THE FESTIVAL OF WOOD AND BARREL-AGED BEER
For more than 20 years, FoBAB has convened the nation’s top barrel-aged brewing programs—brewers who have perfected the balance of art and science, of wood and bourbon, of timing and technique—for a showcase of brewing craftsmanship and innovation that only happens here.
A NATIONAL STAGE FOR BARREL-AGED BREWING EXCELLENCE IN THE HEART OF CHICAGO.
NOV. 22 + 23 | CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA
525 S. Racine Ave. | Chicago, IL 60607
NOVEMBER
22 + 23
Experience 350+ expertly crafted beers, ciders, meads, and perries across 13 unique style categories—all of which are thoughtfully hand-crafted and aged in contact with wood or wood barrels, and many of which are brewed exclusively for the festival.
THE LIGHTER SIDE
Explore TWO unique spaces offering a reprieve from the traditional higher ABV samples poured at FoBAB. The second-floor Lager Lounge is packed with lagers from dozens of local breweries, while Revolution Brewery's Super-Zero Lounge will satisfy those seeking a hop-forward NA option.
TASTE OF BARDSTOWN
Our friends at Bardstown Bourbon Company will be offering pours of three unique bourbon blends straight from their award-winning Kentucky distillery.
VIP RAFFLE EXPERIENCE
NEW raffles will give a handful of lucky winners a chance to SKIP THE LINE or be named the ULTIMATE FOBAB VIP.
Five (5) winners each session (plus a friend) will be randomly selected to win a special badge to skip the line for pours throughout the festival (just no back-to-back visits). One (1) grand prize winner each session (and a friend) will get the VIP treatment, including one-hour early entry to the festival, a skip-the-line badge, and access to our Brewers and Sponsors Lounges, stocked with beer and catered food!
FAN FAVORITE AWARD
Step into the judging seat by participating in our all-new “Fan Favorite” award! To nominate a beer for “Fan Favorite,” share a photo of your favorite pour (include the brewery and name of the beer) on Instagram or X (tag @FoBAB and use #FoBABFanFav so we can find you). Nominations will be open through 2:00 p.m. during Session 2, and the Fan Favorite Award will be announced at the end of the FoBAB Award ceremony.
THE COMPETITION
Each year, barrel-aging brewing masters from coast to coast submit their original wood and barrel-aged beer, cider, mead and perry for judging. A panel of expert judges and industry stewards evaluate all FoBAB entries, awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals as well as ‘Best in Show’ honors across 13 unique style categories.
The award ceremony will be hosted during Session #2 and livestreamed here, on the FoBAB Facebook page and the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s YouTube channel. The results will be published in the FOBAB HALL OF FAME.
THE CATEGORIES
Prep your tastebuds for a one-of-a-kind barrel-aged beer experience. CLICK on a category* to learn more about that style.
*Categories subject to change
VIDEOS
SPONSORS
