum

Liz Garibay, Chicago Brewseum

Bruce Elliott, Old Town Ale House

Gary Houston, Actor + journalist

Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune + WGN Radio

Javi Lopez, Casa Humilde Cerveceria

Jenny Pfafflin, Dovetail Brewery

Sam Royko, Mike Royko’s son

Bill Savage, Northwestern University + Chicago Brewseum

Andy Shaw, former President/CEO of Better Government Assn

Shana Solarte, Omega Yeast

Malaika Tyson, Cider Soms

Ben Ustick, Off Color Brewing

Stephen Walker, Actor

Chalonda White, Afro.Beer.Chick