
The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, may be known for its Nobel Prize winners, Big Ten Athletics, and an underground library. But it’s also become a hotbed for craft beer. Orange & Brew Bottle Shop and Tap Room will feature this new acclaim by hosting a unique lineup of brewers during “The Brewing Illini”. The event, held from Noon – 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2019, will raise funds for the Illini Media Company, the independent student-run organization that serves as a training ground for students interested in all aspects of media operations.
This fundraiser will feature a lineup of breweries that have never been featured together before. Each of the breweries are either located in Champaign County, or feature Illini graduates as brewers. The Blind Pig, Triptych, Destihl, and 25 O’Clock will be representing “local” brewers to Champaign, while Hop Butcher for the World, Afterthought, Hopewell, and fellow Downers Grove business Alter Brewing are Chicago-area participating breweries.
As students, Orange & Brew owners Eric & Carrie Schmidt met in the University’s journalism program, and both worked for Illini Media. Because of this connection, they’re donating a portion of proceeds from this event to this organization.
In addition to providing amazing beer, each brewery is donating items for raffles and giveaways. Attendees will receive free items, such as stickers, koozies, or other brewery “swag”, and they’ll also have chances to win t-shirts, hats, and poster prints. Orange & Brew will also provide gift cards and other items for raffles. And while Illini Media has a distinct “Illini flair” with students who’ve worked at WPGU Radio, the Daily Illini, or the Illio Yearbook, everyone is welcome to find out what the Illini are brewing!