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Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom raises funds for cancer research

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is partnering with No-Shave November to raise awareness and funds to support cancer prevention, research and education.

October 29, 2015

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is partnering with No-Shave November to raise awareness and funds to support cancer prevention, research and education. With its next Explorer Series kicking off Nov. 11, Old Chicago has joined forces with Rogue Ales to offer featured selections throughout the series, which includes Rogue’s Beard Beer, the official drink of No-Shave November, according to a company press release. Beard beer is brewed with yeast created from brew master John Maier’s beard. Throughout November, participating locations will donate 50 cents of every glass of Beard Beer ordered to No-Shave November.

Old Chicago and Rogue have worked together to create a "collision" beer for the series, the Rogue Old Chicago Dopplebock. This beer is all about the malt, paired with just enough hops to balance out some of the sweetness, the release stated. Large amounts of imported German pilsner and Munich malt give the brew a strong backbone, and a touch of roasted malts give off notes of caramel, toffee and chocolate that make it deep dark red to brown in color.

"We’ve been working toward a partnership with Rogue ever since we launched the Explorer Series last year, and it all came together at such a perfect time," said Jason Murphy, Old Chicago’s brand manager. "We had the opportunity to travel to Portland and work with Rogue brewers to create the collaboration beer for the series, the Rogue Old Chicago Dopplebock. Rogue’s involvement with No-Shave November also opened the door for us to solidify a partnership with the organization, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to support such a great cause throughout the month of November while also offering our guests a new craft beers."

Old Chicago will also sell design-your-own beard or mustache icons for $1, $5 and $10 donations, where guests can design and name their facial hair creation and hang it on the wall at their local Old Chicago, the release stated. To honor the release of the Explorer Series collaboration Dopplebock, participating locations will hold the Mustache Olympics on Nov. 11. For an entry fee of $25 going to No-Shave November, guests will partake in a series of events at the restaurant, where they will be scored and judged based on their performance in the competition.

In addition to the Dopplebock and Beard Beer, the following selections will be featured in Old Chicago’s Explorer Series starting Nov. 11:

• 7 Hop IPA — this IPA is made with seven blended varieties of Rogue’s aroma hops.
• Fresh Roast — made with Rogue’s barley roasted at the brewery, the barley is taken directly out of the roasters and to the brew kettle to create a unique and different taste.
• Double Chocolate Stout — the mellow flavor of oats and chocolate are balanced with the right amount of hops for a bitter-sweet finish.

Guests who try the Rogue selections may take home a commemorative pint glass for $2.

Old Chicago operates in 22 states with 100 restaurants.