I am finally getting out to Beer Under Glass, so look for me, even if only to avoid me. Moving it to Union Station while the Garfield Park Conservatory is being renovated has solved the eternal question of “How do you think you’re going to get home?” This time, I can just hop on and off the train! It should be noted that the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild will be focusing on a few select fundraiders and promotions for Illinois Craft Beer Week. Details are at the link I just dropped in. This includes a Passport promotion: pick up a Passport photo frame at a participating brewer, then post your photo in the frame with the tag #ILPassportPlus for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate. Meanwhile I still have to plus events into this article, so tune in again later!

in less cheery news, the beer community has learned that Jonathan Cutler, founding brewer at Piece Pizzeria and Brewery for 19 years, has died. Jonathan put Piece on the map as one of the country’s best brewpubs and gathered 29 medals at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup. Condolences can be shared at Piece’s Facebook post.

This Friday will see the release of Goose island’s Barrel House Collection of NFT’s, the latest internet “thing.” There are 2,022 tokens commemorating Bourbon County Stout’s 30th Anniversary and its entry into web3. “Each Barrel House Collection NFT features designs inspired by the brewing process of the coveted Bourbon County Stout beers,” according to the news release. It should be noted that a portion of the proceeds will benefit Erie Neighborhood House, a social services nonprofit that provides support, programming and resources for immigrant and low-income families in Chicago. Each randomly generated NFT costs $499, and includes access to special events and souvenirs, including a possible guaranteed chance for Prop Day tickets. The NFT’s launch Friday at 3 pm Central at www.gooseisland.com/nft.

If that’s a little rich for your blood, you can check out Topps’ new Garbage Pail Kids: Taste Buds Series. The specialty set, available for one month, features 20 cards in the images of brewers from across the country. Half-Acre founder Gabriel Magliaro represents Chicago. There are 20 cards in the series, but a single pack of 10 card plus sticker is $19.95 at Topps.com.

Sunday, May 15