While I’m trying to coordinate all these FoBAB-related events and barrel-aged beer releases, I get the news release that’s been rippling through the beer world: Larry Bell, owner and founder of Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo, MI has agreed to sell the company to Lion, an Australian brewery holding company that is itself held by the Japanese conglomerate Kirin. Among Lion’s holdings in the US is New Belgium Brewing, which will come together with Bell’s.

Larry Bell started Bell’s in 1985, and has become one of the nation’s largest craft brewers, with distribution in 43 states. Bell has said he was looking to retire, and had no family members willing to take on the company.

This Weekend

19th Annual Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beers
UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave., Chicago (312) 413-5740 Map
North America’s largest and most prestigious barrel-aged beer festival and competition is BACK! The 19th annual Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer (a.k.a #FOBAB) returns to Chicago on November 12th and 13th.
UIC Pavilion / Credit Union 1 Arena: 525 S. Racine Ave. | Chicago, IL 60607
Session 1 | Friday, November 12th | 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. (ImBIBE entry at 5:00 p.m.)
Session 2 | Saturday, November 13th | 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. (ImBIBE entry at 12:00 p.m.)
General admission tickets are $85 plus processing. Attendance is limited, so purchase tickets quickly to reserve your spot!
For a list of breweries, visit fobab.com/brewers.

Friday, November 12

Mehndi 2021 Pickup & Meuse Valley Release
More Brewing Co., 126 S. Villa Ave., Villa Park, IL 630-501-1519 Map
& 13980 Automall Dr., Huntley, IL 847-310-7530 Map
Our most decorated stout series makes it’s much-anticipated return today. The pinnacle of our barrel-aged program, the Mehndi vintage series is our expression of nuance.
This year, we blended some of the first barrels filled at our Huntley location. Aging in Elijah Craig 14yr barrels resulted in a rich and complex stout with a very intricate palate. Notes of chocolate fudge, espresso, vanilla, dark caramel and deep oak shine through. A true expression of beer and barrel makes for a decadent, one of a kind experience. It’s the culmination of the many hours our brewers put into guiding our beer on it’s journey and emerging a genuine wood-aged masterpiece. (13% ABV).
Mehndi 2021 will be $25 + taxes/fees per 500mL bottle.
Limit (1) One 500mL bottle per winner per location.
Oznr Draw ends: 10PM on Wednesday, 11/10.
Winners: Selected Thursday, 11/11.
Pickups: Friday, 11/12 – Sunday, 11/28
No proxies. Name on ID must match name of winner.
You may enter the random draw at both locations. However, you must pickup from whichever location you win. No exceptions. 
Any bottles not picked up by end of day, 11/28, will be forfeit. All sales are final.

We have another bottle release coming at you this week that we will be featuring as a contender at FOBAB! Named after the beautiful region in Belgium, Meuse Valley is a picturesque Belgian Quadrupel aged in BLiS maple syrup barrels. A strong maple-aroma leads into cornucopia of raisins, dates, figs, and plums that’s followed by complimentary flavors of malty dark sugar and caramel. Moderate warmth resolves with a subtle wine-like character that finishes right back where it began with a strong maple sweetness. (11.8% ABV)
This bottle will be $15 + taxes per 500mL bottle.
Limit (1) One 500mL bottle per location.
This release will available in-person only at both locations.
Supply is very limited and will only be available on a first come, first serve basis.

A New Set of Boots
Penrose Brewing Co., 509 Stevens St., Geneva, IL (630) 232-2115 Map
Get ready for a new set of boots when Double Dry-Hopped Lotus Goofy Boots gets tapped and hits our To-Go shelf on Friday at our Taproom!
Don’t miss out on this brand new version of our award-winning Goofy Boots!

