New Exciting Brewing News

Even though I just heard about a new brewery going in off Ravenswood in the Lincoln Square/Northcenter area, I get wind of another new brewery opening in Motor Row. This is the same place that some people have called to make a music destination with hotels and clubs. Broad Shoulders Brewing looks to be coming this summer. I am for one excited about this because I love the south loop area and it's great to see some of these types of places filter down from the north side. The brewery will be using an existing building, which helps to preserve the local character of the area and Chicago. It'll also be playing up to the convention crowd. This should give tourists a better idea of the unique style that Chicago has to offer. It looks like Broad Shoulders will specialize in lagers, but have one-offs for probably more creative outlets.

It's the end of January in 2012 and the Winter Brew Festival at DANKhaus is sold out. Yep. Have to go to Craigslist to get tickets. With festivals like this selling out, it shows that there still isn't enough supply to meet demand for craft beer in Chicago. If you can't get into this, check out this list of upcoming beer events (I'm angling to get to the Night of Living Ales).

Just to note: sales of macro swill beer continue to decline. Perhaps the American pallet is waking up.