[Mixers]
Events and noteworthy news
By Sam Ujvary
Drink Local
A couple weeks ago, I went to an event, Drink
Local Chicago. Hosted by Social
Power Hour, the event, self-explanatory, consisted of local
wineries, breweries and distilleries coming together for a massive
tasting for the public. How brilliant, promoting the companies that
don't have a massive marketing budget and may not be a household
name. These are handcrafted products getting their name (and product)
out there, and encouraging local citizens to become more a part of
their community, all while enjoying a local wine, new beer or small
batch whiskey. In such a populated city with endless options, it's
really nice to go to a place where I can see which companies are
growing, brewing and distilling around me, and it's even better to
get to know those doing the growing, brewing and distilling. Much
like this Made in the U.S. and buying local trend Americans have been
embracing lately, it's nice that the craft industry is running with
the idea as well.
Some of the notable companies, Potosi Brewing,
Next Star Vodka, Carson's Brewery and Widmer Brothers Brewing joined
other well-known players in the beer and spirits game like Rogue and
Koval.
The one-day showcase of all things Chicago brought together local
vendors in an intimate setting. Hopefully, by this time next year,
more Chicagoans will learn of this event, and more local companies
will want to partake in giving us a proper education of what goes on
around us in the wine, beer and spirits world.
Chicago, here's to you.