11:00 am – 11:00 pm • Benthic Tasting
Half Acre Beer Co., 2050 W. Balmoral Ave., Chicago 773-754-8488 Map
Special Flights – $30 flight of 4 x 5 oz Benthic pours:
– 2021 Original Benthic
– 2021 Vanilla Benthic
– 2021 XTRA DUBL Benthic
– 2021 Vampira
Flight includes special tasting guide
8 oz pours of each of these beers will also be available.
Tours with our Founder from 1PM-5PM on the hour. Guests will sign up at the host stand and must wear pants and closed-toed shoes.
More things to see and hear in our taproom + heated tent.

12:00 – 11:00 pm • BCS Fridays at Goose Island Clybourn
Goose Island Brewhouse, 1800 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, IL (312) 915-0071 Map
We’ll be tapping something special from our cellar every Friday leading up to Black Friday,
11/12 – 2013 Templeton Rye Stout
11/19 – TBA
Limited availability. First come, first served.⁠ On-site consumption only.

12:00 – 10:00 pm • 2021 Barrel-Aged Imperial Pajamas Release
Begyle Brewing, 1800 W. Cuyler Ave., Chicago 773-661-6963,  Map
We’re releasing our beloved, gold-medal-winning, Barrel-Aged Imperial Pajamas, and for the first time in two years we will be tapping special variants to mark the occasion!
We will be updating this page with additional release details as they come together.
• 2021 Barrel-Aged Imperial Pajamas: 13.1% Barrel-Aged Imperial Oatmeal Stout
Available in 22oz bottles and 12oz cans
Aged for six months in Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels – the rich, oaky result is comfort beer at its finest.
Tasting Notes: Chocolate, Caramel, Vanilla, Oak
Preorders can be placed via our online store starting Thursday, November 11, @ 9pm. Upon placing your order you will be able to schedule a pick-up for Friday,
Saturday or Sunday. (Orders must be picked up within 2 weeks or order will be refunded and returned to inventory).
The Fat Shallot food truck will be serving dinner from 4:30-8:30pm! 

3:00 – 7:00 pm • Cuisines by Sammy
Burning Bush Brewery, 4014 N. Rockwell St., Chicago (773) 681-0215 Map
This Saturday, Cuisines by Sammy will be serving Lobster Rolls, chicken wings and more!!! And of course there will be beer

4:00 pm • Cuppaccino Release Party at DOC’s Smokehouse Dyer
Doc’s Smokehouse, 1420 Calumet Ave., Dyer, IN (219) 262-3627 Map
Join Stephen from Maplewood for an unforgettable night of Cuppa as we preview our new line up of 2021 Barrel Aged Cuppas along with Cuppaccino, our 11% Imperial Stout.
Speciality kegs of Cuppaccino and a surprise variant of the 2021 Barrel Aged Cuppa will be hitting Indiana for ONE night only! Swing by DOC’s Smokehouse in Dyer, IN to sip on some delectable Imperial Stouts and take home a limited edition Cuppa mug on us!
A select amount of Cuppaccino cans will also be available to purchase as a to-go option during the event.
Cuppaccino – Imperial Stout – 11% ABV – Our insanely thick and robust stout is back, this time with all the coffee! Rich and decadent notes are provided by cacao nibs and vanilla, and the beer is further developed with complex coffee flavors from a blend of beans hand picked with our neighbors Hexe Coffee Co.

4:00 pm • Cuppaccino Release Party at Orange & Brew
Orange & Brew, 1027 Burlington Ave., Downers Grove, IL (630) 541-3880 Map
Join Don from Maplewood for an unforgettable night of Cuppa as we preview our new line up of 2021 Barrel Aged Cuppas along with Cuppaccino, our 11% Imperial Stout.
Specialty kegs of Cuppaccino and a surprise variant of the 2021 Barrel Aged Cuppa will be hitting Chicagoland for ONE night only! Swing by Orange & Brew Bottle Shop and Tap Room to sip on some delectable Imperial Stouts and take home a limited edition Cuppa mug on us!
A select amount of Cuppaccino cans will also be available to purchase as a to-go option during the event.
Cuppaccino – Imperial Stout – 11% ABV – Our insanely thick and robust stout is back, this time with all the coffee! Rich and decadent notes are provided by cacao nibs and vanilla, and the beer is further developed with complex coffee flavors from a blend of beans hand picked with our neighbors Hexe Coffee Co.

