Highwood's 1st Annual Craft Beer Fest

This Saturday, August 17th the North Shore will put on their first local craft beer festival in Highwood’s Everts Park from noon-5:30pm.

The festival will feature beer from over 30 breweries, including many of our Midwest local favorites. Downtown Highwood is easily accessible from Chicago, just half a block from the Highwood Metra Station. 

Breweries to include: Ale Syndicate, Allagash, Argus, Bell’s Brewery, Berghoff Beer, Boulevard Brewing Co., Capital, Cider Boys, Dogfish Head, Finch Beer, Firestone, Goose Island, Great Lakes, Half Acre, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Lake Bluff, Lake Front, Magic Hat, Metropolitan, Mickey Finn’s Brewing, New Belgium Brewing, New Holland, Oskar Blues Brewing, Potosi, Pyramid, Revolution Brewery, Rogue, Stone, Tall Grass, Two Brothers, Wild Onion Brewing.

Live music Featuring:

12:00 – 2:30 Pat Smilie Duo – Rhythm & Blues
3:00 – 5:30 - Los Perros Cubanos

Tickets:
General Admission 1:00 - 4:30pm, $40 advanced sales ($50 at the gate)

Tickets Includes: Souvenir glass, wristband, a brewer’s list card & map of event, bag of pretzels & String. You must be 21 years of age or older with a valid ID to enter the festival.

VIP 12:00 - 4:30pm, $55 advanced sales ($65 at the gate)
The VIP Experience Tickets guests will be allowed in one hour earlier than the general admission ticket holders. Take advantage of this great opportunity to taste reserve or signature beers from participating breweries and get a chance to meet the brewers & brewery representatives themselves! VIP Tickets Includes: Souvenir glass, wristband, a brewer’s list card & map of event, one bottle of water, bag of pretzels & String. You must be 21 years of age or older with a valid ID to enter the festival. Only a limited number of tickets will be sold.

TO BUY TICKETS CLICK HERE

About CraftBeerFests.com & Chicago Scene:
From Chicago's North Shore, Ted Widen launched Chicago-Scene.com in 1998 as one of the first social networking, events and entertainment sites in the country. Widen is known for his unparalleled event and production, producing such events as the Chicago Scene New Year’s Eve Party hosted at the Historic Drake Hotel. The event is attended by over 2,500 people annually since 2000. This success has sparked plans for 2013 to add The Chicago Hilton and Towers New Year’s Eve Party, with over 4,000 attendees to his portfolio. Accolades include: Chicago Scene Magazine Publication started in 2001; reaching Chicago's A-List young professional 21-39 year old market in the downtown area, The River North Craft Beer Pub Crawl this past May with 10 bars, 20 Craft Beers and over 2000 attendees, and this October he is producing the Windy City Craft Beer Festival at the Drake Hotel and many more Craft Beer events in the future.

Click for expanded map

Portland, Maine's THE Festival 2013

Written by Dave Leshinski

This past weekend I was lucky enough to attend THE Festival in Portland, ME. The two day brewfest was organized by The Shelton Brothers and Twelve Percent Imports, showcasing some of the most rare and sought after beers in the world, along with the master brewers themselves. 

Guests included (but not limited to) Brasserie Cantillon, De Ranke, Drie Fonteinen, Tilquin, De Struise, Mikkeller, and Westvleteren, incredible New England breweries Hill Farmstead, Allagash, Maine Beer Co, and Oxbow, as well as countless others. 

It was was an overwhelming but incredible experience, taking place in a classic New England, craft beer-centric city. Here’s a list of my top 12 beers from THE Festival (Not in order of awesomeness):

1. “Kriek” Drie Fonteinen (Belgium): Incredible Belgian sour. Dark pink color, intense funky nose, cherry flavor is “all up in your grill” yet balanced at the same time.

2. “The Green Dragon” Against The Grain (Kentucky, US): This was crazy intense yet smooth at 12.5% ABV. Classic, chewy barleywine with a boatload of New Zealand hops added to lend it a lemon creme finish. I came back to this table multiple times.

3. “Surette Riserva-Aged in Peach Whisky Barrels” Crooked Stave (Colorado, US): A farmhouse ale aged in peach whiskey barrels. Boom! Nuff’ Said.

4. “Flora” Hill Farmstead (Vermont, US): A wheat saison aged in wine barrels with local bacteria. This brewery can do no wrong in my opinion. Everything they make is a work of art and this brew is no exception. Light, floral, and tart. An excellent summer sipper.   

