American Craft Beer Week coming to Chicago

American Craft Beer Week coming to Chicago

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Thirsty? Next week there are no excuses, especially at Small Bar (photo by Steve Dolinsky)

On the heels of the Craft Brewing Conference last month, comes “American Craft Beer Week,” just in case one weekend wasn’t enough for you. Beginning next Monday, and running until May 23, dozens of local brewpubs, bars and restaurants will be celebrating hand-crafted beer by hosting a number of special dinners and tasting events.

I spoke with Fritz Maytag, the Godfather of American craft brewing about how far the American craft beer movement has come. His Anchor Steam label is still going strong, despite the fact Maytag recently sold the company. The Louis Glunz Beer Company is a huge beer distributor in the area, and I had a chance to go check out their warehouse in Lincolnwood, where they carry more than 800 labels. I also spoke with the guys behind Small Bar, which has three locations in the city and a dedicated commitment to the craft beer movement. If you want to see more on my visits, just check out the video here after 11:30 a.m. today.