5:00 – 10:30 pm • Red, White & Brews Country Concert at Obscurity
Obscurity Brewing and Craft Mead, 113 W. North St., Elburn, IL (630) 320-2255 Map
Head out to Elburn, Illinois for an evening of great live music, craft beer, bbq, and cocktails from Whiskey Acres Distilling!
Back Country Roads starts the evening off in the Obscurity Brewing Garden then Bella Cain takes the main stage to end the night with an amazing performance set in the beautiful Midwestern Ag District of downtown Elburn!
BBQ and delicious eats from Obscurity and Lodi Tap House, craft beer from multiple Illinois breweries, cocktails and spirits from Whiskey Acres Distilling!
Featuring food and beverages from Obscurity, Whiskey Acres, Solemn Oath, D and G, Obscurity BBQ, Paisanos, Lodi Tap House, Purple Store and Macaroons!
Tickets $20, available here.

5:00 pm – 8:00 am • The Argonaut Co.
The Church Street Brewing Co., 1480 Industrial Dr. Ste. C, Itasca, IL (630) 438-5725 Map
The Argonaut Co. will be shucking fresh Oysters and serving amazing Lobster Rolls & Shrimp Rolls for you to enjoy with some ice cold Church Street brews.
Wait, fresh oysters in the Midwest?!?!?
Our oysters are flown to us from many independent oyster farms so that quality is never compromised. Harvest dates are everything to us! So, grab your pals & gals and come see us this FRIDAY to throw down some oysters!
Pre-Ordering is highly recommended by 10PM on Thursday, November 11.

5:00 – 5:00 pm • Chicago Culinary Kitchen at Phase Three Brewing!
Phase Three Brewing Co., 932 Donata Ct., Lake Zurich, IL (847) 749-6645 Map
The local favorite is back again! Chicago Culinary Kitchen will be out at the taproom serving up all the smoked meats from 5pm ’til sell out. This is one you don’t want to miss.

5:00 – 7:00 pm • Maplewood Brewery Feature
Beer on the Wall, 106 Main St., Park Ridge, IL 312-720-3732 Map
This week’s spotlight is on Maplewood Brewery & Distillery. Since 2014, they have been producing finely crafted beer & spirits and were the first of its kind to do both under a single roof in Illinois! Located in Logan Square, they have a full fledged production facility, as well as the Lounge which doubles as a neighborhood cocktail parlor and brewery taproom.
Join us on Friday from 5 – 7PM for an evening with one of their reps to sip on some great brews which will include a special tapping of Cuppacino and a 2021 BA Cuppacino Variant!
In stock!
Softcore Mutation: Foeder Zest ~ Saison • Morbidly Obsese Pug: Cookies & Cream ~ Imperial Stout • Charlatan ~ Pale Ale (also on draft Friday) • Kell’ Em All ~ Kellerbier Lager • Silver Morning ~ Winter Lager • Pulaski Pils ~ Pilsner • Son of Juice ~ IPA • Coaster King ~ Kölsch • Cuppaccino ~ Imperial • Rum Punch • Whiskey Sour • Palmer Square • Spruce Gin
On draft now!
Kell’ Em All ~ Kellerbier Lager • Brunch Punch Cherry Berry ~ Fruited Sour • Top Pocket ~ Blonde Ale

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Penrose Tapping
The Beer Cellar, 488 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 630-315-5060 Map
We’re going to have our friends from Penrose Brewing Co. and their amazing new Barrel Aged Pancake Robots on draft as well as a slew of other awesome beers!

8:30 pm • “Selena” with Casa Humilde
Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago 773-342-5555 Map
Join Casa Humilde this Friday for a SELENA screening party! Party begins at 8:30 PM with tunes from the one and only DJ Whopper .. Movie starts at 11 PM! Tickets available here! Don’t miss out on a fun night with great tunes, great drinks & great beers

9:00 pm • Drive-In, Dinner, and Drinks!
Rock Island Public House, 13328 S. Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
On Friday November 12th! John Belushi weekend starts off with his 1978 comedy, Animal House!

