Illinois Brewing

Top Menu

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact Us

Main Menu

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • Feature Articles
  • IB Insiders
  • Interviews
  • Brewery Focus
    • Brewery Listings
    • Brewery Spotlights
    • Brewer’s Choice
    • Breweries in Bunches
  • Last Call
  • Magazine
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact Us

logo

Header Banner

Illinois Brewing

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • Feature Articles
  • IB Insiders
  • Interviews
  • Brewery Focus
    • Brewery Listings
    • Brewery Spotlights
    • Brewer’s Choice
    • Breweries in Bunches
  • Last Call
  • Magazine
  • Inside Scoop: Maplewood’s new kitchen, Beer Night at the Pistol Shrimp baseball game July 10, Lake Effect’s taproom, Streetz Artz Alliance upcoming shows, Tinley Park Ale Trail trolley and more

  • Brewer’s Choice: Burning Bush Brewery’s Scott McElhenie

  • Last Call: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery?

  • Spotlight on Suncatcher Brewing

  • Brewer’s Choice: Goldfinger Brewing’s Tom Beckmann

Inside Scoop
Home›Inside Scoop›Inside Scoop: FOBAB returns Nov. 3-4 with tickets on sale now, introducing Chicago Brew Pass, and Friday Night Flights at Taste of Chicago Sept. 8

Inside Scoop: FOBAB returns Nov. 3-4 with tickets on sale now, introducing Chicago Brew Pass, and Friday Night Flights at Taste of Chicago Sept. 8

By Trent Modglin
September 7, 2023
1443
0
Share:

Save the Date: FOBAB 2023 is Nov. 3-4 at Chicago’s Credit One Arena

FOBAB is set to return to Chicago’s Credit One Arena at the University of Illinois Chicago on November 3 and 4, 2023. The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer (FOBAB) is North America’s largest and most prestigious barrel-aged beer competition. Hosting breweries from across the country, as well as some international entries, FOBAB attendees are given an opportunity to sample some of the rarest beers from more than 200 participating breweries. 

Want to get access to pre-sale tickets (with one-hour early entry) for the 2023 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer in November, have Illinois Brewing magazine mailed directly to your house, get a VIP upgrade with early access to Beer Under Glass at Chicago’s Union Station, as well as some other awesome perks? Join our IL craft beer enthusiast program today at IllinoisBeer.org/imbibe 

All money from this program goes directly to supporting the non-profit Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. 

FOBAB tickets are on sale now at FOBAB.com

Eris Brewery and Cider House

Choose Chicago launches Chicago Brew Pass in partnership with local breweries

Choose Chicago announced the launch of the Chicago Brew Pass, a new initiative to promote exploration of Chicago’s award-winning craft brewery scene. Through the Brew Pass, the first-ever digital pass of its kind in Chicago, locals and visitors can check in at breweries across the city and earn points that can be redeemed for fun, limited-edition prizes. Participants can use the Brew Pass to explore more than 20 participating craft breweries at their own pace and start earning rewards one pint at a time.

Individuals must be 21 or over to participate and the program runs through January 31, 2024. Interested participants can sign up at ChooseChicago.com to begin earning rewards  — no downloads or mobile apps are required. Once you sign up, you will receive a mobile passport via text, which can be saved to your phone’s home screen for easy access. When visiting a participating brewery, simply check in via the digital pass to collect points. The more you explore, the more points you earn.

Points can be redeemed for limited-edition prizes including a variety of gear and sweepstakes entry for the ultimate Chicago weekend experience for two, which includes:

*A two-night hotel stay for two in downtown Chicago
*$100 restaurant gift card
*Two theater tickets
*Two CityPASS tickets

“I’m excited to see the Chicago Brew Pass go live and for craft beer enthusiasts to use it as a guide for visiting Chicago’s awesome breweries and taprooms,” says Ray Stout, Executive Director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. “A lot of the craft breweries in Chicago are in former industrial spaces that are transformed into gathering places for their local communities and destinations for tourists, and I’m glad people will get to see that unique feature of the city through this program.”

