Marz Community Brewing In McKinley Park Celebrates 10th Anniversary
The Buddy System
To fully grasp what Marz is about, you first need to understand The Buddy System, a network of nonprofit endeavors and manufacturing projects the brewery is part of.
“The goal of The Buddy System is to create spaces and business where people can meet and hang out as well as help others through our platforms to have opportunities to present their artwork, pop up for a food concept or any number of things,” said Ed Marszewski, founder of Marz. “In general, it’s about helping the cultural ecology of Chicago at large.”
Move To McKinley Park
In 2018, Marz moved into its current, much larger facility in McKinley Park’s Central Manufacturing District. Over the years, Marz has produced some 482 beers, including 50 core and seasonal beers. Hazy IPAs and sour beers have become their specialties.
Marz has also become known for pushing the boundaries of ingredients used in beer. Jungle Boogie, Marz’s flagship wheat ale, was one of the first beers to incorporate tea. Additionally, Marz invented a yeast strain to create a kettle sour beer at room temperature, which was unheard of at the time, said Marszewski. Propagated at a yeast lab, it’s now sold all over the world.
Liquid Dreams Fest
The party seems like an appropriate way to celebrate a momentous decade in the Chicago beer business.
“Honestly, I keep asking myself, how the f-ck did this happen,” said Marszewski when asked if this is where he thought Marz Brewery would be today. “I think it was just working at Maria’s and that excitement and community drove us to take risks. I’ve been a successful failure my whole life and worked on so many projects. Sometimes they work and sometimes they fade out. Anything is possible.”
You can find more information about the party and tickets here. Tickets start at $15 and include a tasting glass and token to try out Marz and guest beers. A VIP ticket option is available for $45.
Conclusion
The celebration will feature not only beer from Marz, but also the breweries that inspired it, including Half Acre, Pipeworks and Revolution. And members of the Buddy System will also be there, selling locally made Chicago art and music.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What time does the party start?
4 p.m. on Saturday
* What’s included with the ticket price?
A tasting glass and token to try out Marz and guest beers
* Is there a VIP option available?
Yes, VIP tickets are available for $45
* When can I visit the brewery?
The Marz brewery and taproom is open 4-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-midnight Fridays, noon-midnight Saturdays and noon-8 p.m. Sundays.
