Courtesy FoBAB / Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

One of the nation’s most unique and important beer gatherings, The Festival Of Wood And Barrel-Aged Beer, will be returning to Chicago soon. We’ve that, “Words to Drink By” and more…

Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer Returns

One of the nation’s most unique and important beer gatherings, The Festival Of Wood And Barrel-Aged Beer will be returning to Chicago on November 7-8.

Affectionately nicknamed FoBAB, this festival is the planet’s largest celebration of wood and barrel aged beer. It’s also quite possibly the most extensive showcase of beers that have been aged in wooden barrels (or in contact with wood), under one roof.

More than 150 renowned breweries from across the nation will pour 300+ barrel-aged beer, cider, mead, perry from 13 style categories— all of which have been strategically aged in contact with wood, creating depth, flavor, and texture that is impossible to achieve otherwise.

Now in its 23^rd year, FoBAB 2025 is offering attendees two dynamic tasting sessions, a renowned national competition, and a one-of-a-kind opportunity to sample more than 300 unique beers, ciders, meads, and perrys (a fermented pear beverage) —many of which are brewed exclusively for (and available only at) the festival.

“FoBAB is more than a beer festival—it’s a showcase of craftsmanship and creativity. Each year, we see brewers pushing the boundaries of what barrel-aged beer can be, and 2025 will be no exception,” said Katie Carrier, associate director for the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. “From bold stouts to complex wild ales, the lineup reflects the innovation, precision and complexity that defines barrel-aged beer and makes this one of the anticipated events in the country.”

Words to Drink By

“We are the first species capable of self-annihilation” – Elon Musk South African-born businessman known for his leadership of Tesla, SpaceX, and X

Actor Robert Pattinson Partners With 1664 Beer

Robert Pattinson, a versatile English actor known for his roles in both blockbuster films and acclaimed independent movies is getting into the beer biz. He rose to international fame as a teen heartthrob thanks to his role in five Twilight films and now he’s sighed on as the global ambassador for the Premium French beer brand 1664.

At the heart of this new partnership is a bold global campaign set to launch in 2026, which unveils a cinematic exploration of contrasting perspectives on good taste. The campaign concept will be directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Brady Corbet (The Brutalist).

“We’re thrilled to unite Robert Pattinson and Brady Corbet, two icons of modern creativity, to create a campaign that dramatizes the debate of good taste”, says Nikola Maravic, Global Marketing Director, 1664. “Our longstanding mission to elevate beer into a premium lifestyle experience is underway. This is only the first sip, stay tuned for more to come.”.

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