Click here for more information on the Chicago Brew Pass.

Final “Friday Night Flights” will be at the Taste of Chicago Sept. 8

The final Friday Night Flights event of 2023 will be held in conjunction with Taste of Chicago in Grant Park on Friday, September 8 from 4-9 p.m. Attendees will be able to sample beer from 25 local craft breweries while taking advantage of more tan 35 of Chicago’s favorite food vendors and 15 food trucks at the iconic food festival.

Additionally, the event will feature free live music throughout the day, including the headline act that night, Masters of the Mic: Hip Hop 50 featuring Doug E. Fresh, EPMD, KRS-One, and Slick Rick.

TagsBeer Under GlassChicago Brew PassChicago breweriesChicago Union StationChoose ChicagoCredit One ArenaFestival of Barrel Aged BeerFOBABFriday Night FlightsIllinois BrewingIllinois Craft Brewers GuildTaste of Chicago
Previous Article

Brewer’s Choice: Burnt City’s Ben Saller on being ...

Next Article

Last call: We asked craft beer insiders ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0

Trent Modglin

Related articles More from author

  • Brewer's Choice

    Brewer’s Choice: BBGB Brewery’s Bob Salzman

    April 20, 2025
    By Trent Modglin
  • Feature Articles

    Small business spotlight: Society Insurance knows your business deserves a proven combination of coverages and customized details that provide meaningful ...

    July 28, 2024
    By Trent Modglin
  • Brewery Spotlights

    Spotlight on Imperial Oak Brewing: Experienced ownership, a versatile venue and strong barrel-aged program is quite a trifecta in Willow ...

    October 24, 2022
    By Trent Modglin
  • Brewery Spotlights

    Spotlight on Werk Force Brewing Company: From a brewing supply store to hand crafting an award-winning brewery in Plainfield, Brandon ...

    October 18, 2024
    By Trent Modglin
  • Feature Articles

    Taproom treasures: We scoped out some of the most unique and historic brewery taprooms across the state… and had a ...

    January 13, 2025
    By Trent Modglin
  • Feature ArticlesFeatured Post

    New beginnings: How perseverance and the support of the Illinois craft brewing community helped Skelton Key and Twisted Hippo back ...

    November 15, 2022
    By Trent Modglin

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You might be interested

  • Last Call

    Last call: From Destihl and Prairie Street Brewing Company to Wolfden and Buffalo Creek Brewing, we asked craft beer enthusiasts and industry pros for the best spot to drink beer outdoors

  • IB Insiders

    Illinois Brewing Insider: John Streetz on the West Coast IPAs from Flipside Brewing, the Varitace dark Czech lager from Art History Brewing, and feeling at home with the crew at Lunar Brewing

  • Brewery Spotlights

    Spotlight on Reserve Artisan Ales: This newish, family-owned brewery offers a pour-you-own tap system and beautiful event space in downtown Galesburg

Let's Connect

  • 960
    Likes

  • 1,720
    Followers

  • 141
    Followers

Stay in the know. Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter

* indicates required





About us

Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, Illinois Brewing is printed and distributed quarterly (early January, April, July and October) to more than 250 breweries across the state as well as more than 100 craft beer-focused bars, restaurants and stores. Each member of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s IMBIBE club also receives the magazine in the mail. 

Publisher/owner: Trent Modglin
[email protected]

Art director: Brian Hertel
[email protected]

Illinois Brewing's magazine, website and email newsletter are property of Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

illinoisbrewing

Stylish magazine, website and e-mail newsletter focused on the vibrant craft beer scene in Illinois. Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

It’s official… Imagine us having to keep this It’s official…
Imagine us having to keep this little secret for most of the last year, especially when the second location will be walking distance from our house. Congrats Mike and the talented crew at @mikerphonebrewing … we can’t wait to be your first customer. Look for a Q&A about this fun expansion in the fall issue of Illinois Brewing
The Inside Scoop from our big summer issue: The @m The Inside Scoop from our big summer issue: The @maplewoodbrew new kitchen, Beer Night at the @pistolshrimpbaseball game July 10, @lakeeffectbrewing new long-awaited taproom, Streetz Artz Alliance @streetzmobeatz upcoming shows, the Tinley Park Ale Trail trolley, @stcalliance Brew Tour, @opmicrobrew festival and more

Read it all now at IllinoisBrewing.com
From our Brewer’s Choice section in new summer i From our Brewer’s Choice section in new summer issue: 

Q: What do you have coming up that people should know about?

