Summit Brewing collaborates with Old Chicago to create new beer

Summit Brewing is working with Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom on a brand new brew. The beer is called Cracking Wit and it will be available starting May 20 as part of the restaurant’s continuing Explorer Series of exclusive, limited-edition craft brews.

Old Chicago’s craft beer experts visited Summit Brewery to assist in the brewing process of Cracking Wit, a Witbier that combines traditional elements of Belgian White Ale with a new U.S. hop variety and a unique strain of yeast. Fresh ground coriander and lemon peel contribute a distinctive spicy and citrusy aroma, with fruity esters from the yeast enhancing complexity. Single hopping with Equinox, a new U.S. hop variety, provides strong notes of tangerine and papaya. Cracking Wit is exclusively available at Old Chicago locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Arkansas, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri and Nebraska.

“The Cracking Wit project really allowed us to take our great partnership with Old Chicago to another level,” said Damian McConn, head brewer at Summit. “Having Old Chicago assist with design of the brand, raw materials selection, and actual brew-house operations brought an extra degree of creativity and excitement to the final beer. This was truly a great collaboration and a tremendous amount of fun.”

As an added perk, guests who try the Summit selections will be able to take home their own Summit and Old Chicago collaboration pint glass for just two dollars.