Wait staff was passing out hors d’ouuvres at the jam packed opening reception of the Craft Brewers Conference last night, yet these beer folks formed quite a line for cheese. Among the ancient elephants, and the world’s most complete T-Rex fossil, more than a dozen Illinois brewing companies, ranging in age from more than 20 years to less than two months, were pouring their flagships and their conference specials. Great way to kick off the conference!

Made it to Goose Island afterward where about four or five special beers were on tap. Sample Belgian IPA and the Maple Bacon Stout. Really enjoyed an imp. pint of Standard Ordinary Bitter, at 3.5%.