A renowned beer brewing institution in Chicago, known as the oldest in the Americas, is relocating to Montreal due to changes in U.S. regulations. The move has garnered local attention in Montreal. Julien Savoie, the head brewer at Brasserie Boswell in Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, highlighted the Siebel Institute’s prestigious reputation within the industry for offering brewing classes, a rarity 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 institute, without providing an interview, stated on social media that the relocation is a strategic decision. The institute cited recent U.S. regulatory changes, making it more difficult for international students, who constitute the majority of the student body, to attend classes in person.
John Hannafan, the General Manager of the Siebel Institute, noted that the relocation enables the school to maintain educational standards and enhance accessibility for international students. Recent policy changes under the Trump administration, including cuts to academic research funding, visa restrictions for foreign students (particularly from China), and increased taxes on esteemed educational institutions, have impacted the educational landscape.
Antoine Chagnon, CEO of Lallemand Inc., who has owned the Siebel Institute since 2000, plans to establish a baking academy alongside the brewing school. The move has received mixed reactions in Chicago, with some expressing sorrow over the loss to the local beer community. Liz Garibay, from the Beer Culture Center in Chicago, acknowledged the business aspect of the decision, emphasizing the importance of student enrollment for sustainability.
Quebec’s craft beer industry has experienced significant growth, contributing to rural economies with over 200 registered breweries, approximately a quarter of which are in operation. The Association des Brasseurs du Québec estimates that beer contributes 0.4% to the province’s GDP, generating $3 billion in economic benefits annually.
Marie-Eve Myrand, the head of the association, believes that the arrival of the Siebel Institute will enhance Quebec’s beer sector. Despite challenges like inflation and budget constraints affecting craft beer sales, Myrand anticipates that the school’s presence will bring new expertise to Quebec’s brewing practices, elevating the region’s reputation in the industry.
Looking ahead, Savoie anticipates that the school’s technical knowledge will benefit Quebec’s brewing community, enhancing its global recognition. He sees the relocation as a testament to Quebec’s brewing excellence and anticipates positive growth for the industry.