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The Siebel Institute of Technology, established in Chicago in 1868 by German chemist John Ewald Siebel, stands as the oldest and one of the most prestigious brewing education institutions in the Americas. With a history spanning over 150 years, its influence is global, boasting alumni in more than 60 countries who are integral to breweries of all sizes, from multinational corporations to local craft producers.
At the core of its modern curriculum is the World Brewing Academy (WBA), a strategic alliance with the Doemens Academy of Munich, Germany. This partnership offers students a unique international brewing education that blends theory and practice. The program typically begins at the Siebel campus in Chicago, where students build a strong theoretical foundation, before moving to Munich to gain hands-on experience and apply their knowledge in a different brewing environment.
The institute has also expanded its educational footprint through international collaborations. In 2016, Siebel partnered with Durham College in Ontario, delivering its famed brewing courses in Canada for the first time through an officially approved post-secondary institution. This arrangement allowed Canadian brewers to access Siebel's renowned curriculum without traveling to Chicago, demonstrating the institute's commitment to making its programs more accessible globally.
In early 2020, the institute modernized its home base. Contrary to speculation about a move away from its historic roots, the institute relocated to a modern facility within Chicago, moving to the city's Westloop/Greektown area. This new campus in a landmark building was designed to blend the school's rich heritage with contemporary educational needs. Through these evolutions, the Siebel Institute continues to be a pivotal force, shaping the science and art of brewing for a diverse, worldwide community of aspiring and professional brewers.
