Hello readers, The craft beer movement is moving into McCormick Place. North America’s largest convention center is now also the first in the country to have its own branded beer using hops grown on the building’s rooftop. McCormick Place Everyday Ale made its debut at the Chicago Auto Show the weekend of Feb. 11 and 12. It’s described as a “refreshing Session Ale with a light malt backbone and hopped with Citra, Amarillo and Cascade hops.” The brew is an example of SAVOR…Chicago’s commitment to providing culinary excellence to the convention center since taking over operations in 2011. The catering, concessions and special events provider worked with Bourbonnais’ BrickStone Brewery to create the beer, which is unique in that it uses hops grown on-site at the rooftop above McCormick Place’s West Building. It’s available in both cans and on tap throughout the year in select McCormick Square and BrickStone locations.
“For many visitors coming to Chicago for a trade show, McCormick Place may be the spot where they spend most of their time. We want to introduce these visitors to the region’s many wonderful makers, brewers and bakers,” Doug Bradley, SAVOR…Chicago vice president of culinary, said in a released statement. “This local partnership is a great way for us to support the Illinois region and produce a flavorful, uniquely Chicago brew.”
Tommy Vasilakis, one of BrickStone’s founders and brewers, added, “From the start of this project, [which was] in talks last year, it was a great experience to work with SAVOR… to develop a product that best portrays BrickStone & McCormick Place as a team. From the beer development to the can design, we had a great time working together. We hope every guest gets a chance to try McCormick Place Every Day Ale and enjoys drinking it as much as we enjoyed brewing it.”
Happy Planning!
Selena Fragassi
Editor
Illinois Meetings + Events
