FoBAB – Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer

Celebration of Craftsmanship

2024

November 22 – November 23

Recognized as the most distinguished barrel-aged beer festival and competition in North America, FoBAB is a celebration of the craftsmanship and innovation that transforms beer, cider, mead, and perry through the aging process in wood and spirit barrels.

Art and Science of Barrel-Aging

Organized by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, this annual event convenes the country’s leading barrel-aging programs and breweries, showcasing the balance of art and science that goes into creating these complex beverages. The brewers who participate have mastered the delicate interplay between wood, bourbon, time, and technique, resulting in deeply layered flavors that are highly sought after by beer aficionados.

At FoBAB, guests have the rare opportunity to sample from hundreds of craft breweries, each offering their unique take on the barrel-aging process. Whether it’s beer aged in whiskey barrels, mead infused with the subtle notes of rum barrels, or cider aged in oak, the festival is a sensory journey through a vast array of rich and complex flavors. From the rich, roasted notes of a bourbon barrel-aged stout to the crisp, tannin-laced finish of an apple cider aged in oak, attendees can explore the diverse spectrum of wood and spirit-aged brews.

The festival is not only a celebration of craftsmanship but also a fierce competition. Breweries compete for recognition and prestigious awards, with brewers and judges alike taking pride in winning hardware and earning bragging rights. The competition is judged by industry experts who evaluate each entry for creativity, execution, and the ability to enhance the beer’s core characteristics through the barrel-aging process.

FoBAB has grown into a must-attend event for beer lovers around the nation, offering a rare chance to engage directly with the brewers, learn more about the barrel-aging process, and witness firsthand how this ancient technique continues to push the boundaries of modern craft brewing. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of barrel-aged brews, the festival offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the rich complexity, innovation, and passion behind every pour.

For anyone who appreciates the fusion of creativity, tradition, and experimentation in craft beverages, the Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer is an unmissable event, where the finest barrel-aged beer, cider, mead, and perry converge under one roof, making it the ultimate destination for lovers of wood-aged excellence.