A renowned beer brewing institution in Chicago, the oldest in the Americas, is relocating to Montreal due to changes in U.S. regulations, and this move is causing a stir in the local area. Julien Savoie, the head brewer at Brasserie Boswell in Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, mentioned that the Siebel Institute is well-known in the industry for offering brewing classes, a rarity in North America. Established in 1868, the Siebel Institute of Technology will move to a new location on Ste-Catherine Street East in January. The school did not grant an interview but explained on social media that the relocation is a strategic decision in light of recent U.S. regulatory modifications making it more difficult for international students, who now constitute the majority of the student body, to attend classes in person.
John Hannafan, the general manager of the Siebel Institute, stated that the move will enable the school to uphold 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—particularly from China—and higher taxes on prestigious educational institutions, have affected the academic landscape. Despite the challenges, the Siebel Institute’s owner, Antoine Chagnon, plans to establish a baking academy alongside the brewing school in Montreal.
Some individuals in Chicago view the relocation as a loss for the local beer community. Liz Garibay of the Beer Culture Center, a museum and research facility focused on the social, historical, and cultural aspects of beer, expressed mixed feelings about the move, acknowledging its impact on the industry’s future.
The craft beer sector in Quebec has been flourishing, with over 200 breweries, a quarter of which are situated in rural areas, contributing significantly to the province’s GDP. The arrival of the Siebel Institute is expected to elevate Quebec’s beer industry further, according to Marie-Eve Myrand, the head of the Association des Brasseurs du Québec. She believes that the school’s presence will introduce new expertise and enhance the reputation of Quebec’s craft beer.
Julien Savoie anticipates that the technical knowledge brought by the school will benefit Quebec’s brewing sector, elevating its global recognition. He emphasized the excellence of Quebec brewers and the positive impact the school’s relocation will have on the industry’s image.