@burningbushbrewery head brewer Scott McElhenie: We recently brewed Da Pope, an American mild ale, in honor of the new pope, Pope Leo XIV, who is a Chicago native. People immediately loved the name, but were surprised to realize how much they also enjoyed the beer. We workshopped Da Pope as a lighter-bodied option that still offers notes more commonly found in darker styles to give some variety over the summer. It makes me laugh a little every time somebody says, “It’s actually good!” as if we would make a beer that didn’t taste good just for a cheesy name.

Read the spotlight now at IllinoisBrewing.com
Instagram post 18399803860117341 Instagram post 18399803860117341
The Streetz Artz Alliance Summer Art Bazaar return The Streetz Artz Alliance Summer Art Bazaar returns to Tinley Park’s @flipsidebrewing this Sunday, July 6 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

The event with @streetzmobeatz will showcase 16 talented local artists in an intimate and vibrant setting inside the brewery’s taproom, perfectly paired with house-made smash burgers and fresh craft beer.

Shoppers can expect a wide and unique range of offerings — from handcrafted hot sauces, crocheted creatures, and original artwork to houseplants, tarot readings, skincare products, handmade jewelry, coffee, candles and even giant cookies.
Oh yes. The expansion continues. Oh yes. The expansion continues.
From our new summer issue... Brewer’s Choice: @b From our new summer issue...
Brewer’s Choice: @burningbushbrewery head brewer Scott McElhenie on @russianriverbrewingofficial living up to the hype, the @sturdyshelterbrewing sensational Paddlewheel porter, and naming a popular new beer after the Pope Leo XIV

“I just had a couple beers from Sturdy Shelter Brewing that really impressed me. … I have had a few porters in my life, but the Paddlewheel Porter was extraordinarily well crafted. The vanilla is well balanced with the darker malts so that you aren’t left with an overwhelming sweetness in the beer.”

Read it all now at IllinoisBrewing.com
If you haven’t tried the menu at @industryales i If you haven’t tried the menu at @industryales in downtown Chicago yet, prepare to be blown away. 

Be on the lookout for our Breweries in Bunches feature on the four Loop breweries in our new summer issue.
Well, we thought we were doing a decent job with t Well, we thought we were doing a decent job with the magazine, but it seems Illinois Brewing is so entertaining, it can even distract people from enjoying the likes of Malibu Beach and Joshua Tree National Park in California.
From @oldirvingbrewing burgers and the @uneannee c From @oldirvingbrewing burgers and the @uneannee cave monster sandwich to @crustbrewing fish tacos and @morebrewing Indian dishes, we asked readers and industry professionals: What’s the best meal you’ve had recently at an Illinois brewery?

Read the Last Call section now at IllinoisBrewing.com
Quick family vacation to Southern California and c Quick family vacation to Southern California and coming away impressed with the San Diego craft beer scene. Favorites so far include: @moderntimesbeer Orderville hazy IPA (winner so far), @latitude33brew Brewing’s blood orange IPA, @seekbeerco That Adds Up hazy IPA, @coronadobrewing Weekend Vibes IPA, @emboldenbeerco Industry blonde ale and @burgeonbeer Carlsbad Crush pale ale.
Read our spotlight on @suncatcherbrewing — who h Read our spotlight on @suncatcherbrewing — who happens to be hosting a Summer Solstice party today.

