Beer ‘summit’ coming to Chicago

With 180 or so breweries in the city and suburbs, it makes sense that a first-of-its kind “Beer Culture Summit” should take place in Chicago, organizer Liz Garibay said.

“We are definitely an amazing place to drink beer right now,” said Garibay, who runs the non-profit Brewseum, which is in the planning stages of building a 30,000 square foot facility in the city to celebrate all things beer.

In the meantime, Garibay has been planning the summit, which starts Thursday evening and continues through Sunday, with events at locations across the city.

“The point is to bring people together and have conversations,” she said. “So there is going to be a serious aspect to it, but there’s definitely also going to be a social infusion to it.”

Approximately two dozen presenters are expected to talk about the history of beer — both in the city and across the globe, stretching back to ancient Egypt. Discussions about women and beer, as well as the immigrant’s role in brewing are also expected to be topics of discussion.

And, of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to drink beer, whether you’re a Miller Lite kind of guy or you favor a craft beer with a hint of apricot.

“A lot of the time, beer education is sitting down and tasting different things and don’t be scared by the words, ‘craft beer,’ if you’re a Miller Lite guy,” Garibay said.

The summit’s events are taking place at the Chicago History Museum, the Field Museum, as well as at a number of breweries and restaurants. Prices range from $10 for Old Town taverns walking tour to $175 for dinner at the Girl & The Goat restaurant.

For more information, go to www.chicagobrewseum.org.