5. “El Cedro” Jester King (Texas, US): A farmhouse ale copiously hopped and aged in cedar with Brettanomyces. This was my first experience with Jester King and I was thoroughly impressed with their selection. All very creative and boundary breaking brews. El Cedro had a little bit of everything going on - barnyard funk, piney resinous hops and a distinct dry finish that can only be achieved from cedar aging. They also had a gin barrel aged nordic beer that was BIZARRE but very tasty!

6. “Pilot Pale Ale” Maine Beer Co. (Maine, US): A new pale ale brewed solely with Simcoe and Citra hops. Light, crisp malt bill, with a unique “juicy” tropical fruit finish. A-mazing. For you Chicagoans, it is very reminiscent of Half Acre’s “Taco Day”.

7. “Agamemnon” Omnipollo (Sweden): An imperial stout brewed with maple syrup. Smooth, creamy, maple-y goodness. Definitely one of the best maple beers I’ve had yet.

8. “Okie” Prairie Artisan Ales (Oklahoma, US): An imperial brown ale aged in bourbon barrels. Yikes...this was delicious, as was ALL of their offerings which is why it was so hard to pick the best. Okie was everything you’d want from the style and more. A robust, chocolate malt bomb with a smooth vanilla/toffee finish from the bourbon. GREAT beers from a GREAT new brewery.

9. “Mexican Cake” Westbrook Brewing Co. (South Carolina, US): An imperial stout brewed with cacao nibs, cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, and habanero peppers. I’ve had some chile pepper beers before but this definitely takes the cake (hehe). A velvety smooth mouthfeel that leads into dark chocolate and spices that swirl on the palate. I was worried about the habanero, but its subtle and complements all of the other flavors. Definitely something I would search for in the future.

10. “Trappist Westvleteren XII” Brouwerij Westvleteren (Belgium): Hands down, BEST belgian quad I have ever tried. Your taste buds are overwhelmed by layers, upon layers of dried figs, plums, and raisons, and for 10.2% abv, the finish is like silk. The part that blows my mind is that this table had no line the entire time! The volunteer actually looked bored. If this brew was easier to obtain I’d dedicate my life to it.

11. “Saison Framboise” Brasserie Trois Dames (Switzerland): A farmhouse ale brewed with raspberries. Very intense raspberry on the nose and on the palate, with a tart, funky finish. An extremely flavorful raspberry inspired brew. Trois Dames was the most underrated brewery at the festival. Their head brewer in attendance, Raphael Mettler, was so friendly and knowledgable it was hard not to stay and talk beer for the remainder of the afternoon.

12. “Ginger Libation” Green River Ambrosia Meadery (Massachusetts, US): Not really sure how to classify this meadery’s only “mead-less” offering. It’s basically a high gravity Kombucha, slightly sweetened with cane sugar, pineapple and citrus juice. It’s light, effervescent body gives way to a tart, fruity ginger-bomb. I could see how non-believers would misconstrue this as a girly drink, but at 9% abv I’d slap on a pink bikini and sip this all summer long.

Chicago Craft Beer Week

One week until the coveted "Chicago Craft Beer Week" kicks off, showcasing local craft beer from all of your favorite and 'yet to be discovered' favorite breweries from the Midwest and beyond. This 11 day celebration is brought to you by the hard working folks of the Illinois Craft Brewer's Guild, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the development and expansion of the local craft beer industry.

This year's schedule is overwhelming to say the least, with over 250 locations involved. Each day offers dozen's of fantastic events, spanning not only the Chicago area neighborhoods, but expands into many of the surrounding suburbs. 

In addition this year the ICBG has published a free CCBW app, to help you organize your event schedule as well as check into events to earn points to win prizes, such as beer festival tickets, t-shirts and more. The app can be downloaded here.

Below are some highlighted favorites, with the best intentions to hit as many as possible. We of course have to spotlight our own event - Celebrating Real Women of Craft Beer on May 23rd at Riverview Tavern. The ladies behind your favorite local breweries will be in attendance to tap an exclusive all women brewed collaboration beer, "99 Problems" - a Saison brewed with Chamomile and Ginger. We'll be screening the documentary "The Love of Beer". 

Hope to see you there!

For the full list of events go to www.chibeerweek.com and follow @chibeerweek

Thursday, May 16th

Beer Under Glass

Some would say the most spectacular event to kick off Craft Beer Week featuring all of Chicago’s local breweries pouring beer at the beautiful Garfield Park Conservatory.

