Reflections on FoBAB 2024: A Barrel-Aged Beer Festival to Remember
It’s that time of year again when the craft beer scene gets all abuzz for the Festival of Barrel Aged Beers (FoBAB) in Chicago. Although I’ve traded the hustle of Chicago for the serene charm of northern Michigan, the allure of FoBAB pulls me back to the Windy City every year. Observing the Midwest’s craft beer scene from afar only heightens the anticipation of this annual return to savor the flavors I miss.
This year’s trip, albeit brief, was nothing short of spectacular. With just 66 hours on the ground, I managed to hop between some of Chicago’s beloved breweries including is/was, Monochrome Brewing, and Other Half Ramova. Chicago’s brewing landscape is ever-evolving, and FoBAB serves as both a reunion and a peek into the city’s craft beer innovations.
Barrel-Aged Triumphs: Highlights From FoBAB
This year’s FoBAB was a victory lap for the Windy City’s brewing greatness. Half Acre clinched Best in Show for Orin, a barrel-aged wonder. This marks a monumental moment—a dark beer crowning since Bottle Logic’s Arcane Rituals in 2019. Such recognition is a testament to Chicago’s enduring role in barrel-aged mastery.
In an intriguing twist, Chicago’s unknown Neuronova Brewing won the Fan Favorite award, sparking curiosity among festival-goers. While initially a mystery, it was unveiled as a side endeavor by brewer Eric Flores of Whiskey Hill. Their bold debut demonstrates the festival’s power as a springboard for new, distinctive barrel-aged creations to captivate craft beer enthusiasts.
Unforgettable Tastes and Surprises
FoBAB isn’t just about the competition; it’s a chance to taste some of the most innovative beers. Cruz Blanca’s La Lucora, a brambleberry ale aged in Angostura bitters barrels, was a standout. Its complex, balanced profile offered a delightful blend of dark fruit and spice, leaving a lasting impression on festival attendees.
Meanwhile, Milieu Fermentation’s smol, a remarkably flavorful 2.7% ABV table beer, defied expectations by capturing a gold medal in the Wild Beer Mixed Culture – Acidic category. It’s a masterclass in getting big flavors from low-alcohol brewing, underscoring the festival’s celebration of innovation and quality.
Insights and Other Observations From FoBAB
While I savored many remarkable pours, this year marked the first time I bypassed any taste of Bourbon County Stout—surprising even myself as BCS is often a festival staple. Perhaps a testament to the strength of offerings from both emerging and established breweries at the festival.
Not all experiences were perfect, like MORE’s Imperial Falling Colors, which promised pumpkin pie in a bottle but fell short on the spice notes. A gentle reminder that even anticipated releases can sometimes miss their mark in this vibrant, experimental space.
As the festival wrapped up, there was a lingering sense of camaraderie among beer lovers, eager to share their experiences and recommendations. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, the beauty of FoBAB lies in its ability to both challenge palates and unite the community around a shared passion for beer.
Join the Conversation
Did you attend FoBAB 2024? What were your standout moments or surprising tastes? Let’s chat about your experiences and keep the craft beer conversation rolling. Head over to BreweriesNearMe.us to explore more exciting brewery events and remarkable beers across the United States.
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