A renowned beer brewing institution in Chicago, recognized as the oldest in the Americas, is relocating to Montreal due to changes in U.S. regulations, garnering local interest. Julien Savoie, head brewer at Brasserie Boswell in Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, highlighted the Siebel Institute’s reputation in the industry for offering exclusive brewing classes in North America.
Established in 1868, the Siebel Institute of Technology will move to a new facility on Ste-Catherine Street East in January. The school, which did not grant an interview but issued a statement on social media, stated that recent U.S. regulatory alterations have made it more difficult for international students, who now comprise a majority of the student body, to attend in-person classes.
John Hannafan, the general manager of the Siebel Institute, emphasized that the relocation aims to maintain high educational standards while enhancing accessibility for international students. Earlier this year, the Trump administration implemented funding cuts for academic research, restricted visas for foreign students, particularly from China, and imposed higher taxes on prestigious educational institutions.
Antoine Chagnon, CEO of Lallemand Inc. and owner of the Siebel Institute since 2000, plans to introduce a baking academy alongside the brewing school. Although some in Chicago view the move as a loss for the local beer culture, with Liz Garibay from the Beer Culture Center expressing mixed feelings, the craft beer industry in Quebec has seen significant growth, with over 200 registered breweries boosting the province’s economy.
Marie-Eve Myrand, head of the Association des Brasseurs du Québec, stated that the arrival of the Siebel Institute will enhance Quebec’s beer landscape, potentially revitalizing craft beer sales amid economic challenges. Savoie envisions the school bringing advanced technical knowledge to Quebec, further elevating the province’s global beer reputation and industry recognition.
By relocating to Montreal, the Siebel Institute aims to secure its position as a leading educational institution in the brewing field, contributing to Quebec’s evolving craft beer scene and fostering industry growth and innovation.