Garfield Park Conservatory, 6:30pm, tickets are SOLD OUT

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=47

Friday, May 17th and May 24th
Half Acre Double Firkin Tapping
Taking their weekly Firkin Friday to the next level, Half Acre will feature two firkins - to be announced the day of
Half Acre Taproom, North Center
http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=259


Saturday, May 18th

Ipswich, MA-dness, featuring Boston area breweries Clown Shoes and Brash Brewing. The brewery guys will be in attendance and are ready to rock the Chicago scene.

Jerry’s Sandwiches, Andersonville, 6pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=71

Saturday, May 18th

Atlas Brewing 80’s Beer Prom/Two Brothers Tap Takeover

A fabulous night of Two Brothers beers, 80's music, dancing, awkwardness, balloon arches, and polaroid photos!

Lincoln Park, 9pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=110

Sunday, May 19th

Goose Island’s 25th Anniversary Party

Celebrating of 25 years of brewing in Chicago with a variety of beer including the Fulton & Wood and Bourbon County collections.

Goose Island Fulton Brewery, 12pm-3pm, $25 tix

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=323

Monday, May 20th

Brown Line Brews, featuring local northside breweries Half Acre Beer Company, Begyle Brewing, Atlas Brewing Company, Metropolitan Brewing, DryHop Brewers

The Longroom, Ashland/Irving Park in North Center, 6pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=162

Monday, May 20th

Viking’s Feast with Solemn Oath Brewing, featuring 8 taps and a firkin of Solemn Oath’s beer, paired with Viking films and Nordic Metal music.

Jerry’s Sandwiches, Andersonville, 7pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=70

Wednesday, May 22nd

5 Rabbits Tap Takeover

The Beer Bistro North, Lincoln Park, 6pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=34

Wednesday, May 22nd

New Wave Brewer Showcase, featuring Temperance, 4 Paws, Lake Effect, Spiteful, Flesk, Ale Syndicate, Begyle & DryHop

Hamburger Mary’s, Andersonville, 7pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=200

************************************************************************

Thursday, May 23rd

Celebrating Women in Craft Beer, featuring the female brewers of the Midwest  from Goose Island, Two Brothers, Rock Bottom, Metropolitan, Greenbush, 4 Paws, Ale Syndicate, Flossmoor Station as well as Bottles & Cans beer store, with an exclusive all women brewed collaboration beer. 

Riverview Tavern, Roscoe Village, 6:30pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=93

https://www.facebook.com/events/468159669922343/

************************************************************************

Friday, May 24th

Barrel-Aged Obfuscation Release (I’m proud to have helped brew this beer!!)

Atlas Brewing, Lincoln Park, 7pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=112

Saturday, May 25th

West Loop Craft Beer Fest

IL Craft Brewer’s Guild & Chicago French Market bring you the city’s largest craft beer block party with over 25 breweries participating

French Market, West Loop, 12pm-5pm, $40 Gen Admission ($65 VIP hour)

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=214

Saturday, May 25th

Beerfly Alleyfight - Watch 10 homebrewers compete with the same beer recipe paired with a food dish and a local artist performance. Sample food, beer & art!

Haymarket Pub, West Loop 12pm-5pm, $35 advanced tix

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=142

Sunday, May 26th

3 Floyds & Off Color Brewing Tap Takeover

Northdown, Lincoln Park, 2pm

http://chibeerweek.com/event/?eid=223

Alphabeer X: 26 Craft Beers of the Alphabet

Alphabeer is the only event that teaches craft beer lovers about 26 beers - one for every letter of the alphabet. It's a three-hour tour of hops and barley and lagers and ales, and everything is crafted by masters who are passionate about their beers. Breweries from the Great Lakes area, including Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana and of course, Chicagoland, are being highlighted.

Saturday, April 20th, 12pm - 3pm
John Barleycorn 149 W. Kinzie St. in River North

Special guests will be joining the event to talk about their beers, including representatives from 5 Rabbit, Brewery Vivant, Founders, Goose Island Brewing Company, and New Holland. Chef Cleetus Friedman of Fountainhead is also scheduled to talk about Loudmouth Soup, the beer he produced in collaboration with Greenbush. Other guests on the roster are Chicago Beer Geeks and the Chicago chapter of Barley's Angels, a beer club for women.

Attendees won't just be tasting the beers. Chef Jill Houk is returning as the emcee, or AlphaBeerMaster, for the fourth time. She'll educate guests on the ABV, the IBU and what to eat with each brew. Notes on each beer are broadcast on multiple screens so everyone can learn their A-BEER-C's.

