A Landmark Move in the Beer Education World
The oldest beer brewing school in the Americas, based in Chicago, has announced a major strategic shift: relocation to Montreal. Citing evolving regulatory changes in the United States and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing craft beer landscape, the school says its new home in Canada will better serve students and industry partners while preserving the long tradition of excellence that has defined its curriculum for generations.
Why Montreal? A City with Brewing Tradition and Modern Accessibility
Montreal’s vibrant brewing scene, with a strong blend of traditional methods and modern experimentation, provides an ideal backdrop for a premier brewing education institution. The city’s established craft brewery network, supportive local government programs, and access to a diverse talent pool align with the school’s mission to train the next generation of brewers, sensory analysts, and quality-control specialists. In addition, Canada’s regulatory environment, though stringent, offers a consistent framework that enables curricula to focus on science, safety, and innovation without the same degree of patchwork compliance often seen in some U.S. jurisdictions.
Educational Continuity and Global Opportunities
Administrators emphasize that the relocation will maintain the school’s high standards while expanding its international footprint. The program has long attracted students from across North America and beyond, and Montreal will serve as a more accessible hub for global applicants. The curriculum combines foundational brewing science, malting and fermentation theory, sensory analysis, quality assurance, and hands-on production. Students will benefit from state-of-the-art pilot systems, apprenticeship channels with nearby breweries, and exchange options with partner institutions in Europe and North America.
Regulatory Shifts Driving the Move
Officials familiar with the decision say regulatory changes in the United States—spanning labeling, distribution, and compliance requirements—pose increasing complexity for educational institutions that also function as training grounds for professionals who will work in a highly regulated industry. While the school does not comment on specific policy proposals, it notes that navigating a evolving compliance landscape adds layers of administrative overhead and risk that can distract from core educational aims. By relocating, the institution aims to cut unnecessary red tape, streamline operations, and devote more time to teaching, research, and practical application in a controlled environment.
What This Means for Chicago
Chicago, once home to the oldest brewing school, will still retain a prominent place in the city’s brewing history. Alumni, local industry partners, and aspiring brewers will watch closely as the program transitions. Advocates say the move could spur renewed investment in Chicago’s own craft beer scene, while the loss of a premier educational institution could be felt across the local supply chain, from maltsters to equipment suppliers. City leaders, trade associations, and the school’s former faculty are expected to weigh in with commentaries on how Chicago can continue to attract talent in a competitive global market.
Impact on Students and Industry Partnerships
For prospective students, the relocation signals both opportunity and a potential shift in application timelines, campus visits, and scholarship availability. The school has pledged to minimize disruption, offering hybrid learning options, extended timelines for final internships, and additional scholarships to ease geographic barriers. Industry partners in Montreal and across North America anticipate stronger collaboration in research and product development, benefiting startups and established breweries alike who rely on advanced training in quality control, process optimization, and sensory science.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Beer Education
This relocation is framed as a natural evolution for an institution rooted in tradition yet driven by innovation. As the brewing industry continues to grapple with regulatory complexity and a demand for highly skilled practitioners, a move to Montreal could become a model for how specialized schools adapt to changing policy environments while continuing to deliver world-class education, foster cross-border partnerships, and cultivate the next wave of brewing leadership.
With the launch planned for the upcoming academic year, students, faculty, and industry stakeholders are watching closely to see how the historic Chicago-based program translates to a thriving Canadian campus while maintaining its cherished legacy.