Saturday, November 13

5:00 – 5:00 pm • Chicago Culinary Kitchen at Phase Three Brewing!
Phase Three Brewing Co., 932 Donata Ct., Lake Zurich, IL (847) 749-6645 Map
The local favorite is back again! Chicago Culinary Kitchen will be out at the taproom serving up all the smoked meats from 5pm ’til sell out. This is one you don’t want to miss.

Cosmic Mango Pop Release
Garage Band Brewing, 15025 S. Des Plaines St., Plainfield, IL (815) 592-4055 Map
Pre-orders are being taken now
Pickup on Saturday, November 13th
Our first Milkshake IPA and the first of our Cosmic Pop series, Cosmic Mango Pop is here! A New England style base bursting with tropical fruit aroma and flavor, topped off with lactose sugar and then infused with copious amounts of mango and vanilla beans!
Get yours before they are gone!

9:00 am – 4:00 pm • New Energy City Beers Pickup
Energy City Brewing, 917 First St., Batavia, IL (630) 597-5581 Map
Bistro Mango Blood Orange Habanero: We’ve expanded our Heat Wave recipe to our Bistro lineup. The heavy fruit meets mildly spicy habanero in this Berliner Weisse, sure to give you a fruity and tingly craft beer experience (6.5% ABV).
Concord Crush – Sangria Themed Fruited Ale
Bistro Key Lime Pie
Bistro Strawberry & Lime Alfresco
Hop Surfside DIPA
Bistro Pumpkin Parfait Berliner weisse
Bistro Pink Guava Banana Smoothie
Orange Ripple Sorbet IPA
Bâtisserie S’mores Imperial Stout
Aloha Sunrise Sorbet IPA
Pina Sunset Sorbet IPA
Hop Coastal DIPA
New beer will be available for online pre-order Wednesday, July 28th at noon via shop.energycitybrewing.com
Drive-thru beer pickup time: Saturday, November 13 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

10:00 am – 12:00 pm • Yoga Class Plus a Glass
River Hawk Brewing, 24735 W. Eames St., Channahon, IL (815) 255-2202 Map
100% of proceeds from this yoga class are being donated to Pink Heals Joliet! Robyn Bumgarner Health & Fitness and RiverHawk Brewing are teaming up to donate their time, talent, and facilities to maximize our fundraising for Pink Heals. Additionally, RiverHawk is generously donating $1 to Pink Heals for every additional pint sold anytime on November 13. Come practice for yourself and come practice for one of the best local charities our area has to offer.
The only thing better than yoga is yoga followed by a delicious beer or wine from River Hawk Brewing! Come join us on Saturday for this fun and festive event! You’ll participate in a 60-minute yoga practice and then have your choice of 1 complimentary serving of anything River Hawk has on tap. Please bring your own mat and water. Yoga class will be accessible to all levels; beginners are welcome! River Hawk opens to the public at noon, so please feel free to stay on and open a tab. Come out and support small business owners in Channahon! Must be 21 to receive alcohol. Tickets $19.

10:00 – 11:00 am • Doom Metal Yoga
Soundgrowler Brewing Co., 8201 183rd St., Ste P, Tinley Park, IL (708) 263-0083 Map
Have you ever found yourself at a yoga class but couldn’t quite Namaste listening to Enya’s Greatest Hits? Look no further. Soundgrowler is hosting Doom Metal Yoga. Get your Om on and follow the riffs to the smoke filled land of the Doom Metal Trance.
Join Soundgrowler Brewing Co. as we host our monthly Doom Metal Yoga Practice. $19 (Eventbrite) gets you an hour of all level yoga with a Soundgrowler beer of your choice and two tacos after your practice. Please bring a mat, water, and towel.