• A - All Day IPA, Founders
• B - Breakfast Stout, Founders
• C - Curmudgeon, Founders
• D - Dynamo, Metropolitan
• E - Eugene Porter, Revolution
• F - Farm House Ale, Brewery Vivant
• G - Goose Island, Pepe Nero
• H - Huitzi, 5 Rabbit
• I - Iron Works Alt, Metropolitan
• J - Jinx Proof, Three Floyds
• K - Kalamazoo Stout, Bell's
• L - Loudmouth Soup, Greenbush & Cleetus Friedman
• M - Monkey King, New Holland
• N - New Grist, Lakefront
• O - Over Ale, Half Acre
• P - Paleooza, New Holland
• Q - Querkus Smoked Oaked Porter
• R - Revolution, A Little Crazy
• S - Sky High Rye, Arcadia
• T - Tiny Dancer, Goose Island
• U - Unfiltered Wheat Beer, Boulevard
• V - Hammer, Bullet, Vice; Half Acre
• W - White Chapel Wit, Haymarket
• X - "X" FIDY, Oskar Blues
• Y - GFY Stout, Spiteful Brewing
• Z - Zaison, Brewery Vivant

Tickets are $45 and can be purchased here
Buy your ticket in advance and save $5. Tickets are $50 at the door.

AlphaBeer is hosted by Theresa Carter, founder and publisher of The Local Tourist,
LLC. The first event was in 2009 and it was inspired Ms. Carter's mother, who each
week would drink a beer from a different letter of the alphabet with fellow commuters
on their Friday night train ride. Since then AlphaBeer has appeared at multiple venues
in Chicago and has featured over 200 different beers.

TheLocalTourist.com, or TLT as it's affectionately known, is Chicago’s one-stop-spot for
things to do, events, restaurants, nightlife, news, reviews, photos and more. It’s a business
directory, an events calendar, and a multi-contributor magazine filled with news from the
TLTeam of city experts. Its mission is to help locals experience the fascination of a tourist,
and tourists feel the comfort of the local.

Celebrating Chicago's Women of Craft Beer

Join us during Chicago Craft Beer Week for an evening celebrating Chicago's Women of Craft Beer at Riverview Tavern in Roscoe Village.

1958 W Roscoe St. Chicago, IL
www.riverviewtavern.com

The ladies behind some of your favorite breweries will be in attendance including Goose Island, Two Brothers, Rock Bottom, Lagunitas, Metropolitan, 4 Paws Brewery and more!

We will be screening the documentary "The Love of Beer", which focuses on the rise of women in the beer industry.
www.theloveofbeermovie.com

There will be special tapping throughout the night - more announcements to come!

In addition $1 per pint will be donated to the Chicago Chapter of "Dress For Success" a charity that promotes economic independence by providing professional clothing and resources to disadvantaged women. www.dressforsuccess.org

This is event is open to the public, no tickets required. Come out and support the Midwest's best!

RSVP on Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/events/468159669922343/

This event is brought to you by Hail To The Ale
@hail2theale
www.hail2theale.com

For further information or interviews please contact Kim Leshinski
kim.leshinski@gmail.com

April Craft Beer Events

Ommegang Game of Thrones Release Party - The Beer Bistro 1061 W. Madison, Chicago, Illinois
Join Ommegang to celebrate the release of Iron Throne Blonde Ale. They're also tapping Gnomegang (collaboration with Brewery A Chouffe) and Duvel Rustica (collaboration with Duvel).
Tuesday, April 2nd 5:00pm
www.thebeerbistro.com


Ommegang Game of Thrones Tapping - Fountainhead Chicago 1970 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL
Tapping limited released Ommegang Iron Throne, Art of Darkness and Gnomegang
Tuesday, April 2nd 6:00pm
www.fountainheadchicago.com

Local Beer Showcase - Atlas Brewing Company 2747 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
Featuring the beers of Lake Effect, 18th Street, Spiteful, DryHop, Begyle, and Flesk Brewing. Sample fresh local beers and talk to the people who made them! Tickets
Thursday, April 4th 7:00pm
www.atlasbeer.com

