What is FoBAB? 

The Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer is the most prestigious barrel-aged beer festival and competition on the continent. Hosted November 7-8 at UIC Credit Union 1 Arena, FoBAB convenes the nation’s top brewing innovators and risk-takers—brewers who have perfected the balance of art and science, of barrels and bourbon, of precision and complexity—for a showcase of barrel-aged brewing excellence widely regarded as the most prestigious in North America.

 

How do I register my brewery to pour at FoBAB?

FoBAB is open to all breweries with a reputable barrel-aged brewing program. Because of space limitations, priority is given to breweries who have participated in prior years via a Call for Brewers circulated during the summer. If you are interested in pouring at FoBAB for the first time, please contact info@illinoisbeer.com to join the list.

 

How many barrel-aged beers can my brewery submit?

Breweries, cideries, and meaderies may submit up to two (2) entries per brewing location at a fee of $100 per entry.

 

How much product is required to participate in FoBAB? 

Breweries, cideries, and meaderies are required to donate two (2) sixtels (or bottles/cans equivalent) per entry for the festival AND six (6) 12oz bottles/cans or equivalent per entry for judging. No crowlers or growlers are permitted. Breweries, cideries, and meaderies are responsible for sending, shipping, or delivering the product in advance of the festival for judging. 

 

Do I have to send beertenders to pour at FoBAB?

No – FoBAB is poured exclusively by volunteers so brewers and their staff can enjoy the festival. 

 

What is the cost to attend? 

Participating breweries are required to pay a fee of $100 per entry of beer, cider, mead or perry. Each entry comes with two complimentary VIP badges that include one-hour early entry and provide full access to the festival floor, the Brewers and Sponsors lounges, and an invitation to the Brewers and Sponsors dinner on Thursday evening (November 6, 2025).

 

I’ve completed the FoBAB Call for Brewers. Now what?

Submitting the Call for Brewers does not guarantee entry to FoBAB. Breweries selected to pour at FoBAB will be notified in August, at which point they will be required to pay the entry fee and complete the beer registration process.  

 

What is the FoBAB competition? 

The FoBAB competition is widely recognized as the most prestigious honor in barrel-aged brewing. Prior to the public tasting sessions, a panel of industry leaders and certified judges evaluate all beer, cider, mead, and perry featured at FoBAB, awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals in 13 style categories as well as ‘Best in Show’ honors. 

 

What are the FoBAB style categories?

Current style categories include:

• Strong Porter/Stout

• Specialty Strong Porter/Stout (adjunct stouts)

• Barleywine/Wheatwine/Ryewine

• Blended Beer

• Other Pale Beer (beers under 7.5%)

• BA Lagers

• Other Dark Beer

• Fruit beer

• Specialty & Experimental Beer

• Wild Beer-Brett

• Wild Beer Mixed Culture/Acidic

• Wild Beer Mixed Culture/Acidic with Fruit

• Cider/Perry/Mead

 

*Categories are subject to change.