11:00 am • Scorched Earth Yoga & a Beer
Scorched Earth Brewing Co., 203 Berg St., Algonquin, IL 224-209-8472 Map
Saturday morning has yoga. Second and fourth Saturdays at 11 AM
Yoga instruction taught by Melissa Capitano (beginners welcome)
For 1 hour yoga class and 1 pint (limitations apply)
Bring your yoga mat/gear (brewery can be a little cool in winter so dress warm)
Reservations encouraged/first-come first-served
(email us to reserve your spot at info@scorchedearthbrewing.com)

11:00 am – 9:00 pm • Single-Barrel Temple of Deth Release
The Beer Temple, 3173 N. Elston Ave., Chicago 312-772-3373 Map
In what may be our most special release to date, The Beer Temple has hand-selected a single barrel from the Revolution Brewing barrel program to release exclusively to our customers. We are very excited about this beer, and can’t wait to share it with everyone. While the majority of this beer will be reserved for special taproom events, please see below for information about a VERY LIMITED ONE DAY TO-GO SALE for this beer.
VERY IMPORTANT CAN SALES INFORMATION
Format: 8oz Crowler 2-packs
Pick-Up Date: November 13th 11AM – 9PM (NO EXCEPTIONS)
Shipping: NONE
Proxies: Proxies are allowed – please list the name of your proxy in the order notes when purchasing.
Draft Sales of Temple of Deth will be available November 13th for $9 per 8oz pour.
ABOUT THE BEER
Revolution Brewing generously invited The Beer Temple team to taste direct barrel samples from their collection. We began by tastings samples from individual barrel lots, each showcasing a combination of distillery, ABV, age, and flavor profile. Once a favorite lot was determined, each barrel from within the preferred lot was also tasted until finally a single barrel was chosen to become Temple of Deth.
Temple Of Deth is a 13% Single Barrel Russian Imperial Stout from Revolution Brewing’s V.S.O.D. collection. Temple of Deth has been aged for 2 years inside a Weller bourbon barrel. Pre-orders at this link.

1:00 – 8:00 pm • Secret Garden
Dovetail Brewery, 1800 W. Belle Plaine Ave., Chicago 773-683-1414 Map
This Saturday, we invite you into our Secret Garden—come taste the fruits of our labor from over the past several years, as we pour more than a dozen of our spontaneously-fermented beers, each one a product of nature and nurture.
Varieties being poured: Bourbon Barrel Kriek, Tequila Strawberry, Rum Apple, Blackberry, Black Raspberry, Gooseberry, Red Currant, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir & More .

2:00 – 4:00 pm • Read + Run (and Drink)
37 W. Cullerton, Chicago, IL  Map
We’re teaming up with our friends at Read & Run Chicago for an afternoon of running, beer, and book discussion! The afternoon includes a live virtual Q&A with author Karen Abbott.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
Pre-Run: Grab a copy of Abbott’s Sin in the Second City and read it ahead of November 13th. Then get ready to jog a 3.5 mile route inspired by the book.
The Run: Meet at Dearborn & Cullerton. As you warm up, Chicago Brewseum Executive Director, Liz Garibay, provides a brief historic overview of vice life in Chicago during the late 19th century. Then Alison Yates, Founder of Read & Run Chicago, guides runners through grounds of the former South Loop vice district of the early 1900s. Along the pre-planned route, you’ll stop and learn about Chicago history and one of the country’s most infamous brothels, the Everleigh Club, and the dynamic women behind it.
Post-Run: We conclude at a local watering hole where we’ll grab brews and engage in a live virtual Q&A with author Karen Abbott.

3:00 – 7:00 pm • Fire & Smoke at Phase Three Brewing!
Phase Three Brewing Co., 932 Donata Ct., Lake Zurich, IL  Map
Our good pals from Fire & Smoke will be here to fulfill all your BBQ cravings for the weekend. Nothing pairs together quite like BBQ & fresh beer!