"Visit Us at the Rabbit Hutch!" - 5 Rabbit Cerveca 6398 W 74th Street Bedford Park, IL
Join 5 Rabbit Brewery for a tour of their brand new brewery for tasting, snacking, music and mingling. They want your help to find the perfect cheese pairing for HUITZI, their Midwinter Ale, and have a go at some hands-on experiments to find the perfect combination of fruits and spices for the new summer series, PALETAS. They're also giving a sneak preview of their spring seasonal MISSIONARIO, a strong wheat beer brewed with Muscat grape juice and a hint of almonds.
Saturday, April 6th 2:00pm - 6:00pm
www.5rabbitbrewery.com

Beer Academy - Experimental Styles Goose Island Clybourn 1800 N Clybourn Chicago, IL
On the last Wednesday of each month Goose Island  offers a Beer Academy class to learn about a different beer theme. Enjoy a sample of different beers from various craft breweries. Tickets $20. To RSVP call (312) 915-0071
Wednesday, April 24th 6:30pm
www.gooseisland.com

Dark Lord Day - Three Floyds Brewpub 9750 Indiana Pkwy, Munster, IN
FFF infamous festival celebrating the one day release of Dark Lord Day Russian Imperial Stout is set for it's 9th year. This ticketed event is SOLD OUT - all of the "day of" details can be found at www.darklordday.com
Saturday, April 27th 10am

ManBQue + Barley's Angels Valentine's Mixer at Local Option

Tired of the same old Valentine's Day dinner plans? Looking for some great craft beer to distract from all of the fuss? Local Option doesn't care if your coupled or single, a romantic or a VDay hater - everyone's invited to this mixer event at one of the city's favorite craft beer bars. On Thursday, February 14th a three course meat and beer pairing dinner will be hosted by Chicago's own grilling club, ManBQue and ladies-who-love-craft-beer club Barley's Angels.

February 14th, 8pm 

Local Option 1102 W Webster Ave  Chicago, IL 60614 [map] 

Tickets are $30, buy here

Menu:

Guests are welcomed with a Local Option Dampf Loc 

Course One

Grilled beef heart crostinis, topped with a smoky, raspberry framboise sauce paired with Haandbryggeriet Krekling 

Course Two

Duo of beer braised pork belly, one sweet and one spicy. Served with a side of greens lightly topped with a hops vinaigrette. Paired with Hitachino Commemorative Ale

Course Three

Chocolate torte with bacon studded chocolate crust and boozy cherries. 

Paired with Hof Ten Sherry Barrel-Aged Dormaal #5 

(Provisions for gluten-intolerant or vegetarian guests will not be made for this event.)

In addition, Local Option will have the following beer on tap Thursday night:

Against The Grain Da Butt

Against The Grain Shart Pants

Alvinne MelchoirBell’s ExpeditionBell’s Hopslam

Boulevard Tank 7

Central Waters Lac Du Bay

Central Waters Mud Puppy

Central Waters Y2K Barley Wine

Dark Horse Tres Blueberry Stout

Djœvlebryg Gudeløs

Emelisse Triple IPA

Firestone Walker DBA

Founders Imperial Stout

Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti

Green Flash Belgian Blond

Green Flash Friendship

Goose Island BCS

Haandbryggeriet Kreklingøl *(1^st course pairing)

Hitachino Commemorative Ale* (2^nd course pairing)

Hof Ten Dormaal #5 Sherry* (3^rd course pairing)

Jolly Pumpkin Bam Biere

Local Option Bierwerker Dampf Loc* (Welcome beer)

Local Option Bierwerker Morning Wood

Oskar Blues Dale’s Pale

Perennial Vermillion

Prof Fritz Briem 13^th Century Grutbier

Three Floyds Gumballhead

Three Floyds Zombie Dust

Barley's Angels is a growing collection of individual chapters around the world that work with craft beer focused breweries, brewpubs, restaurants, alehouses and other public beer establishments to advance the female consumer craft beer enthusiast, resulting in increased patronage and revenue from women, while encouraging education and interest in beer among this often under-recognized demographic group.







ManBQue is a Chicago-based grilling club that holds monthly private grill-based MEATings, offers catering and culinary instruction, and pairs with local bars and restaurants for events that emphasize food, beer, and music. Started in 2007 as a males-only monthly gathering, ManBQue has expanded to co-ed public events, cooking classes, a line of sauces, and a grilling book coming in 2014 from Running Press. But as ever, they gather on the last Thursday of each month to sear meat, drink craft beer, and listen to music at ear-splitting volume. If it's loud, delicious, and/or smells of wood smoke, it's probably ManBQue-approved.

