Barrel-aged beers are the dope suits of the brewing world—looking good and ready for a party. Across the nation, brewery’s special releases and anniversary parties frequently involve something from a barrel, and bottle share parties are routinely marked by ice-filled buckets of barrel-aged whales. The Festival of Barrel Aged Beer (FoBAB) involves a sea of brewing alchemy; it’s the A-list party of brews. One will find special beer after special beer produced by some of the nation’s best breweries and barreling programs.

FoBAB  simultaneously pays homage to centuries-old Belgian and French techniques while also celebrating modern, American craft innovation attached to placing beer in spirits barrels. In the last few years, the festival has experienced rapid maturation, as well.

Fifteen years ago, FoBAB existed as Chicago’s unique little BBA party. Now, with some 200 breweries attending and beer geeks arriving from all parts of the country, it’s clear the festival has grown to become a national beer-geek celebration. The beer varieties are as diverse as ever, from Lacto and Brett brews to Bourbon and Gin infusion.

(More: Event Preview: 2017 FoBAB)

In short, FoBAB resembles beer fans’ interest in trying new, creative, experimental barrel-aged brews. Case in point, prior to the start of the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), a host of beer writers, bloggers and podcasters met for “Bangers & Smashed,” which was ostensibly a breakfast burrito and bottle share party. You want to guess how many bottles included the term “barrel” on the label? Let’s just say it was a fun way to start GABF.

Furthermore, speaking of this year’s GABF, an enthusiastic crowd surrounded the Avery and Odell booths as they blended two barrel-aged beers together (Effin Teamwork). It wasn’t just enough to get in line to taste the beer; one had to take pics, video and cheer loudly.

Yes, barrel-aged offerings have become the rock star beers of the brewing world, and FoBAB is its longest, biggest concert.

Here are a few of the headliners

The Rare Barrel likes to have fun with barrels.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZzM4LDg346/?taken-by=therarebarrel

Fremont has purchased a barrel or two recently.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BasWX1ajX-e/?taken-by=fremontbrewing

Surly. That’s all you need to say, really.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba4wKRnhmqB/?taken-by=surlybrewing

Sierra Nevada likes to party at FoBAB.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BM0D6RpAmlR/?tagged=fobab

Crooked Stave takes barreling seriously.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BasE9GRD1Li/?taken-by=crookedstave

New Holland likes oak…and gold, silver and bronze.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbC0_LYlRAi/?tagged=fobab

Pipeworks doesn’t ever miss a party.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba6q6UCFNrp/?taken-by=pipeworksbrewing

---

(More: Discussing Chicago’s Beer Culture & FoBAB with Werk Force Brewing)

 

The list goes on and on. Two hundred beers. All barreled. Fruited. Soured. Bourbon and Rum. I mean, have you seen the brewery list? We wrote about it recently.

If you can’t go this year, go next year. It’s where all the whales hang out.

Feature image courtesy of Festival of Barrel Aged Beer (FoBAB).

---

Can't visit the site everyday like us? Bummer! No worries, we've got you covered. Submit your email below to receive our monthlyish newsletter on reviews, tours, events and more!

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you're human: