Hailstorm Brewing head brewer removed after sexual assault allegations | Eater Chicago

"After social-media allegations that a co-owner and head brewer sexually assaulted a woman at a Madison beer festival last summer, the Tinley Park-based brewery's owners announced the individual was immediately removed as an owner, investor, and employee. In their public statement, owners Ashley Thompson and Chris Schiller said the person admitted the conduct, acknowledging heavy drinking and describing the episode as “basically assault,” and later expressed shame in the same online thread. The business said it will hire an outside firm to investigate his behavior during his employment; he had started as an assistant brewer, was promoted to head brewer in 2020 and was named a co-owner in February. One of five owners, the operation is known for barrel-aged Vlad Russian imperial stouts and other beers. The situation was first reported by a beer-industry outlet after allegations surfaced in a private craft-beer Facebook group." - Aimee Levitt