Chicago's 10th Annual Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer

The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s 10th Annual Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer (FoBAB) was one of the most impressive beer fests we've been to yet. The innovation and quality of the beer offered was undeniable. The sold out festival, which has grown exponentially each year had the largest attendance yet. Over 2,000 people arrived at the Bridgeport Art Center on Saturday to sample over 173 beers from 60 breweries. The layout was set up according to style rather than brewery, which was an exceptional way to taste your way through the ten categories.

It was no surprise that Goose Island left a bold and sizable impression on festival goers showcasing a first taste of the Cherry Bourbon County Stout, which launches in stores on Black Friday. Also making an appearance was the rare and beloved 2011 King Henry Barley Wine. Another highlight from Goose Island was the “Blending Station” in which paddles holding four different barrel aged Bourbon County Stouts could be sampled - BCS aged in Koval, BCS aged in wine barrels, BCS aged in Buffalo Trace barrels and BCS aged in Low Storage barrels. Our favorite was the Koval barrels which added more toasted oak and fruit characteristics.

Bourbon County Stout "Blending Station"

Even without the breweries having assigned tables the brewers had a strong presence and were eager to talk and share a craft beer. We had the opportunity to meet some fantastic and talented folks from around the country.

Devon from The Lost Abbey and his 4 medals

Our new buddy Bryan from Great Divide Brewing. We love his tshirt!

Here are just a few of our favorites (it was VERY tough to narrow down!)

Kim’s FoBAB picks:

Barrel Aged Abraxas (Perennial Artisan Ales) - This Imperial Stout with flavors of chocolate, ancho chile, vanilla and cinnamon was high on my list for the day. Aged in Rittenhouse rye whiskey barrels, it embodied the perfect combination of sweet & heat with a smooth, full body finish.

Bourbon Barrel Holiday Spice Lager (Lakefront Brewery) - If Christmas Day was a flavor - this would be it. A perfectly balanced, moderately spiced Doppelbock with brightness of honey & orange peel, aged in bourbon barrels - it will be my holiday go-to beer of the season.

Track #11 (The Lost Abbey) - This Strong Ale had a beautiful pour with a slight orange hue. It had big fruit-forward peach and bourbon aroma as well as flavor, with hints of black tea that created a slightly bitter finish.

Mayan Gold (Goose Island Clybourn) Chocolate + Bourbon = a match made in heaven! Formerly known as XOCOLATL, this Mayan spiced Barley Wine was sweet, rich and flavorful with mild notes of cinnamon, toffee and toasted wood. YUM, yum, yum!!

Pappy Van Muckle (Sun King Brewing) - I have to admit I am a sucker for Scotch Ales and Sun King’s Wee Heavy aged in a Pappy Van Winkle barrels did not disappoint. It was smooth as can be and a solid, traditional execution which was a nice treat after all of the bells and whistles we encountered.


Dave’s FoBAB picks:

King Henry (Goose Island Beer Co.) Goose Island’s Barley Wine aged in Pappy Van Winkle barrels was astounding. Such a simple idea with incredibly complex flavor's, ending with a smooth finish. I felt honored to be able to taste greatness.

Humidor Peach IPA (Cigar City Brewing) - This IPA brewed with peaches and aged in cedar. The cedar left a dry, white pepper finish that was balanced by the slight sweetness of the peach's. This was the first cedar aged beer I've had and I'm looking forward to trying many more.

Sex Syrup (Rock Bottom Brewing Chicago) - Breakfast in a glass! Rock Bottom’s Imperial Oatmeal Stout brewed with bacon, maple syrup, coffee and then aged in bourbon barrels had to be one of the most intense beers at the fest. Despite the copious amounts of flavors waging an epic war in your mouth, everything settled into a harmonious balance on the finish. Needless to say I went back for seconds (...and thirds).

Rumpkin (Avery Brewing) - Avery's Imperial Pumpkin Ale aged in Gosling’s dark rum barrels was the one beer I was looking forward to trying the most. Despite the heat (17%), the pumpkin and spices married so well with the vanilla and brown sugar notes from the rum. One of the most ambitious and delicious pumpkin ales out there.

Smaug’s Breath (New Holland Brewing) - Dragon’s Milk Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels with chiles. In my opinion the best chile beer I've tasted. Silky, smooth mouthfeel that leads into smoky vanilla. You feel a subtle bite of heat and spice from the chiles, very balanced.

We hope you had a chance to try some of these as well - and if not, keep an eye on illinoisbeer.com for ticket announcements on all events. Those suckers sell FAST!

Results of the judged competition can be found at http://www.illinoisbeer.com/fobab-2012-winners/