FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Alton, IL) Raise a pint to “Something in Common” during the Great Rivers & Routes Craft Beer Week which kicks off Saturday, Oct. 14 with the one-day Craft Beer Fest and then runs for seven days through Oct. 21.

The beer celebrations highlight five local craft breweries in southwest Illinois located in Hillsboro, Staunton, Alton and Collinsville. Meet the local brewers who have created a commemorative collaboration beer during Craft Beer Fest from Noon to 4 p.m. at Herald Square in Collinsville. There will be live music by Beth Bombara and local makers will also have booths showcasing their wares during the festival.

The festival will highlight the brewers collaboration beer, “Something in Common”, as well as other brews from each participating venue. Also on hand will be local coffee roasters. Tickets for the event can be purchased online in advance or at the door. Tickets are $30 per person for the full experience or $10 per person for the coffee experience/designated drivers. Tickets are available here: https://oldheraldbrewing.com/e...
Festival-goers will receive a commemorative glass and a Craft Beer Passport which, when stamped by three participating breweries during Craft Beer Week, can be redeemed for a free craft beer Tshirt.

“Craft beer is a big deal in southwest Illinois and for the last six years we have celebrated our local brewers with Craft Beer Week,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau said. “This year the brewers have created a new Craft Beer Week Collaboration Beer and there is a commemorative glass available showcasing all the different breweries. And it all comes together during the kick off Craft Brew Fest on Saturday where all the breweries can showcase their beer.”

Participating in Craft Beer Week and the Craft Brew Fest are Old Bakery Beer Company, Alton; Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, Collinsville; Opera House Brewing, Hillsboro; Red Rooster Brew Werks and Distillery, Hillsboro; and Mississippi Culture Oak Fermented Ales, Staunton.
Coffee roasters at Craft Beer Fest include Mina’s Espresso, Plaid Coffee, Verona Coffee and more.

“We are excited to highlight our local breweries and introduce you to local brewers,” Derik Reiser, of Old Herald Brewery & Distillery said.
Brewers have collaborated on a new beer they are calling “Something in Common”. This craft beer is a mashup of two historic American beer styles – the Kentucky Common and the California Common. It is brewed with Illinois-grown corn, malted barley and fermented with Lager yeast at Ale temperatures. The finished product is amber in color with a nutty, crisp and clean flavor profile alongside a light hop aroma.
The beer will be available only at the participating breweries during Great Rivers & Routes Craft Beer Week. Grab a pint and you’ll be able to keep a commemorative glass (while supplies last!).

-30-
(The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is a certified Destination Marketing Organization serving Madison, Jersey, Calhoun, Macoupin, Montgomery and Greene counties and East St. Louis in St. Clair County. The bureau is dedicated to educating visitors about the region by providing information regarding the area’s history, unique landmarks, recreational opportunities, leisure attractions, special events and scenic marvels.)