4:00 – 9:00 pm • Saturday with Chuck’s Pizza and Joe Rocha
D and G Brewing, 303 N. 4th St., Suite A, Saint Charles, IL (773) 203-2325 Map
Saturday night is a great day to be around.
1. Chuck’s Wood Fired Pizza is here with the best damn pizza in the area. Get your customized, handmade deliciousness.
Market Special-Poblano Pesto, four cheese blend, caramelized pineapple, thick cut bacon, jalapeños (D&G Crowd Fav)
2. Joe Rocha is coming back. It has been a while since we’ve seen Joe, but, man, we are glad to have him back. This man puts on a show.

5:00 – 8:00 pm • Caputo’s Food Truck at Wolfden Brewing!
Wolfden Brewing, 112 W. Lake St., Bloomingdale, IL (847) 610-5117 Map
Come dine with Angelo Caputo’s mobile cucina for the first time at Wolfden Brewing!
Offering a wide array of fresh and delicious food options, come by Wolfden from 5-8p on Sat. 11/13 to enjoy great bites and cold beer!

6:00 – 11:00 pm • Svengoolie on the Big Screen
Cigars & Stripes, 6715 W. Ogden Ave., Berwyn, IL (708) 484-1043 Map
Every Saturday Svengoolie on our BIG SCREEN and all TV’s including the beer garden.
Why not come early and catch the 3 Stooges?
Food and Drink specials always a fun time.

9:00 pm • Drive-In, Dinner, and Drinks
Rock Island Public House, 13328 S. Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
John Belushi tribute weekend at the drive-in continues with 1941!

Sunday, November 14

10:30 – 11:30 am • Pints & Poses
Steam Hollow Brewing Co., 450 S. Spruce St. Unit C, Manteno, IL  Map
Start your Sunday Funday off right with Yoga at Steam Hollow! Only $15 which includes a beer ticket for beer, cider, or beermosa!

11:00 am – 3:00 pm • Brunch Invasion
Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
November brunch with Butter Upon Bacon-Blue Island is here! Seasonal menu, full bar, and family friendly! Menu coming soon!

12:00 – 6:00 pm • Here Comes the Holidays Craft Fair
Dry City Brew Works, 120B N. Main St., Wheaton, IL (630) 456-4787 Map
Come get a jump on your holiday shopping while supporting local artisans and your local brewery! Dry City is thrilled to invite you to enjoy a pint while you browse the arts and crafts.

12:00 – 5:00 pm • Arts & Crafts Market
Sketchbook Brewing Co. – Skokie, 4901 Main St., Skokie, IL (847) 588-0652 Map
Sketchbook is happy to announce our first Arts & Crafts Market! A host of local crafters will be selling items in our spacious Skokie brewery.
See images, vendors and more info here.
Expect food goods, bath & body products, candles, jewelry, small home decor items, artist aprons and more…
Come for the crafts, stay for beer, food and live music! Sketchbook Sundays!

3:00 – 5:00 pm • Trivia at Noon Whistle Lombard
Noon Whistle Brewing, 800 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, IL ​(630) 376-6895 Map
Are you tired of sitting at home answering every question correct on Jeopardy with nothing to show for it?
Come out for our General Knowledge trivia night and join your host as they quiz your teams through two full hours of general knowledge trivia, including awesome themed bonus rounds and music rounds!
While we’re testing your wit, Cellar Door will be keeping you fueled up an incredible food menu and delicious drinks all night, PLUS the top teams will win bragging rights and prizes, so bring your friends, family, and even your enemies (if they’re good at trivia) to increase your chances of winning.
Be sure to get there early and snag your team a spot and fuel up with some drinks, see you soon!
Please follow ALL Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions put in place by the venue, and here are a few extra tips:

Please bring your own pen/pencil. Our host will have pencils just in case, but it would be best to use your own for everyone’s safety & comfort.The questions will be read by your host over our PA system, but may not be displayed on a screen if one is not easily available.Any and all rules/restrictions are subject to change.

9:00 pm • Drive In, Dinner, and Drinks
Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
Of course we end John Belushi weekend with The Blues Brothers.