“Suncatcher is all about going back to the beers I was stoked and inspired by when I was first learning about beer as a younger person… and keeping that feeling going.” — Co-owner Matt Gallagher

Read the feature now at IllinoisBrewing.com
From the archives: Spotlight on @onelakebrewing — Located in a gorgeously renovated 1920s bank in Oak Park, this brewery from a pair of friends focuses on beer that’s true to the region it’s from and fostering a community vibe. And did we mention they have an awesome rooftop? 

“We try to brew beer that’s true to the region it came from. We bring in ingredients from all over the world and use them in their purest form. … We even adjust the water chemistry too, in order to mimic the environment of the local brewers.” — Shawn Stevens

Read the brewery spotlight at IllinoisBrewing.com
Double hazy IPA from @mikerphonebrewing on the pat Double hazy IPA from @mikerphonebrewing on the patio while playing a “candy Monopoly” my kid created on his own? 

Not a bad way to spend a summer evening.
Had a great time at the annual @illinoisbrewing go Had a great time at the annual @illinoisbrewing golf scramble earlier this week — with a tasty variety of beers from the likes of @hopbutcher @midwestcoastbrewing @blindcornerbeer @werkforcebrewing @reserveartisanales @alterbeer and more.

Also swung by for an interview with @brotherchimpbrewing for a feature in the summer issue. Now that’s a day.
Thanks to @maplewoodbrew for the invite earlier th Thanks to @maplewoodbrew for the invite earlier this week to get a sneak peek of their new kitchen and expanded taproom in Logan Square. Stellar smash burger, Pillowy Mellows NEIPA and In Dark Trees dark Czech lager. And a bottle of their finest bourbon to go. Look for more on Maplewood in the upcoming summer issue
Fun event alert: The fourth annual STC Six collabo Fun event alert: The fourth annual STC Six collaboration launch party is happening on Wednesday, June 18 at 5 p.m. at Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling in downtown St. Charles. 

The STC Six is made up of the following St. Charles breweries: @93octanebrewery @alterbeer.stc @brokenbrix_cidery @pollyannabrewingcompany @riverlandsbrewingcompany and D&G. The breweries invite everyone to join in on the celebration for a great cause with the first opportunity to taste the new beer — a West Coast pilsner with notes of citrus, tropical fruit and a touch of pine. 

This year’s collaboration supports the important mission of Support Over Stigma, a nonprofit helping veterans and first responders. For every beer and limited-edition glassware sold, $1 will be donated to the cause. Can’t make it to the event but want to contribute? You can visit any of the participating breweries to try the beer and purchase limited-edition glassware.

More information: STCSix.com
Nice patio session catching up with old friends la Nice patio session catching up with old friends last night at @halfacrebeer on Chicago’s far north side. Really dug the Nebula Double Daisy Cutter hazy IPA, Persephone pomegranate kolsch and Second Setting imperial IPA. New supply of Illinois Brewing is there now too. Summer issue out soon.
Brewer’s Choice: Tom Beckmann @twbeckmann from @ Brewer’s Choice: Tom Beckmann @twbeckmann from @goldfingerbeer on tasty recent brews from @iswasbrewing and @suncatcherbrewing … the growth of his brewery and their fifth annual Lagerversary coming up July 18-20

Read the spotlight from our spring issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com
This is not an event to be missed from the @ilcraf This is not an event to be missed from the @ilcraftbeer Guild. Tomorrow, Friday, June 6 at @gallagherwaychi next to Wrigley Field. Not a bad backdrop, right?

30-plus Chicago breweries serving up some of their best stuff for just $30. Can’t beat it, and the weather looks awesome.
Follow on Instagram

RECENT POSTS

Inside Scoop

Inside Scoop: Maplewood’s new kitchen, Beer Night at the Pistol Shrimp baseball game July 10, ...

Maplewood Brewery’s new smash burger Maplewood Brewery & Distillery unveils new kitchen and expanded lounge at their Chicago taproom A new lounge and kitchen were officially opened for business in ...
  • Brewer’s Choice: Burning Bush Brewery’s Scott McElhenie

    By Trent Modglin
    June 28, 2025
© Copyright Illinois Brewing and Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved.