Chicago Craft Beer Week Brewing for Year Two

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Apr 29, 2011 6:40PM

Last year, the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild's Chicago Craft Beer Week was able to capitalize on the publicity brought to brewing from having the Craft Brewers Conference in town and the buzz surrounding the growing number of craft breweries opening in town. Since Craft Brewers Conference, Haymarket Brewery & Pub and Finch's Beer Co. have opened, New Chicago Brewing Co. on the South Side is targeting a 2012 launch, Pipeworks Brewing is close to finding a home for its brewing operations, and 4 Paws Brewing is just starting to get the word out about its beer.

This year's version of Chicago Craft Beer Week (May 19-27) hopes to showcase that growth, as well as some rare beers s=from some of Our Town's breweries. the centerpiece of Craft Beer Week is a $10 passport that grants holders access to featured events throughout the nine days the event runs. there will be beer specials at participating venues, beer walks sponsored by the Chicago History Museum, and the chance for passport holders to earn prizes the more they use it.

The Chicago Craft Beer Week Passports will be available for purchase starting May 10 at all participating venues and restaurants, the Chicago History Museum, the UPS Store: North Center, or by purchasing them online.