Chicago knows rivalries—just ask any Bears fan about New York style pizza. And if things ever get out of hand, we usually settle it over a beer. But what if beer is the rivalry? Two German cities have been trading jabs over beer for centuries. In Cologne, the southernmost city along the Rhine River, the pale, fragrant kölsch prevails. But it’s the rich copper altbier that reigns supreme in Düsseldorf the city on the north side of that same river.
Enough beer has been spilt over this feud already. Let’s try settle it once and for all, Chicago style. Gather with us at Metropolitan Brewing and pledge your allegiance to Team Alt or Team Kölsch!
Representing Team Alt/Düsseldorf/the north side will be Metropolitan Brewing with their delicious Ironworks Alt. Representing Team Kölsch/Cologne/the south side will be Blue Island Beer Company with their tasty 5 Bridges Kölsch.
Arrive and grab a pour of your team’s beer (naturally). Have a seat and sit back while Dr. Monica Felix, formerly of the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center offers a quick history primer on the Cologne-Düsseldorf rivalry. Head brewers Doug Hurst of Metropolitan Brewing and Bryan Shimkos of Blue Island Beer Company then provide a rundown on kölsch and altbier styles.
Then, alongside our very own Chicago River, the battle begins. Our advocates for Team Alt and Team Kölsch will argue it out. The interactive debate includes you and the Alt and Kölsch representatives will be counting on your vocal support, so don’t let them down. And, hey, you’ll even get another pour of the other beer just to make sure you’re informed in the best way possible.
$20 Ticket price includes a quarter liter of alt, a quarter liter of kölsch and a whole lot of fun and history!
Special thanks to actors H.B. Ward and Stephen Walker for representing Team Alt and Team Kölsch for the great debate!