It was a last second decision to buy tickets, and MY GOD, am I glad I did. The festival (FOBAB for short) is an annual event put on by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild and featured some of the best and rarest beers. An incredible event. Below is the quick-drunk-of-the-moment ratings of the beers that Jenny and I sampled. The standouts are in bold. Be jealous…and make sure to come with us next year!


[Brewery - Beer (Style) Grade]

Allagash – Odyssey (Belgian Dark Strong) : A-

Bear Republic – Nectarine Grizz (Belgian Dark Strong) B+

Bells – Bourbon Barrel Cherry Stout (Stout, Fruit) B+

Bells – Wild One (Wild Brown Ale) A-

Court Avenue – 21st Amendment Ale (RyePA) B

Firestone Walker – Black Xantos (Dry Stout) B+

Founders – Kentucky Breakfast Stout (Imperial Stout) A-

Goose Island – Imperial Coffee Stout (Imperial Coffee Stout) B-

Jolly Pumpkin – Lambicus Dexterius (Lambic) B

Metropolitan – Eiffle Tower Eifbock (Eisbock) B

New Belgium – La Folie Sour Brown Ale (Flemish Sour) B

New Belgium – Tart Lychee Folee (Wild Ale) B

New Belgium – Transatlantique Kriek (Strong Golden Lager with Wild Ale) A

Odell – Peach (Golden Ale) B+

Lost Abbey – Duck Duck Gooze (Wild Ale) A-

Chicago Rock Bottom – Whiskey Sticke (Alt) B+

Russian River – Consecration (Belgian Dark Ale) A

Russian River – Temptation (Wild Blonde Ale) A

Surly – Pinot Three (?) B

Surly – Two 2007 (Cranberry Stout) B

Three Floyds – Blackheart (English IPA) B

Three Floyds – Conquistador de Muerte (Milk Stout) B+

Trinity Brewing – TPS Report (Wild Wheat) B+

Two Brothers – Heavier Handed (Wet IPA) A+