Subscribers to our weekly beer news email recently joined us on a quick look back at a Beer Under Glass from a few years ago, mostly because we were feeling a bit bummed about missing out on another year of gathering at the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Good news came today, though: The below press release from the ICBG gives us new hope that Beer Under Glass’s absence will end next year. In addition to the release, we asked a couple questions about BUG and FoBAB, and whether or not planning had started for either. The response from a guild representative is as follows:
“The Guild is looking at ways to safely and responsibly host both Beer Under Glass and FoBAB in some form this year, but no definitive decisions have been made as of yet. “
So, that’s not a “no.” Good enough for me.
Illinois Craft Beer Week 2021 is on its way. Even though it looks a little different this year, it’s a heck of a lot better than not having one at all. And yes, we do celebrate beer every week around here, but we all have some acquaintances who aren’t quite as into this stuff as we all are, so maybe we can all help bring someone new into the fold with the following programs:
PRESS RELEASE:
Illinois Craft Beer Week Returns May 14-21, Kicks Off with All-New PassportPlus Challenge
ICBW returns after 2020 cancelation to honor the people who kept Illinois beer flowing over the past year, encourage COVID-19 vaccinations to help industry move toward full reopening
CHICAGO, Ill., May 7, 2021– The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, the nonprofit trade association representing nearly 300 small and independent craft breweries in Illinois, today announced the return of Illinois Craft Beer Week (ICBW) and the launch of PassportPlus, an initiative to encourage continued patronage for Illinois breweries as they recover from the pandemic.
Hosted annually in May, Illinois Craft Beer Week traditionally is anchored by hundreds of events and large festivals. In 2020, ICBW was canceled at the height of the pandemic that would go on to upend nearly every aspect of operations for small and independent breweries.
Due to continued restrictions, the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild is not planning any in-person events. Instead, the Guild will host a week of action to help spur recovery in local breweries and to honor the staff, owners and operators of Illinois breweries and taprooms who masked up every day and served customers with patience and kindness.
“This has been an incredibly difficult year for our craft beer community,” said Danielle D’Alessandro, executive director for the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. “But through all the challenges, we’ve been inspired by the commitment of our brewers and staff in the face of enormous disruptions and challenges. Illinois Craft Beer Week is the perfect opportunity to show them our gratitude and to double down on our support for our local breweries.”
The ICBW week of action includes:
- PAY IT FORWARD
In recognition of craft beer staff, owners and operators who have given so much this year, brewery fans and patrons are encouraged to show their appreciation throughout the week. Leave an extra tip. Try a new Illinois beer. Buy a four-pack for a friend. Post a positive review. Each act of kindness makes a difference for Illinois breweries and their teams.
- A SHOT + A BEER
Help Illinois move closer to full reopening (and avoid any further restrictions) by getting a COVID-19 vaccine! During ICBW, craft beer fans who snap a photo of their vaccination record with an Illinois beer and post to social with #ShotAndBeerIL will be entered to win two tickets to our next ticketed event. Two winners will be announced at the culmination of ICBW.
- DAY OF ACTION: THE BEER ACT
Illinois craft breweries are fighting for a bill in Springfield that would make craft beer delivery permanent and enable breweries to ship directly to consumers. On Wednesday May 19, all supporters are encouraged to reach out to their local representatives and ask them to pass The BEER Act. Sending an email takes just one minute.
- SMALL BREWERY SUNDAY
During Illinois Craft Beer Week (and every week), we’re challenging consumers to skip the beer section at the grocery store and opt to pick up from a small brewery instead. Direct orders via taproom pickup or delivery are more profitable and valuable to breweries and help protect local jobs.
- PASSPORT PLUS
Illinois craft breweries are taking the Summer Passport to a new level with PassportPlus, rewarding craft beer drinkers for choosing Illinois beer at home PLUS in the taproom. More details on the PassportPlus program are below.
PassportPlus Program
Starting May 14, craft beer fans who purchase Illinois beer from one of 135+ participating locations receive a Passport Frame with their orders, (while supplies last). Using the frame, participants are encouraged to show off how they Drink Illinois, snapping photos of their Illinois beer in craft-friendly places such as a taproom patio or outdoor barbecue.
Framed photos posted to social media that tag the brewery and include #ILPassportPlus will be entered into a weekly drawing for a $25 gift card to the participating brewery of choice.
PassportPlus runs Friday May 14 through Thursday June 10. The weekly contest opens each Friday at 12:00 a.m. CT and closes Thursdays at 11:59 p.m. CT. Winners are announced every Friday.
For more information and ideas for celebrating Illinois Craft Beer Week, please visit www.illinoisbeer.org.
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About the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild
The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild (ICBG) is the nonprofit trade association supporting the development and expansion of the craft beer industry in Illinois. Founded in 1997, ICBG focuses its efforts on member and consumer education, legislative and regulatory advocacy, and the promotion of its member craft breweries. Learn more at www.illinoisbeer.org and follow along on Facebook (Illinois Craft Brewers Guild), Twitter (@IllinoisBeer), and Instagram (ILCraftBeer).