A renowned beer brewing institution based in Chicago, recognized as the oldest in the Americas, is shifting its operations to Montreal due to regulatory alterations in the United States. This move has garnered significant local attention. Brasserie Boswell’s head brewer, Julien Savoie, highlighted the Siebel Institute’s prestigious status within the industry for offering exclusive brewing classes in North America.
Established in 1868, the Siebel Institute of Technology will make its move to a new location on Ste-Catherine Street East in January. The school, which did not respond to interview requests, mentioned in a social media statement that the relocation is a strategic decision. The statement explained that recent regulatory modifications in the U.S. have made it increasingly difficult for international students, who now form a majority of the student body, to attend in-person classes.
John Hannafan, the general manager of the Siebel Institute, stated that the relocation enables the school to uphold its educational standards while enhancing accessibility for international students. The Trump administration’s actions earlier this year, including funding cuts to academic research, visa restrictions for foreign students—especially from China—and heightened taxes on esteemed educational institutions, have influenced this decision.
Antoine Chagnon, CEO of Lallemand Inc., the owner of the Siebel Institute since 2000, plans to introduce a baking academy alongside the brewing school. The move has been viewed as a loss to Chicago’s beer community, with individuals like Liz Garibay from the Beer Culture Center expressing mixed sentiments about the development.
The craft beer industry in Quebec has witnessed significant growth, contributing to the economies of rural regions where over 200 breweries are currently operational. The Association des Brasseurs du Québec estimates that beer constitutes 0.4% of the province’s GDP, generating annual economic benefits of $3 billion.
Marie-Eve Myrand, head of the association, believes that the arrival of the Siebel Institute will bolster Quebec’s beer sector. Despite challenges such as inflation and budget constraints affecting craft beer sales, the institute’s presence is expected to bring fresh expertise to Quebec’s brewing practices and elevate the region’s reputation in the industry.
Julien Savoie anticipates that the school’s presence will enhance technical knowledge in the province, emphasizing the precision required in brewing. He expressed optimism that Quebec’s growing recognition in the global beer market will receive a further boost through this development, acknowledging the province’s position as a hub for exceptional brewers.